MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING INC
S-4, 1998-05-13
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       As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 1998.
                                                     Registration No.
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   ----------

                                    FORM S-4
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                                   ----------

                         MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Delaware                        6719                       39-1924039
<S>                              <C>                            <C>
(State or other jurisdiction of  (Primary Standard Industrial      (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Classification Code Number)    Identification Number)
</TABLE>

                                   ----------

   (FOR CO-REGISTRANTS, PLEASE SEE "TABLE OF CO-REGISTRANTS" ON THE NEXT PAGE)

                       4915 South Howell Avenue, 2nd Floor
                           Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53207
                                 (414) 486-6100
                   (Address, including zip code, and telephone
             number, including area code, of registrant's principal
                               executive offices)

                                MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                   President
                         MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.
                       4915 South Howell Avenue, 2nd Floor
                           Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53207
                                 (414) 486-6100
            (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number
                   including area code, of agent for service)

                                   ----------

                                   Copies to:
                           Russell W. Parks, Jr., Esq.
                             William A. Bianco, Esq.
                    AKIN, GUMP, STRAUSS, HAUER & FELD, L.L.P.
                         1333 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
                                    Suite 400
                             Washington, D.C. 20036

                                   ----------

 Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of securities to the public:

   As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

                                   ----------

      If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered
in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance
with General Instruction G, check the following box. |_|

                                   ----------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
====================================================================================================================================
     Title of Each Class of            Amount to be         Proposed Maximum              Proposed Maximum           Amount of
  Securities to be Registered           Registered      Offering Price Per Share      Aggregate Offering Price   Registration Fee(1)
====================================================================================================================================
<S>                                    <C>                      <C>                          <C>                   <C>       
9 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2008......     $200,000,000             100%                         $200,000,000          $59,000.00
====================================================================================================================================
Guarantees of the 9 1/2% Senior
Notes Due 2008 (2)................          N/A                 N/A                               N/A                  N/A
====================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1)   The registration fee has been calculated pursuant to Rule 457(a) and Rule
      457(f)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The proposed
      maximum Aggregate Offering Price is estimated solely for the purpose of
      calculating the registration fee.
(2)   Represents the guarantees of the 9 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2008 to be issued
      by the Co-Registrants. Pursuant to Rule 457(n), no additional registration
      fee is being paid in respect of the guarantees. The guarantees are not
      traded separately.

                                   ----------

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

                             TABLE OF CO-REGISTRANTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    State or other        Primary Standard          I.R.S. Employer
                                                    jurisdiction of   Industrial Classification     Identification
                Name                                 incorporation         Code Number                  Number
                ----                                 -------------         -----------                  ------
<S>                                                 <C>                         <C>                 <C>
3016117 Nova Scotia ULC.........................    Nova Scotia                 6719                Not Applicable
Birmingham Crane & Hoist, Inc...................    Alabama                     3536                    63-0932648
Butters Engineering Services Limited............    Scotland                    3536                Not Applicable
CMH Material Handling, LLC......................    South Carolina              3536                    39-1836554
EPH Material Handling, LLC......................    Pennsylvania                3536                    39-1836620
Harnischfeger Distribution & Service, LLC.......    Wisconsin                   6719                    39-1836557
Hercules S.A. de C.V. ..........................    Mexico                      3536                Not Applicable
HPH Material Handling, LLC......................    Wisconsin                   3536                    39-1836624
Hydramach ULC...................................    Nova Scotia                 9999                Not Applicable
Invercoe Engineering Limited....................    Scotland                    3536                Not Applicable
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC.....................    Nova Scotia                 3536                Not Applicable
Lowfile Limited.................................    United Kingdom              6719                Not Applicable
Material Handling Equipment Nevada                                                             
  Corporation...................................    Nevada                      6719                    88-0376697
Merwin, LLC.....................................    Delaware                    6719                Not Applicable
MHE Canada ULC..................................    Nova Scotia                 6719                Not Applicable
MHE Technologies, Inc. .........................    Delaware                    9999                    52-2058706
MMH (Holdings) Limited..........................    United Kingdom              6719                Not Applicable
MMH International Limited.......................    United Kingdom              6719                Not Applicable
Mondel ULC......................................    Nova Scotia                 3536                Not Applicable
Morris Material Handling Limited................    United Kingdom              6719                Not Applicable
Morris Material Handling, LLC...................    Delaware                    3536                    39-1909984
Morris Mechanical Handling, Inc. ...............    Delaware                    3536                    94-3203134
Morris Mechanical Handling Limited..............    United Kingdom              3536                Not Applicable
MPH Crane, Inc. ................................    Ohio                        3536                    31-1075991
NPH Material Handling, Inc. ....................    Michigan                    3536                    39-1836621
PHME Service, Inc. .............................    Delaware                    6719                    39-1836623
PHMH Holding Company............................    Delaware                    6719                    52-2013056
RedCrown, ULC...................................    United Kingdom              6719                Not Applicable
SPH Crane & Hoist, Inc. ........................    Delaware                    3536                    75-2752978
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

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

                    SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 13, 1998

                                Offer to Exchange
                                 all outstanding
                          9 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2008
              ($200,000,000 aggregate principal amount outstanding)
                                       for
                          9 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2008
           which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933
                                       of

                         Morris Material Handling, Inc.

                                   ----------

                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
                  WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 p.m., NEW YORK CITY TIME,
                       ON         , 1998, unless extended

      Morris Material Handling, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
hereby offers, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
Prospectus and the accompanying letter of transmittal (the "Letter of
Transmittal," and together with this Prospectus, the "Exchange Offer"), to
exchange $1,000 principal amount of its 9 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2008 (the "New
Notes"), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), pursuant to a Registration Statement (as defined herein)
of which this Prospectus is a part, for each $1,000 principal amount of its
outstanding 9 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2008 (the "Old Notes"), of which
$200,000,000 aggregate principal amount is outstanding. The New Notes and the
Old Notes are together referred to herein as the "Notes."

      The Company will accept for exchange any and all Old Notes that are
validly tendered on or prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on the date the
Exchange Offer expires, which will be           , 1998, unless the Exchange
Offer is extended (the "Expiration Date"). The exchange of Old Notes for New
Notes will be made (i) with respect to all Old Notes validly tendered and not
withdrawn on or prior to 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on              (the
"Early Exchange Date"), within two business days following the Early Exchange
Date, and (ii) with respect to all Old Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn
after the Early Exchange Date and on or prior to the Expiration Date, within two
business days following the Expiration Date. Tenders of Old Notes may be
withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration
Date, unless previously accepted for exchange. The Exchange Offer is not
conditioned upon any minimum number of Old Notes being tendered for exchange.
However, the Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions which may be waived
by the Company. See "The Exchange Offer." The Company has agreed to pay the
expenses of the Exchange Offer.

      For a discussion of certain risks associated with an investment in the New
Notes, see "Risk Factors," beginning on page 12 of this Prospectus.

                                                        (Continued on next page)

                                   ----------

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

                   The date of this Prospectus is May 13, 1998
<PAGE>

      The New Notes will be obligations of the Company governed by the Indenture
pursuant to which the Old Notes were issued (the "Indenture"). The form and
terms of the New Notes are identical in all material respects to the form and
terms of the Old Notes except (i) that the New Notes have been registered under
the Securities Act, (ii) that the New Notes are not entitled to certain
registration rights which are applicable to the Old Notes under a registration
rights agreement (the "Registration Rights Agreement") between the Company and
CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. and Goldman, Sachs & Co., the initial purchasers of the
Old Notes (the "Initial Purchasers") and (iii) for certain contingent interest
rate provisions. See "The Exchange Offer."

      The New Notes will bear interest from March 30, 1998, the date of issuance
of the Old Notes. Interest on the New Notes will be payable semi-annually on
each April 1 and October 1, commencing October 1, 1998, at a rate of 9 1/2% per
annum. The New Notes will be issued only in registered form in minimum
denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. Holders of Old Notes
whose Old Notes are accepted for exchange will be deemed to have waived the
right to receive any payment in respect of interest on the Old Notes accrued
from March 30, 1998 to the date of the issuance of the New Notes.

      The New Notes will be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or
in part, at any time on or after April 1, 2003, at the redemption prices set
forth herein, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
In addition, the Company may redeem in the aggregate up to 35% of the original
principal amount of the New Notes at any time and from time to time prior to
April 1, 2001 at a redemption price equal to 109.5% of the aggregate principal
amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date,
with the Net Proceeds (as defined herein) of one or more Public Equity Offerings
(as defined herein); provided, that at least $130.0 million of the principal
amount of the Notes originally issued remains outstanding immediately after the
occurrence of any such redemption and that any such redemption occurs within 90
days following the closing of any such Public Equity Offering. See "Description
of the New Notes--Optional Redemption."

      Upon a Change of Control (as defined herein), the Company will be required
to make an offer to purchase all outstanding New Notes at a purchase price equal
to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest
thereon to the date of purchase. See "Description of the New Notes--Change of
Control Offer." In addition, the Company will be obligated in certain instances
to make an offer to purchase the New Notes at a purchase price equal to 100% of
the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
purchase with the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales. See "Description of
the New Notes--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Certain Asset Sales."

      The New Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of the Company and will
rank pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future unsubordinated
obligations of the Company and senior in right of payment to all existing and
future subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The New Notes will be
unconditionally guaranteed (the "Guarantees") on a senior unsecured basis by
substantially all of the Company's subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"). Each
Guarantee will rank pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future
unsubordinated obligations of such Guarantor. As of January 31, 1998, after
giving pro forma effect to Transactions (as defined herein), the Company
(including its subsidiaries) would have had $259.3 million of Indebtedness (as
defined herein) outstanding, of which $55.0 million would have been borrowings
under the New Credit Facility (as defined herein), and $0.7 million would have
been Indebtedness of the Company's subsidiaries other than the Guarantors in
respect of which the New Notes are effectively subordinated. Borrowings under
the New Credit Facility are secured by certain of the Company's and its
subsidiaries' assets, including substantially all of their assets located in the
United States and the United Kingdom. In addition, obligations incurred under
the Surety Arrangement (as defined herein) will be secured by certain of the
Company's assets. Accordingly, while the New Notes will rank pari passu in right
of payment with the borrowings under the New Credit Facility and obligations
under the Surety Arrangement, the New Notes will be effectively subordinated to
the obligations outstanding under the New Credit Facility and the Surety
Arrangement to the extent of the value of the assets securing such borrowings.
See "Description of the New Credit Facility," "Description of the Surety
Arrangement" and "Description of the New Notes."


                                       ii
<PAGE>

      Old Notes initially sold to qualified institutional buyers were initially
represented by a global certificate in fully registered form, deposited with a
custodian for the Depository Trust Company ("DTC") and registered in the name of
DTC or a nominee of DTC. Beneficial interests in the global certificate
representing the Old Notes were shown on, and transfers thereof were effected
only through, records maintained by DTC and its participants. Except as
described herein, New Notes exchanged for Old Notes represented by the global
certificate will be represented by one or more global certificates of New Notes
in fully registered form, registered in the name of the nominee of DTC. New
Notes in global form will trade in DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and
secondary market trading activity in such New Notes will therefore settle in
immediately available funds. See "Book-Entry, Deliver and Form." New Notes
issued to non-qualified institutional buyers in exchange for Old Notes held by
such investors will be issued only in certificated, fully registered, definitive
form.

      Based on an interpretation by the staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") set forth in no-action letters issued to unrelated
third parties, the Company believes that New Notes issued pursuant to the
Exchange Offer in exchange for Old Notes may be offered for resale, resold and
otherwise transferred by a holder thereof (other than a "Restricted Holder,"
being (i) a broker-dealer who purchases such Old Notes directly from the Company
to resell pursuant to Rule 144A or any other available exemption under the
Securities Act or (ii) a person that is an affiliate of the Company within the
meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act), without compliance with the
registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided
that the holder is acquiring New Notes in the ordinary course of its business
and is not participating, does not intend to participate and has no arrangement
or understanding with any person to participate, in a distribution of New Notes.
Eligible holders wishing to accept the Exchange Offer must represent to the
Company that such conditions have been met. Each broker-dealer that receives New
Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that
it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes.
The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a
prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. This Prospectus, as it
may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer
in connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes only
where such Old Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities. The Company has agreed
that it will make this Prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in
connection with any such resale for a period from the date of this Prospectus
until 180 days after the consummation of the Exchange Offer, or such shorter
period as will terminate when all Old Notes acquired by broker-dealers for their
own accounts as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities
have been exchanged for New Notes and resold by such broker-dealers. See "The
Exchange Offer" and "Plan of Distribution."

      The Company will not receive any proceeds from this offering, and no
underwriter is being utilized in connection with the Exchange Offer. See "Use of
Proceeds."

      THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS NOT BEING MADE TO, NOR WILL THE COMPANY ACCEPT
SURRENDERS FOR EXCHANGE FROM, HOLDERS OF OLD NOTES IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
THE EXCHANGE OFFER OR THE ACCEPTANCE THEREOF WOULD NOT BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE
SECURITIES OR BLUE SKY LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.

      Prior to the Exchange Offer, there has previously been only a limited
secondary market and no public market for the Old Notes. If a market for the New
Notes should develop, the New Notes could trade at a discount from their
principal amount. The Company does not intend to list the New Notes on a
national securities exchange or to apply for quotation of the New Notes through
the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. There
can be no assurance that an active public market for the New Notes will develop.


                                      iii
<PAGE>

      This Prospectus includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including statements
containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "expects" and words of similar
import. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this
Prospectus, including, without limitation, the statements under "Prospectus
Summary," "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations," "Business" and elsewhere herein, regarding
the Company or any of the transactions described herein, including the timing,
financing, strategies and effects of such transactions, are forward-looking
statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in
such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that
such expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors that could
cause actual results to differ materially from expectations are disclosed in
this Prospectus, including, without limitation, in conjunction with the
forward-looking statements in this Prospectus and/or under "Risk Factors." The
Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

      The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement (which
term shall include any amendment, exhibit, schedule and supplement thereto) on
Form S-4 under the Securities Act for the registration of the New Notes offered
hereby. This Prospectus, which constitutes a part of the Registration Statement,
does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement,
certain items of which are omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of
the Commission. For further information with respect to the Company and such
securities, reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement, including
the exhibits and schedules thereto. Statements made in this Prospectus
concerning the contents of any contract, agreement or other document referred to
herein are not necessarily complete. With respect to each such contract,
agreement or other document filed with the Commission as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement, reference is hereby made to the exhibit for a more
complete description of the matter involved, and each such statement shall be
deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference. The Registration Statement
and the exhibits and schedules thereto filed by the Company with the Commission
may be inspected and copied at the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following regional
offices of the Commission: 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York
10048; and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of such information can be obtained from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549, at prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a web site that contains
reports, proxy and other information statements and other materials that are
filed through the Commission's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval
System. The Web site can be accessed at http://www.sec.gov.

      The Company has agreed that if it is not subject to the informational
requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act at any time while the
New Notes constitute "restricted securities" within the meaning of the
Securities Act, it will furnish to holders and beneficial owners of such
securities and to prospective purchasers designated by such holders the
information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the
Securities Act to permit compliance with Rule 144A in connection with resales of
such securities.


                                       iv
<PAGE>

                       ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

      A number of the Guarantors are corporations organized under the laws of
foreign jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, Nova Scotia (Canada) and
Mexico (the "Foreign Guarantors"). Certain of the Foreign Guarantors' directors
and executive officers are neither citizens nor residents of the United States.
All or a substantial portion of the assets of the Foreign Guarantors and of such
persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may not be
possible for investors to effect service of process within the United States
upon such persons or to enforce in the United States or in courts in foreign
jurisdictions judgments obtained against such persons or against the Foreign
Guarantors in United States courts predicated upon the civil liability
provisions of United States securities laws. In addition, it may be difficult
for investors to enforce, in original actions brought in courts in jurisdictions
located outside the United States, liabilities predicated upon the United States
securities laws. The Foreign Guarantors have appointed LEXIS Document Services,
Inc., 150 East 58th Street, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10155, as their agent
to receive service of process in any suit, action or proceeding arising out of
or relating to the Notes and the Guarantees brought under the securities laws of
the United States of America or any State of the United States in any federal or
state court located in the State of New York and have submitted to such
jurisdiction.


                                       v
<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

Available Information......................................................   iv
Enforceability of Civil Liabilities........................................    v
Prospectus Summary.........................................................    1
Risk Factors...............................................................   12
The Exchange Offer.........................................................   20
The Transactions...........................................................   27
Use of Proceeds............................................................   30
Capitalization.............................................................   31
Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information.........................   32
Selected Historical and Pro Forma Combined Financial Data..................   40
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
  Results of Operations....................................................   42
Business...................................................................   48
Management.................................................................   59
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.............   66
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.............................   67
Description of the New Credit Facility.....................................   71
Description of the Surety Arrangement......................................   72
The Unit Offering..........................................................   73
Description of the New Notes...............................................   75
Exchange Offer; Registration Rights........................................  107
Book-Entry, Delivery and Form..............................................  109
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences...............................  112
Plan of Distribution.......................................................  114
Experts....................................................................  115
Legal Matters..............................................................  115
Index to Financial Statements..............................................  F-1


                                       vi
<PAGE>

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

                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

      The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read
in conjunction with, the more detailed information and combined financial
statements, including notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. The
"Transactions," which closed on March 30, 1998, consist of the Recapitalization,
the Financings and the October 1997 Drop Down (each as defined herein). For
purposes of this Prospectus, unless the context requires otherwise, references
to the "Company" are to Morris Material Handling, Inc., its subsidiaries and
their predecessors. For periods prior to March 30, 1998, references to the
Company are to the "through-the-air" material handling equipment business (the
"MHE Business") of Harnischfeger Corporation ("HarnCo") and those subsidiaries
and affiliates of HarnCo that were engaged therein. The Company's fiscal year
ends October 31. Consequently, any reference to any particular fiscal year means
the fiscal year ended October 31 of such year.

                                   The Company

      The Company is a leading international provider of "through-the-air"
material handling products and services used in most manufacturing industries.
The Company's original equipment operations design and manufacture a
comprehensive line of industrial cranes, hoists and other component products,
sold principally under the P&H and Morris brand names. Through its aftermarket
operations, the Company provides a variety of related products and services,
including replacement parts, repair and maintenance services and product
modernizations. In recent years, the Company has shifted its orientation from an
original equipment-focused United States manufacturer to an international full
service provider with a significant emphasis on the high margin aftermarket
business.

      During the past three years, the Company has grown significantly, both
internally and through acquisitions. From fiscal 1994 through fiscal 1997, the
Company's net sales grew from $109.4 million to $353.4 million and EBITDA (as
defined herein) increased from $15.1 million to $45.9 million. Management
believes that this growth is largely attributable to (i) strengthening and
broadening its product line, (ii) building a network of Company-owned
distribution and service centers ("DSCs") which provides a local presence for
product support and a platform for growth and (iii) expanding into attractive
domestic and international markets through internal growth and a disciplined
acquisition strategy.

      The Company's core business was founded in 1884 and material handling
machinery and related equipment have been sold under the well-recognized P&H and
Morris brand names since the 1890s. The Company has developed a large global
installed base of equipment, having sold an aggregate of over half a million
cranes and hoists according to management estimates. Management believes that
the Company is one of the leading suppliers of industrial overhead cranes in
North America, the United Kingdom and South Africa. Management also believes
that the Company is one of the largest global providers of aftermarket products
and services to the industrial crane industry. Sales outside of North America
accounted for 39% of fiscal 1997 net sales, with Western Europe representing 22%
and the Pacific Rim representing 8% of net sales.

      Industrial cranes and hoists are critical to the operations of most
businesses that require the movement of large or heavy objects. The steel,
aluminum, paper and forest products, aerospace, foundry, and automotive
industries, among others, rely on cranes and hoists as one of the most flexible
and efficient methods of transporting materials within a plant while maximizing
the use of available space. Industrial cranes, which typically last 20 to 50
years, require significant aftermarket support in the form of replacement parts,
machine modernizations and upgrades, repairs, and inspection and maintenance
services.

      The current management team has implemented a strategy to capitalize on
the Company's significant global installed base of equipment to generate high
margin aftermarket opportunities. The Company has built its aftermarket
operations in order to become a full service provider and capture additional
revenue. In addition, management believes that the diversified earnings created
by this strategy help to lessen the effect of economic cycles on the Company. In
fiscal 1997, aftermarket sales accounted for approximately 40% of net sales and
65% of gross profit on a consolidated basis, while in North America, where the
Company has pursued its full service 


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

                                       1
<PAGE>

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

strategy for a longer period of time, the aftermarket business accounted for 51%
of net sales and 72% of gross profit.

                              Competitive Strengths

      Large Installed Base of Existing Equipment. The Company believes it has
one of the largest installed bases of industrial cranes in North America, the
United Kingdom and South Africa. This installed base provides the Company with
well-established relationships and a strong platform upon which to pursue high
margin aftermarket opportunities. A large portion of the Company's installed
base is used in demanding process industries which require frequent replacement
parts, repairs, inspection services and modernizations.

      Stable Aftermarket Demand and Earnings. Material handling products are
critical to customers' operations. As long as industrial plants continue to
operate, the cranes and hoists used in such facilities will require replacement
parts and maintenance services, irrespective of economic cycles. Management has
increased its focus on aftermarket operations, and this more stable business
represented 65% of the Company's gross profit in fiscal 1997.

      Diverse Customer Base. The Company sells both original equipment and
aftermarket products and services to thousands of customers operating in various
manufacturing industries in more than 50 countries. Management believes that
this geographic and industry diversity helps to lessen the effect on the Company
of economic cycles that may affect a particular region or industry.

      Reputation for Reliability and Engineering Expertise. Over its long
history of providing custom engineered cranes and hoists, the Company has
developed a reputation for engineering expertise and product reliability. As the
Company has developed a number of innovative technologies, it has enhanced its
reputation and built a platform to pursue the higher volume standard crane
market. In addition, the Company has been able to apply its proven technical
skills in the aftermarket business.

      Company-Owned Distribution and Service Network. The Company has developed
an international distribution and service network with 61 Company-owned
locations in key industrial markets. This DSC network is central to the
Company's strategy of being a single source provider of original equipment and
aftermarket products and services. Management believes that ownership of its
primary distribution channel provides the following competitive advantages: (i)
a higher level of control over the delivery of its products and services; (ii)
faster service response time; (iii) quicker delivery of standard cranes at a
lower cost; and (iv) increased sales and margins by capturing the incremental
profit that would otherwise be recognized by independent distributors.

      Experienced Management Team. The Company is run by an experienced,
entrepreneurial and talented management team led by its President, Michael
Erwin. The top seven executives combined have over 100 years of experience at
the Company. Mr. Erwin has run the Company since December 1994 and, along with
the rest of the senior management team, has developed and implemented the
Company's successful growth strategies. In acquiring 12 companies since 1994,
management has demonstrated its ability to acquire and integrate businesses in a
disciplined and effective manner. Under current management's leadership, EBITDA
has grown at a compound average annual rate of approximately 45% from fiscal
1994 through fiscal 1997.

                                Business Strategy

      Management has developed an integrated strategy designed to increase
revenues and profits by capitalizing on the Company's large installed base of
equipment, Company-owned distribution and service network and technical
competencies to capture greater market share and differentiate the Company from
original equipment-focused competitors.

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                                       2
<PAGE>

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

      The key components of the Company's strategy are as follows:

      Focus on Aftermarket Opportunities. The United States industrial crane and
hoist aftermarket is estimated to be $1.2 billion annually and management
estimates the global aftermarket to be several times that amount. This market is
highly fragmented and a substantial portion of repair and maintenance work is
performed by customers' own maintenance personnel. A recent independent study
indicates that the Company currently captures approximately 25% of the United
States aftermarket potential of its own installed base and less than 10% of the
entire United States aftermarket potential. Management has developed a series of
focused marketing programs and product offerings designed to capture a greater
share of the aftermarket business by taking advantage of the Company's large
installed base, brand recognition, and local DSC network. The Company is
beginning to see the benefits of these efforts and aftermarket sales have
increased in each of the last four years.

      Provide High Level of Customer Support. The Company's products and
services are designed to meet its customers' objectives of lowering their
material handling costs and increasing the efficiency of their operations. The
Company's goal is to help its customers reduce costs and increase profitability
through the proper selection, design, manufacture and installation of original
equipment and by providing a wide variety of aftermarket products and services.
Management believes that this ability to provide comprehensive solutions to its
customers' needs is a competitive advantage.

      Expand DSC Network. The Company's DSCs are its platform for growth and
central to its strategy of being a single source provider of original equipment
and aftermarket products and services. The Company's North American DSC network
covers a broad territory of geographically dispersed customers. The Company
plans to continue developing this network with the goal of having a DSC in each
key industrial market in North America. The Company has developed similar DSC
networks in the United Kingdom and South Africa, and management plans to
replicate this model in other attractive markets.

      Improve Production Efficiency to Reduce Costs. Management has implemented
numerous efficiency initiatives that it believes will improve the Company's
competitiveness while enhancing profit margins. The Company is completing the
re-engineering of various operations to cellular manufacturing. In addition, the
Company has standardized a number of its proprietary components which it
manufactures at specialized facilities for global distribution. Management
believes these initiatives will enable the Company to lower its overall cost
structure by reducing labor, engineering, and fabrication expenses and to
achieve economies of scale and permit faster deliveries. In the United States,
the lead time required to deliver certain original equipment was reduced by as
much as 50% in fiscal 1997.

      Increase Sales of High Volume Original Equipment Products. The Company
plans to continue increasing its penetration of the higher volume and more
stable market for standard cranes and hoists by: (i) capitalizing on its brand
equity in engineered cranes; (ii) reducing costs; and (iii) improving delivery
times. The Company has tripled the number of standard cranes it has sold in the
United States during the past three years, yet its share of the United States
standard crane market in fiscal 1997 was still less than 15%.

      Expand Through Selected Acquisitions. The global material handling
industry is highly fragmented and is beginning to consolidate as a result of the
scale economies that favor larger competitors. Management believes that the
Company is well positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. Since July 1994,
the Company has acquired 12 businesses, including Morris Mechanical Handling
Ltd.'s ("Morris Ltd.") operations in the United Kingdom and South Africa, which
collectively generated annual revenues in excess of $170.0 million in fiscal
1997. The Company plans to continue making strategic acquisitions to penetrate
new markets and expand the range of its product and service offerings.

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

                                       3
<PAGE>

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

                                The Transactions

      On March 30, 1998, in conjunction with the recapitalization (the
"Recapitalization") of MMH Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings"), the direct owner of all
of the capital stock of Morris Material Handling, Inc., the Company sold
$200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its Old Notes (the "Offering"). In
the Recapitalization, MHE Investments, Inc. ("MHE Investments"), a newly formed
affiliate of Chartwell Investments Inc., together with certain institutional
investors and HarnCo, invested new and continuing equity capital of $126.0
million in Holdings (the "Equity Investment").

      The proceeds of the Equity Investment, together with approximately $55.0
million of aggregate borrowings by the Company under a senior secured credit
facility (the "New Credit Facility") entered into in connection with the
consummation of the Recapitalization (the "Recapitalization Closing") and
approximately $200.0 million in aggregate proceeds from the Offering (together
with the Equity Investment and the New Credit Facility, the "Financings"), were
used (i) to finance the Recapitalization, (ii) to make loans to senior
management to acquire indirect equity interests in Holdings, (iii) for general
corporate purposes and (iv) to pay approximately $23.5 million of fees and
expenses. See "Use of Proceeds." The Recapitalization consideration consisted of
(i) $336.0 million in cash that will be paid to HarnCo (subject to potential
post-Recapitalization Closing adjustments as to which an additional $5.0 million
was provided to HarnCo at the Recapitalization Closing) and (ii) $12.0 million
of continuing equity capital that was retained by HarnCo.

      The Recapitalization was effectuated pursuant to an agreement (the
"Recapitalization Agreement") among MHE Investments, HarnCo and certain of
HarnCo's affiliates (together with HarnCo, the "HarnCo Parties"). In the
Recapitalization, (i) MHE Investments acquired approximately 88.2% of the voting
power of Holdings, (ii) the Company acquired, directly or indirectly, all of the
equity interests of the entities engaged in the MHE Business that were
previously owned by the HarnCo Parties and (iii) HarnCo received the cash
Recapitalization consideration.

      MHE Investments owns approximately 72.6% of the common stock of Holdings
(the "Holdings Common Stock") and approximately $28.9 million liquidation
preference of the 12 1/2% Series C Junior Exchangeable Voting Preferred Stock of
Holdings (the "Series C Junior Voting Preferred Stock") and HarnCo owns
approximately 20.8% of the Holdings Common Stock and approximately $4.8 million
liquidation preference of the 12 1/4% Series B Junior Exchangeable Preferred
Stock of Holdings (the "Series B Junior Preferred Stock"). The remaining equity
interests, consisting of non-voting stock representing approximately 6.6% of the
Holdings Common Stock and approximately $57.7 million liquidation preference of
the 12% Series A Senior Exchangeable Preferred Stock of Holdings (the "Series A
Senior Preferred Stock"), are held by institutional investors. See "The
Transactions," "Capitalization" and "The Unit Offering."

      In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company entered into a
Trademark License Agreement with an affiliate of HarnCo, pursuant to which the
Company has the right to use the P&H trademark with respect to all MHE Business
products on a worldwide exclusive basis from the date of the Recapitalization
Closing until 15 years after the earlier to occur of a sale of Holdings to a
third party or a public offering of the common stock of Holdings, the Company or
their parents or successors (and for an additional seven years thereafter for
aftermarket products and services). The royalty fee for use of the trademark is
0.75% of the aggregate net sales of the MHE Business for the ten year period
commencing 12 months after the Recapitalization Closing. There will be no
royalty fee for the remainder of the term. The Company also entered into a
number of agreements pursuant to which HarnCo will continue to provide, on an
interim basis, certain supplies, products and services to the Company and its
subsidiaries located in the United States on substantially similar terms and
conditions to those historically provided. See "Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions." 

                                   ----------

      The Company's principal executive offices are located at 4915 South Howell
Avenue, 2nd Floor, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53207, telephone number (414) 486-6100.

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

                                       4
<PAGE>

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                     Summary of Terms of the Exchange Offer

      The Exchange Offer relates to the exchange of up to $200,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of Old Notes for up to an equal aggregate principal amount of
New Notes. The New Notes will be obligations of the Company governed by the
Indenture. The form and terms of the New Notes are identical in all material
respects to the form and terms of the Old Notes except (i) that the New Notes
have been registered under the Securities Act, (ii) that the New Notes are not
entitled to certain registration rights which are applicable to the Old Notes
under the Registration Rights Agreement and (iii) for certain contingent
interest rate provisions. The Old Notes and the New Notes are together referred
to herein as the "Notes." See "Description of the New Notes."

The Exchange Offer......................     $1,000 principal amount of New 
                                             Notes will be issued in exchange
                                             for each $1,000 principal amount of
                                             Old Notes validly tendered pursuant
                                             to the Exchange Offer. As of the
                                             date hereof, $200,000,000 in
                                             aggregate principal amount of Old
                                             Notes is outstanding. The exchange
                                             of New Notes for Old Notes will be
                                             made (i) with respect to all Old
                                             Notes validly tendered and not
                                             withdrawn on or prior to the Early
                                             Exchange Date, within two business
                                             days following the Early Exchange
                                             Date, and (ii) with respect to all
                                             Old Notes validly tendered and not
                                             withdrawn on or prior to the
                                             Expiration Date, within two
                                             business days following the
                                             Expiration Date. The Old Notes were
                                             originally issued in a private
                                             placement. As a condition to the
                                             purchase of the Old Notes, the
                                             Initial Purchasers required that
                                             the Company and the Guarantors make
                                             a registered offer to exchange the
                                             Old Notes for other securities
                                             substantially similar to the Old
                                             Notes. The Exchange Offer is being
                                             made to satisfy this contractual
                                             obligation of the Company and the
                                             Guarantors.

Resale..................................     Based on an interpretation by the
                                             staff of the Commission set forth
                                             in no-action letters issued to
                                             unrelated third parties, the
                                             Company believes that New Notes
                                             issued pursuant to the Exchange
                                             Offer in exchange for Old Notes may
                                             be offered for resale and resold or
                                             otherwise transferred by holders
                                             thereof (other than any Restricted
                                             Holder) without compliance with the
                                             registration and prospectus
                                             delivery provisions of the
                                             Securities Act, provided that such
                                             New Notes are acquired in the
                                             ordinary course of such holders'
                                             business and such holders are not
                                             participating, do not intend to
                                             participate and have no arrangement
                                             or understanding with any person to
                                             participate, in the distribution of
                                             such New Notes. See "K-III
                                             Communications Corporation," SEC No
                                             Action Letter (available May 14,
                                             1993); "Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc.,"
                                             SEC No-Action Letter (available
                                             June 5, 1991); "Morgan Stanley &
                                             Co., Incorporated," SEC No-Action
                                             Letter (available June 5, 1991);
                                             and "Exxon Capital Holdings
                                             Corporation," SEC No-Action Letter
                                             (available May 13, 1988). Each
                                             broker-dealer that receives New
                                             Notes for its own account in
                                             exchange for Old Notes, where such
                                             Old Notes were acquired by such
                                             broker-dealer as a result of
                                             market-making activities or other
                                             trading activities, must
                                             acknowledge that it will deliver a
                                             prospectus in connection with any
                                             resale of such New Notes. See "Plan
                                             of Distribution."

                                             If any person were to participate
                                             in the Exchange Offer for the
                                             purpose of distributing securities
                                             in a manner not permitted by the
                                             preceding paragraph, such person
                                             (i) could not rely on the position
                                             of the staff of the Commission
                                             enunciated in "Exxon Capital
                                             Holdings Corporation" and (ii) must
                                             comply with the registration and
                                             prospectus delivery 

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                                       5
<PAGE>

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                                             requirements of the Securities Act
                                             in connection with a secondary
                                             resale transaction. Therefore, each
                                             holder of Old Notes who accepts the
                                             Exchange Offer must represent in
                                             the Letter of Transmittal that it
                                             meets the conditions described
                                             above. See "The Exchange
                                             Offer--Terms of the Exchange
                                             Offer."

Early Exchange Date.....................     All Old Notes validly tendered and
                                             not withdrawn on or prior to 5:00
                                             p.m. New York City time, on       ,
                                             1998 (the "Early Exchange Date")
                                             will be exchanged for New Notes
                                             within two business days following
                                             the Early Exchange Date.

Expiration Date.........................     5:00 p.m., New York City time, on 
                                                      , 1998 unless the Exchange
                                             Offer is extended, in which case
                                             the term "Expiration Date" means
                                             the latest date and time to which
                                             the Exchange Offer is extended. See
                                             "The Exchange Offer--Terms of the
                                             Exchange Offer--Expiration Date;
                                             Extensions; Amendments."

Accrued Interest on the New
Notes and the Old Notes.................     The New Notes will bear interest
                                             from March 30, 1998, the date of
                                             issuance of the Old Notes. Holders
                                             of Old Notes whose Old Notes are
                                             accepted for exchange will be
                                             deemed to have waived the right to
                                             receive any payment in respect of
                                             interest on such Old Notes accrued
                                             from March 30, 1998 until the date
                                             of the issuance of the New Notes.
                                             See "The Exchange Offer--Interest
                                             on the New Notes."

Conditions to the Exchange Offer........     The Company will not be obligated
                                             to consummate the Exchange Offer if
                                             the New Notes to be received will
                                             not be tradeable by the holder,
                                             other than in the case of
                                             Restricted Holders, without
                                             restriction under the Securities
                                             Act and the Exchange Act and
                                             without material restrictions under
                                             the blue sky or securities laws of
                                             substantially all of the states of
                                             the United States. This condition
                                             may be waived by the Company. See
                                             "The Exchange Offer--Conditions."

                                             No federal or state regulatory
                                             requirements must be complied with
                                             or approvals obtained in connection
                                             with the Exchange Offer, other than
                                             the registration provisions of the
                                             Securities Act and any applicable
                                             registration or qualification
                                             provisions of state securities
                                             laws.

Procedure for Tendering Old Notes.......     Each holder of Old Notes wishing to
                                             accept the Exchange Offer must
                                             complete, sign and date the Letter
                                             of Transmittal, or a facsimile
                                             thereof, in accordance with the
                                             instructions contained herein and
                                             therein, and mail or otherwise
                                             deliver such Letter of Transmittal,
                                             or such facsimile, together with
                                             the Old Notes (unless such tender
                                             is being effected pursuant to the
                                             procedures for book-entry transfer
                                             described below) to be exchanged
                                             and any other required
                                             documentation to the Exchange Agent
                                             (as defined herein) at the address
                                             set forth herein and therein. See
                                             "The Exchange Offer--Procedure for
                                             Tendering."

Special Procedures for                       
Beneficial Holders......................     Any beneficial holder whose Old
                                             Notes are registered in the name of
                                             his broker, dealer, commercial
                                             bank, trust company or other
                                             nominee and who wishes to tender in
                                             the Exchange Offer should contact
                                             such registered holder promptly and
                                             instruct such registered holder to
                                             tender on his behalf. If such
                                             beneficial holder wishes to tender
                                             on his own 

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                                       6
<PAGE>

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                                             behalf, such beneficial holder
                                             must, prior to completing and
                                             executing the Letter of Transmittal
                                             and delivering his Old Notes,
                                             either make appropriate
                                             arrangements to register ownership
                                             of the Old Notes in such holder's
                                             name or obtain a properly completed
                                             bond power from the registered
                                             holder. The transfer of record
                                             ownership may take considerable
                                             time. See "The Exchange
                                             Offer--Procedure for Tendering."

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures..........     Holders of Old Notes who wish to
                                             tender their Old Notes and whose
                                             Old Notes are not immediately
                                             available or who cannot deliver
                                             their Old Notes (or who cannot
                                             complete the procedures for
                                             book-entry transfer on a timely
                                             basis) and a properly completed
                                             Letter of Transmittal or any other
                                             documents required by the Letter of
                                             Transmittal to the Exchange Agent
                                             prior to the Early Exchange Date or
                                             the Expiration Date, as the case
                                             may be, may tender their Old Notes
                                             according to the guaranteed
                                             delivery procedures set forth in
                                             "The Exchange Offer--Guaranteed
                                             Delivery Procedures."

Withdrawal Rights.......................     Tenders of Old Notes may be
                                             withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00
                                             p.m., New York City time, on the
                                             Expiration Date, unless previously
                                             accepted for exchange. See "The
                                             Exchange Offer--Withdrawal of
                                             Tenders."

Acceptance of Old Notes
and Delivery of New Notes...............     Subject to certain conditions (as
                                             summarized above in "Conditions to
                                             the Exchange Offer" and described
                                             more fully in "The Exchange Offer--
                                             Conditions"), the Company will
                                             accept for exchange any and all Old
                                             Notes which are validly tendered in
                                             the Exchange Offer prior to 5:00
                                             p.m., New York City time, on each
                                             of the Early Exchange Date and the
                                             Expiration Date. The New Notes
                                             issued pursuant to the Exchange
                                             Offer will be delivered promptly
                                             following each of the Early
                                             Exchange Date and the Expiration
                                             Date. See "The Exchange
                                             Offer--Terms of the Exchange
                                             Offer."

Certain Tax Considerations..............     The exchange pursuant to the
                                             Exchange Offer will generally not
                                             be a taxable event for federal
                                             income tax purposes. See "Certain
                                             U.S. Federal Income Tax
                                             Consequences."

Exchange Agent..........................     United States Trust Company of New
                                             York, the Trustee under the
                                             Indenture, is serving as exchange
                                             agent (the "Exchange Agent") in
                                             connection with the Exchange Offer.
                                             The address of the Exchange Agent
                                             is: United States Trust Company of
                                             New York, 114 West 47th Street, New
                                             York, New York 10036, Attention:
                                             Corporate Trust Administration. For
                                             information with respect to the
                                             Exchange Offer, call
                                             1-800-548-6565.

Use of Proceeds.........................     The Company will not receive any
                                             proceeds from the exchange of the
                                             New Notes for the Old Notes
                                             pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The
                                             net proceeds from the sale of the
                                             Old Notes, together with the
                                             borrowings under the New Credit
                                             Facility, were used (i) to
                                             repurchase shares of the Company
                                             held by Holdings, the proceeds of
                                             which, together with the Equity
                                             Investment, were used to finance
                                             the Recapitalization, (ii) to make
                                             loans to management to acquire
                                             indirect equity interests in
                                             Holdings, (iii) for general
                                             corporate purposes and (iv) to pay
                                             fees and expenses associated with
                                             the Transactions. See "Use of
                                             Proceeds." 

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                                       7
<PAGE>

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                      Summary Description of the New Notes

Issuer .................................     Morris Material Handling, Inc.

Securities Offered .....................     $200,000,000 principal amount of 9
                                             1/2% Senior Notes due 2008.

Maturity Date ..........................     April 1, 2008.

Interest Payment Dates .................     Interest will accrue on the New
                                             Notes from March 30, 1998, the date
                                             of issuance of the Old Notes (the
                                             "Issue Date"), and will be payable
                                             semiannually on each April 1 and
                                             October 1, commencing October 1,
                                             1998.

Ranking ................................     The New Notes will be senior
                                             unsecured obligations of the
                                             Company and will rank pari passu in
                                             right of payment with all existing
                                             and future unsubordinated
                                             obligations of the Company and
                                             senior in right of payment to all
                                             existing and future subordinated
                                             indebtedness of the Company. As of
                                             January 31, 1998, after giving pro
                                             forma effect to the Offering, the
                                             application of the net proceeds
                                             therefrom and the Transactions, the
                                             Company (including its
                                             subsidiaries) would have had $259.3
                                             million of Indebtedness
                                             outstanding, of which $55.0 million
                                             would have been borrowings under
                                             the New Credit Facility, and $0.7
                                             million would have been
                                             Indebtedness of the Company's
                                             subsidiaries other than the
                                             Guarantors in respect of which the
                                             Notes are effectively subordinated.
                                             Borrowings under the New Credit
                                             Facility are secured by
                                             substantially all of the assets of
                                             the Company and its subsidiaries
                                             located in the United States and
                                             the United Kingdom and certain of
                                             the Company's subsidiaries' present
                                             and future assets located in
                                             Canada. In addition, obligations
                                             incurred under the Surety
                                             Arrangement will be secured by
                                             certain assets of the Company.
                                             Accordingly, the New Notes will be
                                             effectively subordinated to the
                                             obligations outstanding under the
                                             New Credit Facility and the Surety
                                             Arrangement to the extent of the
                                             value of the assets securing such
                                             borrowings. See "Risk
                                             Factors--Substantial Leverage;
                                             Ability to Service Debt,"
                                             "--Effective Subordination of the
                                             New Notes and the Guarantees" and
                                             "--Restrictive Covenants."

Guarantees .............................     The New Notes will be
                                             unconditionally guaranteed on a
                                             senior unsecured basis, jointly and
                                             severally, by substantially all of
                                             the Company's subsidiaries. Each
                                             Guarantee will rank pari passu in
                                             right of payment with all existing
                                             and future unsubordinated
                                             obligations of such Guarantor. See
                                             "Description of the
                                             Notes--Guarantees."

Optional Redemption ....................     The New Notes will be redeemable at
                                             the option of the Company, in whole
                                             or in part, at any time on or after
                                             April 1, 2003 at the redemption
                                             prices set forth herein, plus
                                             accrued and unpaid interest thereon
                                             to the redemption date. In
                                             addition, the Company may redeem in
                                             the aggregate up to 35% of the
                                             original principal amount of the
                                             Notes at any time and from time to
                                             time prior to April 1, 2001, at a
                                             redemption price equal to 109.5% of
                                             the aggregate principal amount
                                             thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
                                             interest thereon to the redemption
                                             date, with the Net Proceeds of one
                                             or more Public Equity Offerings of
                                             the Company or Holdings; provided,
                                             that at least $130.0 million
                                             aggregate principal amount of the
                                             Notes originally issued remain
                                             outstanding immediately 

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                                       8
<PAGE>

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                                             after the occurrence of any such
                                             redemption and that any such
                                             redemption occurs within 90 days
                                             following the closing of any such
                                             Public Equity Offering. See
                                             "Description of the New
                                             Notes--Optional Redemption."

Change of Control ......................     Upon a Change of Control, the
                                             Company will be required to make an
                                             offer to purchase all outstanding
                                             New Notes at a price equal to 101%
                                             of the principal amount thereof,
                                             plus accrued and unpaid interest
                                             thereon to the purchase date. See
                                             "Description of the New
                                             Notes--Change of Control Offer."

Certain Covenants ......................     The Indenture contains covenants
                                             that, among other things, restrict
                                             the ability of the Company and its
                                             Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined
                                             herein) to: (i) incur additional
                                             indebtedness; (ii) pay dividends
                                             and make distributions; (iii) issue
                                             stock of subsidiaries; (iv) make
                                             certain investments; (v) repurchase
                                             stock; (vi) create liens; (vii)
                                             enter into transactions with
                                             affiliates; (viii) enter into sale
                                             and leaseback transactions; (ix)
                                             create dividend or other payment
                                             restrictions affecting Restricted
                                             Subsidiaries; (x) merge or
                                             consolidate in a transaction
                                             involving all or substantially all
                                             of the assets of the Company and
                                             its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken
                                             as a whole; and (xi) transfer or
                                             sell assets. These covenants are
                                             subject to a number of important
                                             exceptions. See "Description of the
                                             New Notes--Certain Covenants."

Asset Sales Proceeds ...................     The Company will be obligated in
                                             certain instances to make offers to
                                             purchase the New Notes at a
                                             purchase price in cash equal to
                                             100% of the principal amount
                                             thereof plus accrued and unpaid
                                             interest to the date of purchase
                                             with the net cash proceeds of
                                             certain asset sales. See
                                             "Description of the New
                                             Notes--Certain
                                             Covenants--Limitation on Certain
                                             Asset Sales."

      For more complete information regarding the New Notes, including the
definitions of certain capitalized terms used above, see "Description of the New
Notes."

                                  Risk Factors

      Prospective purchasers of the New Notes should consider carefully the
information set forth under the caption "Risk Factors," and all other
information set forth in this Prospectus, in evaluating an investment in the New
Notes.

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                                       9
<PAGE>

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

            Summary Historical and Pro Forma Combined Financial Data

      The summary historical combined financial data as of and for the years
ended October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 have been derived from the audited
combined financial statements of the Company. The summary historical combined
financial data as of and for the three months ended January 31, 1998 and 1997
have been derived from the unaudited combined financial statements of the
Company. The summary historical combined financial data as of and for the years
ended October 31, 1994 and 1993 have been derived from unaudited internal
records of the Company. The Company's operations for 1994 and 1993 were
integrated with other Harnischfeger Industries, Inc. ("HII") operations and,
therefore, the financial data for these periods represent management's best
estimate of their operating performance. The unaudited financial data presented
herein, in the opinion of management, includes all necessary adjustments
required for the fair presentation of such data.

      The summary pro forma combined financial data as of and for the three
months ended January 31, 1998 and for the year ended October 31, 1997 have been
prepared to reflect the consummation of the Transactions. The unaudited pro
forma combined balance sheet data have been prepared as if such transactions had
occurred as of January 31, 1998 and the unaudited combined statements of
operations have been prepared as if such transactions had occurred on November
1, 1996. The summary pro forma combined financial data are not necessarily
indicative of the financial position or results of operations of the Company had
the transactions reflected therein actually been consummated on the dates
assumed and are not necessarily indicative of the financial position or results
of operations that may be expected for any future period.

      The summary combined financial data should be read in conjunction with
"Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information," "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Combined
Financial Statements of the Company and notes thereto appearing elsewhere
herein.

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                                       10
<PAGE>

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

            Summary Historical and Pro Forma Combined Financial Data
                             (dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      Three Months Ended
                                           Fiscal Year Ended October 31,                                   January 31,
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------
                                                                                  Pro Forma                           Pro Forma
                           1993(a)     1994(a)     1995       1996       1997       1997         1997        1998        1998
                          --------    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------     --------    --------    --------
                         (unaudited) (unaudited)                                 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
<S>                       <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>     
Income statement data:
Net sales .............   $117,032    $109,429   $243,169   $323,735   $353,350   $353,350     $ 79,982    $ 76,483    $ 76,483
Gross profit ..........        N/A         N/A     56,765     76,176     92,556     92,556       19,190      19,830      19,830
Operating expenses(b)          N/A         N/A     35,043     46,160     57,019     56,157       12,642      14,873      15,270
                          --------    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------     --------    --------    --------
Operating income ......   $  4,781    $ 10,437     21,722     30,016     35,537     36,399        6,548       4,957       4,560
Net income/(loss) .....        N/A         N/A   $ 13,476   $ 18,446   $ 20,853   $  5,943     $  4,011    $  2,139      (1,603)
                          ========    ========   ========   ========   ========   ========     ========    ========    ========

Other data:                                                                                                            
EBITDA(c) .............   $  9,341    $ 15,075   $ 28,045   $ 38,220   $ 45,859   $ 43,859     $  8,925    $  7,538    $  6,464
Depreciation and                                                                                                       
  amortization(d) .....      2,588       2,981      3,800      5,292      6,736      8,536        1,548       1,659       2,109
Capital expenditures ..      1,419       3,935      3,725      6,752      6,498      6,498        1,744         816         816
Cash interest expense .                                                             24,703                                6,234
Ratio of earnings to                                                                                                   
  fixed charges (e) ...        N/A         N/A      23.21x     23.11x     16.46x      1.35x       21.58x       4.40x         --
                                                                                                                       
Adjusted data:                                                                                                         
Ratio of EBITDA to cash                                                                                                
  interest expense ....                                                               1.78x                                1.70x(f)
Ratio of pro forma debt                                                                                                
  to EBITDA ...........                                                               5.91x                                6.19x(f)
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          As of October 31,                                            As of January 31,
                         ------------------------------------------------------              -----------------------------------
                                                                                                                      Pro Forma
                           1993(a)     1994(a)     1995       1996       1997                    1997        1998        1998
                          --------    --------   --------   --------   --------                --------    --------    --------
                         (unaudited) (unaudited)                                             (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
<S>                       <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>                     <C>         <C>         <C>     
Balance sheet data:
Working capital.......         N/A         N/A   $ 17,483   $ 34,523   $ 51,243                $ 37,432    $ 61,552    $ 60,584
Total assets..........    $ 66,667    $126,566    151,168    189,058    199,600                 193,633     200,379     290,144
Total debt............         N/A         N/A      4,704      2,044      6,088                   3,348       4,289     259,289
</TABLE>

- ----------
(a)   Prior to 1995, the Company did not determine its financial position or
      results of operations on a stand alone basis as its financial and
      management reporting information was commingled with other operating
      divisions of HII. As a result, the Company's summary data as of and for
      the years ended October 31, 1994 and 1993 is limited and certain
      historical financial data is not available.
(b)   Operating expenses are shown net of other income.
(c)   EBITDA is defined as operating income before depreciation, amortization,
      the allocation of certain HII corporate overhead charges (the "HII
      Management Fee") and charges related to certain depreciation expenses for
      HarnCo assets. For fiscal 1997 and the three months ended January 31,
      1998, the HII Management Fee was $2,862 and $677, respectively, and the
      charges related to certain depreciation expenses for HarnCo assets were
      $724 and $245, respectively. Pro forma EBITDA represents operating income
      before depreciation, amortization and the charges related to certain
      depreciation expenses for HarnCo assets. EBITDA is not a calculation based
      on generally accepted accounting principles. EBITDA should not be
      considered as an alternative to net income or operating income, as an
      indicator of the operating performance of the Company or as an alternative
      to operating cash flows as a measure of liquidity.
(d)   Pro forma includes $1,800 and $450 of amortization of debt issuance costs
      for fiscal 1997 and the three months ended January 31, 1998, respectively.
(e)   For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
      earnings are defined as net income before tax plus fixed charges. Fixed
      charges consist of interest expense (including amortization of debt
      issuance costs) and the portion of rental expense that is representative
      of the interest factor (deemed to be one third of annual rent expense).
      For the three months ended January 31, 1998 the Company had a deficiency
      of pro forma earnings to fixed charges of $2,124.
(f)   Reflects a pro forma calculation for the twelve months ended January 31,
      1998.

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

                                       11
<PAGE>

                                  RISK FACTORS

      In addition to the other information in this Prospectus, the following
risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating the Company and its
business before making an investment in the New Notes. This Prospectus contains
forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's
actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these
forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set
forth in the following risk factors and elsewhere in this Prospectus.

Substantial Leverage; Ability to Service Debt

      The Company has incurred substantial indebtedness in connection with the
Transactions. As of January 31, 1998, after giving pro forma effect to the
Offering, the application of the proceeds thereof and the Transactions, the
Company (including the Indebtedness of its subsidiaries) would have had
approximately $259.3 of outstanding Indebtedness. The New Credit Facility also
permits additional Indebtedness of up to $100.0 million thereunder. In addition,
the Surety Arrangement provides a surety line of $60.0 million. See "Description
of the New Credit Facility" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
Furthermore, subject to certain restrictions in the Indenture, the Company and
its subsidiaries may incur additional indebtedness from time to time to finance
acquisitions, provide for working capital or capital expenditures or other
purposes.

      The level of the Company's indebtedness could have important consequences
to holders of the New Notes, including, but not limited to, the following: (i)
the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing for acquisitions,
working capital, capital expenditures or other purposes, if necessary, may be
impaired or such financing may not be available on terms favorable to the
Company; (ii) the Company has significant cash requirements for debt service;
(iii) financial and other covenants and operating restrictions imposed by the
terms of the Indenture and by the New Credit Facility limit, among other things,
its ability to borrow additional funds or to dispose of assets; (iv) the Company
may be at a competitive disadvantage because it is more highly leveraged than
some of its competitors; and (v) a downturn in the Company's businesses will
have a more significant impact on its results of operations and cash flows.

      The ability of the Company to satisfy its obligations, including its
principal payment obligations under the New Credit Facility, which commence on
June 30, 1998, will be primarily dependent upon the future financial and
operating performance of the Company's subsidiaries and, if needed, upon the
Company's ability to renew or refinance borrowings or to raise additional equity
capital. In addition, although the New Credit Facility includes the Revolving
Credit Facility (as defined herein), future borrowings thereunder are subject to
satisfaction of certain conditions, including a borrowing base test. Each of
these alternatives is dependent upon financial, business and other general
economic factors affecting the Company and its subsidiaries and the Company's
businesses in particular, many of which are beyond their control. If the Company
and its subsidiaries are unable to generate sufficient cash flow to meet their
debt service obligations, they will have to pursue one or more alternatives,
such as reducing or delaying capital expenditures, refinancing debt or selling
assets. There can be no assurance that any such alternatives could be
accomplished on satisfactory terms or that such actions would yield sufficient
funds to meet the obligations under the New Notes and any other indebtedness of
the Company and its subsidiaries ranking pari passu with the New Notes,
including secured indebtedness. While management believes that cash flow from
operations will provide an adequate source of long-term liquidity, a decrease in
operating cash flow resulting from economic conditions, competition or other
uncertainties beyond the Company's control would increase the need for
alternative sources of liquidity. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."

Effective Subordination of the New Notes and the Guarantees

      The New Notes will be unsecured obligations of the Company and will rank
pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future obligations of the
Company that are not by their terms expressly subordinated to the New Notes,
including the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on and all other
amounts due on or payable in connection with the New Credit Facility and the
Surety Arrangement. Similarly, the Guarantees of the Guarantors 


                                       12
<PAGE>

will rank pari passu in right of payment with all obligations of the respective
Guarantors that are not by their terms expressly subordinated to the Guarantees.
The New Notes will be effectively subordinated to the indebtedness of all of the
Company's subsidiaries that are not Guarantors.

      The Company has granted to the lenders under the New Credit Facility first
priority security interests in substantially all of the present and future
assets of the Company and its subsidiaries located in the United States and the
United Kingdom and certain of the Company's subsidiaries' present and future
assets located in Canada, as well as a pledge of all of the issued and
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company and its current and future
subsidiaries. Collateral for the Surety Arrangement will be a letter of credit
provided under the Revolving Credit Facility in the amount of up to 20% of
outstanding surety obligations and a pledge of certain assets of the Company. In
addition, the Indenture limits, but does not prohibit, the incurrence by the
Company and the Guarantors of additional secured indebtedness. In the event of a
default under the New Credit Facility, the Surety Arrangement or future secured
indebtedness (whether as a result of the failure to comply with a payment or
other covenant, a cross-default, or otherwise), the lenders thereunder will have
a secured claim on the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries securing their
obligations. If such parties should attempt to foreclose on their collateral,
the Company's financial condition and the value of the New Notes will be
materially adversely affected. In the event of certain asset sales, the New
Credit Facility provides that net proceeds thereof not reinvested as provided
therein must be applied first to the repayment of borrowings under the New
Credit Facility. See "Description of the New Credit Facility" and "Description
of the Surety Arrangement."

      As of January 31, 1998, after giving effect to the consummation of the
Transactions, the Company (including the Indebtedness of its subsidiaries) would
have had approximately $259.3 million of Indebtedness outstanding, of which
$55.0 million would have been borrowings under the New Credit Facility, and $0.7
million would have been Indebtedness of the Company's subsidiaries other than
the Guarantors. The New Credit Facility also permits additional Indebtedness of
up to $100.0 million thereunder.

Restrictive Covenants

      The Indenture, the Holdings Restated Certificate (as defined herein) and
the indenture governing the Exchange Debentures (as defined herein), if issued
(the "Exchange Debenture Indenture"), contain certain covenants (some of which
in the Holdings Restated Certificate and the Exchange Debenture Indenture may be
more restrictive than those contained in the Indenture and the New Credit
Facility) that, among other things, limit the ability of the Company and its
subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, incur liens, pay dividends and
make certain other restricted payments, make investments, repurchase stock,
consummate certain asset sales, enter into certain transactions with affiliates,
issue capital stock of their subsidiaries, create dividend or other payment
restrictions affecting their subsidiaries, consolidate or merge with any person
in a transaction involving all or substantially all of the consolidated assets
of the Company or transfer or sell all or substantially all of the consolidated
assets of the Company. See "Description of the New Notes--Certain Covenants" and
"The Unit Offering."

      In addition, the New Credit Facility contains a number of covenants that,
among other things, limit the Company's ability to incur additional
indebtedness, prepay subordinated indebtedness, dispose of certain assets,
create liens, make capital expenditures, make certain investments or
acquisitions and otherwise restrict corporate activities. The New Credit
Facility also requires the Company to comply with certain financial ratios and
tests, under which the Company is required to achieve certain financial and
operating results. The ability of the Company to comply with such provisions may
be affected by events beyond its control. A breach of any of these covenants
would result in a default under the New Credit Facility. In the event of any
such default, the lenders under the New Credit Facility could elect to declare
all amounts borrowed under the New Credit Facility, together with accrued
interest thereon, to be due and payable which would be an event of default under
the Indenture and the Surety Arrangement. There can be no assurance that the
Company would have sufficient assets to pay indebtedness then outstanding under
the New Credit Facility and obligations under the Surety Arrangement (which
obligations are effectively senior to the New Notes with respect to the assets
of the Company and its subsidiaries secured thereby) and the Indenture. See
"--Effective Subordination of the New Notes and the Guarantees." Any future
refinancing of the New Credit Facility is likely to contain similar restrictive
covenants. See "Description of the New Credit Facility."


                                       13
<PAGE>

Termination of Relationship with Harnischfeger

      Historically, the MHE Business operated as one of several operating units
of HII, the owner of all of the capital stock of HarnCo, and accounted for 11%
of net sales and 12% of operating income of HII in fiscal 1997. There can be no
assurance that the change of the relationship with HII will not adversely affect
the Company's ability to attract or retain customers. Additionally, the Company
has been able to draw on the financial, managerial, and administrative resources
of HarnCo and HII, and there can be no assurance that the future unavailability
of such resources will not adversely affect operations of the Company. There can
be no assurance that the Company will not encounter unanticipated problems or
expenses operating as an independent company or that the Company will be able to
achieve results comparable to those achieved by the MHE Business in the past.

      HarnCo and its affiliates historically supplied the Company, among other
things, with information services, accounting services, human resources,
warehouse and order processing services. In connection with the
Recapitalization, the Company entered into a Transition Services Agreement,
pursuant to which HarnCo and its affiliates will provide such services to the
Company and its subsidiaries located in the United States for a period of up to
24 months. The Company also entered into a Component and Manufactured Products
Supply Agreement, pursuant to which HarnCo and its affiliates will supply the
Company and its subsidiaries located in the United States with their
requirements for certain manufactured products for a period of up to two years
after the Recapitalization Closing. When these agreements terminate, there can
be no assurance that the Company will be able to enter into new arrangements on
substantially the same terms as those in effect during the operation of the MHE
Business by HarnCo or that the Company will be able to perform or obtain such
services at costs comparable to those currently anticipated by the Company. See
"The Transactions" and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."

      Historically, benefits for the Company's employees have been provided by
HII at expense levels lower than expense levels at which the Company would be
able to provide comparable benefits as an independent entity. The Company may be
required to either provide lower benefits to certain segments of its employee
population or incur additional costs to maintain benefit levels, or both. A
reduction in benefits could adversely affect the Company's ability to attract
and retain employees.

      The Company also was provided with various forms of credit support by HII
and its affiliates. There can be no assurance that the termination of its
relationship with HarnCo will not adversely affect the Company's ability to
obtain or maintain credit support. See "--Risk of Inability to Obtain Sufficient
Credit Support."

Risk of Inability to Obtain Sufficient Credit Support

      Historically, HarnCo and certain affiliates of HarnCo not engaged in the
MHE Business (the "Non-MHE HarnCo Affiliates"), including HII, provided credit
support for the MHE Business. This credit support included HarnCo and the
Non-MHE HarnCo Affiliates: (i) providing working capital; (ii) guaranteeing
financial and performance obligations with respect to customer and supply
contracts and relationships; (iii) providing collateral and credit support with
respect to letters of credit, surety bonds or other arrangements of the MHE
Business; and (iv) otherwise being directly and contingently liable for the MHE
Business's obligations (collectively, the "Credit Support Obligations"). In
addition, prior to the October 1997 Drop Down, a significant portion of the MHE
Business was conducted directly by HarnCo, including the execution of certain
contracts. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, HII had total revenues of
approximately $3.1 billion and operating income of $319.3 million.

      HII and the Company have entered into a credit indemnification agreement
(the "Credit Indemnification Agreement") pursuant to which HII will maintain in
place the Credit Support Obligations in existence at the Recapitalization
Closing but have no further duty to extend, renew or enter into any new Credit
Support Obligations (except as to the MHE Business obligations existing at the
Recapitalization Closing). The Company also has entered into a surety
arrangement to provide credit support for the MHE Business (the "Surety
Arrangement"). The Surety Arrangement provides a surety line of $60.0 million,
in the aggregate, with a limit of $20.0 million for any single obligation. See
"Description of the Surety Arrangement."


                                       14
<PAGE>

      While the Company believes that the Surety Arrangement will provide
sufficient credit support to operate the MHE Business, there can be no assurance
that the Surety Arrangement will be sufficient or that the lack of Credit
Support Obligations in the future from HII and its affiliates will not adversely
affect the MHE Business's relationships with existing or potential customers
and, consequently, adversely impact its business plan and operating strategy.

Labor Relations

      As of January 31, 1998, the Company had 2,072 employees. Of the Company's
833 hourly employees, approximately 74% are represented by unions, including
approximately 151 employees in the United States. Until the October 1997 Drop
Down, the Company's unionized employees in the United States were represented
under a collective bargaining agreement between HarnCo and the United
Steelworkers of America, Local 1114 ("Local 1114"), which expires August 31,
1998. In conjunction with the restructuring of the MHE Business in anticipation
of its sale, these employees became employees of a newly created subsidiary of
the Company. The Company will honor the collective bargaining agreement as to
its employees through the remainder of its term. Although negotiations with
respect to a new collective bargaining agreement have not yet begun, the Company
contemplates seeking changes in benefit programs. In addition, the Company is a
party to several other agreements with unions representing its international
employees, all of which have one year terms. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to successfully negotiate a new collective bargaining
agreement with Local 1114 or any other collective bargaining agreements upon
their expiration without work stoppages. Management believes that its current
relations with its employees are good, and none of the Company's businesses has
experienced a significant strike, slowdown, or lockout within the last ten
years. There can be no assurance, however, that the Company's relations with its
employees will continue to be good or that the Company will not experience
significant work stoppages in the future. See "Business--Employees."

Dependence on Subsidiaries

      All of the Company's operations are conducted, directly or indirectly,
through wholly-owned subsidiaries, with the exception of Singapore operations
that are conducted through an entity in which the Company has an 85% interest.
The Company's cash flow and consequent ability to service its debt largely
depend upon the earnings of its subsidiaries and the distribution of those
earnings to the Company, or upon loans or other payments of those subsidiaries
to the Company. The ability of the Company's subsidiaries to pay dividends or to
make other payments or advances to the Company is subject to applicable laws and
contractual restrictions contained in the instruments governing any indebtedness
of such subsidiaries. There can be no assurance that the Company's subsidiaries
will generate sufficient cash flow to dividend, distribute or advance funds to
the Company. The Company's subsidiaries have no obligation, contingent or
otherwise, to make funds available to the Company, other than to repay
intercompany notes incurred immediately prior to the Recapitalization Closing in
connection with the Recapitalization. Although the New Credit Facility and the
Indenture impose certain limitations on the ability of subsidiaries of the
Company to enter into agreements restricting their ability to declare dividends
or make distributions or advances to the Company, such limitations are subject
to a number of qualifications. See "Description of the New Notes--Certain
Covenants--Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting
Subsidiaries" and "Description of the New Credit Facility."

Product Liability

      The Company is periodically subject to product liability claims relative
to its products, which, if successful, could have a material adverse impact on
the Company. The Company has obtained liability insurance coverage that it
believes will be adequate to satisfy claims with respect to events occurring
after the Recapitalization Closing, but there can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to maintain such coverage or obtain alternate coverage in
the future at a reasonable cost, or that such coverage will be sufficient to
satisfy such future claims, if any.

      In connection with the October 1997 Drop Down, except as noted below, the
Company assumed all liabilities with respect to product liability claims of the
MHE Business incurred prior to the Recapitalization Closing. While the Company
believes that it will be able to avail itself of HII's third party insurance
with respect to any such 


                                       15
<PAGE>

product liability damages that exceed the self insured thresholds, historically
(and until the Recapitalization Closing), a significant level of MHE Business
product liability damages (other than with respect to asbestos damages) has been
self insured by HII.

      In addition, until the 1980s, HarnCo manufactured brakes that included
lining materials, and used other non-brake components, that contained asbestos.
HarnCo has been and is currently a defendant in numerous asbestos related
lawsuits and, will likely be named in future such actions. The Company has
agreed to indemnify HarnCo and its affiliates with respect to any liabilities in
excess of insurance arising in connection with past and future asbestos
litigation relating to the MHE Business. HII's insurance policies generally
provide insurance coverage for exposures to asbestos through the mid 1980s. To
date, HII's insurer has paid all liabilities relating to asbestos claims (which
amounts have not been material to the MHE Business) but there can be no
assurance such insurers will continue to do so in the future or that there will
be insurance coverage for such claims.

Fraudulent Conveyance Considerations

      Under applicable provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code or
comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer or conveyance laws, if the
Company, at the time it borrowed under the New Credit Facility or the Surety
Arrangement or issued the Old Notes (or transferred proceeds of the foregoing to
Holdings) (i) incurred such indebtedness with intent to hinder, delay or defraud
creditors or (ii) (a) received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair
consideration for incurring such indebtedness and (b) (1) was insolvent at the
time of incurrence, (2) was rendered insolvent by reason of such incurrence (and
the application of the proceeds thereof), (3) was engaged or was about to engage
in a business or transaction for which the assets remaining with the Company
after the conveyance constituted unreasonably small capital to carry on its
business or (4) intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond
its ability to pay such debts as they mature, then, in each case, a court of
competent jurisdiction could void, in whole or in part, the Notes, or, in the
alternative, subordinate the Notes to existing and future indebtedness of the
Company. In light of the use of proceeds of the Notes, it is unlikely that the
Notes will meet the reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration test. The
measure of insolvency for purposes of the foregoing will vary depending upon the
law applied in such case. Generally, however, the Company would be considered
insolvent if the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities, was greater
than all of its assets at fair valuation or if the present fair saleable value
of its assets was less than the amount that would be required to pay the
probable liability on its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as
they become absolute and mature.

      In addition, the Guarantees may be subject to review under the relevant
federal and state fraudulent conveyance and similar statutes in a bankruptcy or
reorganization case or a lawsuit by or on behalf of creditors of any of the
Guarantors. In such a case, the analysis set forth above would generally apply.
A court could void any of the Guarantors' obligations under the Guarantees,
subordinate the Guarantees to other indebtedness of a Guarantor or take other
action detrimental to the holders of the Notes.

      Under the United Kingdom Insolvency Act of 1986, the Insolvency Rules and
the Company Directors Disqualification Act of 1986, certain transactions may be
avoided where a company is unable to pay its debts at the time of the
transaction or becomes so as a result of the transaction, and the transaction
took place within a specified period before commencement of an administration or
liquidation. The requirements are particularly stringent where the transaction
involves affiliated persons as defined in the Insolvency Act. Subject to certain
provisions, a company may not confer a benefit upon a person (especially if
affiliated) with the consequence of reducing the assets which would otherwise be
available for the general pool of unsecured creditors by way of (i) a
transaction that is a gift or transfer for less than full consideration within
two years prior to the commencement of administration or liquidation or (ii) the
giving of a preference, i.e., placing a creditor in a better position than it
would have been had the company gone into insolvent liquidation. A United
Kingdom court also has the power to set aside transactions entered into with the
deliberate intention of putting assets beyond the reach of creditors even where
the company is not insolvent. Similar considerations exist under other foreign
laws.


                                       16
<PAGE>

Implementation of Business Strategy; Future Acquisitions

      The Company intends to pursue a business strategy of attempting to
increase revenues and cash flow through a combination of expanding its
participation in aftermarket opportunities, expanding its distribution network,
reducing costs and making strategic acquisitions. No assurance can be given that
the Company will be successful in implementing this strategy. See
"Business--Business Strategy." There can be no assurance that the Company will
be able to make acquisitions on terms favorable to the Company. If the Company
completes any such future acquisitions, it may encounter various associated
risks, including the possible inability to integrate an acquired business into
the Company's operations, diversion of management's attention and unanticipated
problems or liabilities, some or all of which could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's operations and financial performance.

Financing of Expansion Program; Capital Expenditures

      The Company intends to fund its expansion and other capital expenditures
through a combination of internally generated funds and borrowings under the New
Credit Facility. The Company's expansion may also require additional funds.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain such
additional funding. Additionally, the New Credit Facility, the Indenture, the
Holdings Restated Certificate and the Exchange Debenture Indenture (if
applicable) contain certain restrictions on the Company's ability to borrow
under the Acquisition Facility (as defined herein) and the Revolving Credit
Facility. If the Company were unable to borrow under the New Credit Facility or
obtain additional financing, it might have to curtail or halt its expansion
program. See "--Substantial Leverage; Ability to Service Debt," "--Restrictive
Covenants," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources" and "Description of the
New Credit Facility."

Risks Related to International Markets

      The Company has operations and assets located in Canada, Mexico, the
United Kingdom, South Africa, and Singapore and is establishing joint ventures
in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. The Company also sells its products through
distributors and agents in over 50 countries, some of which are merely ad hoc
arrangements and may be terminated at any time. International operations expose
the Company to a number of risks, including currency exchange rate fluctuations,
trade barriers, exchange controls, risk of governmental expropriation, political
and legal risks and restrictions, foreign ownership restrictions and risks of
increases in taxes. Furthermore, some foreign jurisdictions have laws limiting
the right and ability of entities organized or operating therein to pay
dividends or remit earnings to affiliated companies unless specified conditions
are met. The inability of the Company, or limitations on its ability, to conduct
its foreign operations or distribute its products internationally could
adversely affect the Company's operations and financial performance.

Competition

      The markets in which the Company operates are highly competitive. Both
domestically and internationally, the Company faces competition from a number of
different manufacturers in each of its product lines, some of which have greater
financial and other resources than the Company. The principal competitive
factors affecting the Company include performance, functionality, price, brand
recognition, customer service and support, financial strength and stability, and
product availability. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
compete successfully with its existing competitors or with new competitors.
Failure to compete successfully could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. See
"Business--Competition."

Sensitivity to Economic Cycles

      The Company's business is affected by the state of the United States and
global economy in general, and by the varying economic cycles of the industries
in which its products are used. There can be no assurance that any future


                                       17
<PAGE>

condition of the United States economy or the economies of the other countries
in which the Company does business will not have an adverse effect on the
Company's business, operations or financial performance.

Control by Chartwell

      An affiliate ("Chartwell") of Chartwell Investments Inc. controls
approximately 88.2% of the voting stock of Holdings. As a result, Chartwell has
the power to appoint all but one of the members of the Board of Directors of
Holdings and all of the directors of the Company and control the direction and
future operations of the Company. Consequently, circumstances could arise in
which the interests of Chartwell, as an equity holder, could be in conflict with
the interests of the holders of the Notes.

Dependence on Key Personnel

      The Company's future success depends to a significant extent on the
efforts and abilities of members of the Company's senior management team. While
members of the senior management team have signed employment contracts, the loss
of the services of these individuals could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations. The Company
believes that its future success will also depend significantly upon its ability
to attract, motivate, and retain additional highly skilled managerial personnel.
Competition for such personnel is intense, and there can be no assurance that
the Company will be successful in attracting, assimilating, and retaining the
personnel it requires to grow and operate profitably.

Dependence on Principal Facilities

      The Company's principal operations are conducted at certain key
facilities, some of which are the only producers of certain components for the
Company. The Company has not experienced any material disruption of operations
at its key facilities (other than a fire in 1994 at its principal United Kingdom
manufacturing facility in Loughborough, England), but if operations at any of
such facilities were disrupted as a result of equipment failures, natural
disasters, work stoppages or other reasons, the Company's business and results
of operations could be adversely affected. Although the Company believes its
property damage insurance and business interruption insurance is adequate to
provide for reconstruction of its facilities and equipment or mitigate losses
resulting from any production shutdown caused by an insured loss, as necessary,
there can be no assurance that such insurance will be adequate to cover losses
that may occur.

Environmental Matters

      The Company is subject to various laws and regulations relating to the
protection of the environment in each of the countries in which it operates.
These laws and regulations often mandate compliance with increasingly stringent
and costly requirements. The Company is not aware of any environmental matters
currently relevant to its business, individually or in the aggregate, that could
be expected to have a material adverse effect upon its financial condition,
except that the Company is awaiting the results of tests to determine compliance
with emission limits for air quality at its Loughborough, England facility,
which became effective in April 1998. The risk of environmental costs and
liabilities, however, is inherent in the Company's past and present operations,
and there can be no assurance that continued compliance with existing or future
requirements, the cost of such compliance and claims for damages to property and
person resulting from the Company's operations will not have a material adverse
effect upon the Company's financial condition or results of operations. See
"Business--Governmental Regulation."

Risk of Inability to Finance a Change of Control

      Upon a Change of Control, the Company is required to offer to repurchase
all outstanding Notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and
unpaid interest to the date of repurchase. A Change of Control will trigger an
event of default under the New Credit Facility which would permit the lenders
thereto and the lenders under any agreement containing cross-default or similar
provisions, including the Surety Arrangement, to accelerate the debt thereunder.
Therefore, upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company may be
required to repay such other outstanding indebtedness (which, in the case of
Indebtedness under the New Credit Facility and the 


                                       18
<PAGE>

Surety Arrangement, is effectively senior to the Notes with respect to the
assets of the Company and its subsidiaries secured thereby) and to repurchase
the Notes. Should a Change of Control occur and a substantial amount of Notes be
presented for purchase, there can be no assurance that sufficient funds will be
available at the time of any Change of Control to repay such other debt and to
make any required repurchases of Notes tendered. The source of funds for any
such repurchase will be the Company's available cash or cash generated from
operations or other sources, including borrowings, sales of assets or additional
public or private offerings of debt or equity securities. There can be no
assurance that the Company would be able to obtain such financings. Further, the
provisions of the Indenture may not afford holders of the Notes protection in
the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, restructuring,
merger, or similar transaction involving the Company that may adversely affect
holders of Notes, if the transaction does not result in a Change of Control. See
"--Effective Subordination of the Notes and the Guarantees," "Description of the
New Notes--Change of Control Offer" and "Description of the New Credit
Facility."

Absence of Public Market; Restrictions on Transfer

      There is no existing trading market for the Old Notes, and there can be no
assurance regarding the future development of a market for the New Notes, or the
ability of holders of the New Notes to sell their New Notes or the price at
which such holders may be able to sell their New Notes. If such a market were to
develop, the New Notes could trade at prices that may be higher or lower than
the initial offering price depending on many factors, including prevailing
interest rates, the Company's operating results and the market for similar
securities. The Initial Purchasers have advised the Company that are making a
market in the Old Notes and that they currently intend to make a market in the
New Notes. The Initial Purchasers are not obligated to do so, however, and any
market-making with respect to the Notes may be discontinued at any time without
notice. Therefore, there can be no assurance as to the liquidity of any trading
market for the New Notes or that an active public market for the New Notes will
develop. The Company does not intend to apply for listing or quotation of the
New Notes on any securities exchange or stock market.

Consequences of the Exchange Offer on Non-Tendering Holders of the Old Notes

      The Company intends for the Exchange Offer to satisfy its registration
obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement. If the Exchange Offer is
consummated, the Company does not intend to file further registration statements
for the sale of other disposition of Old Notes. Consequently, following
completion of the Exchange Offer, holders of Old Notes seeking liquidity in
their investment would have to rely on an exemption to the registration
requirements under applicable securities laws, including the Securities Act,
with respect to any sale or other disposition of the Old Notes.


                                       19
<PAGE>

                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER

Terms of the Exchange Offer

   General

      The Old Notes were sold by the Company on March 30, 1998, in a private
placement in reliance on Regulation D under the Securities Act and/or on Section
4(2) of the Securities Act. The Old Notes were sold to the Initial Purchasers
who resold the Old Notes to "qualified institutional buyers" within the meaning
of Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The Initial Purchasers required as a
condition to the purchase of the Old Notes that the Company and the Guarantors
grant the purchasers of the Old Notes certain registration rights pursuant to
the Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration Rights Agreement required
the Company and the Guarantors to file with the Commission following the closing
of the Offering of the Notes on March 30, 1998 (the "Closing"), a registration
statement relating to an exchange offer pursuant to which notes which are
substantially identical to the Old Notes would be offered in exchange for the
then outstanding Old Notes tendered at the option of the holders thereof. The
form and terms of the New Notes are identical in all material respects to the
form and terms of the Old Notes except (i) that the New Notes have been
registered under the Securities Act, (ii) that the New Notes are not entitled to
certain registration rights which are applicable to the Old Notes under the
Registration Rights Agreement, and (iii) certain contingent dividend rate
provisions applicable to the Old Notes are generally not applicable to the New
Notes. In the event that the applicable interpretations of the staff of the
Commission do not permit the Company to effect the Exchange Offer, or if for any
other reason the Exchange Offer is not consummated within 180 days of the
Registration Rights Agreement, the Company and the Guarantors have agreed to use
their respective best efforts to cause to become effective a shelf registration
statement with respect to the resale of the Old Notes and to keep such shelf
registration statement effective for a period of up to two years. The Exchange
Offer is being made to satisfy the contractual obligations of the Company and
the Guarantors under the Registration Rights Agreement.

      The Company and the Guarantors have agreed that if (i) the Company and the
Guarantors fail to file the registration statement relating to the Exchange
Offer within 60 days following the Issue Date, (ii) such registration statement
(or, if applicable, the shelf registration statement) is not declared effective
within 135 days following the Issue Date, (iii) the Company has not exchanged
the New Notes for all Old Notes validly tendered in accordance with the terms of
the Exchange Offer on or prior to 45 days after the date on which such
registration statement was declared effective or (iv) certain other specified
events relating to the effectiveness of such registration statement or shelf
registration statement occur, then the per annum interest rate on the Old Notes
will increase by 50 basis points during the first 90-day period following the
occurrence of such default and the per annum interest rate will increase by an
additional 25 basis points for each subsequent 90-day period during which such
default remains uncured, up to a maximum of 200 basis points per annum in excess
of the initial interest rate borne by the Old Notes, until such time as no
default is in effect (at which time the interest rate will revert to its initial
rate).

      The holders of any Old Notes not tendered in the Exchange Offer will not
be entitled to require the Company to file a shelf registration statement, and
the interest rate on such Old Notes will remain at its initial level. See
"Exchange Offer; Registration Rights."

      An exchange offer shall be deemed to have been consummated upon the
earlier to occur of (i) the Company having exchanged New Notes for all
outstanding Old Notes (other than Old Notes held by a Restricted Holder)
pursuant to such exchange offer and (ii) the Company having exchanged, pursuant
to such exchange offer, New Notes for all Old Notes that have been validly
tendered and not withdrawn on the Expiration Date. In such event, holders of Old
Notes seeking liquidity in their investment would have to rely on exemptions to
registration requirements under applicable securities laws, including the
Securities Act.

      Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus
and in the accompanying Letter of Transmittal, the Company will accept all Old
Notes validly tendered prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration
Date. The exchange of New Notes for Old Notes will be made (i) with respect to
all Old Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn on or prior to the Early
Exchange Date, within two business days following the Early Exchange Date, and
(ii) with respect to all Old Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn after the
Early Exchange 


                                       20
<PAGE>

Date but on or prior to the Expiration Date, within two business days following
the Expiration Date. The New Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be
delivered promptly following each of the Early Exchange Date and the Expiration
Date. The Company will issue $1,000 principal amount of New Notes in exchange
for each $1,000 principal amount of outstanding Old Notes accepted in the
Exchange Offer. Holders may tender some or all of their Old Notes pursuant to
the Exchange Offer in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000
in excess thereof.

      Based on an interpretation by the staff of the Commission set forth in SEC
no-action letters issued to unrelated third parties, the Company believes that
New Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer in exchange for Old Notes may be
offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by the holders thereof
(other than a Restricted Holder) without compliance with the registration and
prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such New
Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such holders' business and such
holders are not participating, do not intend to participate and have no
arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution
of such New Notes. See "KC-III Communications Corporation," SEC No-Action Letter
(available May 14, 1993); "Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc.," SEC No-Action Letter
(available June 5, 1991); "Morgan Stanley & Co., Incorporated," SEC No-Action
Letter (available June 5, 1991); and "Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation," SEC
No-Action Letter (available May 13, 1988). Each broker-dealer that receives New
Notes for its own account in exchange for Old Notes, where such Old Notes were
acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in
connection with any resale of such New Notes. See "Plan of Distribution."

      If any person were to participate in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of
distributing securities in a manner not permitted by the Commission's
interpretation, such person (i) could not rely on the position of the staff of
the Commission enunciated in "Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation" or similar
interpretive letters and (ii) must comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary
resale transaction. Accordingly, each eligible holder wishing to accept the
Exchange Offer must represent to the Company in the Letter of Transmittal that
the conditions described above have been met.

      In connection with the issuance of the Old Notes, the Company arranged for
the inclusion of the Old Notes initially purchased by qualified institutional
buyers on the Private Offerings, Resales and Trading through Automated Linkages
(PORTAL) Market of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. The
Company also arranged for the Old Notes initially purchased by qualified
institutional buyers to be issued and transferable in book-entry form through
the facilities of DTC, acting as depository, and in DTC's Same-Day Funds
Settlement System. The New Notes will also be issuable and transferable in
book-entry form through DTC in the Same-Day Funds Settlement System.

      As of the date of this Prospectus, $200,000,000 in aggregate principal
amount of the Old Notes is outstanding.

      This Prospectus, together with the Letter of Transmittal, is being sent to
all registered holders of Old Notes as of          , 1998 (the "Record Date").

      The Company shall be deemed to have accepted validly tendered Old Notes
when, as and if the Company has given oral or written notice thereof to the
Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent will act as agent for the tendering holders
of Old Notes for the purpose of receiving New Notes from the Company and
delivering New Notes to such holders.

      If any tendered Old Notes are not accepted for exchange because of an
invalid tender or the occurrence of certain other events set forth herein,
certificates for any such unaccepted Old Notes will be returned, without
expense, to the tendering holder thereof as promptly as practicable after the
Expiration Date.

      The registration expenses to be incurred in connection with the Exchange
Offer, including fees and expenses of the Exchange Agent and Trustee and
accounting and legal fees, will be paid by the Company. The Company has 


                                       21
<PAGE>

agreed to pay, subject to the instructions in the Letter of Transmittal, all
transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of such holder's Old
Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. See "--Fees and Expenses."

   Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments

      The term "Expiration Date" shall mean          , 1998, unless the Company,
in its sole discretion, extends the Exchange Offer, in which case the term
"Expiration Date" shall mean the latest date to which the Exchange Offer is
extended.

      In order to extend the Expiration Date, the Company will notify the
Exchange Agent of any extension by oral or written notice and will mail to the
record holders of Old Notes an announcement thereof, each prior to 9:00 a.m.,
New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled
Expiration Date. Such announcement may state that the Company is extending the
Exchange Offer for a specified period of time.

      The Company reserves the right (i) to delay acceptance of any Old Notes,
to extend the Exchange Offer or to terminate the Exchange Offer and to refuse to
accept Old Notes not previously accepted, if any of the conditions set forth
herein under "--Conditions" shall have occurred and shall not have been waived
by the Company, by giving oral or written notice of such delay, extension or
termination to the Exchange Agent, and (ii) to amend the terms of the Exchange
Offer in any manner deemed by it to be advantageous to the holders of the Old
Notes. Any such delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be
followed as promptly as practicable by oral or written notice thereof. If the
Exchange Offer is amended in a manner determined by the Company to constitute a
material change, the Company will promptly disclose such amendment in a manner
reasonably calculated to inform the holders of the Old Notes of such amendment.

      Without limiting the manner in which the Company may choose to make public
announcements of any delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment of
the Exchange Offer, the Company shall have no obligation to publish, advertise,
or otherwise communicate any such public announcement, other than by making a
timely release to a financial news service.

Interest on the New Notes

      The New Notes will bear interest from March 30, 1998, the date of issuance
of the Old Notes, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of
each year commencing on October 1, 1998, at the rate of 9 1/2% per annum.
Holders of Old Notes whose Old Notes are accepted for exchange will be deemed to
have waived the right to receive any payment in respect of interest on such Old
Notes accrued from March 30, 1998 until the date of the issuance of the New
Notes.

Procedure for Tendering

      To tender in the Exchange Offer, a holder must complete, sign and date the
Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile thereof and mail or otherwise deliver such
Letter of Transmittal or such facsimile, together with the Old Notes (unless
such tender is being effected pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer
described below) and any other required documents, to the Exchange Agent prior
to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Signatures on a Letter
of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, must be guaranteed
by a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., a commercial bank or trust company
having an office or correspondent in the United States or another eligible
institution (an "Eligible Institution") unless the Old Notes tendered pursuant
thereto are tendered (i) by a registered holder who has not completed the box
entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" on
the Letter of Transmittal or (ii) for the account of an Eligible Institution.

      Any financial institution that is a participant in DTC's Book-Entry
Transfer Facility system may make book-entry delivery of the Old Notes by
causing DTC to transfer such Old Notes into the Exchange Agent's account in
accordance with DTC's procedure for such transfer. Although delivery of Old
Notes may be effected through book-entry transfer into the Exchange Agent's
account at DTC, the Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), with 


                                       22
<PAGE>

any required signature guarantees and any other required documents, must, in any
case, be transmitted to and received or confirmed by the Exchange Agent at its
addresses set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
Expiration Date. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO DTC IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS PROCEDURES
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT.

      The tender by a holder of Old Notes will constitute an agreement between
such holder and the Company in accordance with the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth herein and in the Letter of Transmittal.

      Delivery of all documents must be made to the Exchange Agent at its
address set forth herein. Holders may also request that their respective
brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or nominees effect such
tender for such holders.

      The method of delivery of Old Notes and the Letter of Transmittal and all
other required documents to the Exchange Agent is at the election and risk of
the holders. Instead of delivery by mail, it is recommended that holders use an
overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases, sufficient time should be
allowed to assure timely delivery. No Letter of Transmittal or Old Notes should
be sent to the Company.

      Only a holder of Old Notes may tender such Old Notes in the Exchange
Offer. The term "holder" with respect to the Exchange Offer means any person in
whose name Old Notes are registered on the books of the Company or any other
person who has obtained a properly completed bond power from the registered
holder or any person whose Old Notes are held of record by DTC who desires to
deliver such Old Notes at DTC.

      Any beneficial holder whose Old Notes are registered in the name of his
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes
to tender his Old Notes should contact the registered holder promptly and
instruct such registered holder to tender on his behalf. If such beneficial
holder wishes to tender on his own behalf, such beneficial holder must, prior to
completing and executing the Letter of Transmittal and delivering his Old Notes,
either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the Old Notes in
such holder's name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered
holder. The transfer of record ownership may take considerable time.

      If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the
registered holder of Old Notes listed therein, such Old Notes must be endorsed
or accompanied by appropriate bond powers which authorize such person to tender
the Old Notes on behalf of the registered holder, in either case signed as the
name of the registered holder or holders appears on the Old Notes.

      If the Letter of Transmittal or any Old Notes or bond powers are signed by
trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of a
corporation or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such
persons should so indicate when signing, and unless waived by the Company,
evidence satisfactory to the Company of their authority to so act must be
submitted with the Letter of Transmittal.

      All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt), acceptance and withdrawal of the tendered Old Notes will be determined
by the Company in its sole discretion, which determination will be final and
binding. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any and all Old Notes
not validly tendered or any Old Notes the Company's acceptance of which would,
in the opinion of counsel for the Company, be unlawful. The Company also
reserves the absolute right to waive any irregularities or conditions of tender
as to particular Old Notes. The Company's interpretation of the terms and
conditions of the Exchange Offer (including the instructions in the Letter of
Transmittal) will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any
defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of Old Notes must be cured
within such time as the Company shall determine. Neither the Company, the
Exchange Agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give notification
of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of Old Notes nor shall any
of them incur any liability for failure to give such notification. Tenders of
Old Notes will not be deemed to have been made until such irregularities have
been cured or waived. Any Old Notes received by the Exchange Agent that are not
validly tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been
cured or waived will be returned by the Exchange Agent without cost to the
tendering 


                                       23
<PAGE>

holder of such Old Notes unless otherwise provided in the Letter of Transmittal,
as soon as practicable following the Expiration Date.

      By tendering, each holder will represent to the Company that, among other
things (i) the New Notes acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer are being
obtained in the ordinary course of such holder's business, (ii) such holder is
not participating, does not intend to participate and has no arrangement or
understanding with any person to participate, in a distribution of such New
Notes, (iii) such holder is not an "affiliate," as defined under Rule 405 of the
Securities Act, of the Company and (iv) such holder is not a broker-dealer who
acquired Old Notes directly from the Company to resell pursuant to Rule 144A or
any other available exemption under the Securities Act.

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

      Holders who wish to tender their Old Notes and (i) whose Old Notes are not
immediately available or (ii) who cannot deliver their Old Notes, the Letter of
Transmittal or any other required documents to the Exchange Agent prior to the
Early Exchange Date or the Expiration Date, may effect a tender if:

      (a) The tender is made through an Eligible Institution;

      (b) Prior to the Early Exchange Date or the Expiration Date, the Exchange
Agent receives from such Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly
executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (by telegram, telex, facsimile
transmission, mail, overnight courier or hand delivery) setting forth the name
and address of the holder of the Old Notes, the certificate number or numbers of
such Old Notes and the principal amount of Old Notes tendered, stating that the
tender is being made thereby, and guaranteeing that, within three business days
after the date of execution of the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, the Letter of
Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), together with the certificate(s)
representing the Old Notes to be tendered in proper form for transfer and any
other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal, will be deposited by the
Eligible Institution with the Exchange Agent; and

      (c) Such properly completed and executed Letter of Transmittal (or
facsimile thereof), together with the certificate(s) representing all tendered
Old Notes in proper form for transfer (or confirmation of a book-entry transfer
into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC of Old Notes delivered electronically)
and all other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal are received by
the Exchange Agent within three business days after the date of execution of the
Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.

Withdrawal of Tenders

      Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Old Notes may be withdrawn
at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date,
unless previously accepted for exchange.

      To withdraw a tender of Old Notes in the Exchange Offer, a written or
facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be received by the Exchange
Agent at its address set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
the Expiration Date and prior to acceptance for exchange thereof by the Company.
Any such notice of withdrawal must (i) specify the name of the person having
deposited the Old Notes to be withdrawn (the "Depositor"), (ii) identify the Old
Notes to be withdrawn (including the certificate number or numbers and principal
amount of such Old Notes), (iii) be signed by the Depositor in the same manner
as the original signature on the Letter of Transmittal by which such Old Notes
were tendered (including required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by
documents of transfer sufficient to permit the transfer agent with respect to
the Old Notes to register the transfer of such Old Notes into the name of the
Depositor withdrawing the tender and (iv) specify the name in which any such Old
Notes are to be registered, if different from that of the Depositor. All
questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt)
of such withdrawal notices will be determined by the Company, whose
determination shall be final and binding on all parties. Any Old Notes so
withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the
Exchange Offer and no New Notes will be issued with respect thereto unless the
Old Notes so withdrawn are validly retendered. Any Old Notes which have been
tendered but which are not accepted for exchange will be returned by the
Exchange Agent to the holder thereof without cost to such holder as soon as
practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the Exchange
Offer. Properly withdrawn Old 


                                       24
<PAGE>

Notes may be retendered by following one of the procedures described above under
"--Procedure for Tendering" at any time prior to the Expiration Date.

Conditions

      Notwithstanding any other term of the Exchange Offer, the Company will not
be obligated to consummate the Exchange Offer if the New Notes to be received
will not be tradeable by the holder, other than in the case of Restricted
Holders, without restriction under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and
without material restrictions under the blue sky or securities laws of
substantially all of the states of the United States. Such condition will be
deemed to be satisfied unless a holder provides the Company with an opinion of
counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company to the effect that the New Notes
received by such holder will not be tradeable without restriction under the
Securities Act and the Exchange Act and without material restrictions under the
blue sky laws of substantially all of the states of the United States. The
Company may waive this condition.

      If the condition described above exists, the Company will be entitled to
refuse to accept any Old Notes and, in the case of such refusal, will return all
tendered Old Notes to exchanging holders of the Old Notes. See "Exchange Offer;
Registration Rights."

Exchange Agent

      United States Trust Company of New York has been appointed as Exchange
Agent for the Exchange Offer. Questions and requests for assistance and requests
for additional copies of this Prospectus or of the Letter of Transmittal should
be directed to the Exchange Agent addressed as follows:

By Hand Delivery:              United States Trust Company of New York
                               111 Broadway
                               Lower Level Corporate Trust Window
                               New York, New York 10006
                               Attn: Corporate Trust Services

By Registered or
  Certified Mail:              United States Trust Company of New York
                               P.O. Box 843 Cooper Station
                               New York, New York 10276
                               Attn: Corporate Trust Services

By Overnight Courier
  (or by Hand Delivery
  after 4:30 p.m. on the
  Expiration Date Only):       United States Trust Company of New York
                               770 Broadway, 13th Floor
                               New York, New York 10003
                               Attn: Corporate Trust Services

Facsimile Transmission:
(Eligible Institutions and
  Withdrawal Notices Only)     (212) 780-0592
                               Attn: Customer Service
                               Confirm: 1-800-548-6565
                               For Information Call:  1-800-548-6565


                                       25
<PAGE>

Fees and Expenses

      The expenses of soliciting tenders pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be
borne by the Company. The principal solicitation for tenders pursuant to the
Exchange Offer is being made by mail. Additional solicitations may be made by
officers and regular employees of the Company and its affiliates in person, by
telegraph or telephone.

      The Company will not make any payments to brokers, dealers or other
persons soliciting acceptances of the Exchange Offer. The Company, however, will
pay the Exchange Agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will
reimburse the Exchange Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in
connection therewith.

      The registration expenses to be incurred in connection with the Exchange
Offer, including fees and expenses of the Exchange Agent and the transfer agent
and accounting and legal fees, will be paid by the Company.

      The Company will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the
exchange of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. If, however, certificates
representing New Notes or Old Notes for principal amounts not tendered or
accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be registered or issued
in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the Old Notes
tendered, or if tendered Old Notes are registered in the name of any person
other than the person signing the Letter of Transmittal, or if a transfer tax is
imposed for any reason other than the exchange of Old Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer, then the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on
the registered holder or any other persons) will be payable by the tendering
holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom
is not submitted with the Letter of Transmittal, the amount of such transfer
taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder.

Accounting Treatment

      No gain or loss for accounting purposes will be recognized by the Company
upon the consummation of the Exchange Offer. The expenses of the Exchange Offer
will be amortized by the Company over the term of the New Notes under generally
accepted accounting principles.


                                       26
<PAGE>

                                THE TRANSACTIONS

The Recapitalization

      The Offering was consummated on March 30, 1998 in conjunction with the
recapitalization of Holdings. Holdings is the direct owner of all of the capital
stock of Morris Material Handling, Inc., which was formed in March 1998. In the
Recapitalization, MHE Investments, a newly formed affiliate of Chartwell
Investments Inc., together with certain institutional investors and HarnCo,
invested new and continuing equity capital of $126.0 million in Holdings.

      The proceeds of the Equity Investment, together with approximately $55.0
million of aggregate borrowings by the Company under the New Credit Facility and
approximately $200.0 million in aggregate proceeds from the Offering, were used
(i) to finance the Recapitalization, (ii) to make loans to senior management to
acquire indirect equity interests in Holdings, (iii) for general corporate
purposes and (iv) to pay approximately $23.5 million of fees and expenses. See
"Use of Proceeds." The Recapitalization consideration consisted of (i) $336.0
million in cash that was paid to HarnCo (subject to potential
post-Recapitalization Closing adjustments as to which an additional $5.0 million
was provided to HarnCo at the Recapitalization Closing) and (ii) $12.0 million
of continuing equity capital that was retained by HarnCo.

      The Recapitalization was effectuated pursuant to the Recapitalization
Agreement, among MHE Investments, HarnCo and certain of HarnCo's affiliates. In
the Recapitalization, (i) MHE Investments acquired approximately 88.2% of the
voting power of Holdings, (ii) the Company acquired, directly or indirectly, all
of the equity interests of the entities engaged in the MHE Business that were
previously owned by the HarnCo Parties, and (iii) HarnCo received the cash
Recapitalization consideration, comprised of $282.0 million from Holdings and
$54.0 million directly from MHE Investments. Concurrently with the Offering,
Holdings offered $60.0 million of its Units (the "Series A Units") consisting of
approximately $57.7 million liquidation preference of Series A Senior Preferred
Stock and 720 shares of Holdings Common Stock (the "Unit Offering"). See "The
Unit Offering." The net proceeds of the Unit Offering, together with the
proceeds of the Offering and borrowings under the New Credit Facility, which
were used to repurchase shares of the Company held by Holdings, were used to
finance the cash Recapitalization consideration paid by Holdings.

      MHE Investments owns approximately 72.6% of the Holdings Common Stock and
approximately $28.9 million liquidation preference of the Series C Junior Voting
Preferred Stock and HarnCo owns approximately 20.8% of the Holdings Common Stock
and approximately $4.8 million liquidation preference of the Series B Junior
Preferred Stock. The remaining equity interests, consisting of non-voting stock
representing approximately 6.6% of the Holdings Common Stock and approximately
$57.7 million liquidation preference of the Series A Senior Preferred Stock, are
held by institutional investors.

      In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company entered into a
Trademark License Agreement with an affiliate of HarnCo, pursuant to which the
Company has the right to use the P&H trademark with respect to all MHE Business
products on a worldwide exclusive basis from the date of the Recapitalization
Closing until 15 years after the earlier to occur of a sale of Holdings to a
third party or a public offering of the common stock of Holdings, the Company or
their parents or successors (and for an additional seven years thereafter for
aftermarket products and services). The royalty fee for use of the trademark is
0.75% of the aggregate net sales of the MHE Business for the ten year period
commencing 12 months after the Recapitalization Closing. There will be no
royalty fee for the remainder of the term. The Company also entered into a
number of agreements pursuant to which HarnCo will continue to provide, on an
interim basis, certain supplies, products and services to the Company and its
subsidiaries located in the United States on substantially similar terms and
conditions to those historically provided. See "Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions."


                                       27
<PAGE>

The Pre-Closing Transactions

      Immediately prior to the Recapitalization Closing, the HarnCo Parties
effected a number of transactions that resulted in the Company holding, directly
or indirectly, the equity interests of all of the entities engaged in the MHE
Business that were previously owned by the HarnCo Parties.

The October 1997 Drop Down

      The organizational structure of the Company and its subsidiaries was
substantially reorganized in connection with the anticipated sale of the
Company. In connection therewith, in October 1997, HarnCo transferred the assets
of its Material Handling Equipment Division (the "MHE Division") to Material
Handling, LLC ("MHLLC"), a newly-created wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company
(the "October 1997 Drop Down"). All non-cash assets held by HarnCo and used
exclusively by the MHE Division were transferred or, in the case of leased
personal property, subleased to MHLLC or to one of its affiliates. In return,
MHLLC assumed substantially all of the liabilities of HarnCo and the Non-MHE
HarnCo Affiliates relating to the MHE Business (other than as described below).

      As of the Recapitalization Closing, HarnCo has retained certain income and
other tax liabilities relating to the MHE Business, all environmental
liabilities relating to the ownership or operation of any shared facilities and
of HarnCo's Orchard Street facility, any liabilities for which HarnCo or its
affiliates have been named as potentially responsible parties with respect to
two Superfund sites, and any liabilities arising in connection with claims
alleging exposure to asbestos (to the extent there is insurance coverage
therefor) in connection with the MHE Business prior to the Recapitalization
Closing. In addition, among other matters, the HarnCo Parties have retain all
liability for medical and disability benefit claims for current United States
employees made prior to the Recapitalization Closing, all claims by United
States employees who are on short-term or long-term disability as of the
Recapitalization Closing and all claims with respect to any of the HII benefit
plans for former United States employees of the Company.

New Credit Facility

      The Company has entered into the New Credit Facility which consists of a
$70.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility"), a
$30.0 million acquisition facility (the "Acquisition Facility"), a $20.0 million
term loan ("Term Loan A") and a $35.0 million term loan ("Term Loan B" and,
together with Term Loan A, the "Term Loans").

      The Revolving Credit Facility permits, subject to compliance with certain
conditions, the Company to borrow, repay and reborrow up to $70.0 million (of
which $15.0 million is required under the Indenture to be reserved for issuance
of letters of credit) at any time until the fifth anniversary of the
Recapitalization Closing, the proceeds of which may be used for working capital
and other corporate purposes. The Acquisition Facility, the proceeds of which
may be used for acquisitions, permits, subject to compliance with certain
conditions, the Company to borrow up to $30.0 million at any time until the
third anniversary, and to repay the same in installments on or prior to the
seventh anniversary of the Recapitalization Closing. Term Loan A will be
repayable in 20 quarterly installments, commencing on June 30, 1998 and Term
Loan B will be repayable in 28 quarterly installments commencing on June 30,
1998.

      Borrowings under the New Credit Facility bear interest at various interest
rates based on certain floating reference rates, as selected by the Company,
plus a margin. The New Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and
restrictive covenants on the part of the Company and its subsidiaries.
Borrowings under the New Credit Facility are (i) secured by substantially all of
the present and future assets of the Company and its subsidiaries located in the
United States and the United Kingdom, certain of the Company's subsidiaries'
present and future assets located in Canada and by a pledge of substantially all
of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company and its
current and future subsidiaries and (ii) guaranteed by Holdings and
substantially all of the Company's subsidiaries. See "Description of the New
Credit Facility."


                                       28
<PAGE>

Credit Support

      Historically, HarnCo and the Non-MHE HarnCo Affiliates, including HII,
provided credit support for the MHE Business. This credit support included: (i)
providing working capital; (ii) guaranteeing financial and performance
obligations with respect to customer and supply contracts and relationships;
(iii) providing collateral and credit support with respect to letters of credit,
surety bonds or other arrangements of the MHE Business; and (iv) otherwise being
directly and contingently liable for the MHE Business's obligations. In
addition, prior to the October 1997 Drop Down, a significant portion of the MHE
Business was conducted directly by HarnCo, including the execution of certain
contracts. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, HII had net sales of
approximately $3.1 billion and operating income of $319.3 million.

      HII and the Company have entered into a Credit Indemnification Agreement
pursuant to which HII will maintain in place the Credit Support Obligations in
existence at the Recapitalization Closing but have no further duty to extend,
renew or enter into any new Credit Support Obligations (except as to the MHE
Business Obligations existing at the Recapitalization Closing). The Company will
pay HII an annual fee equal to 1% of the amounts still outstanding under each
letter of credit and bond provided by HarnCo and the Non-MHE HarnCo Affiliates
(approximately $38.4 million as of March 30, 1998), and reimburse HII for
certain future fees and expenses. The Credit Indemnification Agreement also
provides that the Company will reimburse HII on demand for any payment made by
HII or its affiliates under any of the Credit Support Obligations.

      The Company entered into the Surety Arrangement to provide credit support
for the MHE Business. The Surety Arrangement provides a surety line of $60.0
million, in the aggregate, with a limit of $20.0 million for any single
obligation. Collateral for the surety line will be letters of credit provided
under the Revolving Credit Facility in the amount of up to 20% of outstanding
surety obligations and a pledge of certain assets of the Company. See
"Description of the Surety Arrangement."


                                       29
<PAGE>

                                 USE OF PROCEEDS
                             (dollars in thousands)

      The Company will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the
New Notes offered hereby. In consideration for issuing the New Notes offered
hereby, the Company will receive, in exchange, Old Notes in like principal
amount.

      The aggregate proceeds of the Offering and the borrowings under the New
Credit Facility were used (i) to repurchase shares of the Company held by
Holdings, the proceeds of which, together with the Equity Investment, were used
to finance the Recapitalization, (ii) to make loans to senior management to
acquire indirect equity interests in Holdings, (iii) for general corporate
purposes and (iv) to pay estimated fees and expenses associated with the
Transactions. See "Capitalization."

      The sources and uses of the Recapitalization were as follows:

      Sources:
      New Credit Facility:
          Term Loans..................................................  $ 55,000
      Old Notes ......................................................   200,000
      Equity Investment...............................................   126,000
                                                                        --------
               Total sources..........................................  $381,000
                                                                        ========
      Uses:
      Cash portion of the Recapitalization consideration..............  $336,000
      Stock portion of the Recapitalization consideration.............    12,000
      Prepayment of purchase price adjustment.........................     5,000
      Prepayment of credit support fee to HII.........................       290
      Short-term loan to management to finance the purchase of equity
        interests.....................................................       900
      General corporate purposes......................................     3,310
      Estimated fees and expenses.....................................    23,500
                                                                        --------
               Total uses.............................................  $381,000
                                                                        ========


                                       30
<PAGE>

                                 CAPITALIZATION
                             (dollars in thousands)

      The following table sets forth the combined capitalization of the Company
at January 31, 1998 and as adjusted to give effect to the Transactions as if
they had occurred as of January 31, 1998. This table should be read in
conjunction with "Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information,"
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations," and the Combined Financial Statements of the Company and the notes
thereto appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.

                                                As of January 31, 1998
                                             ----------------------------
                                               Actual        As Adjusted
                                             ---------       -----------
      Cash ..............................    $   6,317       $   3,310(a)
                                             =========       =========   

      Existing debt .....................    $   4,289       $   4,289(b)
      New Credit Facility: (c)
           Term Loans ...................                       55,000(d)
      Old Notes .........................                      200,000
                Total debt ..............        4,289         259,289
                                             ---------       ---------
      Shareholder's equity ..............      132,684         (26,846)(e)
                                             ---------       ---------
                Total capitalization ....    $ 136,973       $ 232,443
                                             =========       =========   

- ----------
(a)   As adjusted cash reflects cash remaining after giving effect to the
      Transactions, including the prepayment of a $5.0 million purchase price
      adjustment under the Recapitalization Agreement. According to the terms of
      the Recapitalization Agreement, if determined at January 31, 1998, the
      purchase price adjustment would have been $2.4 million. The remaining $2.6
      million of the prepaid purchase price adjustment would then be refunded
      within 60 days of the Recapitalization Closing.
(b)   Existing debt of $4.3 million consists of a $2.7 million bank overdraft,
      $0.4 million of short-term debt, a $0.7 million mortgage, $0.3 million of
      industrial revenue bonds and $0.2 million of capital leases.
(c)   The New Credit Facility will consist of the Revolving Credit Facility, the
      Acquisition Facility and the Term Loans. A portion of the Revolving Credit
      Facility may be used to provide letters of credit in connection with the
      Surety Arrangement. See "Description of the Surety Arrangement."
(d)   The Term Loans will consist of a $20.0 million five year term loan and a
      $35.0 million seven year term loan.
(e)   Reflects the following adjustments to historical book value:

      Cash retained by HarnCo ...............................   $  (6,317)
      Intercompany receivable retained by HarnCo ............        (255)
      Deferred income tax asset retained by HarnCo ..........      (2,720)
      Deferred income tax asset (net) arising out of Section
         338(h)(10) election under the Internal Revenue Code
         of 1986 (the "Code") ...............................      73,946
      Income taxes payable retained by HarnCo ...............       2,563
      Deferred income tax liability retained by HarnCo ......       3,142
      Estimated purchase price adjustment ...................      (2,389)
      Repurchase of shares of the Company held by Holdings ..    (227,500)
                                                                --------- 
                                                                $(159,530)
                                                                ========= 


                                       31
<PAGE>

               UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

      The following Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet of the Company as
of January 31, 1998 has been prepared to reflect the consummation of the
Transactions as if they had occurred as of January 31, 1998. The Unaudited Pro
Forma Combined Statements of Operations of the Company for the three months
ended January 31, 1998 and for the year ended October 31, 1997 have been
prepared to reflect the consummation of the Transactions as if they had occurred
on November 1, 1996. The Unaudited Combined Pro Forma Financial Information does
not purport to be indicative of the operating results and financial position of
the Company that actually would have been obtained if the Transactions had been
consummated as of and for the dates and periods presented or that may be
obtained in the future. The unaudited pro forma adjustments, as described in the
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information, are based on
available information and upon certain assumptions that management believes are
reasonable. The Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information should be
read in conjunction with the Combined Financial Statements of the Company and
notes thereto appearing elsewhere herein.


                                       32
<PAGE>

                   UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
                             (dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  As of January 31, 1998
                                                                       --------------------------------------------
                                                                       Historical       Adjustments   Pro Forma (a)
                                                                       ----------       -----------   -------------
      <S>                                                              <C>             <C>             <C>      
      Assets
      Current assets
           Cash and cash equivalents ...............................   $   6,317       $  (3,007)(b)   $   3,310
           Accounts receivable, net ................................      75,545            (255)(c)      75,290
           Inventories .............................................      36,509                          36,509
           Other current assets ....................................       6,348          (2,720)(d)
                                                                                             290 (e)
                                                                                             900 (f)
                                                                                           2,611 (g)       7,429
                                                                       ---------       ---------       ---------
                Total current assets ...............................     124,719          (2,181)        122,538
                                                                       ---------       ---------       ---------
      Property, plant and equipment
           Land and improvements ...................................       3,328                           3,328
           Buildings ...............................................      20,860                          20,860
           Machinery and equipment .................................      36,268                          36,268
           Less: accumulated depreciation ..........................     (22,462)                        (22,462)
                                                                       ---------       ---------       ---------
                                                                          37,994                          37,994
                                                                       ---------       ---------       ---------
      Other assets
           Goodwill ................................................      31,792                          31,792
           Other ...................................................       5,874          91,946 (h)      97,820
                                                                       ---------       ---------       ---------
                                                                          37,666          91,946         129,612
                                                                       ---------       ---------       ---------
                Total assets .......................................   $ 200,379       $  89,765       $ 290,144
                                                                       =========       =========       =========
      Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
      Current liabilities
           Short-term notes payable and current portion of long-term
              obligations ..........................................   $     567       $   1,350 (i)   $   1,917
           Bank overdrafts .........................................       2,713                           2,713
           Trade accounts payable ..................................      26,729                          26,729
           Accrued expenses ........................................      10,989                          10,989
           Advance payments and progress billings ..................       8,829                           8,829
           Income taxes payable ....................................       2,563          (2,563)(j)          --
           Other current liabilities ...............................      10,777                          10,777
                                                                       ---------       ---------       ---------
                Total current liabilities ..........................      63,167          (1,213)         61,954
      Term Loans, excluding current portion ........................                      53,650 (k)      53,650
      Other term debt ..............................................       1,009                           1,009
      Old Notes ....................................................                     200,000         200,000
      Deferred income taxes ........................................       3,142          (3,142)(l)          --
                                                                       ---------       ---------       ---------
                Total liabilities ..................................      67,318         249,295         316,613
      Minority interest ............................................         377                             377
      Shareholder's equity .........................................     132,684        (159,530)(m)     (26,846)
                                                                       ---------       ---------       ---------
                Total liabilities and shareholder's equity .........   $ 200,379       $  89,765       $ 290,144
                                                                       =========       =========       =========
</TABLE>


                                       33
<PAGE>

               Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet

(a)   Pro forma to give effect to the Transactions as if they had occurred as of
      January 31, 1998.
(b)   Reflects the following:

          Cash retained by HarnCo................................  $  (6,317)
          Proceeds from the Old Notes............................    200,000
          Borrowings under the New Credit Facility...............     55,000
          Estimated fees and expenses............................    (18,000)
          Prepayment of credit support fee to HII................       (290)
          Estimated short-term loan to management to finance the 
             purchase of equity interests........................       (900)
          Prepayment of purchase price adjustment................     (5,000)(i)
          Repurchase of shares of the Company held by Holdings...   (227,500)
                                                                   --------- 
                                                                   $  (3,007)
                                                                   ========= 

      (i)   Reflects prepayment of a purchase price adjustment under the
            Recapitalization Agreement. According to the terms of the
            Recapitalization Agreement, if determined at January 31, 1998, the
            purchase price adjustment would have been $2.4 million. The
            remaining $2.6 million of the prepaid purchase price adjustment
            would then be refunded within 60 days of the Recapitalization
            Closing.

(c)   Reflects elimination of intercompany receivables retained by HarnCo.
(d)   Reflects elimination of deferred income tax asset retained by HarnCo.
(e)   Reflects the prepayment of credit support fee to HII.
(f)   Reflects short-term loan to management to finance the purchase of equity
      interests. The Company expects such loan to be repaid within one year.
(g)   Reflects the receivable from Holdings which represents the estimate of the
      portion of the $5.0 million prepaid purchase price adjustment under the
      Recapitalization Agreement that is anticipated to be refunded within 60
      days of the Recapitalization Closing.
(h)   Reflects the following:

            Deferred income tax asset (net) arising out of the 
              Code Section 338(h)(10) election...................   $  73,946(i)
            Capitalization of the estimated fees and expenses 
              related to the debt portion of the Financings......      18,000
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    $  91,946
                                                                    =========

      (i)   Reflects the increase in the deferred income tax assets of the
            Company since, for United States federal and state income tax
            purposes, the Transactions are treated as a taxable asset sale. As a
            result there is a step-up in the tax basis of the net assets which
            will provide future income tax deductions of $231.1 million and may
            reduce future income tax payments by approximately $73.9 million as
            shown below:

            Company total enterprise value.......................  $ 360,178
            Less: tax basis of net assets acquired...............   (129,097)
                                                                   ---------
                                                                     231,081
            Estimated corporate tax rate.........................       40.0%
                                                                   ---------
            Deferred income tax asset arising out of the Code
              Section 338(h)(10) election........................  $  92,432
                                                                   =========
            Less: valuation reserve..............................    (18,486)(x)
                                                                   ---------
            Deferred income tax asset (net) arising out of 
              the Code Section 338(h)(10) election...............  $  73,946
                                                                   =========

      (x)   A valuation reserve has been established against the deferred income
            tax asset on the assumption that the deferred income tax asset may
            not be fully utilized in future years. The valuation reserve
            represents 20% of the gross asset.

(i)   Reflects the current portion of the Term Loans.
(j)   Reflects elimination of income taxes payable retained by HarnCo.
(k)   Reflects borrowings under the Term Loans excluding current portion.
(l)   Reflects elimination of deferred income tax liability retained by HarnCo.


                                       34
<PAGE>

(m)   Reflects the following:

            Cash retained by HarnCo................................  $   (6,317)
            Intercompany receivable retained by HarnCo.............        (255)
            Deferred income tax asset retained by HarnCo ..........      (2,720)
            Deferred income tax asset (net) arising out of 
              the Code Section 338(h)(10) election.................      73,946
            Income taxes payable retained by HarnCo ...............       2,563
            Deferred income tax liability retained by HarnCo ......       3,142
            Estimated purchase price adjustment....................      (2,389)
            Repurchase of shares of the Company held by Holdings...    (227,500)
                                                                     ---------- 
                                                                     $ (159,530)
                                                                     ========== 


                                       35
<PAGE>

              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                             (dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     For the Year Ended October 31, 1997
                                                   ----------------------------------------
                                                   Historical   Adjustments   Pro Forma (a)
                                                   ----------   -----------   -------------
<S>                                                <C>          <C>             <C>
Revenues
     Net sales .................................   $ 353,350    $               $ 353,350
     Other income--net .........................       2,649                        2,649
                                                   ---------    ---------       ---------
                                                     355,999                      355,999
Cost of sales ..................................     260,794                      260,794
Product development, selling and administrative
   expenses ....................................      56,806        1,000 (b)      57,806
Management fee .................................       2,862       (1,862)(c)       1,000
                                                   ---------    ---------       ---------
          Operating income .....................      35,537          862          36,399

Interest expense--net
     Affiliates ................................        (394)         394 (d)          --
     Third party ...............................        (398)     (26,105)(e)     (26,503)
                                                   ---------    ---------       ---------
Income before income taxes and minority interest      34,745      (24,849)          9,896
Provision for income taxes .....................     (13,874)       9,939 (f)      (3,935)
Minority interest ..............................         (18)                         (18)
                                                   ---------    ---------       ---------
          Net income ...........................   $  20,853    $ (14,910)      $   5,943
                                                   =========    =========       =========
Other Financial Data:
EBITDA (g) .....................................   $  45,859                    $  43,859
Depreciation and amortization ..................       6,736                        8,536
Capital expenditures ...........................       6,498                        6,498
Cash interest expense ..........................         792                       24,703
</TABLE>


                                       36
<PAGE>

              UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                             (dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       For the Three Months Ended January 31, 1998
                                                       -------------------------------------------
                                                        Historical   Adjustments    Pro Forma (a)
                                                       ------------  -----------   ---------------
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>            <C>     
Revenues
     Net sales ........................................   $ 76,483    $              $ 76,483
     Other income--net ................................        284                        284
                                                          --------    --------       -------- 
                                                            76,767                     76,767
Cost of sales .........................................     56,653                     56,653
Product development, selling and administrative
   expenses ...........................................     14,480         824 (b)     15,304
Management fee ........................................        677        (427)(c)        250
                                                          --------    --------       -------- 
          Operating income ............................      4,957        (397)         4,560

Interest expense--net
     Affiliates .......................................       (687)        687 (d)         --
     Third party ......................................       (158)     (6,526)(e)     (6,684)
                                                          --------    --------       -------- 
Income/(loss) before income taxes and minority interest      4,112      (6,236)        (2,124)
(Provision)/benefit for income taxes ..................     (1,987)      2,494 (f)        507
Minority interest .....................................         14                         14
                                                          --------    --------       -------- 
          Net income/(loss) ...........................   $  2,139    $ (3,742)      $ (1,603)
                                                          ========    ========       ======== 
Other Financial Data:
EBITDA (g) ............................................   $  7,538                   $  6,464
Depreciation and amortization .........................      1,659                      2,109
Capital expenditures ..................................        816                        816
Cash interest expense .................................        845                      6,234
</TABLE>


                                       37
<PAGE>

       Notes to the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statements of Operations

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      Pro Forma
                                                                                    Pro Forma for   for the Three
                                                                                       the Year         Months
                                                                                        Ended           Ended
                                                                                     October 31,     January 31,
                                                                                        1997             1998
                                                                                    -------------   -------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>              <C>       
(a)   Pro forma gives effect to the Transactions as if they had occurred on
      November 1, 1996.

(b)   Reflects the following:
        Estimated incremental costs attributable to stand alone operations......     $     1,000      $      250
        Royalty payment under the Trademark License Agreement with an
        affiliate of HarnCo. The royalty fee, calculated as 0.75% of the
        annual aggregate net sales of the MHE Business, will be incurred
        for the ten year period commencing 12 months after the
        Recapitalization Closing................................................              --              574
                                                                                     -----------      -----------
                                                                                     $     1,000      $       824
                                                                                     ===========      ===========

(c)   Reflects the following:

        Elimination of HII Management Fee.......................................     $    (2,862)     $      (677)
        Chartwell Investments Inc.'s management consulting fee..................           1,000              250
                                                                                     -----------      -----------
                                                                                     $    (1,862)     $      (427)
                                                                                     ===========      =========== 

(d)   Reflects elimination of interest expense paid to affiliates of HII. 

(e)   Reflects the following:

        Estimated change in cash interest expense on debt.......................     $   (24,006)     $    (6,001)
        Estimated fee paid to HII for outstanding credit support................            (299)             (75)
        Estimated amortization of debt financing costs..........................          (1,800)            (450)
                                                                                     -----------      -----------
                                                                                     $   (26,105)     $    (6,526)
                                                                                     ===========      =========== 

<CAPTION>
                                                                       Principal    Interest Cost    Interest Cost
                                                                       ---------    -------------    -------------
     Estimated cash interest expense on debt:
        Revolving Credit Facility at LIBOR plus 2.25%(i)........      $       --     $       350      $        87
        Acquisition Facility at LIBOR plus 2.75%(i).............              --             150               37
        Term Loan A at LIBOR plus 2.25%.........................          20,000           1,575              394
        Term Loan B at LIBOR plus 2.75%.........................          35,000           2,931              733
        Notes at 9.50%..........................................         200,000          19,000            4,750
                                                                                     -----------      -----------
                                                                                     $    24,006      $     6,001
                                                                                     ===========      ===========
</TABLE>

      (i)   Reflects a 0.50% fee for undrawn commitments under these facilities.

      For the purposes of the above, LIBOR is estimated to be 5.625%.

      A 1/8th percentage point increase or decrease in the assumed average
      interest rate on the debt issued in connection with the Recapitalization
      would change the annual pro forma interest expense for the year ended
      October 31, 1997 by approximately $0.3 million and the pro forma net
      income for the year ended October 31, 1997 by approximately $0.2 million.
      A 1/8th percentage point increase or decrease in the assumed average
      interest rate on the debt issued in connection with the Recapitalization
      would change the pro forma interest expense for the three months ended
      January 31, 1998 by approximately $0.1 million and the pro forma net
      income for the three months ended January 31, 1998 by approximately $0.1
      million.

(f)   Reflects the tax effect of all adjustments at an assumed effective tax
      rate of 40%.


                                       38
<PAGE>

(g)   EDITDA is defined as operating income before depreciation, amortization,
      the HII Management Fee and charges related to certain depreciation
      expenses for HarnCo assets. For fiscal 1997 and the three months ended
      January 31, 1998, the HII Management Fee was $2,862 and $677,
      respectively, and the charges related to certain depreciation expenses for
      HarnCo assets were $724 and $245, respectively. Pro forma EBITDA
      represents operating income before depreciation, amortization and the
      charges related to certain depreciation expenses for HarnCo assets. EBITDA
      is not a calculation based on generally accepted accounting principles.
      EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income or
      operating income, as an indicator of the operating performance of the
      Company or as an alternative to operating cash flows as a measure of
      liquidity.


                                       39
<PAGE>

            SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

      The selected historical combined financial data as of and for the years
ended October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 have been derived from the audited
combined financial statements of the Company. The selected historical combined
financial data as of and for the three months ended January 31, 1998 and 1997
have been derived from the unaudited combined financial statements of the
Company. The selected historical combined financial data as of and for the years
ended October 31, 1994 and 1993 have been derived from unaudited internal
records of the Company. The Company's operations for 1994 and 1993 were
integrated with other HII operations and, therefore, the financial data for
these periods represent management's best estimate of their operating
performance. The unaudited financial data presented herein, in the opinion of
management, includes all necessary adjustments required for the fair
presentation of such data.

      The selected pro forma combined financial data as of and for the three
months ended January 31, 1998 and for the year ended October 31, 1997 have been
prepared to reflect the consummation of the Transactions. The unaudited pro
forma combined balance sheet data have been prepared as if such transactions had
occurred as of January 31, 1998 and the unaudited pro forma combined statements
of operations data have been prepared as if such transactions had occurred on
November 1, 1996. The selected pro forma combined financial data are not
necessarily indicative of the financial position or results of operations of the
Company had the transactions reflected therein actually been consummated on the
dates assumed and are not necessarily indicative of the financial position or
results of operations that may be expected for any future periods.

      The selected combined financial data should be read in conjunction with
"Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Information," "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Combined
Financial Statements of the Company and notes thereto appearing elsewhere
herein.


                                       40
<PAGE>

            SELECTED HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
                             (dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      Three Months Ended
                                           Fiscal Year Ended October 31,                                   January 31,
                         ------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------------------------
                                                                                  Pro Forma                           Pro Forma
                           1993(a)     1994(a)     1995       1996       1997       1997         1997        1998        1998
                          --------    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------     --------    --------    --------
                         (unaudited) (unaudited)                                 (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
<S>                       <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>     
Income statement data:
Net sales .............   $117,032    $109,429   $243,169   $323,735   $353,350   $353,350     $ 79,982    $ 76,483    $ 76,483
Gross profit ..........        N/A         N/A     56,765     76,176     92,556     92,556       19,190      19,830      19,830
Operating expenses(b)          N/A         N/A     35,043     46,160     57,019     56,157       12,642      14,873      15,270
                          --------    --------   --------   --------   --------   --------     --------    --------    --------
Operating income ......   $  4,781    $ 10,437     21,722     30,016     35,537     36,399        6,548       4,957       4,560
Net income/(loss) .....        N/A         N/A   $ 13,476   $ 18,446   $ 20,853   $  5,943     $  4,011    $  2,139      (1,603)
                          ========    ========   ========   ========   ========   ========     ========    ========    ========

Other data:                                                                                                            
EBITDA(c) .............   $  9,341    $ 15,075   $ 28,045   $ 38,220   $ 45,859   $ 43,859     $  8,925    $  7,538    $  6,464
Depreciation and                                                                                                       
  amortization(d) .....      2,588       2,981      3,800      5,292      6,736      8,536        1,548       1,659       2,109
Capital expenditures ..      1,419       3,935      3,725      6,752      6,498      6,498        1,744         816         816
Cash interest expense .                                                             24,703                                6,234
Ratio of earnings to                                                                                                   
  fixed charges (e) ...        N/A         N/A      23.21x     23.11x     16.46x      1.35x       21.58x       4.40x         --
                                                                                                                       
Adjusted data:                                                                                                         
Ratio of EBITDA to cash                                                                                                
  interest expense ....                                                               1.78x                                1.70x(f)
Ratio of pro forma debt                                                                                                
  to EBITDA ...........                                                               5.91x                                6.19x(f)
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          As of October 31,                                            As of January 31,
                         ------------------------------------------------------              -----------------------------------
                                                                                                                      Pro Forma
                           1993(a)     1994(a)     1995       1996       1997                    1997        1998        1998
                          --------    --------   --------   --------   --------                --------    --------    --------
                         (unaudited) (unaudited)                                             (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
<S>                       <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>                     <C>         <C>         <C>     
Balance sheet data:
Working capital.......         N/A         N/A   $ 17,483   $ 34,523   $ 51,243                $ 37,432    $ 61,552    $ 60,584
Total assets..........    $ 66,667    $126,566    151,168    189,058    199,600                 193,633     200,379     290,144
Total debt............         N/A         N/A      4,704      2,044      6,088                   3,348       4,289     259,289
</TABLE>

- ----------
(a)   Prior to 1995, the Company did not determine its financial position or
      results of operations on a stand alone basis as its financial and
      management reporting information was commingled with other operating
      divisions of HII. As a result, the Company's summary data as of and for
      the years ended October 31, 1994 and 1993 is limited and certain
      historical financial data is not available.
(b)   Operating expenses are shown net of other income.
(c)   EBITDA is defined as operating income before depreciation, amortization,
      the allocation of certain HII corporate overhead charges (the "HII
      Management Fee") and charges related to certain depreciation expenses for
      HarnCo assets. For fiscal 1997 and the three months ended January 31,
      1998, the HII Management Fee was $2,862 and $677, respectively, and the
      charges related to certain depreciation expenses for HarnCo assets were
      $724 and $245, respectively. Pro forma EBITDA represents operating income
      before depreciation, amortization and the charges related to certain
      depreciation expenses for HarnCo assets. EBITDA is not a calculation based
      on generally accepted accounting principles. EBITDA should not be
      considered as an alternative to net income or operating income, as an
      indicator of the operating performance of the Company or as an alternative
      to operating cash flows as a measure of liquidity.
(d)   Pro forma includes $1,800 and $450 of amortization of debt issuance costs
      for fiscal 1997 and the three months ended January 31, 1998, respectively.
(e)   For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
      earnings are defined as net income before tax plus fixed charges. Fixed
      charges consist of interest expense (including amortization of debt
      issuance costs) and the portion of rental expense that is representative
      of the interest factor (deemed to be one third of annual rent expense).
      For the three months ended January 31, 1998 the Company had a deficiency
      of pro forma earnings to fixed charges of $2,124.
(f)   Reflects a pro forma calculation for the twelve months ended January 31,
      1998.


                                       41
<PAGE>

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

      The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Combined
Financial Statements of the Company and the related notes thereto included
elsewhere in this Prospectus. The Company's fiscal year ends October 31.
Consequently, for purposes of this section, unless otherwise specified herein,
references to a particular year are to the fiscal year of the Company ended
October 31 of such year.

General

      The Company is a leading international provider of "through-the-air"
material handling products and services used in most manufacturing industries.
The Company's original equipment operations design and manufacture a
comprehensive line of industrial cranes, hoists and other component products.
Through its aftermarket operations, the Company provides a variety of related
products and services, including replacement parts, repair and maintenance
services and product modernizations. In recent years, the Company has shifted
its orientation from an original equipment-focused United States manufacturer to
an international full service provider with a significant emphasis on the high
margin aftermarket business. The Company's revenues are derived principally from
the sale of industrial overhead cranes, component products and aftermarket
products and services.

      Recapitalization. Historically, the Company conducted its business as one
of several operating units of HII. Until the October 1997 Drop Down, the core
United States operations of the Company were conducted directly by HarnCo, while
the remainder of the Company's operations (including Morris Ltd., since its
acquisition in 1994) were conducted through a number of entities owned, directly
or indirectly, by HII and its affiliates. Since the Recapitalization Closing,
the Company operates independently of HII. As a result, the Company's historical
performance may not be indicative of future results.

      Until the Recapitalization Closing, HII and HarnCo performed a number of
functions necessary to the operations of the Company, in accordance with past
practices, including manufacturing certain products and providing certain
information systems, administrative services and credit support. The Company's
historical financial statements include charges allocated to the Company by HII
for these products and services.

      At the Recapitalization Closing, the Company entered into a number of
agreements pursuant to which HII and its affiliates will continue to provide to
the Company and to its subsidiaries located in the United States, on an interim
basis and under substantially similar terms and conditions, certain products and
services. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions." In addition, HII
and the Company entered into a Credit Indemnification Agreement pursuant to
which HII will maintain in place the Credit Support Obligations in existence at
the Recapitalization Closing but have no further duty to extend, renew or enter
into any new Credit Support Obligations (except as to the MHE Business
Obligations existing at the Recapitalization Closing). The Company will pay HII
an annual fee equal to 1% of the amounts still outstanding under each letter of
credit and bond provided by HarnCo and the Non-MHE HarnCo Affiliates
(approximately $38.4 million as of March 30, 1998), and reimburse HII for
certain future fees and expenses. The Company also entered into the Surety
Arrangement to provide credit support for the future operations of the MHE
Business. See "Description of the Surety Arrangement."

      In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company also entered into a
Trademark License Agreement with an affiliate of HarnCo, pursuant to which the
Company has the right to use the P&H trademark with respect to all MHE Business
products on a worldwide exclusive basis from the date of the Recapitalization
Closing until 15 years after the earlier to occur of a sale of Holdings to a
third party or a public offering of the common stock of Holdings, the Company or
their parents or successors (and for an additional seven years thereafter for
aftermarket products and services). The royalty fee for use of the trademark is
0.75% of the aggregate net sales of the MHE Business for the ten year period
commencing 12 months after the Recapitalization Closing.

      For income tax purposes, Holdings and the Company were deemed to acquire
the assets of the MHE Business pursuant to Code Section 338(h)(10) in connection
with the Transactions. Accordingly, this transaction increased 


                                       42
<PAGE>

the tax basis of certain assets and created deductible goodwill, which will
generate significant future tax deductions to reduce taxable income.

      Acquisitions. The Company consummated ten acquisitions during the fiscal
years ended October 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997. These acquisitions have had a
significant impact on the Company's financial position and results of
operations.

Results of Operations

      The following table sets forth certain financial data for the periods
indicated:

                                Supplemental Data
                              (dollars in millions)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Fiscal Years Ended October 31,                     Three Months Ended January 31,
                      ------------------------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------
                             1995                 1996                 1997                 1997                1998
                      ------------------   ------------------   ------------------   ------------------   ------------------
                              Percent of           Percent of           Percent of           Percent of           Percent of
                         $    Net Sales       $    Net Sales       $    Net Sales       $    Net Sales       $    Net Sales
                      ------  ----------   ------  ----------   ------  ----------   ------  ----------   ------  ----------
<S>                   <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>   
Net sales .........   $243.2    100.0%     $323.7    100.0%     $353.4    100.0%     $ 80.0    100.0%     $ 76.5    100.0%
Other income net ..      3.8      1.6         1.1      0.3         2.6      0.7         1.3      1.6         0.3      0.4
Cost of sales .....    186.4     76.6       247.6     76.5       260.8     73.8        60.8     76.0        56.7     74.1
Product development                                                                                       
  selling, and                                                                                            
  administrative                                                                                          
  expenses ........     36.9     15.2        45.0     13.9        56.8     16.1        13.2     16.5        14.5     19.0
Parent management                                                                                         
  fee .............      1.9      0.8         2.3      0.7         2.9      0.8         0.6      0.8         0.7      0.9
Operating income ..     21.7      8.9        30.0      9.3        35.5     10.0         6.5      8.1         5.0      6.5
Net income ........     13.5      5.6        18.4      5.7        20.9      5.9         4.0      5.0         2.1      2.7
</TABLE>

Three Months Ended January 31, 1998 as Compared to Three Months Ended January
31, 1997

      Net sales for the three months ended January 31, 1998 ("First Quarter
1998") decreased $3.5 million or 4.4% to $76.5 million from $80.0 million for
the three months ended January 31, 1997 ("First Quarter 1997"). The change in
net sales was primarily the result of: (i) a $10.0 million decrease in United
States engineered crane sales as First Quarter 1997 included the completion of
several large projects, (ii) a net $8.3 million decrease in United Kingdom
original equipment sales reflecting a decline in engineered equipment sales (due
to the presence of several large projects in First Quarter 1997) which more than
offset increased sales of standard equipment, (iii) a $12.9 million increase in
sales of standard cranes, parts and service through the Company's North American
DSC network of which $5.6 million was attributable to the acquisition of a large
DSC in Ohio in February 1997 and (iv) a $1.1 million increase in net sales from
modernizations.

      Other income--net decreased to $0.3 million in First Quarter 1998 from
$1.3 million in First Quarter 1997. This decrease was due principally to the
recognition of a $1.1 million gain in First Quarter 1997 on an insurance claim
relating to a fire at its Morris Ltd. facility in the United Kingdom in fiscal
1995.

      Cost of sales decreased $4.1 million or 6.7% to $56.7 million in First
Quarter 1998 from $60.8 million in First Quarter 1997, primarily due to lower
sales volume in original equipment. Cost of sales represented 74.1% of net sales
in First Quarter 1998, a decrease from 76.0% of net sales in First Quarter 1997.
This improvement was primarily due to a shift in the Company's sales mix in
First Quarter 1998 away from lower margin engineered cranes toward higher margin
standard cranes and aftermarket products and services. As a result, gross profit
increased by $0.6 million to $19.8 million in First Quarter 1998 from $19.2
million in First Quarter 1997, despite lower net sales. Gross profit was 25.9%
of net sales in First Quarter 1998, an improvement from 24.0% of net sales in
First Quarter 1997.


                                       43
<PAGE>

      Product development, selling and administrative expenses increased $1.3
million or 9.8% to $14.5 million in First Quarter 1998 from $13.2 million in
First Quarter 1997. This increase was primarily due to the acquisition of a
large DSC in Ohio in February 1997. Product development, selling and
administrative expenses increased to 19.0% of net sales in First Quarter 1998
from 16.5% of net sales in First Quarter 1997 primarily as a result of lower
sales in First Quarter 1998.

      Parent management fees allocated by HII, which represent an allocation of
HII's corporate expenses, increased to $0.7 million in First Quarter 1998 from
$0.6 million in First Quarter 1997.

      Operating income decreased by $1.5 million or 23.1% to $5.0 million in
First Quarter 1998 from $6.5 million in First Quarter 1997. Operating income
represented 6.5% of net sales in First Quarter 1998 compared to 8.1% of net
sales in First Quarter 1997. This decline was primarily the result of the gain
on the insurance claim in First Quarter 1997 and a decline in engineered crane
sales in both the United States and the United Kingdom, offset, in part, by
growth in sales of standard cranes and aftermarket products and services through
the Company's North American DSC network.

      Net income decreased by $1.9 million or 47.5% to $2.1 million in First
Quarter 1998 from $4.0 million in First Quarter 1997. This decrease was
primarily due to lower operating income and increased interest expense, offset,
in part, by lower income taxes.

Fiscal 1997 as Compared to Fiscal 1996

      Net sales in fiscal 1997 increased $29.7 million or 9.2% to $353.4 million
from $323.7 million in fiscal 1996. The increase in net sales was primarily the
result of:

      (i)   the acquisition of a large DSC in Ohio in February 1997 which
            contributed sales of $15.7 million, prior to eliminations;

      (ii)  the full year impact in fiscal 1997 of the acquisition of a large
            DSC in Alberta, Canada in May 1996 which contributed $10.8 million
            in additional sales, prior to eliminations;

      (iii) a $9.7 million increase in sales of standard cranes and aftermarket
            products and services through the existing North American DSC
            network;

      (iv)  a $9.7 million increase in engineered crane sales in the United
            Kingdom due to several large port crane and warehouse automation
            projects; and

      (v)   a $6.1 million increase in sales of standard cranes and aftermarket
            products and services through the United Kingdom DSC network.

These increases were offset, in part, by:

      (i)   a $9.3 million decrease in engineered crane sales in the United
            States due to the unusually high level of large projects recorded in
            1996; and

      (ii)  an $11.7 million increase in intercompany sales eliminations
            primarily due to the increase in sales of products and services
            through the Company's North American DSC network rather than through
            independent distributors.

      Other income--net increased to $2.6 million in 1997 from $1.1 million in
1996 due principally to a $2.0 million gain in 1997 on the insurance claim
relating to the fire at its Morris Ltd. facility in the United Kingdom in fiscal
1995.


                                       44
<PAGE>

      Cost of sales increased $13.2 million or 5.3% to $260.8 million in 1997
from $247.6 million in 1996, primarily as a result of higher sales volume. Cost
of sales represented 73.8% of net sales in 1997, a decrease from 76.5% of net
sales in 1996. This improvement was primarily due to the completion of several
large engineered crane projects at costs lower than previously accrued. In
addition, there was a shift in the Company's sales mix in 1997 toward high
margin aftermarket products and services. As a result, gross profit increased to
$92.6 million or 26.2% of net sales in 1997 from $76.1 million or 23.5% of net
sales in 1996.

      Product development, selling and administrative expenses increased by
$11.8 million or 26.2% to $56.8 million in 1997 from $45.0 million in 1996.
These expenses represented 16.1% of net sales in 1997 up from 13.9% in 1996.
This increase was primarily due to costs associated with the continued expansion
of the Company's DSC network in North America and the United Kingdom as well as
an increase in engineering costs that were not allocated to specific projects.

      Parent management fees allocated by HII increased to $2.9 million in 1997
from $2.3 million in 1996.

      Operating income increased by $5.5 million or 18.3% to $35.5 million in
1997 from $30.0 million in 1996. Operating income represented 10.0% of net sales
in 1997 compared to 9.3% of net sales in 1996. This improvement was primarily
the result of higher margins on certain large original equipment projects and a
change in sales mix toward higher margin aftermarket products and services,
offset, in part, by increased operating expenses associated with the Company's
expanding DSC network.

      Net income increased by $2.5 million or 13.6% to $20.9 million in 1997,
from $18.4 million in 1996. This increase resulted principally from higher
operating income, offset, in part, by higher income taxes.

Fiscal 1996 as Compared to Fiscal 1995

      Net sales in fiscal 1996 increased $80.5 million or 33.1% to $323.7
million from $243.2 million in fiscal 1995. The increase in net sales was
primarily the result of:

      (i)   the acquisition of large DSCs in Alabama in October 1995, South
            Carolina in December 1995 and Alberta, Canada in May 1996, which
            contributed $32.3 million in additional sales, prior to
            eliminations;

      (ii)  a $17.9 million increase in United States engineered crane sales due
            to several large orders for steel mini-mills;

      (iii) a $14.1 million increase in sales of standard cranes and aftermarket
            products and services through the existing North American DSC
            network; and

      (iv)  a $13.5 million increase in sales outside North America.

      Other income--net decreased to $1.1 million in 1996 from $3.8 million in
1995. Results in 1995 included a gain of $2.3 million associated with an
insurance claim relating to certain assets destroyed by a fire in the United
Kingdom.

      Cost of sales increased $61.2 million or 32.8% to $247.6 million in 1996
from $186.4 million in 1995, primarily as a result of higher sales volume. Cost
of sales represented 76.5% of net sales in 1996, compared to 76.6% of net sales
in 1995. Gross profit increased to $76.1 million or 23.5% of net sales in 1996
from $56.8 million or 23.4% of net sales in 1995.

      Product development, selling and administrative expenses increased by $8.1
million or 22.0% to $45.0 million in 1996 from $36.9 million in 1995. These
expenses declined to 13.9% of net sales in 1996 from 15.2% of net sales in 1995.
The increased costs were primarily due to the acquisition of DSCs in North
America and the expansion of the Company's DSC network in the United Kingdom.


                                       45
<PAGE>

      Parent management fees allocated by HII increased to $2.3 million in 1996
from $1.9 million in 1995.

      Operating income increased by $8.3 million or 38.2% to $30.0 million in
1996 from $21.7 million in 1995. Operating income represented 9.3% of net sales
in 1996, an increase from 8.9% of net sales in 1995. This improvement was
principally the result of sales growth in the higher margin aftermarket parts
and service business, offset, in part, by increased operating expenses as the
Company continued to expand its DSC network.

      Net income increased by $4.9 million or 36.3% to $18.4 million in 1996
from $13.5 million in 1995. This increase was primarily the result of higher
operating income, offset, in part, by higher income taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

      The majority of the Company's sales of products and services are recorded
as products are shipped or services are rendered. Revenue on certain long-term
contracts is recorded using the percentage-of-completion method. Net cash flow
from operations is affected by the volume of, and the timing of payments under,
percentage-of-completion long-term contracts.

      Net cash flow provided by operations was $5.3 million and $0.4 million in
First Quarter 1998 and 1997, respectively. The increase in net cash flow
provided by operations was primarily due to an increase in cash provided from
HII and its affiliates in First Quarter 1998 as compared to First Quarter 1997.

      Net cash flow provided by operations was $3.8 million, $23.5 million and
$12.9 million in 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. The decrease from 1996 to
1997 was primarily due to a larger increase in net working capital. The increase
from 1995 to 1996 was primarily due to an increase in net income, an increase in
cash provided from HII and its affiliates and a smaller increase in net working
capital. The Company's cash flow provided by operations was largely affected by
changes in working capital, primarily due to the presence of an unusually large
number of percentage of completion contracts in 1996.

      Net cash used for investment and other transactions for the First Quarter
1998 and 1997 was $0.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively. This decrease was
primarily due to a lower level of capital expenditures. The Company currently
anticipates that 1998 capital expenditure requirements for the maintenance and
improvement of existing operations and for the implementation of systems
projects will be approximately $8.4 million.

      Net cash used for investment and other transactions for the years ended
1995, 1996, and 1997 was $2.5 million, $21.2 million and $14.9 million,
respectively. The decrease from 1996 to 1997 was primarily due to a lower level
of acquisition expenditures and the receipt in 1997 of insurance proceeds
related to an earlier fire. The increase from 1995 to 1996 was primarily due to
(i) increased expenditures on acquisitions, (ii) increased capital expenditures
in 1996 and (iii) the receipt in 1995 of proceeds from the sale of a facility in
Florida. The Company has completed 10 acquisitions since the beginning of 1995
for a total of $30.9 million.

      As part of the Transactions, the Company entered into the New Credit
Facility which includes $55.0 million of term loans, the Revolving Credit
Facility and the Acquisition Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility provides
the Company with up to $70.0 million of availability (of which $15.0 million is
required under the Indenture to be reserved for issuance of letters of credit)
until the fifth anniversary of the Recapitalization Closing for working capital,
acquisitions and other corporate purposes, subject to compliance with certain
conditions, including a borrowing base test. Up to $20.0 million of the
Revolving Credit Facility (of which $15.0 million will not be subject to a
borrowing base) is available for the issuance of documentary and standby letters
of credit. The Acquisition Facility permits the Company to borrow up to $30.0
million until the third anniversary of the Recapitalization Closing (and to
repay the same in installments prior to the seventh anniversary of the
Recapitalization Closing) to finance acquisitions, subject to compliance with
certain conditions. See "Description of the New Credit Facility." Term Loan A
will be payable in 20 quarterly installments, commencing on June 30, 1998 and
Term Loan B will be payable in 28 quarterly installments, commencing on June 30,
1998.


                                       46
<PAGE>

      Aggregate yearly term loan principal payments under the New Credit
Facility will be as follows: (i) $675,000 in 1998; (ii) $2,100,000 in 1999;
(iii) $3,600,000 in 2000; (iv) $5,100,000 in 2001; (v) $6,600,000 in 2002; (vi)
$11,988,000 in 2003; (vii) $16,625,000 in 2004; and (viii) $8,313,000 in 2005.
Historically, the Company's interest expense has not been material. On a pro
forma basis, assuming the Transactions had occurred on November 1, 1996, the
Company's cash interest expense for 1997 would have been $24,681,000.

      Borrowings under the New Credit Facility are (i) secured by substantially
all of the present and future assets of the Company and its subsidiaries located
in the United States and the United Kingdom, certain of the Company's
subsidiaries' present and future assets located in Canada and by a pledge of
substantially all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the
Company and its current and future subsidiaries and (ii) guaranteed by Holdings
and substantially all of the Company's subsidiaries. See "Description of the New
Credit Facility."

      As of January 31, 1998, after giving pro forma effect to the Offering, the
application of the net proceeds thereof and the Transactions, the Company and
its subsidiaries would have had an aggregate of $259.3 million of Indebtedness
outstanding, including the $200.0 million principal amount of the Notes and
$55.0 million of borrowings under the New Credit Facility.

      At January 31, 1998, the Company would have, subject to compliance with
certain conditions, had approximately $70.0 million of availability (of which
$15.0 million is required under the Indenture to be reserved for issuance of
letters of credit) under the Revolving Credit Facility, after giving effect to
the Transactions. See "Capitalization." Management believes that cash flow from
operations, together with borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility will be
sufficient to meet its anticipated cash requirements for interest and principal
payments, working capital and capital expenditures for the foreseeable future.
The Company also expects that expansion and future acquisitions will be financed
from funds generated from operations and borrowings under the Revolving Credit
Facility and the Acquisition Facility.

      The Company's products are sold in over 50 countries around the world.
Although revenues of the Company are generated in foreign currencies, the vast
majority of both sales and associated costs are in United States dollars, Pound
Sterling and Canadian Dollars. The Company may, from time to time, hedge
specifically identified committed cash flows in foreign currencies using forward
currency sale or purchase contracts. Such foreign currency contracts
historically have not been material in amount.


                                       47
<PAGE>

                                    BUSINESS

      The Company is a leading international provider of "through-the-air"
material handling products and services used in most manufacturing industries.
The Company's original equipment operations design and manufacture a
comprehensive line of industrial cranes, hoists and other component products,
sold principally under the P&H and Morris brand names. Through its aftermarket
operations, the Company provides a variety of related products and services,
including replacement parts, repair and maintenance services and product
modernizations. In recent years, the Company has shifted its orientation from an
original equipment-focused United States manufacturer to an international full
service provider with a significant emphasis on the high margin aftermarket
business.

     During the past three years, the Company has grown significantly, both
internally and through acquisitions. From fiscal 1994 through fiscal 1997, the
Company's net sales grew from $109.4 million to $353.4 million and EBITDA
increased from $15.1 million to $45.9 million. Management believes that this
growth is largely attributable to (i) strengthening and broadening its product
line, (ii) building a network of Company-owned distribution and service centers
which provides a local presence for product support and a platform for growth
and (iii) expanding into attractive domestic and international markets through
internal growth and a disciplined acquisition strategy.

      The Company's core business was founded in 1884 and material handling
machinery and related equipment have been sold under the well-recognized P&H and
Morris brand names since the 1890s. The Company has developed a large global
installed base of equipment, having sold an aggregate of over half a million
cranes and hoists according to management estimates. Management believes that
the Company is one of the leading suppliers of industrial overhead cranes in
North America, the United Kingdom and South Africa. Management also believes
that the Company is one of the largest global providers of aftermarket products
and services to the industrial crane industry. Sales outside of North America
accounted for 39% of fiscal 1997 net sales, with Western Europe representing 22%
and the Pacific Rim representing 8% of net sales. For additional geographical
information, see the Combined Financial Statements of the Company and notes
thereto appearing elsewhere herein.

      Industrial cranes and hoists are critical to the operations of most
businesses that require the movement of large or heavy objects. The steel,
aluminum, paper and forest products, aerospace, foundry, and automotive
industries, among others, rely on cranes and hoists as one of the most flexible
and efficient methods of transporting materials within a plant while maximizing
the use of available space. Industrial cranes, which typically last 20 to 50
years, require significant aftermarket support in the form of replacement parts,
machine modernizations and upgrades, repairs and inspection and maintenance
services.

      The current management team has implemented a strategy to capitalize on
the Company's significant global installed base of equipment to generate high
margin aftermarket opportunities. The Company has built its aftermarket
operations in order to become a full service provider and capture additional
revenue. In addition, management believes that the diversified earnings created
by this strategy help to lessen the effect of economic cycles on the Company. In
fiscal 1997, aftermarket sales accounted for approximately 40% of net sales and
65% of gross profit on a consolidated basis, while in North America, where the
Company has pursued its full service strategy for a longer period of time, the
aftermarket business accounted for 51% of net sales and 72% of gross profit.

      Prior to the acquisition of Morris Ltd. in 1994, the Company's operations
were primarily conducted in the United States. The acquisition of Morris Ltd.
provided the Company with major manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom
and South Africa and access to many other markets around the world. The Company
has since expanded its international manufacturing operations by acquiring
Mondel Engineering Ltd.'s brake manufacturing operations in Canada in 1995. In
addition, the Company has acquired regional crane assemblers and large
distributors in Alabama, Ohio, South Carolina, Canada, Mexico, Scotland and
Singapore. Since July 1994, the Company has acquired a total of 12 businesses
that collectively generated annual revenues in excess of $170.0 million in
fiscal 1997.


                                       48
<PAGE>

Industry Overview

      Industrial cranes and hoists provide "through-the-air" material handling
for a broad range of industrial applications. Within the industrial setting,
through-the-air material handling equipment continues to be one of the most
flexible, effective and reliable means of transferring materials while
maximizing the use of available space. Through-the-air material handling
equipment provides more efficient space and capacity utilization than fixed
conveyers and traditional forklifts. These tools are widely used in
manufacturing industries with no practical alternative or substitute. The
industry is comprised of original equipment cranes and hoists, and aftermarket
parts, service and modernizations. Despite global demand, the industrial crane
and hoist industry remains highly fragmented, with three global participants and
a large number of regional and local players.

      The United States market for industrial overhead cranes and hoist products
is estimated to be approximately $600 million per year and the potential
aftermarket for such products is estimated to be approximately $1.2 billion per
year. Management estimates that the global market is several times larger. In
mature industrialized economies, original equipment growth is driven by the need
for upgrades and replacements as well as capacity expansion. Technological
innovations such as more compact, space efficient cranes, built in diagnostic
systems and sophisticated motors and transmissions, improve operating efficiency
and fuel the replacement/upgrade market. In emerging economies, however, the
market for overhead cranes is tied principally to industrial development. Demand
for aftermarket products and services is driven by general wear and tear of
equipment and increases as a result of growth in the installed base of cranes
and hoists. Management believes that the global market for outsourced crane
maintenance and repair services is continuing to grow as more companies focus on
core competencies and use outsourced suppliers.

Competitive Strengths

      Large Installed Base of Existing Equipment. The Company believes it has
one of the largest installed bases of industrial cranes in North America, the
United Kingdom and South Africa. This installed base provides the Company with
well-established relationships and a strong platform upon which to pursue high
margin aftermarket opportunities. A large portion of the Company's installed
base is used in demanding process industries which require frequent replacement
parts, repairs, inspection services and modernizations.

      Stable Aftermarket Demand and Earnings. Material handling products are
critical to customers' operations. As long as industrial plants continue to
operate, the cranes and hoists used in such facilities will require replacement
parts and maintenance services, irrespective of economic cycles. Management has
increased its focus on aftermarket operations, and this more stable business
represented 65% of the Company's gross profit in fiscal 1997.

      Diverse Customer Base. The Company sells both original equipment and
aftermarket products and services to thousands of customers operating in various
manufacturing industries in more than 50 countries. Management believes that
this geographic and industry diversity helps to lessen the effect on the Company
of economic cycles that may affect a particular region or industry.

      Reputation for Reliability and Engineering Expertise. Over its long
history of providing custom engineered cranes and hoists, the Company has
developed a reputation for engineering expertise and product reliability. As the
Company has developed a number of innovative technologies, it has enhanced its
reputation and built a platform to pursue the higher volume standard crane
market. In addition, the Company has been able to apply its proven technical
skills in the aftermarket business.

      Company-Owned Distribution and Service Network. The Company has developed
an international distribution and service network with 61 Company-owned
locations in key industrial markets. This DSC network is central to the
Company's strategy of being a single source provider of original equipment and
aftermarket products and services. Management believes that ownership of its
primary distribution channel provides the following competitive advantages: (i)
a higher level of control over the delivery of its products and services; (ii)
faster service response time; (iii) quicker delivery of standard cranes at a
lower cost; and (iv) increased sales and margins by capturing the incremental
profit that would otherwise be recognized by independent distributors.


                                       49
<PAGE>

      Experienced Management Team. The Company is run by an experienced,
entrepreneurial and talented management team led by its President, Michael
Erwin. The top seven executives combined have over 100 years of experience at
the Company. Mr. Erwin has run the Company since December 1994 and, along with
the rest of the senior management team, has developed and implemented the
Company's successful growth strategies. In acquiring 12 companies since 1994,
management has demonstrated its ability to acquire and integrate businesses in a
disciplined and effective manner. Under current management's leadership, EBITDA
has grown at a compound average annual rate of approximately 45% from fiscal
1994 through fiscal 1997.

Business Strategy

      Management has developed an integrated strategy designed to increase
revenues and profits by capitalizing on the Company's large installed base of
equipment, Company-owned distribution and service network and technical
competencies to capture greater market share and differentiate the Company from
original equipment-focused competitors.

The key components of the Company's strategy are as follows:

      Focus on Aftermarket Opportunities. The United States industrial crane and
hoist aftermarket is estimated to be $1.2 billion annually and management
estimates the global aftermarket to be several times that amount. This market is
highly fragmented and a substantial portion of repair and maintenance work is
performed by customers' own maintenance personnel. A recent independent study
indicates that the Company currently captures approximately 25% of the United
States aftermarket potential of its own installed base and less than 10% of the
entire United States aftermarket potential. Management has developed a series of
focused marketing programs and product offerings designed to capture a greater
share of the aftermarket business by taking advantage of the Company's large
installed base, brand recognition, and local DSC network. The Company is
beginning to see the benefits of these efforts and aftermarket sales have
increased in each of the last four years.

      Provide High Level of Customer Support. The Company's products and
services are designed to meet its customers' objectives of lowering their
material handling costs and increasing the efficiency of their operations. The
Company's goal is to help its customers reduce costs and increase profitability
through the proper selection, design, manufacture and installation of original
equipment and by providing a wide variety of aftermarket products and services.
Management believes that this ability to provide comprehensive solutions to its
customers' needs is a competitive advantage.

      Expand DSC Network. The Company's DSCs are its platform for growth and
central to its strategy of being a single source provider of original equipment
and aftermarket products and services. The Company's North American DSC network
covers a broad territory of geographically dispersed customers. The Company
plans to continue developing this network with the goal of having a DSC in each
key industrial market in North America. The Company has developed similar DSC
networks in the United Kingdom and South Africa, and management plans to
replicate this model in other attractive markets.

      Improve Production Efficiency to Reduce Costs. Management has implemented
numerous efficiency initiatives that it believes will improve the Company's
competitiveness while enhancing profit margins. The Company is completing the
re-engineering of various operations to cellular manufacturing. In addition, the
Company has standardized a number of its proprietary components which it
manufactures at specialized facilities for global distribution. Management
believes these initiatives will enable the Company to lower its overall cost
structure by reducing labor, engineering, and fabrication expenses and to
achieve economies of scale and permit faster deliveries. In the United States,
the lead time required to deliver certain original equipment was reduced by as
much as 50% in fiscal 1997.

      Increase Sales of High Volume Original Equipment Products. The Company
plans to continue increasing its penetration of the higher volume and more
stable market for standard cranes and hoists by: (i) capitalizing on its brand
equity in engineered cranes; (ii) reducing costs; and (iii) improving delivery
times. The Company has tripled 


                                       50
<PAGE>

the number of standard cranes it has sold in the United States during the past
three years, yet its share of the United States standard crane market in fiscal
1997 was still less than 15%.

      Expand Through Selected Acquisitions. The global material handling
industry is highly fragmented and is beginning to consolidate as a result of the
scale economies that favor larger competitors. Management believes that the
Company is well positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. Since July 1994,
the Company has acquired 12 businesses which collectively generated annual
revenues in excess of $170.0 million in fiscal 1997. The Company plans to
continue making strategic acquisitions to penetrate new markets and to expand
its range of product and service offerings.

Products and Services

      The Company operates through two distinct but interrelated business
groups: (i) original equipment and (ii) aftermarket products and services.

Original Equipment

      The Company's original equipment operations design, manufacture and
distribute a broad range of standard and engineered overhead and gantry cranes,
hoists and related products. The Company's original equipment products have a
reputation for quality, durability and technological innovation.

      Engineered Cranes. Management attributes the Company's position as a
leading manufacturer of industrial cranes to its reputation for reliability and
engineering sophistication. The Company's engineered cranes are used by
customers with unique performance requirements that cannot be achieved with a
standard overhead crane. The Company's engineered cranes are individually
designed for specific applications in a wide variety of demanding environments
and typically have a high load capacity. Each unit is highly engineered,
incurring between 300 and 4,500 hours of engineering, and is generally priced
between $60,000 and $6.0 million. The Company markets engineered cranes under
the P&H (North and South America and Southeast Asia) and Morris (United Kingdom,
South Africa, Scandinavia, the Middle East and Southeast Asia) brand names.

      Within the engineered crane market, performance is often the most critical
purchase criterion for a customer. Given the premium placed on technological
sophistication and specific product performance, customers purchasing highly
engineered cranes tend to be less sensitive to the length of time between order
and delivery than most standard overhead crane customers. Overall lead times for
engineered cranes typically range between 20 and 40 weeks and include on-site
inspection of customer needs, in-house engineering and development,
manufacturing, product testing and installation. Many engineered crane projects
are completed pursuant to contracts on which the Company receives progress
payments and for which the Company occasionally must post performance bonds.

      Engineered cranes provide particularly valuable aftermarket opportunities
since they often operate in harsh environments and require frequent replacement
parts and a high degree of ongoing inspection and maintenance services.
Management believes that the Company is well positioned to provide these
services for its customers as a result of its product knowledge, expertise and
local technical support.

      Due to the advanced design of an engineered crane, these products are
generally manufactured at one of the Company's facilities located in Oak Creek,
Wisconsin, Loughborough, England or Johannesburg, South Africa. Each of these
facilities maintains advanced manufacturing capabilities, sophisticated
engineering skills, project management and inspection capabilities.

      Standard Cranes. The Company's standard cranes, which utilize
pre-engineered components, are adaptable to a wide variety of uses. While the
cranes are configured to meet each customer's particular needs, the degree of
specific engineering is typically limited to less than 100 hours and most often
falls within the 20 to 60 hour range. These cranes typically range in price from
$10,000 to $200,000. The Company markets various standard cranes under the P&H
(North and South America and Southeast Asia), Morris (United Kingdom, South
Africa, Scandinavia, the Middle East and Southeast Asia), Kaverit (Canada) and
Hercules (Mexico) brand names. 


                                       51
<PAGE>

      While engineered cranes have typically been produced by larger
manufacturers, local crane builders have historically supplied significant
numbers of standard cranes. Delivery time and price are key purchase criteria.
The Company has successfully grown its standard crane sales by expanding local
assembly operations to shorten delivery times and reduce costs.

      Hoists. The Company manufactures electric wire rope and chain hoists,
manual chain hoists and ratchet lever hoists. The Company's hoists range in
capacity from 1/8 of a ton to 60 tons and feature a variety of electrical
control technologies. Customers select a specific type of hoist based on the
number of lifts to be performed per day and the average load capacity. Hoist
product prices range from $100 to $150,000, with most sold in the $1,000 to
$8,000 range. The Company markets its industrial hoists under the Redi-Lift and
Hevi-Lift brand names in North and South America and under the Morris brand name
in the United Kingdom, South Africa, South America and Southeast Asia. Through
the acquisition of Morris Ltd. in 1994, the Company significantly strengthened
its position in the hoist marketplace. In 1994, a portion of the Company's
Loughborough, England facility used to manufacture electric hoists was destroyed
by a fire. The Company rebuilt the facility as a state-of-the-art hoist
manufacturing and assembly plant.

      Other Components. Over the past several years, the Company has
significantly expanded its product breadth through strategic acquisitions and
the focused application of its technical expertise to complementary component
products. Industrial brakes and winches represent two important component
products manufactured by the Company and marketed to end-users and/or to other
industrial equipment manufacturers.

Aftermarket Products and Services

      The Company's aftermarket business consists of replacement parts, repairs,
inspection and maintenance services, and modernizations for products
manufactured by both the Company and its competitors. The Company's network of
DSCs and independent distributors located around the world is the platform for
the Company's aftermarket sales activities, serving as distribution centers for
its original equipment and replacement parts as well as the focal point for
service activities. While aftermarket sales accounted for approximately 40% of
net sales in fiscal 1997, they accounted for 65% of gross profit. While the
Company's share of the aftermarket business on its United States installed base
is approximately 25%, where proprietary parts or product knowledge is important,
the Company has a significantly higher share of the aftermarket business.

      Parts and Components. The Company manufactures a wide range of replacement
parts and components necessary to maintain cranes and hoists manufactured by
both the Company and its competitors. These parts are sold through both DSCs and
independent distributors and agents.

      Given the long useful life of an overhead crane, which ranges from 20 to
50 years, the Company's installed base of equipment provides a strong foundation
for the Company's aftermarket business. Parts sales are generated by customer
requests and through service personnel during scheduled inspections, appraisals
and service calls.

      The Company markets both proprietary and commercially available parts for
its equipment. Proprietary parts command premium prices because they either have
unique design attributes that make them prohibitively expensive to reverse
engineer or are critical parts where an inadequate substitute could have
catastrophic consequences.

      Service. The Company provides installation, repair, inspection and
maintenance services, primarily through its DSC network. The Company provides
these services under highly recognized trade names including ProCare (United
States, Canada), Crane Aid (South Africa) and UK Crane Service (United Kingdom).

      The Company has expanded its service offerings as a strategic response to
customers' increased interest in outsourcing the repair, inspection and
maintenance of overhead cranes and hoists. Currently, management estimates that
more than 30% of the Company's total repair and maintenance net sales are from
services performed upon cranes and hoists manufactured by its competitors.
Management believes that there is significant opportunity to leverage its
growing service operations to provide similar services on significantly more of
the cranes and hoists manufactured by its competitors.


                                       52
<PAGE>

      In addition to responding to service calls from clients, the Company has
expanded its portfolio of services to include inspections for regulatory
compliance purposes (such as OSHA) as well as an innovative Crane
Appraisal/Repair Evaluation (CARE) program. The CARE program thoroughly assesses
the condition and performance of a crane and provides a concise reference
document for restoring the equipment to optimal operating performance. Each of
these inspection programs sends a highly-trained service technician into
customers' factories to evaluate the overall condition of the crane or hoist,
and allows the technician to recommend preventive maintenance and replacement
components. See "--Sales, Marketing and Distribution."

      Modernizations. Crane modernizations provide an attractive opportunity for
the Company to generate additional revenue from the entire installed base of
equipment. By upgrading the electrical and mechanical systems on existing
cranes, the Company can help its customers to optimize crane performance and
improve the capacity and efficiency of their operations. The cost of modernizing
an older crane typically ranges between 10% and 60% of the cost of a new
product.

Sales, Marketing and Distribution

      Due to the diverse nature of its product lines and customer requests, the
Company uses multiple sales approaches to serve its large customer base. A
majority of sales are generated by Company employees and DSCs. In addition, the
Company utilizes a number of independent agents and distributors in certain
markets. In many markets, the members of the Company's sales staff specialize in
either original equipment or aftermarket products and services. These employees
have the ability to effectively identify and service the original equipment and
aftermarket needs of the customer, thereby positioning the Company as a single
source provider.

      With the exception of very sophisticated original equipment projects, the
Company's selling efforts occur primarily at the regional level. For
sophisticated original equipment, the Company uses dedicated worldwide product
or engineering specialists to "team sell" the products. In this process, the
team provides written specifications, design concept consulting, project scope
development and project financial planning.

      In order to develop stronger and more knowledgeable customer
relationships, the Company has developed a DSC network, bringing the Company's
parts and service operations closer to the customer. The Company's DSC network
provides three distinct yet integrated functions: (i) a distribution network for
parts; (ii) a sales organization for original equipment; and (iii) an
installation, repair, inspection and maintenance service operation. The Company
has significantly expanded its DSC network in recent years through both
acquisitions of previously independent distributors as well as the start-up of
new DSCs.

      The Company's DSC network consists of 61 locations, including 38 in North
America. In 1994, the Company opened its first DSC in the United Kingdom and,
over the past three years, has built a DSC network with 12 locations that
operate under the UK Crane Service trade name. The Company's DSC network in
South Africa presently consists of 10 locations that operate under the Crane Aid
trade name.

      The DSC network maintains an inventory of fast-moving parts and deploys
fully equipped service technicians, to provide product support to local
customers. Certain of the Company's DSCs also build small, standardized original
equipment cranes, which has enabled the Company to increase its penetration of
the standard crane market. The Company's goal is to have a DSC in each key
industrial market in North America. In certain customer locations, the Company
has technicians permanently on site to provide immediate technical support or
routine preventive maintenance.

      The following table outlines the Company's current DSC network:

Location                     Principal Trade Names                     Number
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
North America                P&H Material Handling Center                38
United Kingdom               UK Crane Service                            12
South Africa                 Crane Aid                                   10
Southeast Asia               Morris Blooma                                1


                                       53
<PAGE>

      The Company's distribution and service operations are also supported by
distributor and agent relationships in more than 50 countries, many of which are
unwritten arrangements that may be terminated at any time.

Manufacturing

      The Company employs high-quality, technically advanced manufacturing at
its core facilities. The Company utilizes specialized manufacturing facilities
in combination with regional assembly to balance the different operational
requirements faced by a full service participant in the overhead crane and hoist
industry.

      The specialized manufacturing facilities build highly engineered cranes
and utilize advanced technology throughout the manufacturing process. These
facilities support the regional DSC crane assembly operations by providing
high-quality, standardized components which are manufactured using processes
which are not economical for smaller, regional facilities. For example, due to
the specialized nature of the machining and assembly processes associated with
hoists and brake systems, focused manufacturing facilities located in
Loughborough (hoists) and Toronto (brakes) are used to produce the majority of
these components for distribution to the Company's facilities throughout the
world. This centralization allows the Company to take advantage of economies of
scale and focused engineering resources while supporting the Company's objective
of standardizing component design and manufacturing.

      By providing light manufacturing and assembly of standardized overhead
crane products on a regional basis, the Company addresses customers' demand for
cost effective products and shorter lead-times. This regional manufacturing
strategy also benefits the Company's new product development efforts since the
regional DSC manufacturers have a better understanding of end-users' performance
needs.

Raw Materials

      The Company maintains strong relationships with a large number of
suppliers both domestically and abroad. Typically, the Company will source raw
materials from a local supplier in the region of the manufacturing facility,
often entering into a blanket purchase order or an equivalent arrangement to
reduce costs. Under certain circumstances, however, the Company will establish a
long-term supply arrangement, either in an attempt to secure product consistency
or to take advantage of volume discounts. Some of the materials most frequently
purchased by the Company include steel, electric motors, castings and forgings,
electrical controls and components, and power transmission and related
components. Substantially all of the materials purchased by the Company are
available from a variety of sources within the country of manufacture or abroad.

Backlog

      The Company's backlog of orders at January 31, 1998 was approximately
$99.8 million compared to approximately $111.9 million at January 31, 1997.
However, bookings in the quarter ended January 31, 1998 increased by $19.2
million or 32.4% as compared to the quarter ended January 31, 1997. The change
in backlog is primarily attributable to reduced through-put time as the Company
has improved its manufacturing operations. In the United States, the lead time
required to deliver certain original equipment was reduced by as much as 50% in
fiscal 1997. The Company's orders for standard hoist products are usually
shipped within 3 to 12 weeks. Overall lead times for products that are
manufactured to customer's specifications typically range between 12 and 40
weeks.

Warranties

      The Company generally provides a warranty on its products for periods of
one to two years. At January 31, 1998, the Company had accrued warranties of
approximately $3.5 million.


                                       54
<PAGE>

Trademarks and Brand Names

      The Company offers its equipment and services primarily under the P&H and
Morris brand names. The P&H and Morris trademarks, which have been consistently
used for over 100 years, are recognized in important markets around the world.
P&H is currently used on above-ground mining equipment manufactured by HarnCo,
as well as on the crane and hoist products manufactured by the Company and for
related services offered by the Company. HarnCo has licensed to the Company the
sole and exclusive right to use the P&H trademark on a worldwide basis in
connection with "through the air" material handling original equipment from the
date of the Recapitalization Closing until 15 years after the earlier to occur
of a sale of Holdings to a third party or a public offering of the common stock
of Holdings, the Company or their parents or successors, and for an additional
seven years in connection with aftermarket products and services. The royalty
fee for use of the trademark is 0.75% of the aggregate net sales of the MHE
Business for the ten year period commencing 12 months after the Recapitalization
Closing. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."

      The Company also sells products under the Kaverit and Mondel trademarks in
Canada, and the Hercules trademark in Mexico. It provides aftermarket service
under the ProCare trademark in the United States, the UK Crane Service trademark
in the United Kingdom, and the Crane Aid trademark in South Africa. The Company
also uses a variety of other marks in different countries. There are no known
conflicts or third party rights which would materially impact the Company's
limited use of the P&H trademark in connection with the Company's business
activities for the life of the license agreement or use of its other trademarks.

Patents

      The Company owns approximately 60 United States patents and pending patent
applications and approximately 120 foreign patents and pending patent
applications, primarily in Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
The Company has acquired patents pertaining to improvements in stacker cranes,
portal cranes, anti-sway cable reeving systems for cranes, automation and
controls, and crane wheel and rail configurations to prevent skewing of
rail-mounted cranes. Most of the products manufactured by the Company are
proprietary in design and the Company is not aware of any subsisting patents
held by others which would be infringed by the manufacture and sale of the
Company's current lines of crane and hoist products.

Competition

      The industrial crane and hoist industry is highly fragmented, with three
global participants and many regional and local players. Therefore, the markets
in which the Company operates are highly competitive, and the Company faces
competition from a number of different manufacturers in each of its product
areas and geographic markets, both domestic and foreign. Globally, the Company
believes it is one of the three largest manufacturers of industrial overhead
cranes and one of the largest providers of related aftermarket products and
services. Other global competitors include Mannesmann Dematic AG, a subsidiary
of Mannesmann AG, and KCI Konecranes International Corp. Within specific
geographic and product markets, the market share of the top participants often
varies.

Governmental Regulation

Environmental Regulation

      The Company's operations and properties worldwide are subject to extensive
and changing legal requirements and regulations pertaining to environmental
matters. In 1997, expenditures in connection with the Company's compliance with
federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations did not
have a material adverse effect on the Company's earnings or competitive
position.

      The principal environmental compliance issues that arise in connection
with the Company's manufacturing facilities are hazardous/solid waste disposal
and air emissions (primarily paint and welding). The Company's DSCs do not
create environmental conditions that materially affect the Company's operations.


                                       55
<PAGE>

      The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA") requires the Company
to manage and recycle or dispose properly of the wastes it generates from its
manufacturing operations. Similar foreign hazardous waste laws and regulations
apply to the Company's facilities outside the United States. RCRA and these
other hazardous waste laws and regulations include storage, management and
manifest provisions, among others. The Company also has embarked on a pollution
prevention program, for example, reducing the hazardous waste generated at its
Oak Creek, Wisconsin facility by 63 percent in 1996 from the prior year, while
at the same time increasing production. The Company has agreements worldwide
with hazardous waste management firms to recycle or dispose properly of
generated hazardous wastes. Many of the Company's regional distribution centers
have a "parts washer sink" on-site, and the spent solvents generated from these
minor cleaning activities are managed, collected and recycled under contracts
with waste management firms. The Company is not aware of any material
non-compliance with applicable hazardous waste laws and regulations at its
facilities or operations.

      Under the Clean Air Act, the States have adopted an array of control
measures and programs to minimize certain hazardous air pollutants and
particulate matter. The Company has obtained necessary permits for any affected
facilities. Foreign clean air laws and regulations address many of the same
pollutants and issues. Considerable regulatory activity is expected in the next
ten years with the implementation of 1997 changes to the national ambient air
quality standards for ozone and particulate matter. The Company has made a
number of select investments in equipment at its primary manufacturing sites in
anticipation of these changes. The adoption of some of these additional clean
air regulations might require the Company to make further capital expenditures
not currently anticipated and that may be material.

      In connection with the ownership of its properties and operation of its
business, the Company may also be subject to liability under various federal,
state, local and foreign laws, regulations and ordinances relating to clean-up
and removal of hazardous substances on, under or in such properties. Certain
laws, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act, typically impose liability whether or not the owner or operator
knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous substances.
Persons who arrange, or are deemed to have arranged, for the disposal or
treatment of hazardous substances also may be liable for the costs of removal
and remediation of such substances at the treatment or disposal site, regardless
of whether such site is owned or operated by such person. Under the terms of the
Recapitalization Agreement, HarnCo retained all liability for the only two, open
environmental clean-up claims brought against HarnCo in the Milwaukee area. The
Company and its management are not aware of any other material environmental
clean-up claim which is pending or is threatened against the Company, but there
can be no assurance that any such claim will not be asserted against the Company
in the future.

      The Company has undergone significant expansion in recent years through
acquisitions, and management has decided that it is important for the Company's
operations to adopt a "proactive" compliance management approach to
environmental matters. The Company hired a manager of safety, health and
environmental affairs in September 1996 to oversee worldwide compliance, and
staff have been designated to lead compliance activities at each facility. The
Company also is developing an "Annual Compliance Calendar" matrix for all
required facility reports and an audit system for all environmental, safety and
health issues. A key component of the Company's environmental strategic
management plan is training for managers and employees. Once fully implemented
in 1998, the Company believes its compliance program will be in conformance with
ISO 14000 standards.

      It is likely that situations will arise from time to time requiring the
Company to incur expenditures in order to ensure continuing regulatory
compliance. The Company is not aware of any environmental condition or any
operation at any of its properties or facilities, either individually or in the
aggregate, which would cause expenditures that would result in a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or
competitive position. There could be future, unknown environmental regulatory
changes that could have a material effect.

      In connection with the contemplated transaction, an environmental
assessment of certain of the Company's properties and operations at which the
Company may have potential environmental liabilities has been conducted. This
environmental assessment has indicated that no environmental matters or
compliance issues exist at the 


                                       56
<PAGE>

Company's United States properties and operations that would have a material
adverse effect on the Company's earnings or competitive position. At some of the
Company's foreign properties and operations, however, the environmental
assessment has indicated a need for the Company to conduct certain follow-up
measures in order to reduce potential environmental liabilities. The Company
intends to follow up on certain of the recommendations made in the environmental
assessment with respect to both United States and foreign properties. There can
be no assurance that unknown conditions at the Company's facilities will not
result in potential liabilities that may be material.

      The Loughborough, England facility is subject to an air emissions permit,
the limits of which became enforceable in April 1998. The Company has retained a
consultant who has conducted tests to determine if the facility complies with
such limits. However, the results of the consultant's tests have not been
received to date. Further, the Company is currently evaluating the purchase of
insurance to cover some or all potential environmental liabilities.

Other Regulation

      The Company's operations also are subject to many other laws and
regulations, including those relating to workplace safety and worker health
(principally OSHA and regulations thereunder in the United States and similar
laws in most other countries). The Company believes it is in material compliance
with these laws and regulations and does not believe that future compliance with
such laws and regulations will have a material adverse effect on its cash flow,
results of operations or financial condition.

Properties

      The Company maintains its corporate headquarters in Oak Creek, Wisconsin
and conducts its principal operations at the following facilities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Square
Location                 Utilization                                          Footage    Owned/Leased
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>                                                  <C>        <C>
Loughborough, U.K.       Crane/hoist manufacturing                            420,000    Owned (a)
Oak Creek, WI            Crane/hoist/winch manufacturing                      277,000    Owned
Johannesburg, S.A.       Crane/hoist manufacturing                            124,000    Owned
Franklin, OH             Regional fabrication/remanufacturing                  75,000    Owned
Mexico City, Mexico      Crane/hoist manufacturing/distribution/service        65,000    Owned
Edmonton, Canada         Crane/hoist regional manufacturing/service            58,300    Owned
Windsor/Madison, WI      Crane/hoist remanufacturing                           55,000    Leased (b)
Mauldin/Greenville, SC   Regional crane assembly/service                       40,400    Leased (c)
Birmingham, AL           Regional crane assembly/service                       36,500    Owned/Leased (d)
Singapore, Singapore     Parts warehouse/crane assembly/hoist distribution     21,200    Land Leased (e)
Toronto, Canada          Brake systems and parts manufacturing                 17,600    Leased
</TABLE>

- ----------
(a)   Unused portions are subleased.
(b)   Lease expires May 31, 2002.
(c)   Lease expires December 31, 2004.
(d)   The Company owns the property with the exception of a portion thereof
      leased (with an option to purchase) from the Industrial Revenue Board of
      Birmingham.
(e)   The building is owned while the land underneath the building is to be
      leased pursuant to a thirty-year lease.

      The Company also owns and leases a number of other properties as DSCs in
the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Mexico.

      The Company believes that its properties have been adequately maintained,
are in generally good condition, and are suitable for the Company's business as
presently conducted. The Company believes its existing facilities 


                                       57
<PAGE>

provide sufficient production capacity for its present needs and for its
anticipated needs in the foreseeable future. The Company also believes that upon
the expiration of its current leases, it either will be able to secure renewal
terms or enter into leases for alternative locations at market terms.

Employees

      At January 31, 1998, the Company had a total of 2,072 full-time employees,
of which 833 were hourly and 1,239 were salaried personnel. Approximately 74% of
the Company's hourly employees are represented by unions. The Company's United
States operations employ approximately 904 employees, of which 151 production
and maintenance employees at the facility in Oak Creek, Wisconsin are unionized.
Until the October 1997 Drop Down, the Company's unionized employees in the
United States were covered by a collective bargaining agreement between HarnCo
and the United Steelworkers of America, Local 1114, which expires August 31,
1998. In connection with the October 1997 Drop Down, these employees became
employees of MHLLC, a newly-created wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The
Company will honor the collective bargaining agreement as to its employees
through the remainder of its term. Although negotiations with respect to a new
collective bargaining agreement have not yet begun, the Company contemplates
seeking changes in benefit programs. In addition, the Company is a party to
several agreements with unions representing certain of its employees in Mexico,
South Africa and the United Kingdom. These agreements all have a one year term.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully
negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with Local 1114 or any other
collective bargaining agreements upon their expiration without work stoppages.

      None of the Company's businesses has experienced a significant strike,
slowdown, or lockout within the last ten years. The Company believes that its
relationship with its employees is good and that it provides working conditions,
wages, and benefits that are competitive with other providers of the kinds of
products and services offered by the Company.

Legal Proceedings

      From time to time, the Company is involved in routine litigation incident
to its operations. The Company believes that any pending or threatened
litigation will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated results
of operations and financial condition.


                                       58
<PAGE>

                                   MANAGEMENT

      The following sets forth certain information with respect to the persons
who are members of the Company's Board of Directors or senior management team.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     Name                       Age   Position
     ----                       ---   --------
<S>                             <C>  <C> 
Michael S. Erwin.............    45   President, Chief Executive Officer and 
                                      Director
David D. Smith...............    43   Vice President--Finance
Peter A. Kerrick.............    41   Vice President--Equipment
Richard J. Niespodziani......    46   Vice President--Aftermarket Products
Edward J. Doolan.............    46   Vice President--Distribution & Service
K. Bruce Norridge............    51   Vice President--Europe & Africa
Michael J. Maddock...........    55   Vice President--Pacific Rim & Middle East
Martin L. Ditkof.............    40   General Counsel and Secretary
Todd R. Berman...............    40   Chairman of the Board
Michael S. Shein.............    34   Director
</TABLE>

      Michael S. Erwin--Michael Erwin serves as President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company which he has run since December 1994. He has served as a
director since March 1998. Since joining the Company in 1974, he has held a
variety of positions, including General Manager, Equipment Division; Operations
Manager, Oak Creek; Marketing Manager, Hoist Division; and Material Handling
Regional Manager, Chicago. Mr. Erwin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in
Business Management, System/Operations Management from Milwaukee School of
Engineering and an Associate's Degree in Mechanical Technology from Milwaukee
Area Technical College.

      David D. Smith--David Smith serves as Vice President--Finance since March
1998. He has served as Vice President and Controller since 1993. Mr. Smith
joined the Company in 1988 as a Senior Operations Auditor. Mr. Smith received
his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bucknell University and
his M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Smith is a Certified Public
Accountant.

      Peter A. Kerrick--Peter Kerrick assumed his current position as Vice
President--Equipment in 1995. Since joining the Company in 1978 as a Design &
Project Engineer, Mr. Kerrick has held numerous positions with the Company,
primarily in the sales capacity. Mr. Kerrick obtained a Bachelor of Science
degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University.

      Richard J. Niespodziani--Richard Niespodziani has served as Vice
President--Aftermarket Products since 1994. Prior to his current position, Mr.
Niespodziani served as General Manager for five different business areas at the
Company. He also has held multiple positions related to the Company's
aftermarket operations since joining the Company in 1974. Mr. Niespodziani
received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the
University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and his M.B.A. from the University of
Wisconsin Whitewater.

      Edward J. Doolan--Edward Doolan serves as Vice President--Distribution &
Service. Prior to being promoted to his current position in 1994, Mr. Doolan
served in a variety of positions in the aftermarket products and service groups.
He joined the Harnischfeger team in 1979 and became Director of Product Support
for the Company in 1985. Mr. Doolan has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial
Engineering from Georgia Tech and an M.B.A. from Marquette University.

      K. Bruce Norridge--Bruce Norridge has been Vice President--Europe & Africa
since September 1997. Prior to that, he was Managing Director of Morris Ltd.'s
Engineered Products Division from 1992 to 1997. Mr. Norridge has been employed
with Morris Ltd. since 1979. Mr. Norridge received a National Diploma in
Structural Engineering and an Advanced Diploma in Production Management and is a
graduate fellow of the Production Management Institute of South Africa. Mr.
Norridge is a Registered Professional Technologist in Engineering and a
Registered Professional Production Manager.


                                       59
<PAGE>


      Michael J. Maddock--Michael Maddock has been Vice President--Pacific Rim &
Middle East since September 1997. Previously, Mr. Maddock held a number of
positions at Morris Ltd., including Director and General Manager, Hoist
Division, and Managing Director, Standard Products Division. He joined Morris
Ltd. in 1989. Mr. Maddock received his M.I. in Mechanical Engineering from the
Institute of Mechanical Engineers, a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgy from the
University of Surrey, a Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and a
Higher National Certificate in Production Engineering. He received his
Membership from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

      Martin L. Ditkof--Martin Ditkof currently serves as General Counsel. He
joined the Harnischfeger team as a Corporate Attorney in 1988 and assumed his
current position at the Company in November 1995. Mr. Ditkof received a
Bachelors degree in Business Administration from the University of Michigan and
his Juris Doctorate from Cornell Law School.

      Todd R. Berman--Todd Berman has been Chairman of the Board since March 30,
1998. Mr. Berman is the founder and President of Chartwell Investments Inc. He
has served as Chairman of the Board of Griffith Consumers Company, one of the
nation's largest independent distributors of heating oil and other petroleum
products, since December 1994; as Chairman of Carl King, Inc., the leading
operator of gas stations and convenience stores in the Delmarva peninsula
(Delaware, Maryland, Virginia), since December 1994; and as a director of Petro
Stopping Centers, L.P., a leading operator of large, full-service truck stops,
since January 1997. Mr. Berman has been with Chartwell Investments Inc. or its
predecessor since 1992. He received his A.B. from Brown University and an M.B.A.
from Columbia University Graduate School of Business.

      Michael S. Shein--Michael Shein has been a director since March 30, 1998.
Mr. Shein is a Managing Director and co-founder of Chartwell Investments Inc.
and has been with Chartwell Investments Inc. or its predecessor since 1992. Mr.
Shein has served as a director of Griffith Consumers Company, one of the
nation's largest independent distributors of heating oil and other petroleum
products, since December 1994; a director of Carl King, Inc., the leading
operator of gas stations and convenience stores in the Delmarva peninsula
(Delaware, Maryland, Virginia), since December 1994; and a director of Petro
Stopping Centers, L.P., a leading operator of large, full-service truck stops,
since January 1997. Mr. Shein received a B.S. summa cum laude from The Wharton
School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Director Compensation

      The Company contemplates paying customary directors fees to non-management
directors who are not employees of Chartwell Investments Inc., and reimbursing
all directors for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending
Board meetings.

Executive Compensation

Arrangements After Consummation of the Transactions

                              Employment Agreements

      On March 30, 1998, the Company entered into new employment agreements with
certain senior managers of the Company, including the Named Executive Officers.
The agreements with Messrs. Erwin, Smith and Niespodziani provide for their
employment in their current capacities for three years, and for additional one
year periods thereafter unless canceled by either party on 60 days notice prior
to such renewal date. They provide Messrs. Erwin, Smith and Niespodziani a base
salary (subject to annual review by the Board of Directors) of $180,000,
$111,300 and $111,540, respectively, and an annual performance-based bonus plan
(based on Economic Value Added for 1998 and on EBITDA for years thereafter), the
terms of which are to be agreed upon by the Compensation Committee of the Board
of Directors and the Company's Chief Executive Officer. The agreements also
provide for the indemnification of the executives, and include non-competition
and confidentiality provisions. If the executive resigns for Good Reason (as
defined therein), the executive is entitled to continuance of his then current
base salary for 12 months, continuation of health and life insurance benefits
for 24, a pro-rated bonus, the

                                       60
<PAGE>

continuation of other perquisites for six months and payment, if requested, for
all equity in Holdings or the Company held by the executive or his family. If
the executive is terminated without Cause (as defined therein) by the Company,
he is entitled to a lump sum payment equal to his then current annual base
salary plus a lump sum payment equal to the base salary which would otherwise
have been payable for the balance of the fiscal year in which termination
occurs, and the same benefits as if he resigned for Good Reason (as outlined
above).

      The Company also entered into new employment agreements with Messrs.
Norridge and Maddock on March 30, 1998. These agreements generally continue in
effect until the death of the executive, the executive's reaching normal
retirement age, termination for Cause by the Company, termination for Good
Reason by the Executive, or until terminated by either party upon 12 months
notice. Messrs. Maddock and Norridge are entitled to (pound)80,900 and
(pound)79,000 base salary, respectively, subject to review annually, a bonus
calculated and paid in accordance with the provisions of the management bonus
scheme, an additional payment of (pound)56,250 for each of 1998 and 1999,
pension benefits at least equal in value to the benefits the executive would
have been entitled to under the previous benefit plan in which such executive
participated, and various other benefits. The executive may terminate the
agreement at any time for Good Reason (as defined therein), in which case the
executive is entitled to receive his annual base salary immediately prior to
termination for an additional 12 months and a lump sum of (pound)56,250
multiplied by two minus the number of times the executive received this
additional payment. The executive is also entitled to continue participating in
the medical, dental and life insurance plans for one year or until he receives
equivalent benefits from a new employer.

                              Equity Incentive Plan

      In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company established a new
equity incentive plan to attract and retain key personnel, including senior
management, and to enhance their interest in the Company's continued success.
Holdings has reserved 1,186.0849 shares of Common Stock and 4,328.25 shares of
Series C Junior Voting Preferred Stock with a value of $8.1 million on March 30,
1998 for this plan (such shares to be denominated in 8,100 units consisting of
0.1464 shares of Common Stock and 0.5344 shares of Series C Junior Voting
Preferred Stock (the "Equity Units")). The Company made an initial option grant
to each member of the Company's senior management on March 30, 1998 under such
executive's employment agreement. The Company does not anticipate making
additional option grants to these executives under the plan, but does anticipate
making grants to other or to new members of management. Options not previously
exercised or terminated expire ten years from the date of grant. Approximately
one-third of the total number of Equity Units subject to the initial grant vest
ratably on each of the first through fourth anniversaries of the date of grant
provided the executive is in the employ of the Company. Approximately one third
of the Equity Units vest 25% a year at the end of each of 1999, 2000, 2001 and
2002, subject to satisfaction of the applicable EBITDA-based Performance Hurdle
(as defined therein) for such year ("B Options"), and approximately one third of
the Equity Units (plus any B Options that did not vest and have been carried
forward) vest if the Internal Rate of Return (as defined therein) earned by the
Company exceeds 40% on the closing date of a Change of Control (as defined
therein) and the executive is in the employ of the Company on such date. The
executives will be permitted to exercise their vested options and sell their
Equity Units after an initial public offering (subject to approval of the
Compensation Committee).

Arrangements Prior to Consummation of the Transactions

      The following describes certain compensation and benefit arrangements
applicable to employees of the Company for periods prior to March 30, 1998. Such
employees' participation in such plans and programs, except as otherwise noted,
terminated on March 30,1998, except with respect to vested benefits.


                                       61
<PAGE>

                         1997 Summary Compensation Table

      The following table presents information concerning compensation paid for
services to the Company during fiscal year 1997 to the Chief Executive Officer
of the Company and the four other most highly paid executive officers employed
by the Company at the end of fiscal year 1997, collectively, the "Named
Executive Officers."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 Long-Term Compensation
                                                                                 ----------------------
                                                       Annual Compensation         Awards       Payouts 
                                                 ------------------------------  ----------   ---------- 
                                                                      Other                   Securities               All
                                                                      Annual     Restricted   Underlying              Other
                                                                     Compen-       Stock       Options/     LTIP     Compen-
        Name and                                 Salary     Bonus     sation      Award(s)       SARs     Payouts    sation
   Principal Position                             ($)      ($)(a)      ($)          ($)          (#)      ($)(b)    ($)(a)(c)
                                                 -------   -------   ----------   --------    ---------   -------   ---------
<S>                                              <C>       <C>       <C>            <C>          <C>      <C>         <C>
Michael S. Erwin............................     155,850   109,192   12,358 (a)     --           --       12,220      30,146
   President and Chief Executive Officer         
David D. Smith..............................     104,980    47,644    5,705 (a)     --           --        6,863      14,705
   Vice President--Finance                       
Richard J. Niespodziani.....................     106,250    61,926    1,967 (a)     --           --        1,755       9,052
   Vice President--Aftermarket
   Products                                      
Michael J. Maddock..........................     125,300    55,196       --         --           --           --      95,605(d)
   Vice President--Pacific Rim &
   Middle East                                   
K. Bruce Norridge...........................     125,042    55,112   71,932 (e)     --           --           --      95,605(d)
   Vice President--Europe & Africa               
</TABLE>

- ----------
(a)   Certain participants in HII's Executive Incentive Plan may elect to defer
      up to 100% of their cash bonuses by converting such bonuses into HII
      common stock at a 25% discount from the average closing price of the HII
      common stock for the last month of the HII fiscal year. All such stock is
      held in the HII Deferred Compensation Trust and may not be withdrawn by a
      participant as long as the participant remains an employee of HII. Mr.
      Erwin, Mr. Smith and Mr. Niespodziani elected to defer 25%, 25% and 10% of
      their respective fiscal 1997 cash bonuses into HII common stock under this
      plan. The HII Executive Incentive Plan also provides that dividends on
      shares held in participants' accounts are reinvested in HII common stock
      at a 25% discount from market prices. The dollar values of the differences
      between (i) the bonus amount converted and the market value of the shares
      purchased and (ii) the dollar amounts attributable to the discount upon
      the reinvestment of dividends are included in the "Other Annual
      Compensation" column. The dollar value of the bonus amounts that have been
      converted into stock and deferred are reported in the "LTIP Payouts" and
      "All Other Compensation" columns. The "banked" portion of any bonus is not
      reported in the Summary Compensation Table but is reported in the
      Long-Term Incentive Plans--Awards Table.
(b)   Represents the portion of the bonus earned in 1997 that resulted from
      bonuses that were "banked" in prior years under the EVA Bonus Program
      described in connection with the Long-Term Incentive Plans--Awards Table.
      Mr. Erwin, Mr. Smith and Mr. Niespodziani elected to defer 25%, 25% and
      10% of their respective 1997 cash bonuses into HII common stock under the
      HII Executive Incentive Plan.
(c)   Includes the following amounts which represent bonuses earned in 1997 (net
      of amounts reported under LTIP Payouts) and deferred and converted into
      HII common stock by the Named Executive Officers under the HII Executive
      Incentive Plan as described in footnote (a) above: Mr. Erwin $24,611; Mr.
      Smith $10,131; and Mr. Niespodziani $4,123. Also includes $4,080 for Mr.
      Erwin, Mr. Smith and Mr. Niespodziani which represents cash payments under
      the HII Profit Sharing Plan and the following amounts paid by HII during
      fiscal 1997 for group term life insurance premiums for the benefit of the
      executives: Mr. Erwin, $1,455; Mr. Smith, $494; and Mr. Niespodziani,
      $849.
(d)   Represents an annual earn-out paid to Messrs. Maddock and Norridge
      pursuant to the terms of their employment agreements.
(e)   Includes $13,750 in car allowance and $51,063 for various expatriate
      expenses incurred by Mr. Norridge, paid by the Company pursuant to the
      terms of his employment agreement.


                                       62
<PAGE>

                 Aggregate Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year
                      and Fiscal Year-End Option Values (a)

      The following table sets forth information with respect to the Named
Executive Officers concerning the number of shares of HII common stock acquired
on exercise of options by the Named Executive Officers during fiscal 1997, the
value realized and the number and value of options outstanding at October 31,
1997.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Number of Securities        Value of Unexercised
                                                                    Underlying Unexercised       in-the-Money Options
                                            Shares                     Options at Fiscal          at Fiscal Year-End
                                           Acquired     Value             Year-End (#)                  ($)(c)
                                         on Exercise   Realized   --------------------------  ---------------------------
  Name                                       (#)        ($)(b)    Exercisable  Unexercisable  Exercisable   Unexercisable
  ----                                   -----------   --------   -----------  -------------  -----------   -------------
<S>                                          <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>   
Michael S. Erwin......................       1,625      21,865       5,250        6,000          52,459        27,013
David D. Smith........................       2,875      31,150           0        2,375               0        15,551
Richard J. Niespodziani...............       1,750      17,453           0        2,250               0        13,166
Michael J. Maddock....................       1,500      29,250       1,875        2,625          17,436        18,557
K. Bruce Norridge.....................       1,875      24,561           0        2,625               0        18,557
</TABLE>

- ----------
(a)   No Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) are outstanding.
(b)   Based on the market value of the stock on the date of exercise less the
      exercise price and withholding tax paid by the recipient, if any.
(c)   Based on the closing price of HII common stock on the New York Stock
      Exchange on October 31, 1997 of $39.375.

      Until the Recapitalization Closing, a portion of the incentive
compensation for senior executives was paid in cash and a portion was deferred
based on future results.

      For those executives who have elected to defer their cash bonuses by
converting such bonuses into HII common stock under the terms of the HII
Executive Incentive Plan, the "banked" portion of any bonus is converted into
HII common stock on the same terms as the "unbanked" portion of the bonus.

              Long Term Incentive Plans--Awards in Last Fiscal Year

                                          Number of Shares,   Estimated Future
                                           Units of Other      Payouts Under
                                               Rights         Non-Stock Price
Name                                           (#)(a)        Based Plans ($)(b)
- ----                                      -----------------  ------------------
Michael S. Erwin......................           17                1,558
David D. Smith........................           18                1,732
Richard J. Niespodziani...............            9                2,486
Michael J. Maddock....................           --                   --
K. Bruce Norridge.....................           --                   --

- ----------
(a)   Reflects HII common stock purchased through conversion of each executive's
      banked bonus at a 25% discount on the purchase price of $41.78 in
      accordance with the provisions of the HII Executive Incentive Plan. The
      amount so converted by each of the executive officers is as follows:
      Michael Erwin $693; David Smith $770; and Richard Niespodziani $368.
(b)   Reflects cash portion of "banked bonus."


                                       63
<PAGE>

                               Pension Plan Table

      The following table sets forth the estimated annual benefits payable upon
retirement at normal retirement age for the years of service indicated under
HII's defined benefit pension plan (and excess benefit arrangements defined
below) at the indicated remuneration levels.

      Remuneration covered by the plan includes the following amounts reported
in the 1997 Summary Compensation Table: salary and bonus (including the cash
value of bonuses foregone for stock under the Executive Incentive Plan).
"Banked" bonuses are not included.

      The years of service credited for each of the Named Executive Officers
are: Michael Erwin 24 years, David Smith 15 years, and Richard Niespodziani 23
years.

      Benefits are based upon years of service and the highest consecutive five
year average annual salary and incentive compensation during the last ten
calendar years of service. Estimated benefits under the retirement plan are
subject to the provisions of the Code which limit the annual benefits which may
be paid from a tax qualified retirement plan. Amounts in excess of such
limitations will either be paid from the general funds of HII or funded with HII
common stock under the terms of the HII Supplemental Retirement and Stock
Funding Plan. The estimated benefits in the table above do not reflect offsets
under the plan of 1.25% per year of service (up to a maximum of 50%) of the
Social Security benefit.

                                          Years of Service
                   -------------------------------------------------------------
Remuneration         5         10        15         20        25           30
- ------------       ------     ------    ------    ------     ------      ------
$ 140,000          10,500     21,000    31,500    42,000     52,500      63,000
  180,000          13,500     27,000    40,500    54,000     67,500      81,000
  220,000          16,500     33,000    49,500    66,000     82,500      99,000
  260,000          19,500     39,000    58,500    78,000     97,500     117,000
  300,000          22,500     45,000    67,500    90,000    112,500     135,000
  340,000          25,500     51,000    76,500   102,000    127,500     153,000
  380,000          28,500     57,000    85,500   114,000    142,500     171,000

      Until March 30, 1998, executive officers of the Company located in the
United Kingdom were eligible to participate in an executive section of the
Harnischfeger Industries Pension Scheme (the "UK Scheme"), which provides
defined benefits. Pension income in the UK Scheme at normal retirement age is
based on the employee's years of service and his last twelve months' taxable
earnings (excluding certain benefits in kind and fluctuating payments), or on an
average of those taxable earnings over the last 24 months, if greater. There is
no offset for United Kingdom social security benefits.

      In addition to United Kingdom social security benefits to which such a
person may be entitled, the following table illustrates the amount of annual
pension benefits (in pounds sterling) payable from the UK Scheme to an
individual with the indicated earnings and years of service at the individual's
normal retirement age of 65.

                                          Years of Service
                   -------------------------------------------------------------
Remuneration         10         15         20       25         30          35
- ------------       ------     ------    ------    ------     ------      ------
(pounds)50,000     16,667     25,000     33,333   33,333     33,333      33,333
        75,000     25,000     37,500     50,000   50,000     50,000      50,000
       100,000     33,333     50,000     66,667   66,667     66,667      66,667
       125,000     41,667     62,500     83,333   83,333     83,333      83,333
       150,000     50,000     75,000    100,000  100,000    100,000     100,000

      Mr. Maddock and Mr. Norridge were members of the UK Scheme until March 30,
1998. At December 31, 1997, Mr. Maddock had 8.75 years of service and Mr.
Norridge had 3.42 years of service for purposes of this plan. 


                                       64
<PAGE>

Because Mr. Norridge joined the plan after June 1, 1989, as a matter of United
Kingdom law, his benefits after 20 or more years of service would be capped at
(pound)56,000.

                          Divestiture Bonus Agreements

      In September and October 1997, Michael S. Erwin, David D. Smith, Richard
J. Niespodziani, Michael J. Maddock, K. Bruce Norridge and certain other
employees of the Company entered into divestiture bonus agreements with HarnCo
(the "Divestiture Bonuses"). These agreements provide for bonuses to be paid to
such employees in the event of a purchase by a third party not affiliated with
HarnCo of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the MHE Business
which occurs within one year of the date of the agreement. The Divestiture
Bonuses for Messrs. Erwin, Smith, Niespodziani, Maddock and Norridge are to be
$375,000, $125,000, $125,000, $125,000 and $125,000, respectively. Under these
agreements, each employee agreed to release HarnCo and its affiliates from
certain claims and agreed not to voluntarily terminate his employment with the
MHE Business within the first six months following any such divestiture unless
there is a substantial change in the employee's duties, functions and
responsibilities or the employee is required to perform the principal portion of
his duties outside his current locale.

                              Employment Agreements

      In September and October 1997, HarnCo entered into employment agreements
with Michael Erwin, David Smith, Richard Niespodziani and certain other
employees of the Company which were to be effective upon closing of the sale of
the MHE Business to a third-party buyer. These agreements, which HarnCo assigned
to the Company, were terminated on March 30, 1998 and replaced by new employment
agreements. Morris entered into employment agreements with K. Bruce Norridge,
Vice President--Europe & Africa, and Michael J. Maddock, Vice President--Pacific
Rim & Middle East in connection with the sale of Morris to the Company in 1994.
These agreements also were terminated and replaced by new employment agreements
on March 30, 1998.


                                       65
<PAGE>

         SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

      Holdings owns 100.0% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Morris
Material Handling, Inc.

      The following table sets forth the number and percentage of outstanding
shares of voting stock of Holdings beneficially owned by: (i) each executive
officer and director of the Company; (ii) all directors and executive officers
of the Company as a group; and (iii) each person known by the Company to own
beneficially more than five percent of Holdings voting stock, respectively. The
Company believes that each individual or entity named will have sole investment
and voting power with respect to shares of voting stock of Holdings indicated as
beneficially owned by them, except as otherwise noted.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Voting      Percent       Series C       Percent
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner                          Common Stock   of Class  Preferred Stock   of Class
- ------------------------------------                          ------------   --------  ---------------   --------
<S>                                                               <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>   
5% Owners:
Chartwell L.P. (a)..........................................      7,907        77.8%        28,855         100.0%
    c/o KPMG
    Genesis Building
    448 GT
    Grand Cayman
    Cayman Islands
Harnischfeger Corporation...................................      2,261        22.2%         --             --
    3600 South Lake Drive
    St. Francis, Wisconsin 53235

Executive Officers and Directors:
Todd R. Berman (b)..........................................      7,907        77.8%        28,855         100.0%
Michael S. Shein (b)........................................      7,907        77.8%        28,855         100.0%
All directors and officers as a group (14 persons) (c)......      7,907        77.8%        28,855         100.0%
</TABLE>

- ----------
(a)   Chartwell L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership, is the managing
      member of Frasier L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, and of
      Niles L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, which together own
      100.0% of the shares of common stock of MHE Investments, a Delaware
      corporation. MHE Investments, in turn, owns 77.8% of the shares of voting
      common stock of Holdings and 100.0% of the Series C Junior Voting
      Preferred Stock. The general partner of Chartwell L.P. is Chartwell G.P.
      Corp., a Cayman Islands company. Chartwell G.P. Corp. may be deemed to
      beneficially own all of the shares of Holdings beneficially owned by
      Chartwell L.P. Mr. Donald Gales owns all of the issued and outstanding
      capital stock of Chartwell G.P. Corp. and, consequently, may be deemed to
      beneficially own all of the shares of Holdings beneficially owned by
      Chartwell G.P. Corp. However, Holdings has been advised by each of
      Chartwell L.P., Chartwell G.P. Corp. and Mr. Gales that each disclaims
      beneficial ownership of such Holdings shares. Todd R. Berman, who is
      Chairman of the Board of the Company, is a limited partner of Chartwell
      L.P. Michael S. Shein, who is a director of the Company, is also a limited
      partner of Chartwell L.P. Mr. Berman and Mr. Shein are the managers of
      Frasier L.L.C. and Niles L.L.C. Concurrent with the Recapitalization
      Closing, affiliates of CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. and Credit Agricole
      Indosuez, an Initial Purchaser and the Financial Advisor in the Offering,
      respectively, became minority interest holders of Frasier L.L.C. and Niles
      L.L.C. Jay R. Bloom, who is a director of the Company, is a Managing
      Director of CIBC Oppenheimer Corp.
(b)   Chartwell L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership, is the managing
      member of Frasier L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, and of
      Niles L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, which together own
      100.0% of the shares of common stock of MHE Investments, a Delaware
      corporation. MHE Investments, in turn, owns 77.8% of the shares of voting
      common stock of Holdings and 100.0% of the Series C Junior Voting
      Preferred Stock. Todd R. Berman, who is Chairman of the Board of the
      Company, is a limited partner of Chartwell L.P. Michael S. Shein, who is a
      director of the Company, is also a limited partner of Chartwell L.P. Mr.
      Berman and Mr. Shein are the managers of Frasier L.L.C. and Niles L.L.C.
      The address of each of Mr. Berman and Mr. Shein is c/o Chartwell
      Investments Inc., 717 Fifth Avenue, 23rd Floor, New York, New York 10022.
(c)   Members of the Company's senior management purchased $900,000 of equity
      interests of Niles L.L.C. concurrent with the Recapitalization Closing.


                                       66
<PAGE>

                 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Relationship with Harnischfeger

      Historically, the Company operated as one of several operating units of
HII. Until the reorganization of the Company in October 1997, the core United
States operations of the Company (including all centralized operations and the
Oak Creek manufacturing facility) were conducted directly by HarnCo, which is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of HII, while the rest of the Company's operations
(including Morris Ltd. since its acquisition in 1994) were conducted through a
number of entities, all of which were wholly-owned, directly or indirectly, by
HII and its affiliates, with the exception of the Company's Singapore
operations, which are conducted through an entity in which the Company has an
85% interest. HarnCo continues to own approximately 20.8% of the Holdings Common
Stock. HII's two other current operating units consist of mining equipment
operations ("Mining"), which are conducted through HarnCo and through another
subsidiary of HII, and paper production equipment operations ("Paper"), which
are conducted through a separate subsidiary of HII.

      Previously (and until the Recapitalization Closing), HII and/or HarnCo
performed centrally a number of functions necessary for the operations of the
Company. Under a management services arrangement with HII, the Company was
provided with certain services, including, but not limited to, matters of
organization and administration, cash management, labor relations, employee
benefits, public relations, financial policies and practices, taxation and legal
affairs (intellectual property, environmental, labor, securities and ERISA
compliance, as well as assistance with product liability cases). The annual fee
charged the Company for these services was based upon a pro rata share of
corporate administration costs using an allocation methodology based on
consolidated worldwide sales. Such fees totaled approximately $2.9 million, $2.3
million and $1.9 million in fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

      HarnCo provided information systems services to the Company for which the
Company was charged approximately $1.9 million, $1.0 million and $1.1 million in
fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. HarnCo provided support to the Company
for accounting, credit, traffic, vendor identification numbers and human
resource services for which it charged the Company approximately $756,000,
$784,000 and $776,000 in fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The Company
also shared a parts warehouse with HarnCo, for which the Company was charged
approximately $1.4 million, $1.3 million and $1.2 million in fiscal 1997, 1996
and 1995, respectively, and leased office space from HarnCo at a cost of
approximately $120,000 per year in fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995.

      In addition, computer hardware, software licenses and other technology
necessary to operate the Company were owned and/or held by HII and/or HarnCo and
were used by HarnCo. Virtually all information systems necessary to the United
States operations of the Company were shared with HarnCo. Furthermore, the
Company (including all of its foreign operations) was insured pursuant to HII's
insurance program. The Company had a number of other arrangements with HII,
HarnCo and/or their affiliates, including tax allocation agreements and
inter-company notes, all of which will terminate at the Recapitalization
Closing.

      The Company also sold certain products and services to Paper and Mining at
negotiated rates and has performed certain administrative functions for HarnCo
in Mexico. Sales to Mining and Paper amounted to $4.9 million in fiscal 1997,
and to $0.9 million and $0.7 million in fiscal 1996 and 1995, respectively. In
addition, Mining and Paper provided certain products and services to the Company
which management estimates amounted to approximately $10.0 million per year, in
fiscal 1997, 1996 and 1995. HarnCo manufactured electric motors, fabricated
larger steel girders and did machining on certain cranes for the Company at cost
or at cost plus a percentage. In addition, Mining and Paper have acted as motor
rewind subcontractors for the Company. Paper is negotiating a preferred supplier
contract with the Company which provides for the Company to act as a
subcontractor for Paper's service unit. It is contemplated that these
transactions, none of which individually or in the aggregate are significant to
the Company, will continue in the future.

      The Company obtained volume discounts by entering into joint purchase
agreements in the United States with HII, Mining and Paper for items such as
bearings, motors, steel, maintenance, repair and operational supplies, domestic
telephone service and rates and fleet and equipment leases (including master
capital leases for vehicles and 


                                       67
<PAGE>

other equipment). In the United Kingdom, the Company, Mining and Paper entered
into joint purchase agreements for energy, steel and automobile leases. The
Company also had a joint banking program with the other HII affiliates and
participated in a consolidated pension plan in the United Kingdom. The Company's
hourly employees at its Oak Creek, Wisconsin facility are covered by a
collective bargaining agreement between HarnCo and the United Steelworkers of
America, Local 1114 that also covers certain employees of Mining.

      In a number of instances, HII and/or HarnCo provided contracting credit
support in connection with the Company's business. Certain customers for large
crane supply contracts require the supplier to provide contracting credit
support and/or parent guarantees of performance. In addition, HII and/or HarnCo
guaranteed Company debt and the Company's performance under certain real estate,
vehicle and equipment leases. At March 30, 1998, there was approximately $38.4
million outstanding under the letters of credit and bonds provided by HarnCo and
the Non-MHE HarnCo Affiliates. See "The Transactions--Credit Support."

      Management believes that in the aggregate these products and services can
be obtained on comparable terms from third parties.

Harnischfeger Separation Agreement

      The organizational structure of the Company and its subsidiaries was
substantially reorganized in connection with the anticipated sale of the
Company. In connection therewith, in October 1997 HarnCo transferred the assets
of its Material Handling Equipment Division to MHLLC, a newly-created
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. All non-cash assets held by HarnCo and
used exclusively by the MHE Division were transferred or, in the case of leased
personal property, subleased to MHLLC or to one of its affiliates. In return,
MHLLC assumed substantially all of the liabilities of HarnCo and the Non-MHE
HarnCo Affiliates relating to the MHE Business (other than as described below).

      HarnCo has retained certain income and other tax liabilities relating to
the MHE Business, all environmental liabilities relating to the ownership or
operation of any shared facilities and of HarnCo's Orchard Street facility, any
liabilities for which HarnCo or its affiliates have been named as potentially
responsible parties with respect to two Superfund sites, and any liabilities
arising in connection with claims alleging exposure to asbestos (to the extent
there is insurance coverage therefor) in connection with the MHE Business prior
to the Recapitalization Closing. In addition, among other matters, the HarnCo
Parties have retained all liability for medical and disability benefit claims
for current United States employees made prior to the Recapitalization Closing,
all claims by United States employees who are on short-term or long-term
disability as of the Recapitalization Closing and all claims with respect to any
of the HII benefit plans for former United States employees of the Company.

Trademark License Agreement

      The Company has entered into a trademark licensing agreement with
Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc. ("HTI"), a subsidiary of HarnCo, pursuant to
which it was granted a sole and exclusive worldwide license to use the "P&H"
trade name, trademark and service mark on or in connection with the MHE
Business. The term of the license for original equipment is 15 years after the
earlier to occur of (i) the sale of Holdings to an unaffiliated third party or
(ii) the consummation of a public offering of the common stock of Holdings, the
Company or their parents or successors. The term of the license for aftermarket
parts and services is for an additional seven years. The license agreement
provides for a royalty payment to HTI during the ten year period commencing 12
months after the Recapitalization Closing equal to 0.75% of the total net sales
of the MHE Business. There will be no royalty fee for the remainder of the term.

Component and Manufactured Products Supply Agreement

      The Company has entered into a two year agreement with HarnCo pursuant to
which HarnCo is to sell, or have its affiliates sell, to the Company and to its
subsidiaries located in the United States, at cost, certain products, repair
parts and rebuilds as have been previously manufactured by HarnCo for the
Company. The price for these products 


                                       68
<PAGE>

is the fully absorbed standard cost for normal production products and repair
parts, and the fully absorbed job cost for rebuilds and repairs.

Transition Services Agreement

      On March 30, 1998, the Company entered into a Transition Services
Agreement with HarnCo pursuant to which HarnCo and/or its affiliates will
provide the Company and the Company's subsidiaries located in the United States
certain specified transition services for a set monthly price per service, plus
cost sharing in certain instances, for periods ranging up to three years. These
services include financial support (including payroll, accounts payable and some
accounting), MIS support (including mainframe applications, PC support,
engineering applications, maintenance, shared products and telephone system
support), human resources support (including assistance in union negotiations,
processing support for workers' compensation, screening and hiring of hourly
employees and benefits administration), shared space, warehouse services for
repair parts at one of HarnCo's facilities, order processing, office space and
lobby services at HarnCo's offices, employee communications, use of corporate
aircraft owned by HarnCo or its affiliates, and all traffic functions and
transportation of materials between Milwaukee area operations. The Company
estimates it will be charged $2.6 million for such services in the seven
remaining months of fiscal 1998 and $1.6 million in fiscal 1999.

Health and Welfare Arrangements

      Under the terms of the Recapitalization Agreement, the current United
States employees of the Company continue to participate, from the
Recapitalization Closing until the earlier of the Company's notice of
termination or December 31, 1998, in the medical, dental, life and long-term
disability insurance benefit plans that are sponsored by HarnCo for the benefit
of these employees as of the Recapitalization Closing. The Company pays HarnCo
the cost of all benefits provided under these plans.

Stockholders Agreement

      Holdings has entered into a stockholders' agreement with HarnCo and MHE
Investments (the "Stockholders' Agreement") pursuant to which HarnCo has the
right to appoint a representative to the board of directors of Holdings, so long
as HarnCo owns at least 5% of the outstanding common stock of Holdings. Certain
actions by Holdings require HarnCo's approval, including non-pro rata
redemptions, certain post-closing affiliate and insider transactions, granting
of conflicting rights or entering into conflicting agreements, and dividends or
distributions on, or redemptions or purchases of, any junior equity stock at any
time when dividends are in arrears on the Series B Junior Preferred Stock owned
by HarnCo. The Stockholders' Agreement also provides that HarnCo has the right
to purchase its pro rata share of future issuances of common stock of Holdings
except for issuances of management stock and options and common stock sold in an
underwritten public offering. HarnCo's shares are subject to a right of first
refusal in favor of Holdings and its designees and certain other rights.

Credit Indemnification Agreement

      On March 30, 1998, HII and the Company entered into a Credit
Indemnification Agreement pursuant to which HII will maintain in place the
Credit Support Obligations in existence on March 30, 1998 but have no further
duty to extend, renew or enter into any new Credit Support Obligations, other
than with respect to the MHE Business obligations existing at the
Recapitalization Closing. The Company has agreed to pay in advance an annual fee
equal to 1% of the amounts outstanding under each letter of credit and bond
provided by HarnCo and the Non-MHE HarnCo Affiliates (approximately $38.4
million as of March 30, 1998). The Company paid a pro-rated fee of $290,106 for
calendar year 1998 at the Recapitalization Closing. HII will refund the Company
on a quarterly basis a pro-rata portion of the annual fee for any reductions in
the outstanding amount of credit that occurred during such quarter. In addition,
the Company will pay HII the full amount of future fees and other expenses that
may be paid by HII or its affiliates to third parties in connection with
maintaining the Credit Support Obligations. The Credit Indemnification Agreement
provides that the Company is to reimburse HII on demand for any payment made by
HII or its affiliates under any of the Credit Support Obligations.


                                       69
<PAGE>

Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement

      At the Recapitalization Closing, Holdings and HII entered into a
Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement, pursuant to which HII agreed, on
behalf of itself and of its subsidiaries, not to, directly or indirectly,
participate or engage in, or assist any person that is engaged in, any business
or enterprise that is competitive with the MHE Business as conducted at the
Recapitalization Closing. In addition, the agreement provides for HII and its
affiliates to maintain in confidence and not use any confidential information of
the MHE Business. The non-compete covenants, which apply worldwide, will be in
effect until the later of (i) the fourth anniversary of the Recapitalization
Closing or (ii) the third anniversary of the date on which a director designated
by HII or its affiliates ceases to serve on the board of directors of Holdings.
HII and its affiliates also agreed not to induce or encourage any current
employee of the Company or any of its affiliates to leave the Company or its
affiliates, and not to employ certain specified officers and employees of the
MHE Business for 18 months after the Recapitalization Closing.

Tax Sharing Agreement

      Holdings, its subsidiaries and MHE Investments have entered into a tax
sharing agreement (the "Tax Sharing Agreement") which provides for, among other
things, the allocation of federal, state and local tax liabilities between
Holdings, its subsidiaries and MHE Investments. In general, under the Tax
Sharing Agreement, Holdings and its subsidiaries are responsible for paying
their allocable share of all income taxes shown to be due on the consolidated
federal (and any comparable state or local) income tax return filed by MHE
Investments.

Loans to Management

      At the Recapitalization Closing, the Company made short-term loans in an
aggregate principal amount of $900,000 to members of the Company's senior
management to purchase equity interests in Niles L.L.C., an indirect minority
shareholder of Holdings, in accordance with the terms of certain promissory
notes, with proceeds from the debt portion of the Financings. The principal
amounts of the loans to Messrs. Erwin, Smith, Kerrick, Niespodiziani, Doolan,
Maddock, Norridge and Ditkof are $250,000, $110,000, $70,000, $70,000, $100,000,
$125,000, $125,000 and $50,000, respectively. In the case of Messrs. Erwin,
Smith and Doolan, the principal amount of the notes will be payable in part upon
their receipt of their respective Divestiture Bonuses (which is expected to
occur within six months of the Recapitalization Closing) and in part upon
payment of previously deferred amounts from the Harnischfeger Rabbi Trust or on
March 30, 1999 (whichever is earlier). In the case of Messrs. Kerrick,
Niespodziani, Maddock, Norridge and Ditkof, the principal amount of the notes
will be payable as a lump sum upon their receipt of their respective Divestiture
Bonuses (which is expected to occur within six months of the Recapitalization
Closing). Interest on each of the notes, at a rate per annum equal at all times
to the Federal Short-Term Rate in effect from time to time, from the date of
issuance until such note is repaid in full will be payable in arrears as a lump
sum on the date the remaining unpaid principal amount of such note is due in
full. The principal amounts of the loans and interest thereon will be payable in
full in the event the executive ceases to be employed by the Company as a result
of termination for Cause (as defined therein), or by reason of the executive's
death or resignation for other than Good Reason (as defined therein), or upon an
Event of Default (as defined therein). As collateral for the notes, each of the
executives granted to the Company a security interest in the equity interests in
Niles L.L.C. each of them acquired with the proceeds of the loans, in their
respective Divestiture Bonuses and in any proceeds therefrom.

Chartwell Financial Advisory Agreement

      The Company entered into an agreement with Chartwell Investments Inc.,
providing for the payment of fees and reimbursement of expenses to Chartwell
Investments Inc. for acting as financial advisor with respect to the
Transactions, including soliciting, structuring and arranging the financing of
the Transactions. The fees, totaling $5.0 million, equal to 1% of the
consolidated capitalization of Holdings and the reimbursement of expenses, were
paid at the Recapitalization Closing. Mr. Berman and Mr. Shein are,
respectively, Chairman of the Board and a director of the Company and both are
officers and directors of Chartwell Investments Inc.


                                       70
<PAGE>

Chartwell Management Consulting Agreement

      The Company has entered into a management consulting agreement with
Chartwell Investments Inc. pursuant to which Chartwell Investments Inc. provides
the Company with certain management, advisory and consulting services for a fee
of $1.0 million for each fiscal year of the Company during the term of the
agreement, plus reimbursement of expenses. The term of the management consulting
agreement is 10 years commencing at the Recapitalization Closing and is
renewable for additional one year periods unless the Board of Directors of the
Company gives prior written notice of non-renewal to Chartwell Investments Inc.
Mr. Berman and Mr. Shein are, respectively, Chairman of the Board and a director
of the Company and both are officers and directors of Chartwell Investments Inc.

                     DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW CREDIT FACILITY

Commitment

      The Company has entered into the New Credit Facility dated March 30, 1998
with Credit Agricole Indosuez and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (the
"Agents") individually and as agents for a group of lenders (the "Lenders"),
pursuant to which the Company has a $70.0 million Revolving Credit Facility, a
$30.0 million Acquisition Facility, a $20.0 million Term Loan A and a $35.0
million Term Loan B.

      The New Credit Facility contains representations and warranties, funding
and yield protection provisions, conditions precedent, financial and other
covenants and restrictions, events of default and other provisions customary for
bank credit agreements of this type. The following summaries of the material
provisions of the New Credit Facility do not purport to be complete, and such
provisions, including definitions of certain terms, are qualified in their
entirety by reference to the New Credit Facility.

General

      The Revolving Credit Facility permits the Company to borrow, repay and
reborrow, subject to compliance with certain conditions, including a borrowing
base test, up to $70.0 million (of which $15.0 million is required under the
Indenture to be reserved for issuance of letters of credit) at any time until
the fifth anniversary of the Recapitalization Closing, the proceeds of which may
be used for working capital, acquisitions and other corporate purposes. Up to
$20.0 million of the Revolving Credit Facility (of which $15.0 million would not
be subject to a borrowing base) is available for the issuance of standby and
documentary letters of credit. The Acquisition Facility, the proceeds of which
will be used for acquisitions, permits the Company to borrow, subject to
compliance with certain conditions, up to $30.0 million at any time until the
third anniversary, and to repay the same in installments on or prior to the
seventh anniversary of the Recapitalization Closing. Term Loan A will be
repayable in 20 quarterly installments, commencing on June 30, 1998 and Term
Loan B will be repayable in 28 quarterly installments commencing on June 30,
1998.

Mandatory Prepayments

      The Company is required to make mandatory prepayments in an amount equal
to 50% of excess cash flow after permitted capital expenditures for the first
fiscal year after the Recapitalization Closing and 75% thereafter, subject to
reduction thereafter based on the ratio of total debt to EBITDA. In addition,
the Company is required to make mandatory prepayments in the amount of 100% of
net proceeds from certain assets sales, equity issuances, certain permitted new
debt issuances and insurance claims not reinvested. The Company is permitted to
make voluntary prepayments at any time.

Interest Rate and Fees

      Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan A bear
interest at floating rates equal to: (i) 0.75% per annum over the higher of the
Agents' base rate or the Federal Fund Rate plus 0.50%; or (ii) 2.25% per 


                                       71
<PAGE>

annum over the Eurodollar Rate. Borrowings under Term Loan B and the Acquisition
Facility bear interest at rates equal to: (i) 1.25% per annum over the higher of
the Agents' base rate or the Federal Fund Rate plus 0.50%; or (ii) 2.75% per
annum over the Eurodollar Rate. Eurodollar Rates will be calculated for interest
periods of one, two, three or six months, as applicable.

      The New Credit Facility provides that the Company is to pay certain fees
and commissions to the Agents and Lenders, including an annual administrative
fee, a Revolving Credit Facility and Acquisition Facility unused commitment fee
and letter of credit fee.

Amortization

      Aggregate yearly term loan principal payments under the New Credit
Facility are as follows: (i) $675,000 in fiscal 1998; (ii) $2,100,000 in fiscal
1999; (iii) $3,600,000 in fiscal 2000 (iv) $5,100,000 in fiscal 2001; (v)
$6,600,000 in fiscal 2002; (vi) $11,988,000 in fiscal 2003; (vii) $16,625,000 in
fiscal 2004 and (viii) $8,313,000 in fiscal 2005.

Guarantees and Security

      Borrowings under the New Credit Facility are (i) secured by substantially
all of the present and future assets of the Company and its subsidiaries located
in the United States and the United Kingdom, certain of the Company's
subsidiaries' present and future assets located in Canada and by a pledge of
substantially all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the
Company and its current and future subsidiaries and (ii) guaranteed by Holdings
and substantially all of the Company's subsidiaries.

Covenants; Events of Default

      The New Credit Facility contains a number of customary covenants,
including, among other things (i) prohibitions and/or limitations on the
incurrence of debt, liens, payment of dividends, redemption of securities,
investments, transactions with affiliates, mergers, acquisitions and asset
dispositions and (ii) financial covenants, including interest coverage, leverage
and capital expenditures. The New Credit Facility also contains customary events
of default, including a change of control (which is defined to include the
definition of Change of Control in the Indenture).

Conditions

      The New Credit Facility contains a number of conditions to any subsequent
funding by the Lenders, including, among other things, satisfactory appraisals
and environmental reports and the Company's entry into interest rate protection
agreements satisfactory to the Agents.

                      DESCRIPTION OF THE SURETY ARRANGEMENT

      The Company has entered into the Surety Arrangement dated March 30, 1998
with Reliance Insurance Company and certain of its affiliates (collectively,
"Reliance") pursuant to which Reliance will provide up to $60.0 million of bid
bond, completion bond, warranty and other bonds on behalf of the Company, which
bonds will guarantee the obligations of the Company under bid and contract
arrangements with potential and existing customers of the Company. The Surety
Arrangement provides that the Company will reimburse Reliance for any payments
made by Reliance with respect to bonds issued by it.

      Collateral for the surety lien will be a letter of credit issued pursuant
to the New Credit Facility and by a pledge of certain assets of the Company.
Obligations under the Surety Arrangement rank pari passu with the Notes.


                                       72
<PAGE>

                                THE UNIT OFFERING

      Concurrent with the Offering, Holdings sold, on March 30, 1998, $60.0
million of its Series A Units consisting of approximately (i) an aggregate of
57,710 shares of Series A Senior Preferred Stock and (ii) an aggregate of 720
shares of non-voting Holdings Common Stock (the "Unit Common Stock"). Each
Series A Unit consists of one share of Series A Senior Preferred Stock and
0.012476 shares of Unit Common Stock. The Series A Senior Preferred Stock and
the Unit Common Stock are separately transferable, subject to compliance with
applicable federal and state securities laws. The net proceeds from the sale of
the Series A Units were used by Holdings to finance a portion of the
Transactions. See "Use of Proceeds."

      Series A Senior Preferred Stock. Each share of Series A Senior Preferred
Stock has a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share plus accumulated and
unpaid dividends. Dividends on the Series A Senior Preferred Stock are
cumulative from March 30, 1998, the date of issuance of the Series A Units (the
"Issue Date"), at an annual rate of 12%, and payable semi-annually in arrears on
each April 1 and October 1, commencing October 1, 1998. Dividends are payable at
the option of Holdings, on any dividend date occurring on or prior to April 1,
2003, either in cash or in additional shares of Series A Senior Preferred Stock.
Thereafter, dividends will be payable in cash.

      The Series A Senior Preferred Stock rank senior in right of payment to the
Series B Junior Preferred Stock, the Series C Junior Voting Preferred Stock and
any other preferred stock, and senior to any class of common stock of Holdings
with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding-up of Holdings.

      Holdings will be required to redeem in cash all of the Series A Senior
Preferred Stock outstanding on April 1, 2009, at a redemption price equal to
100% of the liquidation preference thereof plus accumulated and unpaid dividends
to the redemption date.

      The Series A Senior Preferred Stock are redeemable at the option of
Holdings, in whole or in part, at any time on or after April 1, 2003, at the
redemption prices set forth in the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of Holdings and the Certificate of Designations establishing the
powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special
rights of the Series A Senior Preferred Stock (collectively, the "Holdings
Restated Certificate"), together with accrued and unpaid dividends thereon, if
any, to the redemption date. In addition, Holdings, at its option, may redeem
all, but not less than all, of the Series A Senior Preferred Stock outstanding
at any time on or prior to April 1, 2001, at a redemption price equal to 112% of
the liquidation preference thereof together with accrued and unpaid dividends
thereon, if any, to the redemption date, out of the net proceeds of one or more
public equity offerings, provided, however; that any such redemption occurs
within 90 days following the closing of any such Public Equity Offering.

      Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder of the Series A
Senior Preferred Stock will be entitled to require Holdings to make an offer to
purchase such holder's Series A Senior Preferred Stock at a purchase price equal
to 101% of the liquidation preference, together with accrued and unpaid
dividends thereon, if any, to the repurchase date.

      Holders of Series A Senior Preferred Stock do not have voting rights,
except under certain limited circumstances or as required by law.

      The Holdings Restated Certificate contains covenants for the benefit of
the holders of the Series A Senior Preferred Stock that, among other things,
restrict the ability of Holdings and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
(including the Company) to: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) pay
dividends and make certain other restricted payments; (iii) enter into
transactions with affiliates; (iv) issue preferred stock of subsidiaries; or (v)
merge or consolidate Holdings or sell all or substantially all of Holdings'
assets (determined on a consolidated basis for Holdings and its Restricted
Subsidiaries). These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions.

      The Holdings Restated Certificate provides that if Holdings fails to make
or consummate a Change of Control Offer (as defined in the Holdings Restated
Certificate), the dividend rate on the Series A Preferred Stock will increase by
400 basis points per annum until such time as Holdings makes or consummates a
Change of Control.


                                       73
<PAGE>

      Subject to certain provisions, the Series A Senior Preferred Stock are
exchangeable in whole, but not in part, at the option of Holdings into
subordinated debentures (the "Exchange Debentures") with substantially the same
terms as the Series A Preferred Stock and providing certain additional
covenants. The Exchange Debentures, if issued, will be issued pursuant to an
indenture which will contain covenants for the benefit of the holders of the
Exchange Debentures that, among other things, restrict the ability of Holdings
and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (including the Company) to: (i) incur
additional indebtedness; (ii) pay dividends and make certain other restricted
payments; (iii) enter into transactions with affiliates; (iv) transfer or sell
assets; (v) issue stock (including preferred stock) of subsidiaries; (vi) create
dividend or other payment restrictions affecting Restricted Subsidiaries; (vii)
merge or consolidate in a transaction involving all or substantially all of the
assets of Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. These
covenants will be subject to a number of important exceptions.

      Pursuant to a registration rights agreement among Holdings and CIBC
Oppenheimer Corp., Holdings must use its best efforts to file within 60 days,
and cause to become effective within 135 days, of the Issue Date, a Preferred
Stock Exchange Offer Registration Statement (as defined in such agreement) with
respect to an offer to exchange the Series A Senior Preferred Stock (the
"Preferred Stock Exchange Offer") for preferred stock of Holdings with terms
substantially identical to the Series A Senior Preferred Stock. In addition,
under certain circumstances, Holdings may be required to file a Shelf
Registration Statement (as defined in such agreement). Among other provisions,
in the event that (i) the Preferred Stock Exchange Offer Registration Statement
or Shelf Registration Statement has not been filed with the Commission within 60
days after the Issue Date, or (ii) the Preferred Stock Exchange Offer
Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement is not declared effective
within 135 days after the Issue Date, or (iii) (a) the Preferred Stock Exchange
Offer is not consummated within 45 days after the date on which the Preferred
Stock Exchange Offer Registration Statement was declared effective, or (b) the
Preferred Stock Exchange Offer Registration Statement ceases to be effective at
any time prior to the time that the Preferred Stock Exchange Offer is
consummated as to all Series A Senior Preferred Stock validly tendered, or (c)
if applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement has been declared effective and
such Shelf Registration Statement ceases to be effective at any time prior to
the second anniversary of its effective date (each such event referred to in
clauses (i) through (iii) above is a "Preferred Stock Registration Default"),
the sole remedy available to holders of the Series A Senior Preferred Stock is
the immediate assessment of additional dividends (the "Additional Dividends") as
follows: the per annum dividend rate on the Series A Senior Preferred Stock will
increase by 50 basis points during the first 90 days when any such default
exists and increased by an additional 25 basis points per annum for each
subsequent 90-day period during which the Preferred Stock Registration Default
remains uncured, up to a maximum rate of 200 basis points per annum. All
Additional Dividends will be payable to holders of the Preferred Stock on each
April 1 and October 1, commencing with the first such date occurring after any
such Additional Dividends commence to accrue, and continuing until such
Preferred Stock Registration Default is cured. Additional Dividends will be
payable at the option of Holdings on any dividend date occurring on or prior to
April 1, 2003, either in cash or in additional shares of Series A Senior
Preferred Stock. After the date on which such Preferred Stock Registration
Default is cured, additional dividends will cease to accrue.

      Unit Common Stock. The shares of Unit Common Stock sold in the Unit
Offering represent approximately 6.6% of all classes of Holdings Common Stock
outstanding. Prior to an initial public offering of Holdings Common Stock,
holders of the Unit Common Stock are not entitled to vote except as otherwise
required by law. After a public offering of Holdings Common Stock, holders of
Unit Common Stock will be entitled to one vote per share on all matters on which
the holders of Holdings Common Stock are entitled to vote. Holdings does not
anticipate paying dividends on the Holdings Common Stock. Holders of Unit Common
Stock are entitled, when and if declared by the Board of Directors of Holdings
out of funds legally available therefor, to receive dividends on each
outstanding share of Unit Common Stock. Pursuant to an agreement with Holdings
and MHE Investments, the holders of the Unit Common Stock are entitled to
certain registration rights and other rights.


                                       74
<PAGE>

                          DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW NOTES

      The Old Notes were issued, and the New Notes will be issued, under an
indenture, dated as of March 30, 1998 (the "Indenture"), among the Company, the
Guarantors and United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee (the
"Trustee"). The New Notes will be issued solely in exchange for an equal
principal amount of the outstanding Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer.
The terms of the New Notes will be identical in all material respects to the
form and terms of the Old Notes except that: (i) the New Notes will have been
registered under the Securities Act (and will generally be freely transferable
by holders thereof who are not a Restricted Holder); and (ii) the registration
rights and contingent interest rate provisions applicable to the Old Notes are
not applicable to the New Notes. The Old Notes and the New Notes are
collectively referred to herein as the "Notes."

      The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those
made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"), as in effect on the date of the Indenture.
The Notes are subject to all such terms, and holders of the Notes are referred
to the Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act for a statement of the provisions
of the Notes. The following is a summary of the material terms and provisions of
the Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees. This summary does not purport to be
a complete description thereof and is subject to the detailed provisions of, and
qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Notes and the Indenture
(including the definitions contained therein). The form of the Indenture is
filed as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a
part and a copy may be obtained from the Company by a holder or prospective
investor upon request. Definitions relating to certain capitalized terms are set
forth under "--Certain Definitions" and throughout this description. Capitalized
terms that are used but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned
to them in the Indenture and such definitions are incorporated by reference
herein. For purposes of this section, references to the "Company" mean Morris
Material Handling, Inc., excluding its Subsidiaries, and references to Surety
Arrangements refer to all such arrangements as defined in this section including
those described in "Description of the Surety Arrangement."

General

      The Notes are limited in aggregate principal amount to $200.0 million. The
Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and rank pari passu in
right of payment with all existing and future unsubordinated obligations of the
Company and senior in right of payment to all existing and future Subordinated
Indebtedness of the Company. Indebtedness incurred under the Credit Facilities,
including the New Credit Facility, is secured by certain of the Company's and
its Subsidiaries' assets, including substantially all of their assets located in
the United States and the United Kingdom and certain assets in Canada as well as
a pledge of all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the
Company and its current and future subsidiaries. In addition, obligations
incurred under certain of the Surety Arrangements will be secured by certain of
the Company's assets. Accordingly, while the Notes rank pari passu in right of
payment with the Indebtedness under the Credit Facilities and the Surety
Arrangements and all other liabilities not expressly subordinated by their terms
to the Notes, the Notes are effectively subordinated to the Indebtedness
outstanding under the Credit Facilities, certain of the Surety Arrangements and
other secured Indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing
such Indebtedness. See "Description of the New Credit Facility," "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions--Credit Indemnification Agreement" and
"Description of the Surety Arrangement."

      All of the operations of the Company are conducted through its
Subsidiaries and, therefore, the Company is dependent upon the cash flow of its
Subsidiaries to meet its obligations, including its obligations under the Notes.
Substantially all of the Subsidiaries of the Company are Guarantors of the
Notes. The Notes are effectively subordinated to all Indebtedness and other
liabilities (including trade payables, tort claims and tax claims) of the
Company's present and future Subsidiaries which are not Guarantors, including
present and future Unrestricted Subsidiaries. Any right of the Company to
receive assets of any of its Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries upon such
Subsidiary's liquidation or reorganization (and the consequent right of the
holders of the Notes to participate in those assets) is effectively subordinated
to the claims of that Subsidiary's third-party creditors, except for any
Indebtedness validly owed to the Company or to Guarantors.


                                       75
<PAGE>

      The Notes are unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior unsecured basis, as
to payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest, jointly and severally,
by the Guarantors. Each Guarantee ranks pari passu in right of payment with all
existing and future unsubordinated obligations of the respective Guarantors and
senior to all existing and future Subordinated Indebtedness of such Guarantors.

      As of January 31, 1998, after giving pro forma effect to the Offering, the
application of the net proceeds therefrom and the Transactions, the Company and
its Subsidiaries would have had an aggregate of $259.3 million of Indebtedness
outstanding, of which $55.0 million would have been borrowings under the New
Credit Facility, and $0.7 million would have been Indebtedness of the Company's
Subsidiaries other than the Guarantors, in respect of which the Notes are
effectively subordinated.

Maturity, Interest and Principal

      The Notes will mature on April 1, 2008. The Notes bear interest at a rate
of 9 1/2% per annum from the date of original issuance until maturity. Interest
is payable semi-annually in arrears on each April 1 and October 1 commencing
October 1, 1998, to holders of record of the Notes at the close of business on
the immediately preceding March 15 and September 15, respectively. Interest on
the Notes is computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
The interest rate on the Old Notes is subject to increase, and such Additional
Interest (as defined below under "Exchange Offer; Registration Rights") will be
payable on the payment dates set forth above, in certain circumstances, if,
among other matters, the Old Notes (or other securities substantially similar to
the Old Notes) are not registered with the Commission within the prescribed time
periods. See "Exchange Offer; Registration Rights." All references herein to
"interest" shall be deemed to include any such Additional Interest.

Optional Redemption

      The Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in
part, at any time or from time to time on or after April 1, 2003 at the
following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount),
together, in each case, with accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date,
if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on April 1 of each year
listed below:

            Year                                                    Percentage
            ----                                                    ----------
            2003................................................     104.750%
            2004................................................     103.167%
            2005................................................     101.583%
            2006 and thereafter.................................     100.000%

      Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may redeem in the aggregate up
to 35% of the original principal amount of Notes at any time and from time to
time prior to April 1, 2001 at a redemption price equal to 109.500% of the
aggregate principal amount so redeemed, plus accrued interest to the redemption
date out of the Net Proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings; provided,
that at least $130.0 million of the principal amount of Notes originally issued
remain outstanding immediately after the occurrence of any such redemption and
that any such redemption occurs within 90 days following the closing of any such
Public Equity Offering.

      In the event of redemption of fewer than all of the Notes, the Trustee
shall select by lot or on a pro rata basis or in such other manner as it shall
deem appropriate the Notes to be redeemed. The Notes will be redeemable in whole
or in part upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior written notice,
mailed by first class mail to a holder's last address as it shall appear on the
register maintained by the Registrar of the Notes. On and after any redemption
date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for
redemption unless the Company shall fail to redeem any such Note.

Certain Covenants

      The Indenture contains, among others, the following covenants.


                                       76
<PAGE>

   Limitation on Additional Indebtedness

      The Company will not, and will not cause or permit any Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company to, directly or indirectly, incur (as defined) any
Indebtedness (including any Acquired Indebtedness); provided, that if no Default
or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time or as a
consequence of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary may incur Indebtedness (including any Acquired
Indebtedness) if the Company's Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio is greater
than 2.0 to 1.

      Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
may incur Permitted Indebtedness.

   Limitation on Restricted Payments

      The Company will not make, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make, any Restricted Payment after the
Issue Date, unless:

            (a) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
      continuing at the time of or immediately after giving effect to such
      Restricted Payment;

            (b) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such Restricted
      Payment, the Company could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other
      than Permitted Indebtedness) under the "--Limitation on Additional
      Indebtedness" covenant above; and

            (c) immediately after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, the
      aggregate of all Restricted Payments declared or made after the Issue Date
      does not exceed the sum (without duplication) of (1) 50% of the cumulative
      Consolidated Net Income of the Company (or minus 100% of any cumulative
      deficit in Consolidated Net Income) for the period (treated as one
      accounting period) from the first day of the fiscal quarter in which the
      Issue Date occurs through the last day of the fiscal quarter immediately
      preceding such Restricted Payment, (2) 100% of the aggregate Net Proceeds
      in cash received by the Company from the issuance or sale, after the Issue
      Date (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary), of (A) Capital Stock (other
      than Disqualified Capital Stock) of the Company or (B) any Indebtedness or
      other securities of the Company that are convertible into or exercisable
      or exchangeable for Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Capital Stock)
      of the Company which have been so converted or exercised or exchanged
      (other than by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company), excluding, in the
      case of clause (c)(2), any Net Proceeds from a Public Equity Offering to
      the extent used to redeem the Notes in accordance with the second
      paragraph of "--Optional Redemption" above and (3) 100% of the net
      reduction in Investments (other than Permitted Investments), subsequent to
      the Issue Date, in any Person, resulting from payments of interest on
      Indebtedness, dividends, repayments of loans or advances or other
      transfers or distributions of Property or return of capital (but only to
      the extent such interest, dividends or repayments or other transfers or
      distributions of Property or return of capital are not included in the
      calculation of Consolidated Net Income), in each case to the Company or
      any Restricted Subsidiary from any Person (including Unrestricted
      Subsidiaries) or from redesignations (the designation of which did not
      constitute a Permitted Investment) of Unrestricted Subsidiaries as
      Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with the Indenture, not to exceed in
      the case of any Person the amount of Investments (other than Permitted
      Investments) previously made by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
      in such Person. For purposes of determining the amount expended for
      Restricted Payments under this clause (c), Property other than cash
      (including a distribution of assets) shall be valued at its Fair Market
      Value.

      The provisions of this covenant shall not prohibit:

      (i) the payment of any distribution within 60 days after the date of
declaration thereof, if at such date of declaration such payment would comply
with the provisions of the Indenture;

      (ii) the retirement of any shares of Capital Stock of the Company or
Subordinated Indebtedness by conversion into, or by or in exchange for, shares
of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) of the Company, or out
of, the Net Proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) 


                                       77
<PAGE>

of other shares of Capital Stock of the Company (other than Disqualified Capital
Stock) provided, that any such Net Proceeds are excluded from clause (c)(2) of
the immediately preceding paragraph for the purposes of this calculation (and
were not included therein at any time);

      (iii) the redemption, repayment or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness
in exchange for, by conversion into, or out of the Net Proceeds of, (x) a
substantially concurrent sale or incurrence of Subordinated Indebtedness (other
than any Indebtedness owed to a Restricted Subsidiary) or (y) a substantially
concurrent sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) of shares
of Capital Stock of the Company provided, that any such Net Proceeds are
excluded from clause (c)(2) of the immediately preceding paragraph (and were not
included therein at any time);

      (iv) the retirement of any shares of Disqualified Capital Stock by
conversion into, or by exchange for, shares of Disqualified Capital Stock of the
Company, or out of the Net Proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other
than to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) of other shares of Disqualified
Capital Stock of the Company;

      (v) payments to Holdings or any other Person in respect of which Holdings
or such other Person is a member of the consolidated tax group of the Company,
for so long as Holdings or such other Person owns such amount of the Capital
Stock of the Company as will permit it or a member of the consolidated tax group
of Holdings or such other Person to be entitled to file consolidated federal tax
returns with the Company, for income taxes pursuant to the Tax Allocation
Agreement or for the purpose of enabling Holdings or such other Person or any
such members to pay taxes other than income taxes, to the extent actually owed
and attributable to the operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries or to
Holdings' or such other Person's ownership thereof;

      (vi) payments to Holdings, for so long as it owns not less than a majority
of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company, in amounts sufficient to pay the
ordinary operating and administrative expenses of Holdings (including all
reasonable professional fees and expenses), including in connection with its
complying with its reporting obligations (including filings with the Commission
and any exchange on which Holdings' securities are traded) and obligations to
prepare and distribute business records in the ordinary course of business and
Holdings' costs and expenses relating to taxes, other than those referred to in
clause (v) (which taxes are attributable to the operations of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries or to Holdings' ownership thereof); i provided, that
the aggregate payments paid in each fiscal year pursuant to this clause (vi)
will not exceed 0.20% of the consolidated net sales of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries for such fiscal year;

      (vii) the purchase, redemption, retirement or other acquisition for value
of Capital Stock of the Company, Holdings or of any Person that directly or
indirectly controls (as defined in the definition of Affiliate) Holdings held by
employees or former employees of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (or
their estates or beneficiaries under their estates) upon death, disability,
retirement, termination of employment and pursuant to the terms of any agreement
under which such Capital Stock was issued, provided, that the aggregate Fair
Market Value of the consideration paid for such purchase, redemption, retirement
or other acquisition of such Capital Stock does not exceed $500,000 in any
fiscal year;

      (viii) payments due under the Permitted Affiliate Agreements (other than
payments pursuant to clause (v) above) that would otherwise constitute
Restricted Payments; and

      (ix) payments that would otherwise constitute Restricted Payments, not to
exceed $750,000 in the aggregate;

provided, that in calculating the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made
subsequent to the Issue Date for purposes of clause (c) of the immediately
preceding paragraph, amounts expended pursuant to clause (i) (but only if the
declaration thereof has not been counted in a prior period), (vi) (other than to
the extent otherwise reducing Consolidated Net Income), (vii) and (ix) shall be
included, without duplication, in such calculation and (ii), (iii), (iv), (v)
and (viii) shall not be included in such calculation. Nothing in the immediately
preceding proviso is meant to affect whether any amount expended pursuant to
clause (v) should be reflected in Consolidated Net Income.


                                       78
<PAGE>

      If the Company makes a Restricted Payment which, at the time of the making
of such Restricted Payment, in the good faith determination of the Board of
Directors of the Company, would be permitted under the requirements of the
Indenture, such Restricted Payment shall be deemed to have been made in
compliance with the Indenture notwithstanding any subsequent adjustment made in
good faith to the Company's financial statements affecting Consolidated Net
Income.

   Limitations on Liens

      The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, to create, incur or otherwise cause or
suffer to exist or become effective any Liens of any kind (other than Permitted
Liens) on or with respect to any Property or assets of the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries owned on the Issue Date or thereafter acquired or
designated, or on the income or profits thereof, unless (i) if such Lien secures
Indebtedness which is ranked pari passu with the Notes or any Guarantee, then
the Notes or such Guarantee, as the case may be, is secured on an equal and
ratable basis with the obligations so secured until such time as such
obligations are no longer secured by a Lien or (ii) if such Lien secures
Subordinated Indebtedness, then the Notes or such Guarantee, as the case may be,
is secured and the Lien securing such other Indebtedness shall be subordinated
to the Lien granted to the holders of the Notes or such Guarantee, as the case
may be, at least to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the
Notes or such Guarantee, as the case may be.

   Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates

      The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into or suffer to exist any
transaction or series of related transactions (including, without limitation,
the sale, purchase, exchange or lease of assets, Property or services) with any
Affiliate (each, an "Affiliate Transaction") or extend, renew, waive or
otherwise modify the terms of any Affiliate Transaction entered into prior to
the Issue Date, unless (i) such Affiliate Transaction is between or among the
Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries or between or among Restricted
Subsidiaries; or (ii) the terms of such Affiliate Transaction are fair to the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, and the terms of such
Affiliate Transaction are at least as favorable as the terms which could be
obtained by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, in a
comparable transaction made on an arm's-length basis between unaffiliated
parties. In any Affiliate Transaction (or any series of related Affiliate
Transactions) involving an amount or having a Fair Market Value in excess of $2
million which is not permitted under clause (i) of the immediately preceding
sentence, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee a resolution of a majority of
the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Company which
reflects the approval of such Affiliate Transaction and a determination that
such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (ii) of the immediately
preceding sentence. In any Affiliate Transaction (or series of related Affiliate
Transactions) which includes the payment of fees of $1 million or more to
Chartwell, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee a resolution of a majority
of the disinterested members of its Board of Directors which reflects the
approval of such Affiliate Transaction. In addition, in any Affiliate
Transaction (or any series of related Affiliate Transactions) involving an
amount or having a Fair Market Value in excess of $10 million which is not
permitted under clause (i) of the immediately preceding sentence, the Company
must deliver to the Trustee, prior to the consummation of the transaction or
transactions, a written opinion from a nationally recognized investment banking
firm or other expert stating that such transaction or transactions are fair to
the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, from a financial
point of view; provided, that no such opinion shall be required in respect of
the provision of services or sales of inventory or products by the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to a Joint Venture in the ordinary course of
business.

      The foregoing provisions will not apply to: (i) any transaction or series
of related transactions pursuant to the terms of the Permitted Affiliate
Agreements; (ii) reasonable fees and compensation paid to and indemnity provided
on behalf of officers, directors or employees of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company as determined in good faith by the Company's Board of
Directors or senior management; (iii) any payment that would be permitted under
the first paragraph or clauses (v) or (vi) of the second paragraph of the
Limitations on Restricted Payments covenant; (iv) any Permitted Investment
(other than Permitted Investments made pursuant to clause (xi) of the definition
of Permitted Investments); or (v) loans or advances to employees and officers of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business to
provide for the payment of reasonable expenses incurred 


                                       79
<PAGE>

by such persons in the performance of their responsibilities to the Company or
such Subsidiary or in connection with any relocation. The aggregate management,
consulting and similar fees paid by the Company or its Subsidiaries (excluding
expenses and amounts paid pursuant to the last sentence of this covenant or
pursuant to clause (iii) of this paragraph) to Chartwell shall not exceed $1
million during any fiscal year; provided, that any such fees may accrue but
shall not be paid by the Company at any time after the occurrence and during the
continuance of a Default or Event of Default until such Default or Event of
Default is cured, whereupon such accrued and unpaid fees may be paid in addition
to other permitted fees. In addition, the Company may pay advisory fees to an
Affiliate of the Company (including Chartwell) with respect to specific
transactions, provided, that such payments would be permitted under the first
paragraph of the covenant under "--Limitation on Restricted Payments." In
addition, for purposes of this "--Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates"
covenant, any transaction or series of related transactions between the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary and an Affiliate of the Company that is approved by
a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors shall be
deemed to comply with clause (ii) of the first sentence of the preceding
paragraph. Notwithstanding the provisions of this covenant, the Company may pay
fees and expenses to Affiliates of the Company on the Issue Date in connection
with the consummation of the Transactions as described in this Offering
Memorandum.

   Limitation on Creation of Subsidiaries

      The Company shall not create or acquire, nor permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to create or acquire, any Subsidiary other than (i) a Restricted
Subsidiary existing as of the date of the Indenture, (ii) a Restricted
Subsidiary that is acquired or created after the date of the Indenture, or (iii)
an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, that each Restricted Subsidiary that is
required to be a Guarantor pursuant to the covenant "--Guarantees" and is
acquired or created pursuant to clause (ii) shall have executed a Guarantee,
satisfactory in form and substance to the Trustee (and with such documentation
relating thereto as the Trustee shall require, including, without limitation a
supplement or amendment to the Indenture and opinions of counsel as to the
enforceability of such Guarantee), pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary
shall become a Guarantor.

   Limitation on Certain Asset Sales

      The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless (i) the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time
of such sale or other disposition at least equal to the Fair Market Value
thereof; (ii) not less than 85% of the consideration received by the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, is in the form of (a)
cash or Cash Equivalents; provided, that the amount of any liabilities (as shown
on the Company's or such Restricted Subsidiary's most recent balance sheet) of
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities or
liabilities (including Subordinated Indebtedness) subordinated to the Notes or
the Guarantees or Indebtedness without general recourse to the obligor thereof)
that are assumed or forgiven by the transferee of any such assets will be deemed
to be cash for the purposes of this clause (ii) if the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary is released from any liability for such liabilities and
(b) Replacement Assets; and (iii) the Asset Sale Proceeds received by the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiaries are applied (a) either (x) to the extent
the Company elects, or is required, to the prepayment, repayment or purchase of
Indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Facility or any other secured
Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary within 360 days
following the receipt of the Asset Sale Proceeds from any Asset Sale, provided,
that any such repayment shall result in a permanent reduction of the commitments
thereunder in an amount equal to the principal amount so repaid; or (y) to the
extent the Company elects, to acquisitions of assets (and Investments otherwise
permitted to be made in accordance with the terms of the Indenture) used or
useful in businesses similar or reasonably related to the business of the
Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries as conducted at the time of such Asset
Sale, provided, that such acquisitions or Investments occur on or prior to the
365th day following receipt of such Asset Sale Proceeds (the "Reinvestment
Date"); and (b) if on the Reinvestment Date with respect to any Asset Sale, the
Available Asset Sale Proceeds exceed $10 million, the Company shall apply an
amount equal to such Available Asset Sale Proceeds to an offer to repurchase the
Notes (and at its option, to an offer to repurchase other pari passu
Indebtedness; provided, that the stated maturity date of such Indebtedness is no
later than the stated maturity date of the Notes), at a purchase price in cash
equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest,
if any, to the date of repurchase (an "Excess Proceeds Offer"). To the extent
that any amount of Available Asset Sale Proceeds 


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<PAGE>

remains after the completion of such Excess Proceeds Offer, the Company may use
such remaining amount in any manner permitted by the Indenture and the amount of
Available Asset Sale Proceeds then required to be otherwise applied in
accordance with this covenant shall be reset to zero.

      If the Company is required to make an Excess Proceeds Offer, the Company
shall mail, within 30 days following the Reinvestment Date, a notice to the
holders stating, among other things: (1) that such holders have the right to
require the Company to apply the Available Asset Sale Proceeds to purchase such
Notes (and stating whether the Company has elected to offer to repurchase other
pari passu Indebtedness described in clause (iii) (b) of the immediately
preceding paragraph) at a purchase price in cash equal to 100% of the principal
amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the purchase date;
(2) the purchase date, which shall be not earlier than 30 days and not later
than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed; (3) the instructions,
determined by the Company, that each holder must follow in order to have such
Notes purchased; and (4) the calculations used in determining the amount of
Available Asset Sale Proceeds to be applied to the purchase of such Notes.

      In the event that the Company makes an Excess Proceeds Offer, the Company
shall comply with any applicable securities laws and regulations, including any
applicable requirements of Section 14(e) of, and Rule 14e-1 under, the Exchange
Act.

   Limitation on Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries

      The Company will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue
any Preferred Stock (other than to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary),
other than Permitted Foreign Restricted Subsidiary Preferred Stock, or permit
any Person (other than the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary) to hold any
such Preferred Stock unless the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary would be
entitled to incur or assume Indebtedness under the covenant described under
"--Limitation on Additional Indebtedness" in the aggregate principal amount
equal to the aggregate liquidation value of the Preferred Stock to be issued or
so held.

   Limitation on Capital Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries

      The Company will not (i) sell, pledge or hypothecate (other than Permitted
Liens) or otherwise convey or dispose of any Capital Stock of a Restricted
Subsidiary other than to a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, (ii) permit any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to sell, pledge or hypothecate (other than Permitted
Liens) or otherwise convey or dispose of any Capital Stock of a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company other than to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary
or (iii) permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any Capital Stock,
other than to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Company. The
foregoing restrictions shall not apply to (a) an Asset Sale consisting of not
less than 85% of the Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary owned by the
Company made in compliance with "--Limitation on Certain Asset Sales," (b) the
issuance of Preferred Stock in compliance with the covenant described under
"--Limitation on Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries," (c) the issuance
of director's qualifying shares if required by applicable law or (d) the
issuance of Capital Stock of a Foreign Restricted Subsidiary to third parties;
provided, that, immediately after such transaction such Foreign Restricted
Subsidiary remains a Foreign Restricted Subsidiary.

   Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions

      The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, enter into any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction unless (i) the
consideration received in such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction is at least equal
to the Fair Market Value of the property sold and (ii) the Company could incur
the Attributable Indebtedness in respect of such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction
in compliance with the covenant described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation
on Additional Indebtedness." The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to the
Exempt Sale and Lease-Back Transaction.


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<PAGE>

   Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries

      The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to
exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any
Restricted Subsidiary to (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions to
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (A) on its Capital Stock or
(B) with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its
profits, (ii) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, (iii) make loans or advances or capital contributions to the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a stockholder of such
Person or (iv) transfer any of its Properties or assets to the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a stockholder of such Person, except for
such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

      (i) encumbrances or restrictions as in effect on the Issue Date;

      (ii) any Credit Facility (existing on the Issue Date), the Indenture, the
Notes, the Guarantees and any Surety Arrangement (existing on the Issue date) or
any Surety Arrangement arising after the Issue Date which, in the good faith
judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company, contains substantially the
same or less restrictive encumbrances or restrictions than those contained in
any Surety Arrangements existing on the Issue Date and any permitted amendment,
modification or supplement thereto and any permitted renewal, refinancing,
replacement or refunding thereof provided, that, in the good faith judgment of
the Board of Directors of the Company, such encumbrances or restrictions are in
the aggregate no more restrictive than those contained in the agreements
governing the Indebtedness being amended, modified, supplemented, extended,
refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded;

      (iii) applicable law;

      (iv) any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person
acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or of any Person
that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as in effect at the time of such
acquisition or such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary (except to the
extent such Indebtedness was incurred in connection with or in contemplation of
such acquisition of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary), which
encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the Properties or
assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the Property or assets of the
Person (including any Subsidiary of the Person), so acquired;

      (v) customary non-assignment provisions in leases, licenses or other
agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with
past practices;

      (vi) Refinancing Indebtedness; provided, that, in the good faith judgment
of the Board of Directors of the Company, such encumbrances or restrictions are
in the aggregate no more restrictive than those contained in the agreements
governing the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced,
defeased or refunded;

      (vii) Indebtedness having restrictions and encumbrances no more
restrictive than those contained in the Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees;
provided, that the Company is the primary obligor under such Indebtedness;

      (viii) customary restrictions in security agreements or mortgages or
Permitted Liens securing Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary
to the extent such restrictions restrict the transfer of the property subject to
such security agreements and mortgages or Permitted Liens;

      (ix) customary restrictions in stock or asset purchase agreements to the
extent such restrictions apply to the Person selling stock or assets (and/or
such Person's Subsidiaries) solely during the period prior to the closing under
such agreements; or

      (x) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement relating to an
acquisition of Property, so long as the encumbrances or restrictions in any such
agreement relate solely to the Property so acquired (and are not or were not
created in anticipation of or in connection with the acquisition thereof).


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<PAGE>

      Nothing contained in this covenant shall prevent the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary from (i) creating, incurring, assuming or suffering to
exist any Liens otherwise permitted in the "--Limitation on Liens" covenant or
(ii) restricting the sale or other disposition of property or assets of the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that secure Indebtedness of the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in accordance with the
Indenture.

   Payments for Consent

      Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, directly or
indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of
interest, fee or otherwise, to any holder of any Notes for or as an inducement
to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of the
Indenture or the Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid or agreed
to be paid to all holders of the Notes which so consent, waive or agree to amend
in the time frame set forth in solicitation documents relating to such consent,
waiver or agreement.

Change of Control Offer

      Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company shall be obligated
to make an offer to purchase (the "Change of Control Offer") the outstanding
Notes at a purchase price (the "Change of Control Purchase Price") equal to 101%
of the principal amount thereof plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon to
the Change of Control Payment Date (as hereinafter defined) in accordance with
the procedures set forth in this covenant.

      Within 30 days of the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company shall
(i) cause a notice of the Change of Control Offer to be sent at least once to
the Dow Jones News Service or similar business news service in the United States
and (ii) send by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the Trustee and to each
holder of the Notes, at the address appearing in the register maintained by the
Registrar of the Notes, a notice stating:

            (a) that a Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this
      covenant and that all Notes validly tendered will be accepted for payment;

            (b) the Change of Control Purchase Price and the purchase date
      (which shall be a Business Day not earlier than 30 days nor later than 60
      days from the date such notice is mailed (the "Change of Control Payment
      Date"));

            (c) that any Note not validly tendered will continue to accrue
      interest;

            (d) that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Change
      of Control Purchase Price, any Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the
      Change of Control Offer shall cease to accrue interest after the Change of
      Control Payment Date;

            (e) that holders accepting the offer to have their Notes purchased
      pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender the
      Notes to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice prior to
      the close of business on the Business Day preceding the Change of Control
      Payment Date;

            (f) that holders will be entitled to withdraw their acceptance if
      the Paying Agent receives, not later than the close of business on the
      third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date, a
      telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name
      of the holder, the principal amount of the Notes delivered for purchase,
      and a statement that such holder is withdrawing his election to have such
      Notes purchased;

            (g) that holders whose Notes are being purchased only in part will
      be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion
      of the Notes surrendered, provided, that each Note purchased and each such
      new Note issued shall be in an original principal amount in denominations
      of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof;


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<PAGE>

            (h) any other procedures that a holder must follow to accept a
      Change of Control Offer or effect withdrawal of such acceptance; and

            (i) the name and address of the Paying Agent.

      On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company shall, to the extent
lawful, (i) accept for payment Notes or portions thereof validly tendered
pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, (ii) deposit with the Paying Agent
money sufficient to pay the purchase price of all Notes or portions thereof so
tendered and (iii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee Notes so
accepted together with an Officers' Certificate stating the Notes or portions
thereof tendered to the Company. The Paying Agent shall promptly mail to each
holder of Notes so accepted payment in an amount equal to the purchase price for
such Notes, and the Company shall execute and issue, and the Trustee shall
promptly authenticate and mail to such holder, a new Note equal in principal
amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered; provided, that each
such new Note shall be issued in an original principal amount in denominations
of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.

      The Indenture requires that if any of the Credit Facilities are in effect,
or any amounts are owing thereunder or in respect thereof, at the time of the
occurrence of a Change of Control, prior to the mailing of the notice to holders
described in the second preceding paragraph, but in any event within 30 days
following any Change of Control, the Company shall be required to (i) repay in
full all obligations under or in respect of such Credit Facility or offer to
repay in full all obligations under or in respect of such Credit Facility and
repay within such 30-day period the obligations under or in respect of such
Credit Facility of each lender who has then irrevocably accepted such offer or
(ii) obtain the requisite consent under such Credit Facility to permit the
purchase of the Notes as described above. The Company must first comply with the
covenant described in the preceding sentence before it shall be required to
purchase Notes in the event of a Change of Control; provided that the Company's
failure to comply with the covenant described in the preceding sentence
constitutes an Event of Default described in clause (iii) under "Events of
Default" below. There can be no assurance that the Company will have adequate
resources to refinance or fund the repurchase of the Notes in the event of a
Change of Control. The failure of the Company, following a Change of Control, to
make a Change of Control Offer or to pay when due the Change of Control Purchase
Price of Notes tendered in conformity with any such Change of Control Offer will
give the Trustee and the holders of the Notes the rights described under
"--Events of Default." As a result of the foregoing, a holder of the Notes may
not be able to compel the Company to purchase the Notes unless the Company is
able at the time to refinance all of the obligations under or in respect of such
Credit Facility or other Indebtedness or obtain requisite consent thereunder.

      The Indenture further provides that, (A) if the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary thereof has issued any outstanding (i) Subordinated Indebtedness or
(ii) Preferred Stock, and the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is required
to make a Change of Control Offer or to make a distribution with respect to such
Subordinated Indebtedness or Preferred Stock in the event of a Change of
Control, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary shall not consummate any such
offer or distribution with respect to such Subordinated Indebtedness or
Preferred Stock until such time as the Company shall have paid the Change of
Control Purchase Price in full to the holders of Notes that have validly
accepted the Company's Change of Control Offer and shall otherwise have
consummated the Change of Control Offer made to holders of the Notes and (B) the
Company will not issue Subordinated Indebtedness or Preferred Stock with change
of control provisions requiring the payment of such Indebtedness or Preferred
Stock prior to the payment of the Notes in the event of a Change in Control
under the Indenture.

      The Company will comply with the requirements of Section 14(e) of, and
Rule 14e-1 under, the Exchange Act any other securities laws and regulations
thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection
with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer. To the
extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with
the "Change of Control" provisions of the Indenture, the Company shall comply
with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to
have breached its obligations under the "Change of Control" provisions of the
Indenture by virtue thereof.

      The Company will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a
Change of Control if a third party makes such Change of Control Offer
contemporaneously with or upon a Change of Control in the manner, at 


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<PAGE>

the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements of the Indenture and
purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of
Control Offer.

Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

      The Company will not consolidate or merge with or into any Person, or
sell, assign, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of (or cause or permit any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to sell, assign, lease, convey or otherwise dispose
of (however effected, including, without limitation, by merger or
consolidation)) all or substantially all of the Company's assets (determined on
a consolidated basis for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries), whether
as an entirety or substantially an entirety in one transaction or a series of
related transactions, including by way of liquidation or dissolution, to any
Person unless, in each such case: (i)(x) the Company shall be the continuing
Person, or (y) the Person (if other than the Company) formed by such
consolidation or into which the Company or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the
case may be, is merged or to which the properties and assets of the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, are transferred (such Person, the
"Surviving Entity") (1) shall be a corporation organized and existing under the
laws of the United States or any State thereof or the District of Columbia and
(2) shall expressly assume, by a supplemental indenture, executed and delivered
to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all of the obligations of
the Company under the Notes, the Indenture, the Guarantees and the Registration
Rights Agreement, as the case may be (upon which assumption the Company and such
Guarantor shall be discharged of any and all obligations on the Notes, the
Guarantees, the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement), and the
obligations under the Indenture and the Guarantees of the Guarantors (other than
such Guarantors) shall remain in full force and effect; (ii) immediately before
and immediately after giving effect to such transaction (including, without
limitation, giving effect to any Indebtedness and Acquired Indebtedness incurred
or anticipated to be incurred and any Lien granted in connection with or in
respect of the transaction), no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing; and (iii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction
on a pro forma basis (including, without limitation, any Indebtedness incurred
or anticipated to be incurred in connection with or in respect of such
transaction or series of transactions) the Company (or the Surviving Entity if
the Company is not continuing) (A) shall have a Consolidated Net Worth equal to
or greater than the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company immediately prior to
such transaction and (B) could incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness
(other than Permitted Indebtedness) under the covenant set forth under
"--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Additional Indebtedness" above; provided,
that a Restricted Subsidiary may merge with and into the Company without
complying with this clause (iii)(B).

      In connection with any consolidation, merger or transfer of assets
contemplated by this provision, the Company shall deliver, or cause to be
delivered, to the Trustee, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Trustee, an Officers' Certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that
such consolidation, merger or transfer and the supplemental indenture in respect
thereto comply with this provision and that all conditions precedent herein
provided for relating to such transaction or transactions have been complied
with.

      For purposes of the foregoing, the transfer (by lease, assignment, sale or
otherwise, in a single transaction or series of transactions) of all or
substantially all of the Properties or assets of one or more Subsidiaries of the
Company, the Capital Stock of which constitutes all or substantially all of the
Properties and assets of the Company, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all
or substantially all of the assets of the Company. In addition, the phrase "all
or substantially all" of the assets of the Company will likely be interpreted
under applicable law and will be dependent upon particular facts and
circumstances. As a result, there may be a degree of uncertainty in ascertaining
whether a sale or transfer of "all or substantially all" of the assets of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary has occurred.

      For all purposes of the Indenture and the Notes, Subsidiaries of any
Surviving Entity will, upon such transaction or series of transactions, become
Guarantors, Restricted Subsidiaries or Unrestricted Subsidiaries, to the extent
and as provided pursuant to the Indenture, and all Liens on Property or assets,
of the Surviving Entity and its Subsidiaries that were not Liens on Property or
assets, of the Company and its Subsidiaries immediately prior to such
transaction or series of transactions shall be deemed to have been incurred upon
such transaction or series of transactions.


                                       85
<PAGE>

      Upon any transaction or series of transactions that are of the type
described in, and are effected in accordance with, conditions described in the
immediately preceding paragraphs, the Surviving Entity shall succeed to, and be
substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under
the Indenture with the same effect as if such Surviving Entity had been named as
the Company therein; and when a Surviving Entity duly assumes all of the
obligations and covenants of the Company pursuant to the Indenture and the
Notes, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be relieved
of all such obligations.

Guarantees

      The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a senior unsecured
basis, jointly and severally, by each of the Guarantors. The Guarantors
guarantee all of the obligations of the Company under the Indenture, including
its obligation to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest with respect to
the Notes. Each Guarantee ranks pari passu in right of payment with any other
senior Indebtedness and certain other liabilities (including trade payables,
tort claims and tax claims) of the Guarantor thereof and senior to any future
Subordinated Indebtedness of such Guarantor.

      The Company will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to
guarantee or otherwise become contingently liable for any Indebtedness of the
Company or any Guarantor without causing such Restricted Subsidiary to issue a
Guarantee that ranks in right of payment in relation to the guarantee of such
other Indebtedness, the same as the ranking in right of payment of the Notes or
the Guarantees, as the case may be, in relation to such other Indebtedness.

      Each Person becoming a Guarantor after the Issue Date shall issue a
Guarantee, satisfactory in form and substance to the Trustee (and with such
other documentation relating thereto as the Trustee shall require, including,
without limitation, a supplement or amendment to the Indenture and opinions of
counsel as to the enforceability of such Guarantee).

      The obligations of each Guarantor are limited to the maximum amount as
will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such
Guarantor and after giving effect to any collections from or payments made by or
on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other
Guarantor under its Guarantee not constitute a fraudulent conveyance or
fraudulent transfer under federal, state or applicable foreign law. Each
Guarantor that makes a payment or distribution under a Guarantee shall be
entitled to a contribution from each other Guarantor in a pro rata amount based
on the net assets of each Guarantor, determined in accordance with GAAP.

      A Guarantor shall be released from all of its obligations under its
Guarantee if (a) all of its Capital Stock is sold in a transaction in compliance
with the covenant described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Certain
Asset Sales," (b) all or substantially all of its assets are sold in a
transaction in compliance with the covenant described under "--Certain
Covenants--Limitation on Certain Asset Sales"; provided, that such Guarantor
merges with and into or is liquidated into another Guarantor or the Company or
(c) in the case of a Guarantee by a Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Five
Percent Subsidiary), the guarantee which resulted in the creation of such
Restricted Subsidiary's Guarantee is released or discharged, except a discharge
or release by, or as a result of, payment under such guarantee; and, in the case
of clauses (a), (b) or (c), such Guarantor has delivered to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all
conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been
complied with.

      Separate financial statements and other disclosures concerning the
Guarantors are not included herein because the Guarantors are jointly and
severally liable with respect to the Company's obligations under the Notes and
the Indenture, and because management has determined that such financial
statements and other disclosures are not material to investors.

Events of Default

      The following events are defined in the Indenture as "Events of Default":


                                       86
<PAGE>

            (i) default in payment of any principal of, or premium, if any, on
      any Note when due;

            (ii) default in the payment of any interest, including any
      Additional Interest, on any Notes when due, which default continues for 30
      days or more;

            (iii) default by the Company or any Guarantor in the observance or
      performance of any other covenant in the Notes or the Indenture for 60
      days after written notice from the Trustee or the holders of not less than
      25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (except in
      the case of a default with respect to the "--Certain Covenants--Limitation
      on Certain Asset Sales," "--Change of Control Offer" or "--Merger,
      Consolidation or Sale of Assets" covenants, which shall constitute an
      Event of Default with such notice requirement but without such passage of
      time requirement);

            (iv) failure to pay when due (within any applicable grace period)
      principal, interest or premium with respect to any Indebtedness of the
      Company or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof in an aggregate principal
      amount of $5 million or more, or the acceleration of any such Indebtedness
      in an aggregate principal amount of $5 million or more which default shall
      not be cured or waived;

            (v) any final judgment or judgments which can no longer be appealed
      for the payment of money in excess of $5 million shall be rendered against
      the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof (in excess of amounts
      covered by insurance and as to which the insurance company has
      acknowledged coverage) by a court of competent jurisdiction, and shall not
      be bonded (such that a judgment creditor cannot proceed against assets of
      the Company or any Subsidiary), vacated, discharged or satisfied for any
      period of 60 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement shall not
      be in effect;

            (vi) certain events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or
      reorganization of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary thereof; or

            (vii) any of the Guarantees of a Five Percent Subsidiary ceases to
      be in force and effect or any of the Guarantees of a Five Percent
      Subsidiary is declared to be null and void and unenforceable or any of the
      Guarantees of a Five Percent Subsidiary is found to be invalid or any of
      the Guarantors denies its liability under its Guarantee (other than by
      reason of release of a Guarantor in accordance with the terms of the
      Indenture).

      For purposes of clause (vi) above, any Restricted Subsidiary which, when
aggregated with all other Restricted Subsidiaries that are not otherwise
Significant Subsidiaries and as to which any event described in clause (vi)
above has occurred, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary. For purposes of
clause (vii) above, any Guarantor which, when aggregated with all other
Guarantors that are not otherwise Five Percent Subsidiaries and as to which any
event described in clause (vii) above has occurred, would constitute a Five
Percent Subsidiary.

      The Indenture provides that the Trustee may withhold notice to the holders
of the Notes of any default (except in payment of principal or premium, if any,
or interest on the Notes or a default in the observance or performance of the
"Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets" covenant) if the Trustee considers it
to be in the best interest of the holders of the Notes to do so.

      The Indenture provides that if an Event of Default (other than an Event of
Default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization) shall have occurred and be continuing, then the Trustee or the
holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding may declare the Notes to be immediately due and payable. The entire
principal amount of all the Notes then outstanding plus accrued interest to the
date of acceleration, and such amounts shall become immediately due and payable;
provided, that after such acceleration but before a judgment or decree based on
acceleration is obtained by the Trustee, the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of outstanding Notes may, under certain circumstances, rescind
and annul such acceleration if (i) all Events of Default, other than nonpayment
of principal, premium or interest, that has become due solely because of
acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in the Indenture, (ii) to
the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue
installments of interest and overdue principal, which has 


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become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid,
(iii) if the Company has paid the Trustee its reasonable compensation and
reimbursed the Trustee for its expenses, disbursements and advances and (iv) in
the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default of the type described in
clause (vi) of the first paragraph above, the Trustee shall have received an
Officers' Certificate and an opinion of counsel that such Event of Default has
been cured or waived. In case an Event of Default resulting from certain events
of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization shall occur, the principal, premium
and interest amount with respect to all of the Notes shall be due and payable
immediately without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or
the holders of the Notes. If, after the delivery of any such notice of
acceleration with respect to an Event of Default under clause (iv) of the first
paragraph above, any such payment default or acceleration relating to such other
Indebtedness shall have been cured or rescinded or such Indebtedness shall have
been discharged within 30 days of such default or acceleration in respect of
such Indebtedness, then such Event of Default specified in clause (iv) shall be
deemed cured for all purposes of the Indenture.

      The holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding have the right to waive any existing Default or Event of Default or
compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes and to direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the Trustee, subject to certain limitations provided for in the Indenture and
under the Trust Indenture Act.

      No holder of any Note has any right to institute any proceeding with
respect to the Indenture or for any remedy thereunder, unless such holder has
previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default
and unless the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes have made written request and offered reasonable indemnity to
the Trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee, and unless the Trustee has
not received from the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes a direction inconsistent with such request and has failed to
institute such proceeding within 60 days. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such
limitations do not apply to a suit instituted on such Note on or after the
respective due dates expressed in such Note.

Satisfaction and Discharge of the Indenture; Defeasance

      The Company and the Guarantors may terminate their obligations under the
Indenture, when (1) either: (A) all Notes theretofore authenticated and
delivered have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, or (B) all such
Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (i) have become
due and payable, or (ii) will become due and payable within 60 days or are to be
called for redemption within 60 days (a "Discharge") under irrevocable
arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption
by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company, and the Company
has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in an
amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on the Notes, not
theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal of,
premium, if any, on and interest to the date of deposit or stated maturity or
date of redemption, whichever is later; (2) the Company has paid or caused to be
paid all other sums then due and payable hereunder by the Company; and (3) the
Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an opinion of
counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent under the Indenture relating
to the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture have been complied with.

      The Company may elect, at its option, to have its obligations discharged
with respect to the outstanding Notes ("defeasance"). Such defeasance means that
the Company will be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness
represented by the outstanding Notes and its obligations under the Indenture and
the Guarantors will be discharged from their obligations under the Guarantees
and the Indenture, except for (1) the rights of holders of such Notes to receive
payments in respect of the principal of and any premium and interest on such
Notes when payments are due, (2) the Company's obligations with respect to such
Notes concerning issuing temporary Notes, registration of Notes, mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for
payment and money for security payments held in trust, (3) the rights, powers,
trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee, (4) the Company's right of
optional redemption, and (5) the defeasance provisions of the Indenture. In
addition, the Company may elect, at its option, to have its obligations released
with respect to certain covenants, including without limitation their obligation
to make Excess Proceeds Offers in connection with Available Asset Sale Proceeds
and Change of Control Offers in connection with any Change of Control, in the
Indenture ("covenant 


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<PAGE>

defeasance") and any omission to comply with such obligation shall not
constitute a Default or an Event of Default with respect to the Notes. In the
event covenant defeasance occurs, certain events (not including non-payment,
bankruptcy and insolvency events) described under "Events of Default" will no
longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Notes.

      In order to exercise either defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect
to outstanding Notes: (1) the Company must irrevocably have deposited or caused
to be deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) as trust funds in
trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as
security for, and dedicated solely to the benefits of the holders of such Notes:
(A) money in an amount, or (B) U.S. government obligations which through the
scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance
with their terms will provide, not later than the due date of any payment, money
in an amount, or (C) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient without
reinvestment, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent
public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the
Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or
other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, the entire indebtedness in
respect of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, such Notes on
the stated maturity thereof or (if the Company has made irrevocable arrangements
satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the
Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company) the redemption date
thereof, as the case may be, in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and
such Notes; (2) in the case of defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to
the Trustee an opinion of counsel stating that (A) the Company has received
from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or
(B) since the date of the Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable
federal income tax law, in either case (A) or (B) to the effect that, and based
thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the holders of such Notes will not
recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the
deposit, defeasance and discharge to be effected with respect to such Notes and
will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and
at the same times as would be the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge
were not to occur; (3) in the case of covenant defeasance, the Company shall
have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the
holders of such outstanding Notes will not recognize gain or loss for federal
income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and covenant defeasance to be
effected with respect to such Notes and will be subject to federal income tax on
the same amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case
if such deposit and covenant defeasance were not to occur; (4) no Default or
Event of Default with respect to the outstanding Notes shall have occurred and
be continuing at the time of such deposit after giving effect thereto or, in the
case of defeasance, either: (A) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee
an opinion of counsel to the effect that, based upon existing precedents, if the
matter were properly briefed, a court should hold that the deposit of moneys
and/or U.S. government obligations as provided in clause (1) would not
constitute a preference voidable under Section 547 or 548 of the federal
bankruptcy laws; or (B) no Default or Event of Default relating to bankruptcy or
insolvency shall have occurred and be continuing at any time on or prior to the
91st day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition
shall not be deemed satisfied until after such 91st day); (5) such defeasance or
covenant defeasance shall not cause the Trustee to have a conflicting interest
within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act (assuming all Notes are in default
within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act); (6) such defeasance or covenant
defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default
under, any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by
which it is bound, (7) such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result
in the trust arising from such deposit constituting an investment company within
the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, unless such trust
shall be registered under such Act or exempt from registration thereunder; and
(8) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and
an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent with respect
to such defeasance or covenant defeasance have been complied with.

      In the event of a defeasance or a Discharge, a holder whose taxable year
straddles the deposit of funds and the distribution in redemption to such holder
would be subject to tax on any gain (whether characterized as capital gain or
market discount) in the year of deposit rather than in the year of receipt. In
connection with a Discharge, in the event the Company becomes insolvent within
the applicable preference period after the date of deposit, monies held for the
payment of the Notes may be part of the bankruptcy estate of the Company,
disbursement of such monies may be subject to the automatic stay of the
bankruptcy code and monies disbursed to holders of the Notes may be subject to
disgorgement in favor of the estate of the Company. Similar results may apply
upon the insolvency of the 


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<PAGE>

Company during the applicable preference period following the deposit of monies
in connection with covenant defeasance.

Amendment, Supplement and Waiver

      Without the consent of any holders of the Notes, the Company, the
Guarantors and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into
one or more indentures supplemental to the Indenture for any of the following
purposes: (1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and
the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company in the
Indenture and in the Notes; or (2) to add to the covenants of the Company for
the benefit of the holders of the Notes, or to surrender any right or power
herein conferred upon the Company; or (3) to add additional Events of Default;
or (4) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of
certificated Notes; or (5) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of
appointment under the Indenture by a successor Trustee; or (6) to secure the
Notes; or (7) to add a Guarantor or to release a Guarantor in accordance with
the Indenture; or (8) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any
provision in the Indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with any other
provision in the Indenture, or to make any other provisions with respect to
matters or questions arising under the Indenture, provided, that such actions
pursuant to this clause shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders
of the Notes in any material respect; or (9) to comply with any requirements of
the Commission in order to effect and maintain the qualification of the
Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

      With the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding Notes, the Company, the Guarantors and the
Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental to the Indenture
for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or
eliminating any of the provisions of the Indenture or of modifying, in any
manner the rights of the holders of the Notes under the Indenture including the
definitions therein; provided that no such supplemental indenture shall, without
the consent of the holder of each outstanding Note affected thereby, (1) change
the stated maturity of any Note or of any installment of interest on any Note,
or reduce the amount payable in respect of the principal thereof or the rate of
interest thereon or any premium payable thereon, or reduce the amount that would
be due and payable on acceleration of the maturity thereof, or change the place
of payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any Note or any premium or
interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the
enforcement of any such payment on or after the stated maturity thereof, or (2)
reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes,
the consent of whose holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or
the consent of whose holders is required for any waiver (of compliance with
certain provisions of the Indenture or certain defaults thereunder and their
consequences) provided for in the Indenture, or (3) modify in any material
respect the obligations of the Company to make Change of Control Offers upon a
Change of Control or Excess Proceeds Offers from the Available Asset Sale
Proceeds, or (4) subordinate the Notes or the Guarantees, as appropriate, in
right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company or the applicable
Guarantor, or (5) modify any of the provisions of this paragraph or provisions
relating to waiver of defaults or certain covenants, except to increase any such
percentage required for such actions or to provide that certain other provisions
of the Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the holder
of each outstanding Note affected thereby, or (6) release any Guarantees
required to be maintained under the Indenture.

      The holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding Notes may on behalf of the holders of all the Notes waive any
past default under the Indenture and its consequences, except a default (1) in
any payment in respect of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest
on any Notes (including any Note which is required to have been purchased
pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or an Excess Proceeds Offer which has been
made by the Company), or (2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which
under the Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the
holder of each outstanding Note affected.

Reports to Holders

      The Indenture provides that whether or not required by the rules and
regulations of the Commission, so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Company
shall furnish to the Trustee and to the holders of the Notes within 10 days
after it is or would have been required to file them with the Commission, (i)
all annual and quarterly financial 


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<PAGE>

information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the
Commission on Forms 10-K and 10-Q (without exhibits) if the Company were
required to file such forms, including a section entitled "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and,
with respect to the annual information only, a report thereon by the Company's
certified independent accountants and (ii) all current reports that would be
required to be filed with the Commission on Form 8-K (without exhibits) if the
Company were required to file such reports. In addition, whether or not required
by the rules and regulations of the Commission, the Company will file a copy of
all such information and reports with the Commission for public availability
(unless the Commission will not accept such a filing). In addition, the Company
shall furnish to the Trustee, the holders of the Notes and to securities
analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required
to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144(d)(4) under the Securities Act and the
exhibits omitted from the information furnished pursuant to the preceding
sentence, for so long as the Notes are not freely transferable under the
Securities Act. The Company will also comply with the other provisions of ss.
314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Compliance Certificate

      The Company will deliver to the Trustee on or before 90 days after the end
of the Company's fiscal year and on or before 45 days after the end of each of
the first, second and third fiscal quarters in each year an Officers'
Certificate stating whether or not the signers know of any Default or Event of
Default that has occurred. If they do, the certificate will describe the Default
or Event of Default, its status and the intended method of cure, if any.

The Trustee

      The Trustee under the Indenture is the Paying Agent and Registrar with
regard to the Notes. The Indenture provides that, except during the continuance
of an Event of Default, the Trustee will perform only such duties as are
specifically set forth in the Indenture. During the existence of an Event of
Default, the Trustee will exercise such rights and powers vested in it under the
Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent
person would exercise under the circumstances in the conduct of such person's
own affairs.

Transfer and Exchange

      Holders of the Notes may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the
Indenture. The Registrar under the Indenture may require a holder, among other
things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, and to pay
any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Registrar
is not required to transfer or exchange any Note selected for redemption. Also,
the Registrar is not required to transfer or exchange any Note for a period of
15 days before selection of the Notes to be redeemed.

      The registered holder of a Note may be treated as the owner of it for all
purposes.

Governing Law

      The Indenture provides that the Indenture and the Notes are governed by,
and will be construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New
York, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws to the extent
the application of the laws of another jurisdiction would be required thereby.

Certain Definitions

      Set forth below is a summary of certain of the defined terms used in the
covenants contained in the Indenture. Reference is made to the Indenture for the
full definition of all such terms as well as any other capitalized terms used
herein for which no definition is provided.

      "Acquired Indebtedness" means (a) Indebtedness of a Person (including an
Unrestricted Subsidiary) existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary or assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such
Person and (b) any Seller Note.


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<PAGE>

      "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person (including,
without limitation, such Person's issue, siblings and spouse) that directly or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or
is under common control with, such specified Person. For the purposes of this
definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms
"controlling," "controlled by," and "under common control with"), as used with
respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the
power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such
Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or
otherwise. For purposes of the Indenture, the term "Affiliate," as it relates to
the Company, shall (a) include HarnCo for so long as HarnCo is entitled to
designate at least one member of the Board of Directors of Holdings or any
successor to Holdings and (b) not include CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. or Indosuez
Capital or their respective Affiliates.

      "Asset Acquisition" means (a) an Investment by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in any other Person pursuant to which such
Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, or is merged with or into
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or (b) the acquisition
by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of the assets of any
Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) which constitute all
or substantially all of the assets of such Person or comprise any division or
line of business of such Person or any other properties or assets of such Person
other than in the ordinary course of business.

      "Asset Sale" means the sale, transfer or other disposition (including,
without limitation, by merger or consolidation) (other than to the Company or
any of its Guarantors) in any single transaction or series of related
transactions of (a) any Capital Stock of or other equity interest in any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (other than directors' qualifying shares to
the extent required by applicable law), (b) all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company or of any Restricted Subsidiary thereof, (c) real property
or (d) all or substantially all of the assets, or any Property, or part thereof,
owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof, or a division, line
of business or comparable business segment of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary thereof; provided, that Asset Sales shall not include (i) sales,
leases, conveyances, transfers or other dispositions to the Company or to a
Restricted Subsidiary or to any other Person if after giving effect to such
sale, lease, conveyance, transfer or other disposition such other Person becomes
a Guarantor, (ii) the sale, lease, conveyance, disposition or other transfer of
all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries taken as a whole as permitted under "--Merger, Consolidation or
Sale of Assets," (iii) any transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other
disposition of property or assets, the gross proceeds of which (exclusive of
indemnities) do not exceed $500,000, (iv) any sales, leases, conveyances,
transfers or other dispositions of Property or equipment that has become worn
out, obsolete or damaged or otherwise unsuitable for use in connection with the
business of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, (v)
the incurrence of any Permitted Liens, (vi) the making of any Restricted Payment
permitted by the covenant "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Restricted
Payments," (vii) transfers of cash and sales of Cash Equivalents and (viii)
sales, leases, conveyances, transfers or other dispositions of Property or
equipment in the ordinary course of business.

      "Asset Sale Proceeds" means, with respect to any Asset Sale, (i) cash or
Cash Equivalents received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from such
Asset Sale, after (a) provision for all income or other taxes measured by or
resulting from such Asset Sale, (b) payment of all brokerage commissions,
underwriting and other fees and expenses related to such Asset Sale, (c)
provision for minority interest holders in any Restricted Subsidiary as a result
of such Asset Sale and (d) deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by
the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP,
against any liabilities associated with the assets sold or disposed of in such
Asset Sale and retained by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary after such
Asset Sale, including, without limitation, pension and other post employment
benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against
any indemnification obligations associated with the assets sold or disposed of
in such Asset Sale, provided, that at such time as such amounts are no longer
reserved or such reserve is no longer necessary, any remaining amounts shall
become Asset Sale Proceeds to be allocated in accordance with the covenant
"--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Certain Asset Sales," and (ii) promissory
notes and other noncash consideration received by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary from such Asset Sale or other disposition upon the liquidation or
conversion of such notes or noncash consideration into cash.


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<PAGE>

      "Attributable Indebtedness" under the Indenture in respect of a Sale and
Lease-Back Transaction means, as at the time of determination, the present value
(discounted in accordance with GAAP at the cost of indebtedness implied in the
Sale and Lease-Back Transaction) of the total obligations of the lessee for
rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such Sale and
Lease-Back Transaction (including any period for which such lease has been
extended).

      "Available Asset Sale Proceeds" means, with respect to any Asset Sale, the
aggregate Asset Sale Proceeds from such Asset Sales that have not been applied
in accordance with clauses (iii) (a), and which has not yet been the basis for
an Excess Proceeds Offer in accordance with clause (iii) (b) of the first
paragraph of "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Certain Asset Sales."

      "Average Life" means, as of any date of determination, with respect to any
Indebtedness, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the products of
(x) the number of years from the date of determination to the dates of each
successive scheduled principal payment (including any sinking fund or mandatory
redemption payment requirements) of such Indebtedness multiplied by (y) the
amount of such principal payment by (ii) the sum of all such principal payments.

      "Blooma" means Morris Blooma Engineering Pte Ltd., a corporation organized
under the laws of Singapore.

      "Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares or
other equivalents (however designated and whether or not voting) of capital
stock, partnership interests or any other participation, right or other interest
in the nature of an equity interest in such Person or any option, warrant or
other security convertible into any of the foregoing.

      "Capitalized Lease Obligations" means Indebtedness represented by
obligations under a lease that is required to be capitalized for financial
reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP, and the amount of such Indebtedness
shall be the capitalized amount of such obligations determined in accordance
with GAAP.

      "Cash Equivalents" means any of the following Investments: (i) marketable
direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the United
States Government or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith
and credit of the United States maturing within one year from the date of
acquisition thereof; (ii) marketable direct obligations issued by any state of
the United States of America or any foreign country recognized by the United
States or any political subdivision of any such state or foreign country, as the
case may be, or any public instrumentality thereof (including any taxing
authority) maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof and, at
the time of acquisition, having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from
either Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") or Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. ("Moody's"); (iii) commercial paper maturing no more than one year from the
date of creation thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having a rating of at
least A-1 from S&P or at least P-1 from Moody's; (iv) certificates of deposit,
time deposit accounts, operating accounts or bankers' acceptances maturing
within one year from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by any
commercial banking institution organized under the laws of any jurisdiction
recognized by the United States of America and in which the Company or its
Subsidiaries actively conduct business, having at the date of acquisition
thereof combined capital and surplus of not less than U.S.$250,000,000 or the
foreign currency equivalent thereof; (v) repurchase obligations with a term of
not more than 30 days for underlying securities of the types described in clause
(i) above entered into with any bank meeting the qualifications specified in
clause (iv) above; (vi) investments in money market funds which invest
substantially all their assets in securities of the types described in clauses
(i) through (v) above; and (vii) foreign bank deposits and cash equivalents in
jurisdictions where the Company or its Subsidiaries are then actively conducting
business, provided, that (a) all such deposits are required to be made in the
ordinary course of business, (b) such deposits do not exceed $1,000,000 in the
aggregate and (c) the funds so deposited do not remain in such bank for more
than 10 days.

      A "Change of Control" of the Company will be deemed to have occurred at
such time as (i) prior to any Public Equity Offering by the Company or Holdings
of its Common Stock, Holdings ceases to be, directly or indirectly, the
beneficial owner of 100% of the Voting Stock of the Company, (ii) any Person
(including a Person's Affiliates) or any Persons acting together that would
constitute a group (for purposes of Section 13(d) of the 


                                       93
<PAGE>

Exchange Act, or any successor provision thereto) (a "Group"), other than a
Permitted Holder, becomes the beneficial owner (as defined under Rule l3d-3 or
any successor rule or regulation promulgated under the Exchange Act) of (a) 50%
or more of the total Voting Stock of the Company or Holdings or (b) 50% of all
classes of Common Stock (whether voting or non-voting), taken as a whole, of the
Company or Holdings, (iii) any Person (including a Person's Affiliates) or
Group, other than a Permitted Holder, becomes the beneficial owner of more than
30% of the total Voting Stock of the Company or Holdings, and the Permitted
Holders beneficially own, in the aggregate, a lesser percentage of the total
Voting Stock of the Company or Holdings, as the case may be, than such other
Person or Group and the Permitted Holders do not have the right or ability by
voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for election a
majority of the Board of Directors of the Company or Holdings, as the case may
be, (iv) there shall be consummated any consolidation or merger of the Company
or Holdings in which the Company or Holdings, as the case may be, is not the
continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to which the Common Stock of the
Company or Holdings, as the case may be, would be converted into cash,
securities or other Property, other than a merger or consolidation of the
Company or Holdings, as the case may be, in which the holders of the Common
Stock of the Company or Holdings, as the case may be, outstanding immediately
prior to the consolidation or merger hold, directly or indirectly, at least a
majority of the Common Stock of the surviving corporation immediately after such
consolidation or merger, or (v) during any period of two consecutive years,
individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board of
Directors of the Company or Holdings (together with any new directors whose
election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the
shareholders of the Company or Holdings, as the case may be, has been approved
by 66 2/3% of the directors then still in office who either were directors at 
the beginning of such period or whose election or recommendation for election
was previously so approved) cease to constitute a majority of the board of
directors of the Company or Holdings, as the case may be.

      "Chartwell" means Chartwell Investments Inc. and its Affiliates.

      "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

      "Common Stock" of any Person means all Capital Stock of such Person that
does not rank prior, as to the payment of dividends or as to the distribution of
assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up
of such Person, to any other class of Capital Stock of such Person.

      "Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio" of any Person means the ratio of
(i) EBITDA of such Person for the four most recent consecutive fiscal quarters
for which financial statements are available or, if the Company is not in
compliance with its obligations under "--Reports to Holders" on the date of
determination, the four most recent consecutive quarters ending on or prior to
the date of determination (in either such case, the "Four Quarter Period") to
(ii) Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person for such Four Quarter Period.
In addition to and without limitation of the foregoing, for purposes of this
definition, "EBITDA" and "Consolidated Interest Expense" shall be calculated
after giving effect on a pro forma basis to (i)(a) the incurrence of any
Indebtedness of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (and the
application of the proceeds thereof) giving rise to the need to make such
calculation and (b) any incurrence or repayment of other Indebtedness (and the
application of the proceeds thereof), occurring on or after the first day of the
Four Quarter Period and on or prior to the date of determination, in each case
set forth in clauses (i)(a) and (b), as if such incurrence or repayment, as the
case may be (and the application of the proceeds thereof), occurred on the first
day of the Four Quarter Period (except that Indebtedness under any revolving
credit facility shall be deemed to be the average daily balance of such
Indebtedness during such Four Quarter Period) and (ii) any Asset Sales or Asset
Acquisitions (including (x) any Person who becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a
result of any such Asset Acquisition and including any Asset Sale or Asset
Acquisition during such Four Quarter Period by any such Person determined as if
such Person had been a Restricted Subsidiary at the time of such transaction;
provided, that all Indebtedness of such Person and any such Restricted
Subsidiaries shall be deemed to have been incurred on the first day of the Four
Quarter Period and (y) the increase or decrease, as the case may be, in EBITDA
directly attributable to such Asset Sale or Asset Acquisition, as the case may
be) occurring on or after the first day of the Four Quarter Period and on or
prior to the date of determination, as if such Asset Sale or Asset Acquisition,
as the case may be, (including the incurrence, assumption or liability for any
such Acquired Indebtedness) occurred on the first day of the Four Quarter
Period. For purposes of this definition, whenever pro 


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forma effect is to be given to an Asset Acquisition, the amount of income or
earnings relating thereto and the amount of Consolidated Interest Expense
associated with any Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith shall be
determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the
Company.

      "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, with respect to any Person, for any
period, without duplication, (i) the aggregate amount of interest charges
(excluding fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Transactions),
whether expensed or capitalized, incurred or accrued by such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in conformity with
GAAP for such period, plus (ii) to the extent not included in clause (i) above,
an amount equal to the sum of: (A) imputed interest included in Capitalized
Lease Obligations, (B) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges
owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance financing, (C)
the net costs associated with Interest Rate Agreements, Currency Agreements and
other hedging obligations, (D) the interest portion of any deferred payment
obligations, (E) amortization of discount or premium on Indebtedness, if any,
(F) all capitalized interest and all accrued interest, (G) all other non-cash
interest expense, (H) all interest incurred or paid under any guarantee of
Indebtedness (including a guarantee of principal, interest or any combination
thereof) of any Person, and (I) all dividends or distributions on Disqualified
Capital Stock if payable to a Person other than the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary (other than dividends paid or payable in shares of Capital Stock
(other than Disqualified Capital Stock) of the Company) declared and payable in
cash, minus (iii) to the extent included in clause (i) or (ii) above,
amortization or write-off of deferred financing costs (and original issue
discount to the extent it arises from the issuance of Capital Stock (other than
Disqualified Capital Stock) of the Company) during such period and, without
duplication, any charge related to any premium or penalty paid in connection
with redeeming or retiring any Indebtedness of the Company or its Restricted
Subsidiaries prior to the stated maturity thereof. If any Indebtedness
outstanding or to be incurred (x) bears a floating rate of interest, the
interest expense on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in
effect on the date of determination had been the applicable rate for the entire
Four Quarter Period (taking into account on a pro forma basis any Interest Rate
Agreement that has a remaining term as of the date of determination in excess of
12 months) and/or (y) was incurred under a revolving credit facility, the
interest expense on such Indebtedness shall be computed based upon the average
daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable period. If any
Indebtedness to be incurred bears, at the option of the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary, a fixed or floating rate of interest, the interest expense on such
Indebtedness shall be computed by applying, at the option of the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary, such fixed or floating rate.

      "Consolidated Net Income" means with respect to any Person, for any
period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance
with GAAP; provided, that (a) the Net Income of any Person that is not a
Restricted Subsidiary shall be included only to the extent of the amount of
dividends or other distributions representing the Company's proportionate share
of such Person's Net Income for such period actually paid in cash to the Company
or a Restricted Subsidiary (subject to clause (b) below) by such Person during
such period, (b) the Net Income of any Subsidiary of the Person in question that
is subject to any restriction or limitation on the payment of dividends or the
making of other distributions (other than pursuant to the Notes, the Indenture,
the New Credit Facility or any other Indebtedness of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company containing, in the good faith judgment of
the Board of Directors of the Company, substantially the same or less
restrictive limitations on the payment of dividends or the making of other
distributions than those contained in the Notes, the Indenture or the New Credit
Facility) shall be excluded to the extent of such restriction or limitation
(regardless of any waiver thereof), (c) (i) the Net Income of any Person
acquired in a pooling of interests transaction for any period prior to the date
of such acquisition and (ii) any net after tax gain (but not loss) resulting
from an Asset Sale by the Person in question or any of its Subsidiaries other
than in the ordinary course of business shall be excluded, (d) non-cash gains
and losses due solely to fluctuations in currency values shall be excluded, (e)
in the case of a successor to the referent Person by consolidation or merger or
as a transferee of the referent Person's assets, any earnings (or losses) of the
successor corporation prior to such consolidation, merger or transfer of assets
shall be excluded, and (f) all items classified as extraordinary, unusual or
nonrecurring, including all items relating to the Transactions and the
pre-closing events relating thereto shall be excluded (including the fees and
expenses incurred in connection with the Transactions and write-offs or other
costs associated or arising in connection with the Transactions). In computing
Consolidated Net Income under clause (c) under the "--Certain
Covenants--Limitations on Restricted Payments" covenant, the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary (i) shall use audited financial statements for the portion
of the relevant 


                                       95
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period for which such statements are available on the date of determination and
unaudited financial statements and other current financial data based on the
books and records of the Company for the remaining portion of such period and
(ii) shall be permitted to rely in good faith for the balance of the relevant
period for which audited financial statements are not available on the financial
statements and other financial data derived from the books and records of the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary that are available on the date of
determination.

      "Consolidated Net Worth" of any Person means the consolidated
stockholders' equity of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries determined
on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, less (to the extent included)
amounts attributable to Disqualified Capital Stock of such Person.

      "Consolidated Tangible Assets" of any Person means the consolidated
tangible assets of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP as of the end of the most recent
fiscal quarter for which financial statements are available or, if the Company
is not in compliance with its obligations under "--Reports to Holders" on the
date of determination, the end of the most recent quarter ending on or prior to
the date of determination.

      "Credit Facilities" means one or more senior secured or unsecured credit
facilities providing, inter alia, for revolving credit loans, term loans,
bankers' acceptances and/or letters of credit between the Company or its
Restricted Subsidiaries and one or more lenders, including, in each case, any
related notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements
executed in connection therewith, and in each case as amended, modified,
renewed, refunded, replaced, restated or refinanced in whole or in part from
time to time.

      "Currency Agreement" means any foreign exchange contract, currency swap
agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company against fluctuations in
currency values.

      "Disqualified Capital Stock" means any Capital Stock of the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary thereof which, by its terms (or by the terms of any
security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable at the
option of the holder), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is
mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or
is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or
prior to the maturity date of the Notes, for any consideration other than
Capital Stock of the Company which is not Disqualified Capital Stock; provided,
that Preferred Stock of the Company that is issued with the benefit of
provisions requiring a change of control offer to be made for such Preferred
Stock in the event of a change of control of the Company, which provisions have
substantially the same effect as the provisions of the Indenture described under
"--Change of Control Offer" shall not be deemed to be Disqualified Capital Stock
solely by virtue of such provisions. Without limitation of the foregoing,
Disqualified Capital Stock shall be deemed to include any Preferred Stock of a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company except for Permitted Foreign Restricted
Subsidiary Preferred Stock.

      "EBITDA" means, for any Person, for any period, an amount equal to (a) the
sum of (i) Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus (ii) the provision for
taxes for such period based on income or profits to the extent such income or
profits were included in computing Consolidated Net Income (minus any provision
for taxes utilized in computing net loss under clause (i) hereof to the extent
such provision reduced the net loss), plus (iii) Consolidated Interest Expense
for such period, plus (iv) depreciation for such period on a consolidated basis
to the extent reducing Consolidated Net Income, plus (v) amortization of
intangibles for such period on a consolidated basis to the extent reducing
Consolidated Net Income, plus (vi) amortization of original issue discount to
the extent it arises from the issuance of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified
Capital Stock) of the Company, to the extent reducing Consolidated Net Income,
plus (vii) any charge related to any premium or penalty paid in connection with
redeeming or retiring any Indebtedness prior to its stated maturity to the
extent reducing Consolidated Net Income, plus (viii) any other non-cash items
reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period, minus (b) all non-cash items
increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period, minus (c) all cash payments
during such period relating to non-cash charges that were added back in
determining EBITDA in any prior period (provided that payment of such cash
amounts did not reduce Consolidated Net Income), all for such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries determined in accordance with GAAP.


                                       96
<PAGE>

      "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

      "Exempt Sale and Lease-Back Transaction" means the sale for less than
$500,000 of approximately five acres of undeveloped real property at the Oak
Creek, Wisconsin facility and the leasing back of such real property and a
building to be constructed thereon.

      "Fair Market Value" means, with respect to any asset or Property, the
price which could be negotiated in an arm's-length, free market transaction, for
cash, between a willing seller and a willing and able buyer, neither of whom is
under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction. Fair Market
Value shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company acting in
good faith and, in the case of determination involving assets or property in
excess of $2 million, shall be evidenced by a resolution of the Board of
Directors of the Company delivered to the Trustee.

      "Five Percent Subsidiary" means, at any date of determination, any
Restricted Subsidiary that, together with its Subsidiaries that constitute
Restricted Subsidiaries, (i) for the most recent fiscal year of the Company
accounted for more than 5.0% of the consolidated revenues of the Company and the
Restricted Subsidiaries or (ii) as of the end of such fiscal year, owned more
than 5.0% of the Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, all as set forth on the consolidated financial statements of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such year prepared in conformity
with GAAP.

      "Foreign Restricted Subsidiary" of any specified Person means any
Restricted Subsidiary the jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or
formation of which is outside of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom
and South Africa.

      "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied
as in effect in the United States from time to time.

      "Guarantee" means a guarantee of the Notes by a Guarantor under the
Indenture, as in effect from time to time.

      "guarantee" means, as applied to any obligation, (i) a guarantee (other
than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary
course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner, of any part or all of
such obligation and (ii) an agreement, direct or indirect, contingent or
otherwise, the practical effect of which is to assure in any way the performance
(or payment of damages in the event of non-performance) of all or any part of
such obligation, including, without limiting the foregoing, the payment of
amounts drawn down by letters of credit. A guarantee shall include, without
limitation, any agreement to preserve or maintain any other Person's financial
condition or to cause any other Person to achieve certain levels of operating
results.

      "Guarantors" means (i) each Restricted Subsidiary of the Company existing
on the Issue Date other than Blooma, Morris Mechanical Handling (Pty) Limited
and those Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries identified in clause (b)(y) of
the definition of Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries (to the extent therein
provided), (ii) each other One Percent Subsidiary of the Company formed, created
or acquired after the Issue Date other than Non-Guarantor Restricted
Subsidiaries, and (iii) each other Subsidiary required to become a Guarantor
pursuant to the covenant contained under "--Guarantees."

      "Hercules" means Hercules S.A. de C.V., a corporation organized under the
laws of the Republic of Mexico.

      "incur" means, with respect to any Indebtedness or other obligation of any
Person, to create, issue, incur (by conversion, exchange or otherwise), assume,
guarantee or otherwise become liable in respect of such Indebtedness or other
obligation or the recording, as required pursuant to GAAP or otherwise, of any
such Indebtedness or other obligation on the balance sheet of such Person (and
"incurrence," "incurred," "incurrable," and "incurring" shall have meanings
correlative to the foregoing); provided, that a change in GAAP that results in
an obligation of such Person that exists at such time becoming Indebtedness
shall not be deemed an incurrence of such Indebtedness.


                                       97
<PAGE>

      "Indebtedness" means (without duplication), with respect to any Person,
any indebtedness at any time outstanding, secured or unsecured, contingent or
otherwise, which is for borrowed money (whether or not the recourse of the
lender is to the whole of the assets of such Person or only to a portion
thereof), or evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or
representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any
Property (excluding, without limitation, any balances that constitute accounts
payable or trade payables or liabilities arising from advance payments or
customer deposits for goods and services sold by such Person or its Restricted
Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, and other accrued liabilities,
in each case, arising in the ordinary course of business) if and to the extent
any of the foregoing indebtedness would appear as a liability upon a balance
sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP, and shall also include,
to the extent not otherwise included (i) any Capitalized Lease Obligations, (ii)
guarantees of items of other Persons which would be included within this
definition for such other Persons (whether or not such items would appear upon
the balance sheet of the guarantor), including, without limitation, guarantees
of dividends for which such Person may be liable directly or indirectly, (iii)
all obligations for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of credit,
banker's acceptance or similar credit transaction (provided that in the case of
any such letters of credit, the items for which such letters of credit provide
credit support are those of other Persons which would be included within this
definition for such other Persons), (iv) Disqualified Capital Stock of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof, including, without limitation, any
liquidation preference and mandatory redemption payment obligations in respect
thereof and (v) obligations of any such Person under any Interest Rate Agreement
or Currency Agreement applicable to any of the foregoing (if and to the extent
such Interest Rate Agreement or Currency Agreement obligations would appear as a
liability upon a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP).
The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding
balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and,
with respect to contingent obligations included within the definition of
Indebtedness, the maximum liability upon the occurrence of the contingency
giving rise to the obligation, provided, that, (i) the amount outstanding at any
time of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount is the principal
amount of such Indebtedness less the remaining unamortized portion of the
original issue discount of such Indebtedness at such time as determined in
conformity with GAAP but such Indebtedness shall only be deemed to have been
incurred on the date of original issuance thereof and, in the case of any
securities constituting Indebtedness, the payment of interest upon which is in
such securities, such Indebtedness shall only be deemed to have been incurred on
the date of issuance of the original securities constituting such Indebtedness,
(ii) Indebtedness shall not include any liability for federal, state, local,
foreign or other taxes and (iii) contingent obligations of the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries under any Surety Obligation will be deemed to be
Indebtedness only upon the earlier of (a) the Company's or any Restricted
Subsidiary's obtaining knowledge of any payment by or in respect of any provider
in respect of any Surety Obligation, (b) the demand by any provider for any
reimbursement by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any Surety
Obligation or (c) the time at which the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries becomes obligated to make payment in respect of any Surety
Obligation as a result of the provider having made a payment in respect of such
Surety Obligation or as a result of such payment being required to be made by
such provider. Notwithstanding any other provision of the foregoing definition,
any trade or accounts payable arising from the purchase of goods or materials or
for services obtained in the ordinary course of business shall not be deemed to
be "Indebtedness" of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiaries for purposes of
this definition. Furthermore, guarantees of (or obligations with respect to
letters of credit supporting) Indebtedness otherwise included in the
determination of such amount shall not also be included.

      "Interest Rate Agreement" means, for any Person, any interest rate swap
agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement or other
similar agreement designed to protect the party indicated therein against
fluctuations in interest rates.

      "Investments" means, directly or indirectly, any advance (or other
extension of credit), loan or capital contribution to (by means of transfers of
Property to others, payments for Property or services for the account or use of
others or otherwise), any guarantee of any obligations or Indebtedness of any
other Person, the purchase of any stock, bonds, notes, debentures, partnership
or joint venture interests or other securities of, the acquisition, by purchase
or otherwise, of any evidence of beneficial ownership of, or interest in, any
Person. Upon the designation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted
Subsidiary or the acquisition by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of an
interest in any Person that, as a result thereof, becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary, the Company shall 


                                       98
<PAGE>

be deemed to have made an Investment equal to the Fair Market Value of all
Investments owned by such new Restricted Subsidiary. Investments shall exclude
(i) accounts receivable and other extensions of trade credit, in each case, on
commercially reasonable terms in accordance with normal trade practices, (ii)
prepaid expenses and workers' compensation, utility, lease and similar deposits,
in the ordinary course of business and (iii) acquisitions of Property or assets
paid for solely by the issuance of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified
Capital Stock) of the Company.

      "Issue Date" means the date the Notes are first issued by the Company and
authenticated by the Trustee under the Indenture.

      "Joint Venture" of any specified Person means any corporation,
partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, association or other
business entity, whether now existing or hereafter organized or acquired, and
(a) which is engaged in a similar line of business as the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary at the date of determination and (b)(i) in the case of a
corporation, of which not more than 50% of the total voting power of the Capital
Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in
the election of directors, officers or trustees thereof is held by the Company
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or (ii) in the case of a partnership,
joint venture, limited liability company, association or other business entity,
with respect to which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has not
more than 50% of the ownership and voting power relating to the policies,
management and affairs thereof.

      "Lien" means with respect to any Property or assets of any Person, any
mortgage or deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit
arrangement, security interest, lien, charge, easement, encumbrance, preference,
priority, or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or
nature whatsoever on or with respect to such Property or assets (including
without limitation, any Capitalized Lease Obligation, conditional sales, or
other title retention agreement having substantially the same economic effect as
any of the foregoing).

      "Net Income" means, with respect to any Person for any period, the net
income (loss) of such Person determined in accordance with GAAP, plus the amount
of any decrease in the deferred tax asset for such period relating to the actual
cash tax benefit realized by such Person or the consolidated tax group of which
such Person is a member resulting from the election under Section 338(h) (10) of
the Code in respect of the Transactions.

      "Net Proceeds" means (a) in the case of any sale of Capital Stock by the
Company, the aggregate net proceeds received by the Company, after payment of
expenses, commissions and the like incurred in connection therewith, whether
such proceeds are in cash or in Property (valued at the Fair Market Value
thereof at the time of receipt) and (b) in the case of any exchange, exercise,
conversion or surrender of outstanding securities of any kind for or into shares
of Capital Stock of the Company which is not Disqualified Stock, the net book
value of such outstanding securities on the date of such exchange, exercise,
conversion or surrender (plus any additional amount required to be paid by the
holder to the Company upon such exchange, exercise, conversion or surrender)
less any and all payments made to the holders, e.g., on account of fractional
shares and less all expenses incurred by the Company in connection therewith.

      "Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary" means (a) any newly acquired or
created Foreign Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date for so long as the
issuance of a guarantee by such Foreign Restricted Subsidiary would (i) result
in a material increase in the aggregate amount of income tax in respect of the
Foreign Restricted Subsidiary and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis or
(ii) be illegal under the laws of the jurisdiction in which such Foreign
Restricted Subsidiary is organized, provided, that, in either case, the Company
shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an opinion of
counsel so stating on the date of such acquisition or creation, (b) (x) any
other Foreign Restricted Subsidiary, which is not a One Percent Subsidiary, but
only for so long as it is not a One Percent Subsidiary, provided, that the
Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate to such
effect on the date of such acquisition or creation and (y) Linear Motors
Limited, U.K. Crane Services Limited, Vaughan Crane Company Ltd., Royce Ltd. and
P&H Middle East, Ltd. but only for so long as they are not, individually or
collectively, a One Percent Subsidiary, and (c) Hercules and its Subsidiaries,
at such time as the Board of Directors of the Company shall determine; provided,
that (i) all Investments in Hercules or its Restricted Subsidiaries made by the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date in excess of


                                       99
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the amount thereof outstanding on the Issue Date and all Investments owned by
Hercules or its Restricted Subsidiaries and acquired after the Issue Date in
excess of the amount thereof outstanding on the Issue Date shall be deemed made
as of such determination, (ii) all Indebtedness of Hercules or its Restricted
Subsidiaries that has been guaranteed by the Company or any Guarantor after the
Issue Date shall be deemed incurred as of such determination, and (iii) the
Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate to such
effect on the date of such determination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no
Restricted Subsidiary shall be permitted to be a Non-Guarantor Restricted
Subsidiary if any of its Subsidiaries are Guarantors.

      "Officers' Certificate" means, with respect to any Person, a certificate
signed by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, the President or
any Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer or any Treasurer of such
Person that shall comply with applicable provisions of the Indenture.

      "One Percent Subsidiary" means, at any date of determination, any
Restricted Subsidiary that, together with its Subsidiaries that constitute
Restricted Subsidiaries, (i) for the most recent fiscal year of the Company
accounted for more than 1.0% of the consolidated revenues of the Company and the
Restricted Subsidiaries or (ii) as of the end of such fiscal year, owned more
than 1.0% of the Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, all as set forth on the consolidated financial statements of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such year prepared in conformity
with GAAP. For purposes of this definition, any Subsidiary which, when
aggregated with all other Subsidiaries that are not otherwise One Percent
Subsidiaries, would constitute a One Percent Subsidiary, shall be deemed to be a
One Percent Subsidiary.

      "Permitted Affiliate Agreements" means the agreements between or among the
Company and each of MHE Investments, Inc., Holdings, HarnCo, Chartwell and their
respective Affiliates, listed in the Indenture in effect immediately after the
initial issuance of the Old Notes on the Issue Date, and as the same may be
amended from time to time subject to the provisions of the covenant described
under "--Certain Covenants--Limitations on Transactions with Affiliates,"
provided, that notwithstanding such covenant, such agreements may be extended
from time to time or otherwise amended, to the extent that a majority of the
disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Company has determined in
good faith that no material adverse effect on the creditworthiness of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, shall result as a
consequence thereby. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" above.

      "Permitted Foreign Restricted Subsidiary Preferred Stock" means securities
of Foreign Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company denominated in Preferred Stock
that (a) otherwise have substantially the same characteristics of voting or
non-voting Common Stock of a Delaware corporation, (b) do not obligate the
issuer to pay current dividends or distributions in cash or otherwise and (c)
are not subject to any requirement of redemption or repurchase.

      "Permitted Holders" means Chartwell.

      "Permitted Indebtedness" means:

            (i) Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary arising
      under or in connection with the Credit Facilities or Acquired Indebtedness
      in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed
      the sum of (a) $55 million, less the aggregate amount of all Net Proceeds
      of Asset Sales applied to permanently reduce the outstanding amount of
      such Indebtedness, and (b) the greater of (1) $75 million, less the
      aggregate amount of all Net Proceeds of Asset Sales applied to permanently
      reduce the outstanding amount of such Indebtedness or (2) the sum of (x)
      80% of the book value of accounts receivable of the Company and its
      Restricted Subsidiaries and (y) 45% of the book value of consolidated
      inventory of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case,
      determined at the time of such incurrence, less the aggregate amount of
      all Net Proceeds of Asset Sales applied to permanently reduce the
      outstanding amount of such Indebtedness; provided, that $15 million of the
      Indebtedness incurred under this clause (b) may be incurred solely to
      obtain letters of credit and to fund draws thereunder to provide credit
      support for the Surety Arrangement or other Surety Obligations or other
      letters of credit reasonably necessary in the ordinary course of business;


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            (ii) Indebtedness under Surety Obligations and under the Surety
      Arrangement, in either case, that are due no later than 10 days after the
      earlier of (a) the Company's or any Restricted Subsidiary's obtaining
      knowledge of any payment by or in respect of any provider in respect of
      any Surety Obligation, (b) the demand by any provider for any
      reimbursement by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any
      Surety Obligation or (c) the time at which the Company or any of its
      Restricted Subsidiaries becomes obligated to make payment in respect of
      any Surety Obligation as a result of the provider having made a payment in
      respect of such Surety Obligation or as a result of such payment being
      required to be made by such provider;

            (iii) Indebtedness under the Notes, the Indenture and the
      Guarantees;

            (iv) Indebtedness not covered by any other clause of this definition
      which is outstanding on the Issue Date other than under the South African
      Credit Facility;

            (v) Indebtedness of the Company to any Restricted Subsidiary and
      Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or another
      Restricted Subsidiary, provided, that Indebtedness of the Company or any
      Guarantor that is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary to any Restricted Subsidiary
      (other than a Guarantor that is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary) is unsecured
      Subordinated Indebtedness (or Disqualified Capital Stock) and is incurred
      for borrowed money; provided, further, that (a) any Indebtedness referred
      to in the immediately preceding proviso that is no longer held by a
      Wholly-Owned Subsidiary that is a Guarantor (whether (i) as a result of a
      sale or transfer of such Indebtedness, (ii) as a result of such Person no
      longer being a Guarantor that is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary or (iii)
      otherwise) or (b) any Indebtedness otherwise referred to in this clause
      (v) that is no longer held by a Restricted Subsidiary or the Company
      (whether (i) as a result of a sale or transfer of such Indebtedness, (ii)
      as a result of such Person no longer being the Company or a Restricted
      Subsidiary or (iii) otherwise), shall, in each case, be deemed incurred at
      such time;

            (vi) Purchase Money Indebtedness and Capitalized Lease Obligations
      incurred to acquire Property in the ordinary course of business, which
      Indebtedness and Capitalized Lease Obligations, in the aggregate,
      outstanding on any date of incurrence (and any Refinancing Indebtedness in
      respect thereof), do not exceed 4% of the Consolidated Tangible Assets of
      the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

            (vii) Interest Rate Agreements and Currency Agreements;

            (viii) guarantees of obligations of the Company or its Restricted
      Subsidiaries;

            (ix) additional Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted
      Subsidiaries not to exceed an aggregate of $10 million in principal amount
      outstanding at any time; and

            (x) Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Indebtedness incurred
      under clauses (iii), (iv), (v) or (vii) above or incurred under the first
      paragraph of the covenant under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on
      Additional Indebtedness."

      "Permitted Investments" means, for any Person, Investments made on or
after the Issue Date consisting of:

            (i) Investments by the Company, or by a Restricted Subsidiary, in
      the Company or a Guarantor;

            (ii) Investments by the Company or by any Restricted Subsidiary in
      Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries not to exceed, in the aggregate, on
      the date of the making of any Investment pursuant to this clause (ii), 10%
      of the Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Company and its Restricted
      Subsidiaries;

            (iii) Cash Equivalents;

            (iv) Investments by the Company, or by a Guarantor, in a Person, if
      as a result of such Investment (a) such Person becomes a Guarantor of the
      Company or (b) such person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with 


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      or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets
      (including the proceeds of such Investment) to, or is liquidated into, the
      Company or a Guarantor thereof;

            (v) non-cash consideration received in conjunction with the
      consummation of an Asset Sale that is otherwise permitted under the
      covenant described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Certain Asset
      Sales";

            (vi) Interest Rate Agreements and Currency Agreements;

            (vii) any Investment existing on the Issue Date;

            (viii) Investments received in settlement of obligations owed to the
      Company or any Restricted Subsidiary as a result of bankruptcy or
      insolvency proceedings or upon the foreclosure or enforcement of any Lien
      in favor of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;

            (ix) Investments required pursuant to any agreement or obligation of
      the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to make such Investments in effect
      on the Issue Date, as described in the Indenture;

            (x) Investments required to be made pursuant to the Transactions, as
      described in the Indenture; and

            (xi) Investments by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary not
      otherwise permitted under this definition, in an aggregate amount not to
      exceed $15 million at any one time outstanding.

      For purposes of clauses (ii) and (xi) above, the amount of any Investment
outstanding, in respect of any Investment and the issuer thereof (and its
Subsidiaries), shall be equal to the excess of (a) the aggregate amount of all
Investments made therein by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary on or after
the Issue Date (including the Fair Market Value of all such Investments not made
in cash or Cash Equivalents, valued at the time of such Investment) over (b) the
aggregate amount returned in cash or Cash Equivalents on or with respect to
Investments in such Person (whenever such Investment was made) whether through
the sale or other disposition of the Investment in such Person (or portion
thereof) or through interest payments, principal payments, dividends or other
distributions or payments; provided, that such payments or distributions shall
not be (and have not been) included in clause (c)(3) of the first paragraph of
the covenant "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Restricted Payments" or
otherwise included in Consolidated Net Income.

      "Permitted Liens" means (i) Liens on any Property, Capital Stock or assets
of any Person existing at the time such assets are acquired by the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, whether by merger, consolidation, purchase
of assets or otherwise; provided, (a) that such Liens are not created, incurred
or assumed in connection with, or in contemplation of, such assets being
acquired by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries and (b) that any such
Lien does not extend to or cover any Property, Capital Stock or assets other
than the Property, Capital Stock or assets being acquired and the proceeds
thereof and accessions and additions thereto, (ii) Liens securing Refinancing
Indebtedness, provided, that any such Lien does not extend to or cover any
Property, Capital Stock or assets other than the Property, Capital Stock or
assets securing the Indebtedness so refunded, refinanced or extended, (iii)
Liens in favor of the Company or any of the Guarantors, (iv) Liens to secure
Purchase Money Indebtedness or Capitalized Lease Obligations that is (or are)
otherwise permitted under the Indenture, provided,0 that (a) any such Lien is
created solely for the purpose of securing Indebtedness representing, or
incurred to finance, refinance or refund, the cost (including sales and excise
taxes, installation and delivery charges and other direct costs of, and other
direct expenses paid or charged in connection with, such purchase or
construction) of such Property, (b) the principal amount of the Indebtedness
secured by such Lien does not exceed 100% of such costs and expenses, and (c)
such Lien does not extend to or cover any Property other than such item of
Property and any improvements on such item and the proceeds thereof, (v)
statutory liens or landlords', carriers', warehouseman's, mechanics',
suppliers', materialsmen's, repairmen's or other like Liens arising in the
ordinary course of business which do not secure any Indebtedness and with
respect to amounts not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings, if a reserve or other appropriate provision, if any, as
shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor, (vi)
other liens securing obligations incurred in the ordinary 


                                      102
<PAGE>

course of business which obligations do not exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate
at any one time outstanding, (vii) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental
charges that are not yet due and payable (or which, if due and payable, are
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate
reserves are being maintained, to the extent required by GAAP), (viii) zoning
restrictions, easements or minor defects or irregularities in title and other
similar charges or encumbrances on Property not interfering in any material
respect with the use of such Property by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary, (ix) customary deposit arrangements entered into in connection with
acquisitions, (x) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under
clauses (i) (other than Acquired Indebtedness), and (ix) of the definition of
"Permitted Indebtedness" and Liens securing additional Indebtedness under the
Credit Facilities or Liens to secure a Guarantor's guarantee of additional
Indebtedness under the Credit Facilities, in an aggregate principal amount, with
respect to all such additional Indebtedness under such Credit Facilities or
under such guarantees, at any one time outstanding not to exceed $45 million,
(xi) Liens securing only the Notes, the Indenture or the Guarantees, (xii) Liens
in favor of the Trustee as provided for in the Indenture on money or property
held or collected by the Trustee in its capacity as Trustee, (xiii) Liens
existing on the Issue Date securing Indebtedness as in effect on the Issue Date
(other than the South African Credit Facility), (xiv) Liens securing obligations
under any Interest Rate Agreement or Currency Agreement, and (xv) Liens on
Property or other assets (a) in connection with workers' compensation,
unemployment insurance and other types of statutory obligations or the
requirements of any official body, or (b) to secure the performance of Surety
Obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with industry
practice, including under the Surety Arrangement, or (c) to obtain or secure
obligations with respect to letters of credit, guarantees, bonds or other
sureties or assurances given in connection with the activities described in
clauses (a) and (b) above, in each case not incurred or made in connection with
the borrowing of money, the obtaining of advances or credit or the payment of
the deferred purchase price of Property or services or imposed by ERISA or the
Internal Revenue Code in connection with a "plan" (as defined in ERISA) (other
than any Lien imposed in connection with the Company's 401(k) Plan), or (d)
arising in connection with any attachment or judgment unless such Liens shall
not be satisfied or discharged or stayed pending appeal within 60 days after the
entry thereof or the expiration of any such stay, or (e) Liens securing
performance of leases, construction, sales or servicing contracts and similar
obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business.

      "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or
government (including any agency or political subdivision thereof).

      "Preferred Stock" means any Capital Stock of a Person, however designated,
which entitles the holder thereof to a preference with respect to dividends,
distributions or liquidation proceeds of such Person over the holders of other
Capital Stock issued by such Person.

      "Property" of any Person means all types of real, personal, tangible,
intangible or mixed property owned by such Person whether or not included in the
most recent consolidated balance sheet of such Person and its Subsidiaries under
GAAP.

      "Public Equity Offering" means any underwritten public offering of shares
of Common Stock of the Company or Holdings (however designated and whether
voting or non-voting) and any and all rights, warrants or options to acquire
such Common Stock pursuant to an effective registration statement (other than a
registration statement on Form S-4 or S-8) filed with the Commission in
accordance with the Securities Act, provided, that in the event of a Public
Equity Offering by Holdings, Holdings contributes the Net Proceeds of such
Public Equity Offering to the common equity of the Company.

      "Purchase Money Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness incurred in the
ordinary course of business by a Person to finance the cost (including sales and
excise taxes, installation and delivery charges and other direct costs of, and
other direct expenses paid or charged in connection with, such purchase or
construction) of an item of Property, the principal amount of which Indebtedness
does not exceed the sum of (i) 100% of such cost and (ii) reasonable fees and
expenses of such Person incurred in connection therewith.

      "Refinancing Indebtedness" means Indebtedness that refunds or refinances
any Indebtedness of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on
the Issue Date or other Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by the 


                                      103
<PAGE>

Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of the Indenture,
but only to the extent that (i) if the Indebtedness being refunded or refinanced
is Subordinated Indebtedness, the Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated to
the Notes and/or the Guarantees, as the case may be, to at least the same extent
as the Indebtedness being refunded or refinanced, (ii) the Refinancing
Indebtedness is scheduled to mature either (a) no earlier than the Indebtedness
being refunded or refinanced, or (b) at least 91 days after the final stated
maturity date of the Notes, (iii) the portion, if any, of the Refinancing
Indebtedness that is scheduled to mature on or prior to the final stated
maturity date of the Notes has a weighted average life to maturity at the time
such Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred that is equal to or greater than the
weighted average life to maturity of the portion of the Indebtedness being
refunded or refinanced that is scheduled to mature on or prior to the final
stated maturity date of the Notes, and, in the case of clause (ii) above and
this clause (iii), such Refinancing Indebtedness by its terms, or by the terms
of any agreement or instrument pursuant to which such Indebtedness is issued,
does not permit redemption or other retirement (including pursuant to any
required offer to purchase to be made by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary)
of such Indebtedness at the option of the holder thereof prior to the final
stated maturity of the Indebtedness being refinanced, other than a redemption or
other retirement at the option of the holder of such Indebtedness (including
pursuant to a required offer to purchase made by the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary) which is conditioned on a change of control of the Company pursuant
to provisions substantially similar to those contained in the Indenture
described under "--Change of Control" or "--Asset Sales" or otherwise on terms
substantially similar to those in such Indebtedness being refinanced, (iv) such
Refinancing Indebtedness is in an aggregate principal amount that is equal to or
less than the sum of (a) the aggregate principal amount then outstanding under
the Indebtedness being refunded or refinanced, (b) the amount of accrued and
unpaid interest, if any, and premiums owed, if any, not in excess of
pre-existing prepayment provisions on such Indebtedness being refunded or
refinanced and (c) the amount of customary fees, expenses and costs related to
the incurrence of such Refinancing Indebtedness, and (v) such Refinancing
Indebtedness is incurred by the same Person that initially incurred the
Indebtedness being refunded or refinanced, except that the Company may incur
Refinancing Indebtedness to refund or refinance Indebtedness of any Guarantor of
the Company and any Guarantor may incur Refinancing Indebtedness to refund or
refinance Indebtedness of any other Guarantor.

      "Replacement Assets" means (x) Properties or assets (other than cash or
Cash Equivalents or any Capital Stock or other security) that will be used in a
business of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries conducted on the Issue
Date or in a business reasonably related thereto or (y) Capital Stock of any
Person that will become on the date of acquisition thereof a Guarantor as a
result of such acquisition.

      "Restricted Payment" means any of the following: (i) the declaration or
payment of any dividend or any other distribution or payment of any kind or
character (whether in cash, Property or securities) on Capital Stock of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or any payment made to the
direct or indirect holders (in their capacities as such) of Capital Stock of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (other than (x) dividends or
distributions payable solely in Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Capital
Stock) of the Company and (y) in the case of Restricted Subsidiaries of the
Company, dividends or distributions payable to the Company or to a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company and (z) dividends or distributions from a
Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary that are paid ratably to all Persons holding
the Capital Stock of such Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary in proportion to
the Capital Stock held by such Persons), (ii) the purchase, redemption or other
acquisition or retirement for value of any Capital Stock of the Company or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any options, warrants or rights to purchase or
acquire such shares or any securities convertible or exchangeable into such
shares (other than any such shares, options, warrants, rights or securities (a)
that are owned by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
provided, that such options, warrants, rights or securities are purchased,
redeemed or otherwise acquired for value by the issuer thereof, or (b) the
issuer of which is a Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary that remains such
immediately after such purchase, redemption or other acquisition; provided, that
for purposes of this clause (b), such purchase, redemption or other acquisition
or retirement for value is permitted under clauses (ii), (ix) or (xi) of the
definition of Permitted Investments), (iii) the making of any principal payment
on, or the purchase, defeasance, repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or
retirement for value, prior to any scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or
scheduled sinking fund payment, of any Subordinated Indebtedness (other than
Subordinated Indebtedness acquired in anticipation of satisfying a scheduled
sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case
due within one year of the date of acquisition), (iv) the making of any
Investment other than a Permitted Investment, (v) any designation (other than
pursuant to clause 


                                      104
<PAGE>

(xi) of the definition of Permitted Investments) of a Restricted Subsidiary as
an Unrestricted Subsidiary (a "Designation"), provided, that the Designation
of a Subsidiary of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be deemed to
include the Designation of all of the Subsidiaries of such Subsidiary that were
Restricted Subsidiaries, (vi) forgiveness of any Indebtedness of an Affiliate of
the Company to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary and (vii) any advisory fee
paid to an Affiliate with respect to a specific transaction (other than fees
payable on the Issue Date upon consummation of the Transactions). For purposes
of determining the amount expended for Restricted Payments, (a) cash distributed
or invested shall be valued at the face amount thereof and Property other than
cash shall be valued at its Fair Market Value, except that in determining the
amount of any Restricted Payment made under clause (v) above, the amount of such
Restricted Payment shall be equal to the greater of (i) the book value or (ii)
the Fair Market Value of the Company's direct and indirect proportionate
interest in such Subsidiary on such date and (b) upon the designation of an
Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, or the acquisition by the
Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of an interest in any Person that, as a
result thereof, becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to
have made a Restricted Payment equal to the Fair Market Value of the Capital
Stock or Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company or its Subsidiaries owned by
such new Restricted Subsidiaries.

      "Restricted Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary of the Company other than an
Unrestricted Subsidiary and includes all of the Subsidiaries of the Company
existing as of the Issue Date. The Board of Directors of the Company may
designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Person that is to become a
Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary if immediately after giving effect to such
action (and treating any Acquired Indebtedness as having been incurred at the
time of such action), (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing, (ii) Indebtedness of such Person and its Subsidiaries and all
Liens on any asset of such Person and its Subsidiaries outstanding immediately
following such redesignation would, if incurred at such time, be permitted to be
incurred under the Indenture and (iii) the provisions referred to in clause (b)
of the last sentence of the definition of Restricted Payment is complied with
and any Investments pursuant to the second sentence of the definition of
Investments are permitted to be made pursuant to the Indenture.

      "Sale and Lease-Back Transaction" means any arrangement with any Person
providing for the leasing by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company of any real or tangible personal property, which property has been or is
to be sold or transferred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to such
Person in contemplation of such leasing.

      "Seller Note" means any Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary issued to a seller as a portion of the purchase price in any Asset
Acquisition by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from such seller.

      "Significant Subsidiary" has the meaning set forth in Rule 1-02 of
Regulation S-X under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, but shall not
include any Unrestricted Subsidiary.

      "South African Credit Facility" means a Credit Facility in an aggregate
principal amount or with aggregate commitments not to exceed $5 million to be
entered into by Morris Mechanical Handling (Pty) Limited.

      "Subordinated Indebtedness" of the Company or any Guarantor means any
Indebtedness (whether outstanding on the date hereof or hereafter incurred)
which is by its terms expressly subordinate or junior in right of payment to the
Notes or the Guarantee of such Guarantor, as the case may be.

      "Subsidiary" of any specified Person means any corporation, partnership,
joint venture, limited liability company, association or other business entity,
whether now existing or hereafter organized or acquired, (i) in the case of a
corporation, of which more than 50% of the total Voting Stock is held by such
first-named Person or any of its Subsidiaries, or (ii) in the case of a
partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, association or other
business entity, with respect to which such first-named Person or any of its
Subsidiaries has at least a majority ownership and voting power relating to the
policies, management and affairs thereof.


                                      105
<PAGE>

      "Surety Arrangement" means one or more surety arrangements providing,
inter alia, for the issuance of Surety Obligations, between the Company or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries and one or more providers, provided to the
Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries including, in each case, any related
notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in
connection therewith, and in each case as amended, modified, renewed, refunded,
replaced, restated or refinanced from time to time.

      "Surety Obligations" means any bonds, including bid bonds, advance bonds,
or performance bonds, letters of credit, warranties, and similar arrangements
between the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and one or more surety
providers, for the benefit of the Company's or any Restricted Subsidiary's
suppliers, vendors, insurers, or customers including, in each case, any related
notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in
connection therewith, and in each case as amended, modified, renewed, refunded,
replaced, restated or refinanced from time to time.

      "Tax Allocation Agreement" means a tax allocation agreement among the
Company, Holdings and MHE Investments, Inc., as in effect on the Issue Date and
as the same may be amended from time to time subject to the provisions of the
covenant described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Transactions with
Affiliates" and provided, that no material adverse effect on the Company or on
the holders of the Notes shall result as a consequence thereby.

      "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means (a) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted
Subsidiary and (b) any Subsidiary of the Company which is classified (whether on
or after the Issue Date) as an Unrestricted Subsidiary by a resolution adopted
by the Board of Directors of the Company; provided, that a Subsidiary may be so
classified as an Unrestricted Subsidiary only if (i) such classification in
compliance with the covenant set forth under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on
Restricted Payments," (ii) such Subsidiary does not own beneficially any Capital
Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Restricted
Subsidiary of such Subsidiary that is being designated as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary at the time of such classification) and (iii) all Indebtedness of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to such Subsidiary is deemed incurred at
the time of such classification or at the time such Capital Stock is no longer
so owned. The Trustee shall be given prompt notice by the Company of each
resolution adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company under this
provision, together with a copy of each such resolution adopted. The Indenture
provides that the Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, at any time, (a) be liable for any
Indebtedness of any Unrestricted Subsidiary or (b) be liable for any
Indebtedness that provides that the holder thereof may (upon notice, lapse of
time or both) declare a default thereon or cause the payment thereof to be
accelerated or payable prior to its final maturity upon the occurrence of a
default with respect to any Indebtedness of any Unrestricted Subsidiary.

      "Voting Stock" of any Person means the Capital Stock of such Person which
ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors (or persons performing
similar functions) of such Person, whether at all times or only so long as no
senior class of securities has such voting power by reason of any contingency.

      "Wholly-Owned Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary, all of the
outstanding Voting Stock (other than directors' qualifying shares) of which are
owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company.


                                      106
<PAGE>

                       EXCHANGE OFFER; REGISTRATION RIGHTS

      In connection with the issuance of the Old Notes, the Company and the
Guarantors entered into the Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to which they
agreed, for the benefit of the holders of the Old Notes, that they would, at
their cost (i) within 60 days after the date of original issue of the Old Notes,
file a registration statement (the "Exchange Offer Registration Statement") with
the Commission with respect to a registered offer to exchange the Old Notes for
the New Notes, with terms substantially identical in all material respects to
the Old Notes except (a) that the New Notes have been registered under the
Securities Act, (b) that the New Notes are not entitled to certain registration
rights which are applicable to the Old Notes under the Registration Rights
Agreement and (c) certain contingent interest rate provisions applicable to the
Old Notes are not applicable to the New Notes, and (ii) within 135 days after
the Issue Date, use their best efforts to cause the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act. Upon the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement being declared effective, the Company will offer
the New Notes in exchange for surrender of the Old Notes. The Company will keep
the Exchange Offer open for not less than 30 days (or longer if required by
applicable law) after the date notice of the Exchange Offer is mailed to the
holders of the Old Notes. For each Old Note surrendered to the Company pursuant
to the Exchange Offer, the holder of such Old Note will receive a New Note
having a principal amount at maturity equal to that of the surrendered Old Note.
Interest on the New Notes will accrue from March 30, 1998. The Exchange Offer is
being made to satisfy the contractual obligations of the Company and the
Guarantors under the Registration Rights Agreement.

      Under existing Commission interpretations, the New Notes would in general
be freely transferable after the Exchange Offer without further registration
under the Securities Act; provided, that in the case of broker-dealers, a
prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act be delivered as
required. The Company and the Guarantors have agreed for a period of 180 days
after consummation of the Exchange Offer to make available a prospectus meeting
the requirements of the Securities Act to any broker-dealer for use in
connection with any resale of any such New Notes acquired as described below. A
broker-dealer which delivers such a prospectus to purchasers in connection with
such resales will be subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under
the Securities Act, and will be bound by the provisions of the Registration
Rights Agreement (including certain indemnification rights and obligations).

      Each holder of Old Notes that wishes to exchange such Old Notes for New
Notes in the Exchange Offer will be required to make certain representations
including representations that (i) any New Notes to be received by it will be
acquired in the ordinary course of its business, (ii) it has no arrangement with
any person to participate in the distribution of the New Notes, (iii) it is not
an "affiliate," as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act, of the Company or
any of the Guarantors, or if it is an affiliate, it will comply with the
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act to the
extent applicable, and (iv) it is not acting on behalf of any person who could
not truthfully make the foregoing representations.

      If the holder is not a broker-dealer, it will be required to represent
that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, the distribution of
the New Notes. If the holder is a broker-dealer that will receive New Notes for
its own account in exchange for Old Notes that were acquired as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities, it will be required to
acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of
such New Notes.

      In the event that applicable interpretations of the staff of the
Commission do not permit the Company to effect such an Exchange Offer, or if for
any other reason the Exchange Offer is not consummated within 180 days of the
date of the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company and the Guarantors will,
at their own expense, (a) as promptly as practicable, file a shelf registration
statement covering resales of the Old Notes (the "Shelf Registration
Statement"), (b) use their respective best efforts to cause the Shelf
Registration Statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act and (c)
use their respective best efforts to keep effective the Shelf Registration
Statement until two years after its effective date. The Company will, in the
event of the Shelf Registration Statement, provide to each holder of the Old
Notes copies of the prospectus which is a part of the Shelf Registration
Statement, notify each such holder when the Shelf Registration Statement for the
Old Notes has become effective and take certain other actions as are required to
permit unrestricted resales of the Old Notes. A holder of Old Notes that sells
such 


                                      107
<PAGE>

Old Notes pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement generally would be
required to be named as a selling security holder in the related prospectus and
to deliver a prospectus to purchasers, will be subject to certain of the civil
liability provisions under the Securities Act in connection with such sales and
will be bound by the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement which are
applicable to such a holder (including certain indemnification rights and
obligations).

      Although the Company and the Guarantors intend to file one of the
registration statements described above, there can be no assurance that such
registration statement will be filed or, if filed, that it will become
effective. If the Company and the Guarantors fail to comply with the above
provisions or if such registration statement fails to become effective, then, as
liquidated damages, additional interest shall become payable in respect of the
Old Notes as follows:

            If (i) the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf
      Registration Statement is not filed within 60 days after the Issue Date;

            (ii) an Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration
      Statement is not declared effective within 135 days after the Issue Date;
      and

            (iii) either (A) the Company has not exchanged the New Notes for all
      Old Notes validly tendered in accordance with the terms of the Exchange
      Offer on or prior to 45 days after the date on which the Exchange Offer
      Registration Statement was declared effective or (B) the Exchange Offer
      Registration Statement ceases to be effective at any time prior to the
      time that the Exchange Offer is consummated as to all Old Notes validly
      tendered or (C) if applicable, the Shelf Registration Statement has been
      declared effective and such Shelf Registration Statement ceases to be
      effective at any time prior to the second anniversary of its effective
      date;

(each of such events referred to in clauses (i) through (iii) above is a
"Registration Default"), the sole remedy available to holders of the Old Notes
will be the immediate assessment of additional interest ("Additional Interest")
as follows: the per annum interest rate on the Old Notes will increase by 50
basis points during the first 90-day period following the Registration Default
and the per annum interest rate will increase by an additional 25 basis points
for each subsequent 90-day period during which the Registration Default remains
uncured, up to a maximum additional interest rate of 200 basis points per annum
in excess of the interest rate originally borne by the Old Notes. All Additional
Interest will be payable to holders of the Old Notes in cash on the same
original interest payment dates as the Old Notes, commencing with the first such
date occurring after any such Additional Interest commences to accrue, until
such Registration Default is cured. After the date on which such Registration
Default is cured, the interest rate on the Old Notes will revert to the interest
rate originally borne by the Old Notes.

      If the Exchange Offer is made and the Initial Purchasers continue to hold
Old Notes, the Initial Purchasers may exchange Old Notes for other notes
identical to the New Notes except for transfer restrictions ("Private Exchange
Notes"). If they receive Private Exchange Notes, the Initial Purchasers
thereafter will have the right for a period after consummation of the Exchange
Offer to request the Company and the Guarantors to file a shelf registration
statement covering the Private Exchange Notes. If such requested shelf
registration is not filed or does not become effective by the times provided in
the Exchange Offer Registration Right Agreement, the interest rate on the
Private Exchange Notes will increase as provided above until such time as it
does become effective.

      The summary herein of certain provisions of the Registration Rights
Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in
its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Registration Rights
Agreement, a copy of which will be available upon request to the Company.


                                      108
<PAGE>

                          BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM

      The Old Notes were initially sold to QIBs (as defined) in reliance on Rule
144A under the Securities Act ("Rule 144A Notes"). Old Notes also were offered
and sold in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S ("Regulation S
Notes"). In addition, Old Notes may have subsequently been transferred to
institutional "accredited investors" within the meaning of subparagraph (a)(1),
(2), (3) or (7) of Rule 501 under the Securities Act ("Institutional Accredited
Investors") in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act
not made in reliance on Rule 144A or Regulation S under the Securities Act
("Other Old Notes").

      Rule 144A Notes initially were represented by one note in registered,
global form without interest coupons (the "Rule 144A Global Note"). The Rule
144A Global Note was deposited upon issuance with the Trustee as custodian for
The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), in New York, New York, and registered in
the name of a nominee of DTC, in each case for credit to an account of a direct
or indirect participant as described below. Other Old Notes held by
Institutional Accredited Investors are represented by one or more certificated
Old Notes. Regulation S Notes initially were represented by one note in
registered, global form without interest coupons (the "Regulation S Global
Note," and, together with the Rule 144A Global Note, the "Old Global Notes").
The Regulation S Global Note was deposited upon issuance with the Trustee as
custodian for DTC, and registered in the name of a nominee of DTC, in each case
for credit to the accounts of Euroclear System ("Euroclear") and Cedel Bank,
S.A. ("CEDEL").

      The Old Global Notes, to the extent directed by holders thereof in their
Letters of Transmittal, will be exchanged through book-entry electronic transfer
for one or more New Notes in registered, global form without coupons
representing the New Notes (collectively, the "New Global Note") registered in
the name of DTC or its nominee. No service charge will be made for any
registration of transfer or exchange of Notes, but the Company may require
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge
payable in connection therewith.

      New Notes issued to non-qualified institutional buyers in exchange for Old
Notes held by such investors, if any, will be issued only in certificated, fully
registered, definitive form. The New Global Note will, upon request, be
exchangeable for other New Notes in definitive, fully registered form without
coupons in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof, but only in
accordance with DTC's customary procedures. The New Global Note will also be
exchangeable in certain other limited circumstances. The Company, the Trustee
and any other agent thereof will be entitled to treat DTC's nominee as the sole
owner and holder of the unexchanged portion of the New Global Note for all
purposes.

Depositary Procedures

      DTC has advised the Company that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company
created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively,
the "Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of
transactions in those securities between the Participants through electronic
book-entry changes in accounts of the Participants. The Participants include
securities brokers and dealers (including the Initial Purchasers), banks, trust
companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to
DTC's system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers
and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with
a Participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, the "Indirect
Participants"). Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities
held by or on behalf of DTC only through the Participants or the Indirect
Participants. The ownership interest and transfer of ownership interest of each
actual purchaser of each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on
the records of the Participants and the Indirect Participants.

      DTC has also advised the Company that pursuant to procedures established
by it, (i) upon deposit of the New Global Note, DTC will credit the accounts of
Participants designated by the Participants with portions of the principal
amount of the Old Global Notes and (ii) ownership of such interests in the New
Global Note will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership thereof will be
effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to the
Participants) or by the Participants and the Indirect Participants (with respect
to other owners of beneficial interests in the New Global Note).


                                      109
<PAGE>

      Investors in the New Global Note may hold their interests therein directly
through DTC, if they are Participants in such system, or indirectly through
organizations (including Euroclear and CEDEL) which are Participants in such
system. Euroclear and CEDEL will hold interests in the New Global Note on behalf
of their participants through their respective depositories, which in turn will
hold such interests in the New Global Note customers' securities accounts in
their respective names on the books of DTC. The Chase Manhattan Bank, Brussels
office, will initially act as depository for Euroclear, and Citibank, N.A., will
initially act as depository for CEDEL. All interests in the New Global Note,
including those held through Euroclear or CEDEL, may be subject to the
procedures and requirements of DTC. Those interests held through Euroclear or
CEDEL may also be subject to the procedures and requirements of such system.

      The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical
delivery in definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the
ability to transfer beneficial interests in the Old Global Notes or the New
Global Note to such persons may be limited to that extent. Because DTC can act
only on behalf of the Participants, which in turn act on behalf of the Indirect
Participants and certain banks, the ability of a person having beneficial
interests in the New Global Note to pledge such interests to persons or entities
that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect
of such interests, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate
evidencing such interests. For certain other restrictions on the transferability
of the Notes, see "--Exchange of Book-Entry Notes for Certificated Notes."

      Except as described below, owners of interests in the New Global Note will
not have New Notes registered in their names, will not receive physical delivery
of New Notes in certificated form and will not be considered the registered
owners or holders thereof under the Indenture for any purpose.

      Payments in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest
on the New Global Note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be
payable to DTC or its nominee in its capacity as the registered holder under the
Indenture. Under the terms of the Indenture, the Company and the Trustee will
treat the persons in whose names the New Notes, including the New Global Note,
are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments
and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Consequently, neither the
Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee has or will have
any responsibility or liability for (i) any aspect or accuracy of DTC's records
or any Participant's or Indirect Participant's records relating to or payments
made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the New Global Note, or for
maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of DTC's records or any Participant's
or Indirect Participant's records relating to the beneficial ownership interests
in the New Global Note, or (ii) any other matter relating to the actions and
practices of DTC or any of the Participants or the Indirect Participants.

      DTC has advised the Company that its current practice, upon receipt of any
payment in respect of securities such as the New Notes (including principal and
interest), is to credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with the
payment on the payment date, in amounts proportionate to their respective
holdings in principal amount of beneficial interests in the relevant security as
shown on the records of DTC. Payments by the Participants and the Indirect
Participants to the beneficial owners of New Notes will be governed by standing
instructions and customary practices and will not be the responsibility of DTC,
the Trustee or the Company. Neither the Company nor the Trustee will be liable
for any delay by DTC or any of the Participants in identifying the beneficial
owners of the New Notes, and the Company and the Trustee may conclusively rely
on and will be protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee as
the registered owner of the New Global Note for all purposes.

      Except for trades involving only Euroclear and CEDEL participants,
interests in the New Global Note will trade in DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement
System and secondary market trading activity in such interests will therefore
settle in immediately available funds, subject in all cases to the rules and
procedures of DTC and the Participants.

      Transfers between Participants in DTC will be effected in accordance with
DTC's procedures and will be settled in same-day funds. Transfers between
accountholders in Euroclear and CEDEL will be effected in the ordinary way in
accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.


                                      110
<PAGE>

      Cross-market transfers between the accountholders in DTC, on the one hand,
and directly or indirectly through Euroclear or CEDEL accountholders, on the
other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance with DTC's rules on
behalf of Euroclear or CEDEL, as the case may be, by its respective depository;
however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to
Euroclear or CEDEL, as the case may be, by the counterparty in such system in
accordance with the rules and procedures and within the established deadlines of
such system. Euroclear or CEDEL, as the case may be, will, if the transaction
meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its respective
depository to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering
or receiving interests in the New Global Note in DTC, and making or receiving
payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement
applicable to DTC. Euroclear and CEDEL accountholders may not deliver
instructions directly to the depositories for Euroclear or CEDEL.

      Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or
CEDEL accountholder purchasing an interest in the New Global Note from an
accountholder in DTC will be credited, and any such crediting will be reported
to the relevant Euroclear or CEDEL participant, during the securities settlement
processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear or CEDEL) immediately
following the settlement date of DTC. Cash received in Euroclear or CEDEL as a
result of sales of interests in the New Global Note by or through a Euroclear or
CEDEL accountholder to a Participant in DTC will be received with value on the
settlement date of DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or CEDEL
cash account only as of the business day for Euroclear or CEDEL following DTC's
settlement date.

      DTC has advised the Company that it will take any action permitted to be
taken by a holder of Notes only at the direction of one or more Participants to
whose account with DTC interests in the Old Global Notes or the New Global Note
are credited and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal
amount of the Notes as to which such Participant or Participants has or have
given such direction. However, if any of the events described under "--Exchange
of Book Entry Notes for Certificated Notes" occurs, DTC reserves the right to
exchange the New Global Note for New Notes in certificate form and to distribute
such New Notes to its Participants.

      The information in this section concerning DTC, Euroclear and CEDEL and
their book-entry systems has been obtained from sources that the Company
believes to be reliable, but the Company takes no responsibility for the
accuracy thereof.

      Although DTC, Euroclear and CEDEL have agreed to the foregoing procedures
to facilitate transfers of interests in the Old Global Notes and the New Global
Note among accountholders in DTC and accountholders of Euroclear and CEDEL, they
are under no obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures,
and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. None of the Company or the
Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee will have any responsibility
for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or CEDEL or their respective participants,
indirect participants or accountholders of their respective obligations under
the rules and procedures governing their operations.

Exchange of Book-Entry Notes for Certificated Notes

      The New Global Note is exchangeable for definitive New Notes in registered
certificated form if (i) DTC (x) notifies the Company that it is unwilling or
unable to continue as depository for the New Global Note and the Company
thereupon fails to appoint a successor depository or (y) has ceased to be a
clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, (ii) the Company, at its
option, notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of
the New Notes in certificated form or (iii) there shall have occurred and be
continuing a Default or an Event of Default with respect to the New Notes. In
all cases, certificated New Notes delivered in exchange for the New Global Note
or beneficial interests therein will be registered in the names, and issued in
any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the depository (in
accordance with its customary procedures). In addition, subject to certain
restrictions on the transferability of the New Notes, New Notes in definitive
form will be issued upon the resale, pledge or other transfer of any New Notes
or interest therein to any person or entity that is not a qualified
institutional buyer or that does not participate in DTC.


                                      111
<PAGE>

                   CERTAIN U.S FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

      Subject to the qualifications set forth below, in the opinion of Akin,
Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P., tax counsel to the Company, the following
accurately sets forth the anticipated material U.S. federal income tax
consequences applicable to the exchange of Old Notes for New Notes and the
ownership and disposition of the New Notes by holders who acquire the New Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer. It is limited solely to U.S. federal income tax
matters and is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), Treasury regulations (including proposed regulations), administrative
rulings and pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), and judicial
decisions, all as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change at
any time, possibly with retroactive effect.

      The following is limited to holders who hold the Notes as "capital assets"
for U.S. federal income tax purposes and does not cover all aspects of federal
income taxation that may be relevant to, or the actual tax effect that any of
the matters described herein will have on, particular holders. The following
does not address U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be applicable to
particular categories of shareholders, including insurance companies, tax-exempt
persons, financial institutions, dealers in securities, persons with significant
holdings of Company stock, and non-United States persons, including foreign
corporations and nonresident alien individuals. The following does not address
any tax considerations under the laws of any state, locality, or foreign
country.

      The Company has not sought, nor does it intend to seek, a ruling from the
IRS as to any of the matters covered by this discussion, and there can be no
assurance that the IRS will not successfully challenge the conclusions reached
in this discussion. BECAUSE THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES DISCUSSED
BELOW DEPEND UPON EACH HOLDER'S PARTICULAR TAX STATUS, AND DEPEND FURTHER UPON
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS, REGULATIONS, RULINGS AND DECISIONS WHICH ARE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE (WHICH CHANGES MAY BE RETROACTIVE IN EFFECT), HOLDERS SHOULD
CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE
EXCHANGE OF OLD NOTES FOR NEW NOTES AND THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF THE NEW
NOTES.

Exchange

      The exchange of Old Notes for New Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer
will not be treated as an exchange or other tax event for federal income tax
purposes because the New Notes will not be considered to differ materially in
kind or extent from the Old Notes. A holder will have the same adjusted tax
basis and holding period in the New Notes as it had in the Old Notes immediately
before the exchange.

Interest

      A holder of New Notes will be required to report interest income for
federal income tax purposes for any interest earned on the Notes in accordance
with such holder's method of tax accounting.

Market Discount

      Under the market discount rules of the Code, an exchanging holder (other
than a holder who made the election described below) who purchased an Old Note
with "market discount" (generally defined as the amount by which the stated
redemption price of the Old Note on the holder's date of purchase exceeded the
holder's purchase price) will be required to treat any gain recognized on the
redemption, sale or other disposition of the New Note received in the exchange
as ordinary income to the extent of the market discount that accrued during the
holder's holding period for such New Note (which period will include such
holder's holding period for the Old Note). In addition, a holder of a Note
acquired at market discount may be required to defer the deduction of all or a
portion of the interest expense on any indebtedness incurred or continued to
purchase or carry such Note. A holder who has elected under applicable Code
provisions to include market discount in income annually as such discount
accrues will not be required to treat any gain recognized as ordinary income (or
defer interest deductions) under the market discount 


                                      112
<PAGE>

rules described above. Holders should consult their tax advisors as to the
portion of any gain that would be taxable as ordinary income under these
provisions.

Amortizable Bond Premium

      In general, if a holder's initial tax basis in the Old Notes at
acquisition exceeded the amount payable at maturity, the excess will be treated
as "amortizable bond premium" (including after the exchange of such Old Notes
for New Notes). In such case, the holder may elect under section 171 of the Code
to amortize the bond premium annually under a constant yield method. The
holder's adjusted tax basis in the Note is decreased by the amount of the
allowable amortization. Because the Notes have early call provisions, holders
must take such call provisions into account to determine the amount of
amortizable bond premium. Amortizable bond premium is treated as an offset to
interest received on the obligation rather than as an interest deduction, except
as may be provided in Treasury regulations. An election to amortize bond premium
would apply to amortizable bond premium on all taxable bonds held on or acquired
after the beginning of the holder's taxable year for which the election is made,
and may be revoked only with the consent of the IRS. Holders who acquire their
Notes with amortizable bond premium should consult their own tax advisors.

Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Disposition of Notes

      On sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of the Notes, and
except to the extent that the cash received is attributable to accrued interest
(which generally represents ordinary interest income) or market discount (the
tax consequences of which are described above), a holder generally will
recognize capital gain or loss measured by the difference between the amount
realized and such holder's adjusted tax basis in the Notes redeemed.

Backup Withholding

      Federal income tax backup withholding at a rate of 31 percent on
dividends, interest payments, and proceeds from a sale, exchange, or redemption
of New Notes will apply unless the holder (i) is a corporation or comes within
certain other exempt categories (and, when required, demonstrates this fact) or
(ii) provides a taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of
exemption from backup withholding, and otherwise complies with applicable
requirements of the backup withholding rules. The amount of any backup
withholding from a payment to a holder will be allowed as a credit against the
holder's federal income tax liability and may entitle such holder to a refund,
provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS. A holder of
Notes who does not provide the Company with his correct taxpayer identification
number may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. The Company will report
to the holders of the Notes and the IRS the amount of any "reportable payments"
and any amount withheld with respect to the Notes during the calendar year.

                              ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

      Sections 406 and 407 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended ("ERISA"), and Section 4975 of the Code prohibit certain
employee benefit plans, individual retirement accounts, individual retirement
annuities, and employee annuity plans ("Plans") from engaging in certain
transactions with persons who, with respect to such Plan, are "parties in
interest" under ERISA or "disqualified persons" under the Code. A violation of
these "prohibited transactions" rules may generate excise taxes under the Code
and other liabilities under ERISA for such persons. Possible violations of the
prohibited transaction rules occur if the Notes are purchased with the assets of
any Plan if the Company or any of its affiliates is a party in interest or
disqualified person with respect to such Plan, unless such acquisition is
subject to a statutory or administrative exemption.

      The foregoing discussion is general in nature and is not intended to be
all-inclusive. Any fiduciary of a Plan considering the purchase of the Notes
should consult its legal advisors regarding the consequences of such purchases
under ERISA and the Code. If the Plan is not subject to ERISA, the fiduciary
should consult its legal advisors regarding the consequences of any state law or
Code considerations.


                                      113
<PAGE>

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

      Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Securities Purchase
Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") dated March 23, 1998, the Company sold to
CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. and Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("the Initial Purchasers"), and
the Initial Purchasers purchased from the Company, severally, the respective
principal amounts of the Old Notes set forth opposite their respective names
below:

                                                                 Principal
                                                                  Amount
            Initial Purchaser                                  of the Notes
            -----------------                                  ------------
            CIBC Oppenheimer Corp.......................       $170,000,000
            Goldman, Sachs & Co.........................         30,000,000
                                                               ------------
                                                               $200,000,000
                                                               ============

      The purchase price for the Old Notes was $1,000 per $1,000 principal
amount (the "Old Notes Offering Price") less the Initial Purchasers' discount of
3.0%. The Initial Purchasers sold the Old Notes at the Old Notes Offering Price
to "Qualified Institutional Buyers" within the meaning of Rule 144A of the
Securities Act.

      The Company reimbursed the Initial Purchasers for certain expenses and
agreed to indemnify the several Initial Purchasers against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act.

      CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. acted as initial purchaser in the Series A Unit
Offering for which it received customary fees.

      Indosuez Capital, a division of Credit Agricole Indosuez (the "Financial
Advisor"), acted as a financial advisor to the Company in connection with the
offering and received a fee of 20% of the Initial Purchasers' discount, as
compensation for such services.

      CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. and the Financial Advisor acted as co-agents under
the New Credit Facility and received customary fees and had expenses reimbursed
in connection with such services.

      An affiliate of CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. and affiliates of the Financial
Advisor invested an aggregate of approximately $13.5 million and $10.0 million,
respectively, in Frasier L.L.C. and Niles L.L.C., to acquire indirect equity
interests in the Company, on arm's length terms concurrent with the Offering.

      Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to
the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in
connection with any resale of such New Notes. This Prospectus, as it may be
amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in
connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes only
where such Old Notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or
other trading activities. The Company has agreed that it will make this
Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use
in connection with any such resale for a period until 180 days after the
Registration Statement has been declared effective, or such shorter period as
will terminate when all Old Notes acquired by broker-dealers for their own
accounts as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities
have been exchanged for New Notes and such New Notes have been resold by such
broker-dealers.

      The Company will not receive any proceeds from any sale of New Notes by
broker-dealers. New Notes received by broker-dealers for their own account
pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be sold from time to time in one or more
transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through
the writing of options on the New Notes or a combination of such methods of
resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to
such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made
directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive
compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such
broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any New Notes. Any broker-dealer that
resells New Notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the
Exchange Offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a 


                                      114
<PAGE>

distribution of such New Notes may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the
meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of New Notes and
any commissions or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be
underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The Letter of Transmittal
states that by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a
prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an
"underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.

      For a period until 180 days after the Registration Statement has been
declared effective, or such shorter period as will terminate when all Old Notes
acquired by broker-dealers for their own accounts as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities have been exchanged for New Notes and
such New Notes have been resold by such broker-dealers, the Company will
promptly send additional copies of this Prospectus and any amendment or
supplement to this Prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents
in the Letter of Transmittal. The Company has agreed to pay all expenses
incident to the Exchange Offer other than commissions or concessions of any
brokers or dealers and the fees of any counsel or other advisors or experts
retained by the holders of the Notes, except as expressly set forth in the
Registration Rights Agreement, and will indemnify the holders of the Notes
(including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act.

                                     EXPERTS

      The combined financial statements of the Material Handling Equipment
Business of Harnischfeger Industries, Inc. as of October 31, 1997 and 1996 and
for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended October 31, 1997,
included in this Prospectus, have been so included in reliance on the report of
Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said
firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

                                  LEGAL MATTERS

      The validity of the New Notes will be passed upon for the Company by Akin,
Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P., Washington, D.C., counsel to the Company.


                                      115
<PAGE>

                     INDEX TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                                                         Page
                                                                       Reference
                                                                       ---------

MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

     Combined Balance Sheets as of October 31, 1997 and January 31, 
       1998 (unaudited)...............................................    F-2
     Unaudited Combined Statements of Income for the Three Months 
       Ended January 31, 1998 and January 31, 1997....................    F-3
     Unaudited Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the Three 
       Months Ended January 31, 1998 and January 31, 1997.............    F-4
     Notes to Unaudited Combined Financial Statements.................    F-5
     Report of Independent Accountants................................   F-13
     Combined Balance Sheets as of October 31, 1997 and October 
       31, 1996.......................................................   F-14
     Combined Statements of Income for the Years Ended October 31, 
       1997, October 31, 1996 and October 31, 1995....................   F-15
     Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended October 
       31, 1997, October 31, 1996 and October 31, 1995................   F-16
     Notes to Combined Financial Statements...........................   F-17


                                      F-1
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

                             COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
                                   (unaudited)

                                                        January 31,  October 31,
                                                            1998         1997
                                                         ---------    ---------
                                                         (dollars in thousands)
                                   A S S E T S
Current Assets
     Cash and cash equivalents .......................   $   6,317    $   1,532
     Accounts receivable--net ........................      75,545       82,209
     Inventories .....................................      36,509       33,497
     Other current assets ............................       6,348        4,765
                                                         ---------    ---------
       Total current assets ..........................     124,719      122,003
                                                         ---------    ---------
Property, Plant and Equipment
     Land and improvements ...........................       3,328        3,466
     Buildings .......................................      20,860       21,379
     Machinery and equipment .........................      36,268       35,918
                                                         ---------    ---------
                                                            60,456       60,763
     Less accumulated depreciation ...................     (22,462)     (21,396)
                                                         ---------    ---------
                                                            37,994       39,367
                                                         ---------    ---------
Other Assets
     Goodwill ........................................      31,792       32,229
     Other ...........................................       5,874        6,001
                                                         ---------    ---------
                                                            37,666       38,230
                                                         ---------    ---------
       Total assets ..................................   $ 200,379    $ 199,600
                                                         =========    =========

            LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S INVESTMENT
Current Liabilities
     Short-term notes payable and current portion of
       long-term obligations .........................   $     567    $     752
     Bank overdrafts .................................       2,713        4,293
     Trade accounts payable ..........................      26,729       32,656
     Employee compensation and benefits ..............       7,513        8,113
     Advance payments and progress billings ..........       8,829        7,685
     Accrued warranties ..............................       3,476        3,998
     Income taxes payable ............................       2,563        2,393
     Other current liabilities .......................      10,777       10,870
                                                         ---------    ---------
       Total current liabilities .....................      63,167       70,760
                                                         ---------    ---------
Long-Term Obligations ................................       1,009        1,043
Deferred Income Taxes ................................       3,142        3,088
Minority Interest ....................................         377          391
Shareholder's Investment .............................     132,684      124,318
                                                         ---------    ---------
       Total liabilities and shareholder's investment.   $ 200,379    $ 199,600
                                                         =========    =========

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


                                      F-2
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

                          COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                                   (unaudited)

                                                              For the Three
                                                               Months Ended
                                                                January 31,
                                                          ----------------------
                                                             1998        1997
                                                          ---------    ---------
                                                          (dollars in thousands)
Revenues
     Net sales .........................................   $ 76,483    $ 79,982
     Other income--net .................................        284       1,254
                                                           --------    --------
                                                             76,767      81,236
Cost of Sales ..........................................     56,653      60,792
Product Development, Selling and Administrative Expenses     14,480      13,248
Parent Management Fee ..................................        677         648
                                                           --------    --------
         Operating income ..............................      4,957       6,548
Interest (Expense)/Income--Net
     Affiliates ........................................       (687)        190
     Third party .......................................       (158)        (48)
                                                           --------    --------
Income Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest .......      4,112       6,690
Provision for Income Taxes .............................     (1,987)     (2,671)
Minority Interest ......................................         14          (8)
                                                           --------    --------
         Net income ....................................   $  2,139    $  4,011
                                                           ========    ========


    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


                                      F-3
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

                        COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   For the Three
                                                                                   Months Ended
                                                                                    January 31,
                                                                                ------------------
                                                                                  1998       1997
                                                                                -------    -------
                                                                                  (dollars in
                                                                                   thousands)
<S>                                                                             <C>        <C>    
Operating Activities
     Net income .............................................................   $ 2,139    $ 4,011
     Add/(deduct)--items not affecting cash provided by operating activities:
          Depreciation and amortization .....................................     1,659      1,548
          Minority interest .................................................        14          8
          Deferred income taxes--net ........................................        46         20
          Gain on fire insurance claim ......................................        --     (1,100)
          Other .............................................................        34         --
     Changes in working capital:
          Accounts receivable ...............................................     5,274     (2,138)
          Inventories .......................................................    (4,512)      (994)
          Other current assets ..............................................    (1,618)      (212)
          Trade accounts payable and bank overdrafts ........................    (7,345)     3,156
          Employee compensation and benefits ................................      (571)    (1,541)
          Advance payments and progress billings ............................     2,659      2,175
          Accrued warranties ................................................      (523)      (158)
          Other current liabilities .........................................     2,076     (3,557)
          Activity with parent and other affiliates--net ....................     5,928       (777)
                                                                                -------    -------
Net cash provided by operating activities ...................................     5,260        441
                                                                                -------    -------
Investment and Other Transactions
     Fixed asset additions--net .............................................      (816)    (1,744)
     Fire insurance claim activity--net .....................................        --      1,100
     Other--net .............................................................       466       (279)
                                                                                -------    -------
Net cash used for investment and other transactions .........................      (350)      (923)
                                                                                -------    -------
Financing Activities
     (Repayments)/issuance of debt ..........................................      (207)       149
                                                                                -------    -------
Net cash (applied to)/provided by financing activities ......................      (207)       149
                                                                                -------    -------
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents ................        82         31
                                                                                -------    -------
Increase/(decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents ............................     4,785       (302)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
     Beginning of Period ....................................................     1,532      3,821
                                                                                -------    -------
     End of Period ..........................................................   $ 6,317    $ 3,519
                                                                                =======    =======
</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


                                      F-4
<PAGE>

                     MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS OF
                         HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

                     NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)
                                   (unaudited)

Note 1--Basis of Presentation

      In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for the fair
presentation of the results of operations for the three months ended January 31,
1998 and 1997, cash flows for the three months ended January 31, 1998 and 1997,
and financial position at January 31, 1998 have been made. All adjustments made
are of a normal recurring nature.

      These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited
combined financial statements and the notes thereto of the Material Handling
Equipment Business (the "Company") of Harnischfeger Industries, Inc. ("HII") for
each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 1997.

      The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily
indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Note 2--Recapitalization Transaction

      On January 28, 1998, Harnischfeger Industries, Inc., the Company's parent,
announced that it had reached an agreement with Chartwell Investments Inc. for
the sale of approximately an 80 percent common ownership interest in the Company
for approximately $340 million. The transaction, which is subject to completion
of Chartwell's financing arrangements, would result in a significant change in
the Company's capital structure as a result of debt obligations expected to be
issued to effect the transaction.

Note 3--Inventories

      Combined inventories consisted of the following:

                                                      January 31,    October 31,
                                                        1998           1997
                                                       -------       -------
      Raw material..................................   $13,282       $17,391
      Work-in-process...............................    17,849        13,654
      Finished parts................................    13,630        10,704
                                                       -------       -------
                                                        44,761        41,749
      Less excess of current cost over stated                       
        LIFO value..................................    (8,252)       (8,252)
                                                       -------       -------
                                                       $36,509       $33,497
                                                       =======       =======
                                                                  
      Inventories valued using the LIFO method represented approximately 39% and
43% of combined inventories at January 31, 1998 and October 31, 1997,
respectively.

Note 4--Contingent Liabilities

      At January 31, 1998, the Company and/or its parent were contingently
liable to financial institutions and others for approximately $53,637 for
outstanding letters of credit and surety bonds securing performance of sales
contracts related to the Company's operations.

      The Company is a party to various litigation matters, including product
liability and other claims, which are normal in the course of its operations.
Also, as a normal part of its operations, the Company undertakes


                                      F-5
<PAGE>

                     MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS OF
                         HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)
                                   (unaudited)

certain contractual obligations and warranties in connection with the sale of
products or services. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted
with certainty, management believes that such matters will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's combined results of operations, financial
position or cash flows.

      The Company is also involved in a number of proceedings and potential
proceedings relating to environmental matters. Although it is difficult to
estimate the potential exposure to the Company related to these environmental
matters, management believes that these matters will not have a material adverse
effect on its combined results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Note 5--Gain on Fire Insurance Claim

      During the first quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company recognized a gain of
approximately $1.1 million based upon the status of the property loss and
business interruption insurance claim related to the 1995 fire at its facility
in the United Kingdom.

Note 6--Sale of Facility

      During the first quarter of fiscal 1998, the Company completed the sale of
its Dayton, Ohio land and building which it had acquired in connection with the
acquisition of an aftermarket operation during the prior year. The operation's
former owners reacquired these assets in exchange for a note receivable of $427
and settlement of the remaining amount of $300 due to the former owners related
to the Company's acquisition. The balance of the note was collected in full by
the Company after January 31, 1998. No significant gain or loss was recognized
in connection with this transaction.

Note 7--Supplemental Condensed Combining Financial Information

      The sale by Harnischfeger Industries, Inc. of a majority interest in the
Company to MHE Investments, Inc. was completed on March 30, 1998 (see Note 2).
The transaction was accounted for as a recapitalization of MMH Holdings, Inc.
("Holdings"), the owner, directly or indirectly, of all of the equity interests
of the entities engaged in the Material Handling Equipment Business that were
previously owned by Harnischfeger Industries, Inc. In connection with the
transaction, Morris Material Handling, Inc. ("MMH"), a direct wholly-owned
subsidiary of Holdings, issued debt securities that are guaranteed by certain of
the Company's affiliates (the "Guarantor Subsidiaries"). Each of the Guarantor
Subsidiaries is a wholly-owned subsidiary, directly or indirectly, of MMH and
the guarantees are full, unconditional and joint and several. Both Holdings and
MMH are holding companies, with no material operating assets. All of the
Company's business operations are conducted through subsidiaries of MMH.


                                      F-6

<PAGE>

                     MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS OF
                         HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)
                                   (unaudited)

      Separate financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not
presented because Company management has determined that they would not be
material to investors. The following supplemental financial information sets
forth, on an uncombined basis, balance sheet, statement of operations and cash
flow information for the Guarantor Subsidiaries and for the Company's other
affiliates (the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries"). The supplemental financial
information reflects the investments of the Guarantor Subsidiaries in the
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting. For purposes
of this presentation, it is assumed that all of the assets of the Company were
historically owned by subsidiaries of MMH, which is an entity that was formed by
Holdings in connection with the transaction. Accordingly, the historical
combined financial statements of MMH and Holdings are identical following
completion of the recapitalization.


                                      F-7
<PAGE>

                     MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS OF
                         HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)
                                   (unaudited)

                 SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING BALANCE SHEET
                                January 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Non-
                                                   Guarantor      Guarantor
                                                  Subsidiaries   Subsidiaries   Eliminations     Combined
                                                  ------------   ------------   ------------     --------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>      
                                     ASSETS
Current Assets
    Cash and cash equivalents                       $   6,206     $     111      $              $   6,317  
    Accounts receivable - net                          67,626         7,919                        75,545
    Intercompany accounts receivable                    4,723                       (4,723)            --
    Inventories                                        32,635         3,874                        36,509
    Other current assets                                6,040           308                         6,348
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                      117,230        12,212         (4,723)       124,719
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                                
Property, Plant and Equipment - net                    35,090         2,904             --         37,994
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                                
Other Assets                                                                                    
    Goodwill                                           29,729         2,063                        31,792
    Noncurrent intercompany receivables                 3,750            --         (3,750)            --
    Investment in affiliates                              609            --           (609)            --
    Other                                               5,874            --                         5,874
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                       39,962         2,063         (4,359)        37,666
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                                
                                                    $ 192,282     $  17,179      $  (9,082)     $ 200,379
                                                    =========     =========      =========      =========
                                                                                                
                    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S INVESTMENT
Current Liabilities                                                                             
    Short-term notes payable and                                                                
     current portion of long-term obligations       $     528     $      39      $              $     567
    Bank overdrafts                                       433         2,280                         2,713
    Trade accounts payable                             23,111         3,618                        26,729
    Intercompany accounts payable                                     4,723         (4,723)            --
    Employee compensation and benefits                  7,471            42                         7,513
    Advance payments and progress                                                               
     billings                                           8,643           186                         8,829
    Accrued warranties                                  3,394            82                         3,476
    Income taxes payable                                2,120           443                         2,563
    Other current liabilities                          10,390           387                        10,777
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                       56,090        11,800         (4,723)        63,167
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                                
Long-Term Obligations                                     366           643                         1,009
Noncurrent intercompany payables                           --         3,750         (3,750)            --
Deferred Income Taxes                                   3,142            --                         3,142
Minority Interest                                          --            --            377            377
Shareholder's Investment                              132,684           986           (986)       132,684
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                                
                                                    $ 192,282     $  17,179      $  (9,082)     $ 200,379
                                                    =========     =========      =========      =========
</TABLE>


                                      F-8
<PAGE>

                     MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS OF
                         HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)
                                   (unaudited)

              SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING STATEMENT OF INCOME
                      First Quarter Ended January 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Non-
                                                   Guarantor      Guarantor
                                                  Subsidiaries   Subsidiaries   Eliminations     Combined
                                                  ------------   ------------   ------------     --------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>      
Revenues
     Net Sales                                      $ 73,136      $  5,210       $ (1,863)      $ 76,483   
     Other Income - Net                                  284            --                           284
                                                    --------      --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                
                                                      73,420         5,210         (1,863)        76,767
                                                                                                
Cost of Sales                                         54,562         3,954         (1,863)        56,653
                                                                                                
Product Development, Selling                                                                    
 and Administrative Expenses                          13,277         1,203                        14,480
                                                                                                
Parent Management Fee                                    677            --                           677
                                                    --------      --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                
Operating Income                                       4,904            53             --          4,957
                                                                                                
Interest (Expense) Income - Net                                                                 
     Affiliates                                         (642)          (45)                         (687)
     Third Party                                         (12)         (146)                         (158)
                                                    --------      --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                
Income Before Income Taxes, Equity in Loss of                                                 
 Combined Affiliates and Minority Interest             4,250          (138)            --          4,112
                                                                                                
Provision for Income Taxes                            (1,976)          (11)                       (1,987)
                                                                                                
Equity in Loss of Combined Affiliates                   (135)           --            135             --
                                                                                                
Minority Interest                                         --            --             14             14
                                                    --------      --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                
Net Income                                          $  2,139      $   (149)      $    149       $  2,139
                                                    ========      ========       ========       ========
</TABLE>


                                      F-9
<PAGE>

                     MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS OF
                         HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)
                                   (unaudited)

              SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING STATEMENT OF INCOME
                      First Quarter Ended January 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Non-
                                                   Guarantor      Guarantor
                                                  Subsidiaries   Subsidiaries   Eliminations     Combined
                                                  ------------   ------------   ------------     --------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>      
Revenues
     Net Sales                                      $ 75,544      $  5,299       $   (861)      $ 79,982  
     Other Income - Net                                1,254            --                         1,254       
                                                    --------      --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                
                                                      76,798         5,299           (861)        81,236
                                                                                                
Cost of Sales                                         57,602         4,051           (861)        60,792
                                                                                                
Product Development, Selling                                                                    
 and Administrative Expenses                          12,187         1,061                        13,248       
                                                                                                
Parent Management Fee                                    648            --                           648       
                                                    --------      --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                
Operating Income                                       6,361           187             --          6,548
                                                                                                
Interest (Expense) Income - Net                                                                 
     Affiliates                                          240           (50)                          190       
     Third Party                                          28           (76)                          (48)      
                                                    --------      --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                
Income Before Income Taxes, Equity in Income of                                                 
 Combined Affiliates and Minority Interest             6,629            61             --          6,690
                                                                                                
Provision for Income Taxes                            (2,655)          (16)                       (2,671)      
                                                                                                
Equity in Income of Combined Affiliates                   37            --            (37)            --
                                                                                                
Minority Interest                                         --            --             (8)            (8)
                                                    --------      --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                
Net Income                                          $  4,011      $     45       $    (45)      $  4,011
                                                    ========      ========       ========       ========
</TABLE>


                                      F-10
<PAGE>

                     MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS OF
                         HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)
                                   (unaudited)

            SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                       Three Months Ended January 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Non-
                                                              Guarantor      Guarantor
                                                             Subsidiaries   Subsidiaries  Eliminations   Combined
                                                             ------------   ------------  ------------   --------
                                                                              (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                            <C>             <C>           <C>          <C>
Operating Activities                                                                    
     Net income                                                $ 2,139         $  (149)      $   149      $ 2,139
     Add/(deduct)-items not affecting cash provided by                                                    
       operating activities:                                                                              
         Depreciation and amortization                           1,541             118                      1,659
         Equity in loss of combined affiliates                     135                          (135)          --
         Minority interest                                          --                            14           14
         Deferred income taxes - net                                46                                         46    
         Gain on fire insurance claim                               --                                         --    
         Other                                                      34                                         34    
     Changes in working capital, excluding the effects of                                                 
       acquisition opening balance sheets:                                                                
         Accounts receivable                                     4,642             632                      5,274
         Inventories                                            (3,154)         (1,358)                    (4,512)
         Other current assets                                   (1,587)            (31)                    (1,618)
         Trade accounts payable and bank overdrafts             (6,481)           (864)                    (7,345)
         Other current liabilities                               3,373             296           (28)       3,641
         Activity with parent and other affiliates - net         4,682           1,246                      5,928
                                                               -------         -------       -------      -------
Net cash provided by operating activities                        5,370            (110)           --        5,260
                                                               -------         -------       -------      -------
                                                                                                          
Investment and Other Transactions                                                                         
     Fixed asset additions - net                                  (798)            (18)                      (816)
     Other - net                                                   357             109                        466
                                                               -------         -------       -------      -------
Net cash used for investment and other transactions               (441)             91            --         (350)
                                                               -------         -------       -------      -------
                                                                                                          
Financing Activities                                                                                      
     Repayments of debt                                           (207)             --                       (207)
                                                               -------         -------       -------      -------
Net cash applied to financing activities                          (207)             --            --         (207)
                                                               -------         -------       -------      -------
                                                                                                          
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents        91              (9)                        82
                                                               -------         -------       -------      -------
                                                                                                          
Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents                 4,813             (28)           --        4,785
                                                                                                          
Cash and Cash Equivalents                                                                                 
     Beginning of Period                                         1,393             139                      1,532
                                                               -------         -------       -------      -------
     End of Period                                             $ 6,206         $   111       $    --      $ 6,317
                                                               =======         =======       =======      =======
</TABLE>


                                      F-11
<PAGE>

                     MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS OF
                         HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Concluded)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)
                                   (unaudited)

            SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                       Three Months Ended January 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Non-
                                                              Guarantor      Guarantor
                                                             Subsidiaries   Subsidiaries  Eliminations   Combined
                                                             ------------   ------------  ------------   --------
                                                                              (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                            <C>             <C>           <C>          <C>
Operating Activities
     Net income                                                $ 4,011         $    45       $   (45)     $ 4,011    
     Add/(deduct)-items not affecting cash provided by                                                    
       operating activities:                                                                              
         Depreciation and amortization                           1,464              84                      1,548
         Equity in income of combined affiliates                   (37)                           37           --
         Minority interest                                                                         8            8
         Deferred income taxes - net                                20                                         20
         Gain on fire insurance claim                           (1,100)                                    (1,100)
     Changes in working capital, excluding the effects of                                                 
       acquisition opening balance sheets:                                                                
         Accounts receivable                                    (1,868)           (270)                    (2,138)
         Inventories                                              (768)           (226)                      (994)
         Other current assets                                      (52)           (160)                      (212)
         Trade accounts payable and bank overdrafts              2,812             344                      3,156
         Other current liabilities                              (2,813)           (268)                    (3,081)
         Activity with parent and other affiliates - net        (1,133)            356                       (777)
                                                               -------         -------       -------      -------
Net cash provided by operating activities                          536             (95)           --          441
                                                               -------         -------       -------      -------
                                                                                                          
Investment and Other Transactions                                                                         
     Fixed asset additions - net                                (1,722)            (22)                    (1,744)
     Fire insurance claim activity - net                         1,100                                      1,100
     Other - net                                                  (303)             24                       (279)
                                                               -------         -------       -------      -------
Net cash used for investment and other transactions               (925)              2            --         (923)
                                                               -------         -------       -------      -------
                                                                                                          
Financing Activities                                                                                      
     Repayments of debt                                            149                                        149
                                                               -------         -------       -------      -------
Net cash applied to financing activities                           149              --            --          149
                                                               -------         -------       -------      -------
                                                                                                          
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents        29               2                         31
                                                               -------         -------       -------      -------
                                                                                                          
Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents                             (211)            (91)           --         (302)
                                                                                                          
Cash and Cash Equivalents                                                                                 
     Beginning of Period                                         3,582             239                      3,821
                                                               -------         -------       -------      -------
     End of Period                                             $ 3,371         $   148       $    --      $ 3,519
                                                               =======         =======       =======      =======
</TABLE>


                                      F-12
<PAGE>

                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors of
   Harnischfeger Industries, Inc.

      In our opinion, the accompanying combined balance sheets and the related
combined statements of income and of cash flows present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Material Handling Equipment Business
(the "Company") of Harnischfeger Industries, Inc. at October 31, 1997 and 1996,
and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended October 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. 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 of these
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
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, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.


PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
December 30, 1997, except as to Note 13 which is as of March 30, 1998


                                      F-13
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

                             COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   October 31,
                                                                             ----------------------
                                                                                1997         1996
                                                                             ---------    ---------
                                                                             (dollars in thousands)
                                     ASSETS
<S>                                                                          <C>          <C>      
Current Assets
     Cash and cash equivalents ...........................................   $   1,532    $   3,821
     Accounts receivable--net ............................................      82,209       75,261
     Inventories .........................................................      33,497       37,239
     Other current assets ................................................       4,765        8,044
                                                                             ---------    ---------
          Total current assets ...........................................     122,003      124,365
                                                                             ---------    ---------
Property, Plant and Equipment
     Land and improvements ...............................................       3,466        2,490
     Buildings ...........................................................      21,379       17,473
     Machinery and equipment .............................................      35,918       28,564
                                                                             ---------    ---------
                                                                                60,763       48,527
     Less accumulated depreciation .......................................     (21,396)     (18,340)
                                                                             ---------    ---------
                                                                                39,367       30,187
                                                                             ---------    ---------
Other Assets
     Goodwill ............................................................      32,229       28,410
     Other ...............................................................       6,001        6,096
                                                                             ---------    ---------
                                                                                38,230       34,506
                                                                             ---------    ---------
          Total assets ...................................................   $ 199,600    $ 189,058
                                                                             =========    =========
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S INVESTMENT
<S>                                                                          <C>          <C>      
 Current Liabilities
     Short-term notes payable and current portion of long-term obligations   $     752    $     863
     Bank overdrafts .....................................................       4,293           --
     Trade accounts payable ..............................................      32,656       36,921
     Employee compensation and benefits ..................................       8,113        9,265
     Advance payments and progress billings ..............................       7,685       22,586
     Accrued warranties ..................................................       3,998        3,787
     Income taxes payable ................................................       2,393        1,703
     Other current liabilities ...........................................      10,870       14,717
                                                                             ---------    ---------
          Total current liabilities ......................................      70,760       89,842
                                                                             ---------    ---------
Long-Term Obligations ....................................................       1,043        1,181
Deferred Income Taxes ....................................................       3,088        3,440
Minority Interest ........................................................         391          394
Shareholder's Investment .................................................     124,318       94,201
                                                                             ---------    ---------
          Total liabilities and shareholder's investment .................   $ 199,600    $ 189,058
                                                                             =========    =========
</TABLE>


    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


                                      F-14
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

                          COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Year Ended October 31,
                                                           -----------------------------------
                                                              1997         1996         1995
                                                           ---------    ---------    ---------
                                                                 (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                        <C>          <C>          <C>      
Revenues
     Net sales .........................................   $ 353,350    $ 323,735    $ 243,169
     Other income--net .................................       2,649        1,149        3,766
                                                           ---------    ---------    ---------
                                                             355,999      324,884      246,935
Cost of Sales ..........................................     260,794      247,559      186,404
Product Development, Selling and Administrative Expenses      56,806       44,968       36,931
Parent Management Fee ..................................       2,862        2,341        1,878
                                                           ---------    ---------    ---------
     Operating income ..................................      35,537       30,016       21,722
Interest (Expense)/Income--Net
     Affiliates ........................................        (394)         163          379
     Third party .......................................        (398)        (245)        (200)
                                                           ---------    ---------    ---------
Income Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest .......      34,745       29,934       21,901
Provision for Income Taxes .............................     (13,874)     (11,488)      (8,425)
Minority Interest ......................................         (18)          --           --
                                                           ---------    ---------    ---------
     Net income ........................................   $  20,853    $  18,446    $  13,476
                                                           =========    =========    =========
</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


                                      F-15
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

                        COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Year Ended October 31,
                                                                                ---------------------------------
                                                                                  1997        1996        1995
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
                                                                                        (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                                             <C>         <C>         <C>     
Operating Activities
     Net income .............................................................   $ 20,853    $ 18,446    $ 13,476
     Add/(deduct)--items not affecting cash provided by operating
        activities:
          Depreciation and amortization .....................................      6,736       5,292       3,800
          Minority interest .................................................        (18)         --          --
          Deferred income taxes--net ........................................         89       1,347       1,083
          Gain on fire insurance claim ......................................     (2,011)         --      (2,343)
          Other .............................................................       (800)       (750)       (750)
     Changes in working capital, excluding the effects of acquisition opening
        balance sheets:
          Accounts receivable ...............................................     (3,656)     (7,217)    (19,363)
          Inventories .......................................................      6,044      (8,651)      1,962
          Other current assets ..............................................      2,077        (530)     (1,939)
          Trade accounts payable and bank overdrafts ........................     (2,852)        130       9,100
          Employee compensation and benefits ................................     (1,293)      1,399       2,487
          Advance payments and progress billings ............................    (16,056)      3,460       2,760
          Accrued warranties ................................................        178        (305)        592
          Other current liabilities .........................................     (5,116)      4,047        (236)
          Activity with parent and other affiliates--net ....................      8,724       6,788      (6,876)
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Net cash provided by operating activities ...................................     12,899      23,456       3,753
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Investment and Other Transactions
     Fixed asset additions--net .............................................     (6,498)     (6,752)     (3,725)
     Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired ........................    (11,787)    (15,272)     (3,862)
     Fire insurance claim activity--net .....................................      3,441       1,613        (700)
     Proceeds from sale of facility .........................................         --          --       5,288
     Other--net .............................................................       (103)       (747)        503
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Net cash used for investment and other transactions .........................    (14,947)    (21,158)     (2,496)
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Financing Activities
     Repayments of notes payable ............................................        (99)         --          --
     Repayments of debt .....................................................       (155)         --          --
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Net cash applied to financing activities ....................................       (254)         --          --
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents ................         13          39        (201)
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
(Decrease)/Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents ............................     (2,289)      2,337       1,056
Cash and Cash Equivalents
     Beginning of year ......................................................      3,821       1,484         428
                                                                                --------    --------    --------
     End of year ............................................................   $  1,532    $  3,821    $  1,484
                                                                                ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


                                      F-16
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

                     NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)

Note 1--Significant Accounting Policies

      Description of Business--The Material Handling Equipment Business (the
"Company") of Harnischfeger Industries, Inc. designs, manufactures, services and
markets overhead cranes, electric wire rope and chain hoists, engineered
products, and container cranes and crane modernizations for use worldwide in a
variety of industries and applications. In September 1997, Harnischfeger
Industries, Inc., the Company's parent, announced that it was exploring the
possible sale of the Company.

      Basis of Presentation--The combined financial statements of the Company
include the Material Handling Equipment business in the United States and its
affiliates in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore, Canada and Mexico.
All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Payables/receivables with the Company's parent or its affiliates are recorded as
a component of shareholder's investment.

      Use of Estimates--The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Ultimate realization of
assets and settlement of liabilities in the future could differ from those
estimates.

      Inventories--Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value.
Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for certain domestic
inventories and by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for certain domestic
inventories and inventories of foreign subsidiaries.

      Revenue Recognition--The majority of the Company's sales of products or
services are recorded as products are shipped or services are rendered. Revenue
on certain long-term contracts is recorded using the percentage-of-completion
method. Losses, if any, are recognized in full as soon as identified.

      Property, Plant and Equipment--Property, plant and equipment is stated at
historical cost. Expenditures for major renewals and improvements are
capitalized, while maintenance and repairs which do not significantly improve
the related asset or extend its useful life are charged to expense as incurred.
For financial reporting purposes, plant and equipment is depreciated primarily
by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
Depreciation claimed for income tax purposes is computed by accelerated methods.

      Cash Equivalents--The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments
with an initial maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be
cash equivalents.

      Foreign Exchange Contracts--Any gain or loss on forward contracts
designated as hedges of commitments is deferred and included in the measurement
of the related foreign currency transaction. Foreign exchange contract activity
in 1995 through 1997 was not significant.

      Foreign Currency Translation--The assets and liabilities of the Company's
international operations are translated at year-end exchange rates; income and
expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year.

      For operations whose functional currency is the local currency,
translation adjustments are accumulated within shareholder's investment.
Transaction gains and losses are reflected in income. Pre-tax foreign exchange
gains/(losses) included in operating income were $110, $(167) and $(390) in
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.


                                      F-17
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)

      Goodwill and Intangible Assets--Goodwill represents the excess of the
purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of acquired
companies and is amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 30
to 40 years. The Company assesses the carrying value of goodwill at each balance
sheet date. Consistent with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")
No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
Assets to be Disposed of", such assessments include, as appropriate, a
comparison of (a) the estimated future nondiscounted cash flows anticipated to
be generated during the remaining amortization period of the goodwill to (b) the
net carrying value of goodwill. The Company recognizes diminution in value of
goodwill, if any, on a current basis. Accumulated amortization was $2,268 and
$1,199 at October 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

      Income Taxes--The Company's domestic income tax provision reflects an
intercompany tax allocation arrangement with its parent such that the domestic
income taxes payable is recorded as if the Company filed separate income tax
returns. The Company records its domestic income taxes payable as an
intercompany payable within shareholder's investment. The Company's foreign
income tax provision and related income taxes payable are recorded based upon
the income tax returns as filed by its foreign affiliates in their respective
jurisdictions.

      Domestic and foreign deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax
consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory tax rates
applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities, and for
tax basis carryforwards. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax
assets where it is considered more likely than not that the Company will not
realize the benefit of such assets.

      Fair Value of Financial Instruments--Cash and cash equivalents, accounts
receivable and accounts payable recorded in the balance sheets approximate fair
value based on the short maturity of these instruments. Amounts recorded for
long-term debt are estimated to approximate fair value based on market
conditions and interest rates available to the Company for similar financial
instruments.

      Research and Development Expenses--Research and development costs are
expensed as incurred. Such costs incurred in the development of new products or
significant improvements to existing products amounted to $1,369, $319 and $493
in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

      Other Income--Net--Other income--net consists of the following for the
years ended October 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1997        1996        1995
                                                  ----        ----        ----
            <S>                                  <C>        <C>          <C>
            Gain on fire insurance claim.....    $2,011      $   --      $2,343
            Licensee income..................       524         830         679
            Other............................       114         319         744
                                                 ------      ------      ------
                                                 $2,649      $1,149      $3,766
                                                 ======      ======      ======
</TABLE>

      During 1995, one of the Company's facilities in the United Kingdom
experienced a fire which resulted in an insurance claim for property loss and
business interruption. A gain on the property loss portion of the claim amounted
to $2,343 and was recorded in 1995. The remaining $2,011 gain was recorded in
1997 upon finalization of the property loss and business interruption claims.


                                      F-18
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)


Note 2--Acquisitions

      During 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Company completed several acquisitions for
an aggregate purchase price of $11,787, $15,272 and $3,862, respectively, net of
cash acquired. These acquisitions were primarily related to the Company's
aftermarket business and were accounted for as purchase transactions with the
purchase prices allocated to the fair value of specific assets acquired and
liabilities assumed. Resultant goodwill is being amortized over 30 to 40 years.
With respect to a 1995 acquisition, the Company was required to make contingent
consideration payments of $632 and $691 related to 1996 and 1997, respectively;
a final contingent consideration payment related to 1998 may be required.

Note 3--Accounts Receivable

     Accounts receivable at October 31 consisted of the following:
 
                                                               1997       1996
                                                               ----       ----
            Trade receivables.........................       $77,356    $67,818
            Unbilled receivables......................         6,183      8,851
            Allowance for doubtful accounts...........        (1,330)    (1,408)
                                                             -------    -------
                                                             $82,209    $75,261
                                                             =======    =======

     The amount of accounts receivable due beyond one year is not significant.

Note 4--Inventories

     Inventories at October 31 consisted of the following:

                                                               1997       1996
                                                               ----       ----
            Raw material..............................       $17,391    $22,858
            Work-in-process...........................        13,654     13,213
            Finished parts............................        10,704     11,087
                                                             -------    -------
                                                              41,749     47,158
            Less excess of current cost over stated         
              LIFO value..............................        (8,252)    (9,919)
                                                             -------    -------
                                                             $33,497    $37,239
                                                             =======    =======
                                                            
      Inventories valued using the LIFO method represented approximately 43% and
56% of combined inventories at October 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. During
1997 and 1995, inventory quantities were reduced, resulting in a liquidation of
LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower costs prevailing in prior years as
compared with the cost of 1997 and 1995 purchases. The effect of this
liquidation decreased cost of sales by $1,998 and $698 in 1997 and 1995,
respectively.

Note 5--Income Taxes

      The components of income for the Company's domestic and foreign operations
for the years ended October 31 were as follows:

                                            1997           1996         1995
                                            ----           ----         ----
            Domestic..................    $28,097        $23,381      $16,017
            Foreign...................      6,648          6,553        5,884
                                          -------        -------      -------
                                          $34,745        $29,934      $21,901
                                          =======        =======      =======


                                      F-19
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)

      The provision for income taxes included in the Combined Statements of
Income for years ended October 31 consisted of the following:

                                                1997         1996         1995
                                                ----         ----         ----
            Current provision
                 Federal and state........    $11,028      $ 9,094       $6,799
                 Foreign..................      2,757        1,047          543
                                              -------      -------       ------
            Total current.................     13,785       10,141        7,342
                                              -------      -------       ------
            Deferred provision
                 Federal and state........       (137)         (91)        (611)
                 Foreign..................        226        1,438        1,694
                                              -------      -------       ------
            Total deferred................         89        1,347        1,083
                                              -------      -------       ------
            Provision for income taxes....    $13,874      $11,488       $8,425
                                              =======      =======       ======

      The difference between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the
effective tax rate for the years ended October 31 are as follows:

                                                     1997      1996      1995
                                                     ----      ----      ----
            Federal statutory rate................   35.0%     35.0%     35.0%
            State taxes, net of federal benefit...    3.0       3.0       3.0
            Goodwill amortization.................    2.6       3.0       2.3
            Other.................................    (.7)     (2.6)     (1.8)
                                                     ----      ----      ---- 
                                                     39.9%     38.4%     38.5%
                                                     ====      ====      ==== 

      Foreign income taxes paid were $322, $1,252 and $724 in 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively.

      U.S. income taxes have not been provided on the undistributed profits of
foreign subsidiaries where such profits are expected to be permanently
reinvested. Such unremitted earnings of affiliates which are intended to be
permanently reinvested were $14,100 at October 31, 1997.

      Temporary differences and carryforwards which gave rise to the net
deferred tax asset (liability) at October 31 are as follows:

                                                              1997       1996
                                                              ----       ----
            Reserves not currently deductible..........     $ 2,766     $ 3,280
            Depreciation and amortization..............      (1,897)     (2,479)
            Prepaid pension asset......................      (1,191)       (961)
            Other--net.................................         (54)       (127)
                                                            -------     ------- 
                                                            $  (376)    $  (287)
                                                            =======     ======= 

      At October 31, 1997, the Company's Mexican affiliate has a net operating
loss carryforward approximating $2,550 which expires in 2004 and 2005. A
valuation allowance has been recorded against this carryforward for which
utilization is uncertain.


                                      F-20
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)

      This net deferred tax asset (liability) is included in the Combined
Balance Sheets at October 31 in the following captions:

                                                         1997       1996
                                                         ----       ----
            Other current assets...................    $ 2,712     $ 3,153
            Deferred income taxes..................     (3,088)     (3,440)
                                                       -------     ------- 
                                                       $  (376)    $  (287)
                                                       =======     ======= 

Note 6--Long-Term Obligations and Bank Credit Facilities

      Long-term obligations at October 31 consisted of the following:

                                                                  1997    1996
                                                                  ----    ----
            Bank debt, at 7.5% due in installments through 2009. $  748   $  876
            Industrial Revenue Bonds, at 5.25% due in 
              installments through 2007.........................    380      405
                                                                  1,128    1,281
            Less: amounts payable within one year...............     85      100
                                                                 ------   ------
                                                                 $1,043   $1,181
                                                                 ======   ======

      Installments payable related to the Company's long-term obligations are as
follows:

            1998..........................................  $85
            1999..........................................   70
            2000..........................................   73
            2001..........................................   82
            2002..........................................   85

      At October 31, 1997, short-term bank credit lines of foreign subsidiaries
were approximately $2,828. The outstanding borrowings were $667 with a weighted
average interest rate of 5.25%. There were no compensating balance requirements
under these lines of credit.

Note 7--Employee Benefit Plans

   Pensions and Other Employee Benefits

      The Company is a participant in its parent's domestic defined benefit
pension plans. Benefits from these plans are based on factors which include
various combinations of service, employee compensation during the last years of
employment and the recipient's social security benefit. Pension expense is
allocated annually by its parent based upon headcount. The Company's pension
expense for these domestic defined benefit plans was $1,275, $1,169 and $1,066
in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

      The Company is also a participant in its parent's qualified profit sharing
plan which covers substantially all domestic employees, except employees covered
by collective bargaining agreements and employees of affiliates with separate
defined contribution plans. Contributions to this plan are based on the
Company's "economic value added" performance. The Company's profit sharing
expense for this plan and other defined contribution plans was $1,584, $1,226
and $1,516 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.


                                      F-21
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)

      Pension expense, as determined by the Company's actuaries, for its
employee benefit plan in the United Kingdom for years ended October 31 included
the components shown below. Pension expense for the Company's other foreign
employee benefit plans is not significant.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1997       1996       1995
                                                      -------    -------    -------
      <S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>    
      Service cost--benefits earned during the year   $   782    $   627    $   888
      Interest cost on projected benefit obligation     1,359      1,102      1,080
      Actual gain on plan assets ..................    (2,988)    (1,241)    (1,552)
      Net amortization and deferral ...............     1,186       (259)       223
                                                      -------    -------    -------
                                                      $   339    $   229    $   639
                                                      =======    =======    =======
</TABLE>

      The discount rate used for this foreign plan was 7.5% in 1997 and 9.0% in
1996 and 1995. The assumed rate of increase in future compensation of employees
was 4.5% in 1997 and 6% in 1996 and 1995. The expected long-term rate of return
on assets was 10.25% in 1997 and 10.0% in 1996 and 1995.

      The following table sets forth this foreign plan's funded status at
October 31:

                                                           1997      1996
                                                         -------   -------
      Actuarial present value of:
           Vested benefits ...........................   $19,268   $13,481
                                                         -------   -------
           Accumulated benefits ......................    19,268    13,481
                                                         -------   -------
           Projected benefits ........................    20,665    16,101
      Net assets available for benefits ..............    21,101    17,168
                                                         -------   -------
      Plan assets greater than projected benefits ....       436     1,067
      Unrecognized net loss ..........................     3,332     2,225
                                                         -------   -------
      Prepaid pension asset ..........................   $ 3,768   $ 3,292
                                                         =======   =======

   Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

      The Company's parent generally provides certain health care and life
insurance benefits under various plans for U.S. employees who retire after
attaining early retirement eligibility, subject to plan amendments. In 1993, the
Board of Directors of its parent approved a general approach that would
culminate in the elimination of contributions towards postretirement health care
benefits. Increases in costs were capped for certain plans beginning in 1994
extending through 1998 and contributions will be eliminated on January 1, 1999
for most employee groups. As such, negative plan amendments made subsequent to
November 1, 1993 are being amortized from the date of the amendment to January
1, 1999. Postretirement benefit expense (income) is allocated annually by its
parent based upon headcount. The Company's postretirement benefit (income) was
$(1,658), $(1,126) and $(1,253) in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.


                                      F-22
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)

Note 8--Shareholder's Investment

      The changes within shareholder's investment for the each of the three
years in the period ended October 31, 1997 are as follows:

            Balance at October 31, 1994 .......................   $  63,155
                 Net income ...................................      13,476
                 Cumulative translation adjustments ...........      (1,229)
                 Activity with parent and other affiliates--net      (6,876)
                                                                  ---------
            Balance at October 31, 1995 .......................      68,526
                 Net income ...................................      18,446
                 Cumulative translation adjustments ...........         441
                 Activity with parent and other affiliates--net       6,788
                                                                  ---------
            Balance at October 31, 1996 .......................      94,201
                 Net income ...................................      20,853
                 Cumulative translation adjustments ...........         540
                 Activity with parent and other affiliates--net       8,724
                                                                  ---------
            Balance at October 31, 1997 .......................   $ 124,318
                                                                  =========

Note 9--Operating Leases

      The Company leases certain plant, office and warehouse space as well as
machinery, vehicles, data processing and other equipment. Certain of these
leases have renewal options at reduced rates and provisions requiring the
Company to pay maintenance, property taxes and insurance. Generally, all rental
payments are fixed.

      Total rental expense under operating leases, excluding maintenance, taxes
and insurance, was $4,369, $3,328 and $2,359 in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.

      At October 31, 1997, the future payments for all operating leases with
remaining lease terms in excess of one year, and excluding maintenance, taxes
and insurance, were as follows:

            1998......................................   $4,054
            1999......................................    2,684
            2000......................................    1,632
            2001......................................      877
            2002......................................      523

Note 10--Commitments and Contingencies

      At October 31, 1997, the Company and/or its parent were contingently
liable to financial institutions and others for approximately $54,500 for
outstanding letters of credit and surety bonds securing performance of sales
contracts related to the Company's operations.

      The Company is party to various litigation matters, including product
liability and other claims, which are normal in the course of its operations.
Also, as a normal part of its operations, the Company undertakes certain
contractual obligations and warranties in connection with the sale of products
or services. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with
certainty, management believes that the resolution of such matters will not have
a material adverse effect on the Company's combined results of operations,
financial position or cash flows. 


                                      F-23
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                       OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)

      The Company is also involved in proceedings and potential proceedings
relating to environmental matters. Although it is difficult to estimate the
potential exposure to the Company related to these environmental matters,
management believes that these matters will not have a material adverse effect
on the Company's combined results of operations, financial position or cash
flows.

Note 11--Geographical Information

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Total                         Sales to
                                            Net         Interarea      Unaffiliated      Operating      Identifiable
                                           Sales          Sales          Customers        Income           Assets
                                          --------      ---------      ------------      ---------      ------------
<S>                                       <C>           <C>               <C>             <C>             <C>     
1997
     United States..................      $205,815      $     --          $205,815        $26,585         $101,159
     Europe.........................        99,593        (4,667)           94,926          6,662           62,159
     Other Foreign..................        52,609            --            52,609          2,290           36,282
     Interarea Eliminations........         (4,667)        4,667                --             --               --
                                          --------      --------          --------        -------         --------
                                          $353,350      $     --          $353,350        $35,537         $199,600
                                          ========      ========          ========        =======         ========
1996
     United States..................      $206,896      $     --          $206,896        $21,978        $  96,803
     Europe.........................        79,280        (3,619)           75,661          5,247           59,766
     Other Foreign..................        41,178            --            41,178          2,791           32,489
     Interarea Eliminations........         (3,619)        3,619                --             --               --
                                          --------      --------          --------        -------         --------
                                          $323,735      $     --          $323,735        $30,016         $189,058
                                          ========      ========          ========        =======         ========
1995
     United States..................      $147,492      $     --          $147,492        $15,493        $  80,219
     Europe.........................        87,437            --            87,437          6,285           55,682
     Other Foreign.................          8,240            --             8,240            (56)          15,267
                                          --------      --------          --------        -------         --------
                                          $243,169      $     --          $243,169        $21,722         $151,168
                                          ========      ========          ========        =======         ========
</TABLE>

Note 12--Transactions With Parent and Affiliated Companies

      The Company and its parent have entered into a management arrangement
whereby the Company is provided with certain services, including, but not
limited to, matters of organization and administration, cash management, labor
relations, employee benefits, public relations, financial policies and
practices, taxation and legal affairs. The annual fee charged the Company for
these services reflects its pro rata share of corporate administration costs
using an allocation methodology based on consolidated worldwide sales. Company
management and its parent believe that the fees charged above are reasonable in
light of the level of services provided and such fees totaled $2,862, $2,341 and
$1,878 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

      Interest income/(expense) on receivables/(payables) with affiliates is
charged by/(to) the Company using interest rates tied to LIBOR, the 13-week
treasury bill rate or prime rate.


                                      F-24
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)


      In addition, the Company has the following arrangements with its parent or
other affiliates for shared facilities and services:

            1. The Company and an affiliate share a parts warehouse for which
      the Company was charged approximately $1,400, $1,272 and $1,215 in 1997,
      1996 and 1995, respectively.

            2. An affiliate provides support to the Company for accounting,
      credit, traffic and human resource services and charged approximately
      $756, $784 and $776 to the Company in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
      In addition, the Company leases office space from this affiliate at a cost
      of approximately $120 per year for 1997, 1996 and 1995.

            3. An affiliate manufactures electric motors and performs
      fabrication and machining on certain cranes for the Company at cost.
      Company purchases of approximately $10 million per year were made under
      this arrangement during fiscal 1995 through 1997.

            4. An affiliate provides information systems services to the Company
      and charged approximately $1,861, $1,022 and $1,070 to the Company in
      1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Note 13--Supplemental Condensed Combining Financial Information

      The sale by Harnischfeger Industries, Inc. of a majority interest in the
Company to MHE Investments, Inc. was completed on March 30, 1998. The
transaction was accounted for as a recapitalization of MMH Holdings, Inc.
("Holdings"), the owner, directly or indirectly, of all of the equity interests
of the entities engaged in the Material Handling Equipment Business that were
previously owned by Harnischfeger Industries, Inc. In connection with the
transaction, Morris Material Handling, Inc. ("MMH"), a direct wholly-owned
subsidiary of Holdings, issued debt securities that are guaranteed by certain of
the Company's affiliates (the "Guarantor Subsidiaries"). Each of the Guarantor
Subsidiaries is a wholly-owned subsidiary, directly or indirectly, of MMH and
the guarantees are full, unconditional and joint and several. Both Holdings and
MMH are holding companies, with no material operating assets. All of the
Company's business operations are conducted through subsidiaries of MMH.

      Separate financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not
presented because Company management has determined that they would not be
material to investors. The following supplemental financial information sets
forth, on an uncombined basis, balance sheet, statement of operations and cash
flow information for the Guarantor Subsidiaries and for the Company's other
affiliates (the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries"). The supplemental financial
information reflects the investments of the Guarantor Subsidiaries in the
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries using the equity method of accounting. For purposes
of this presentation, it is assumed that all of the assets of the Company were
historically owned by subsidiaries of MMH, which is an entity that was formed by
Holdings in connection with the transaction. Accordingly, the historical
combined financial statements of MMH and Holdings are identical following
completion of the recapitalization.


                                      F-25
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)


                 SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING BALANCE SHEET
                                October 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Non-
                                                   Guarantor      Guarantor
                                                  Subsidiaries   Subsidiaries   Eliminations     Combined
                                                  ------------   ------------   ------------     --------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>      
                                     ASSETS
Current Assets
     Cash and cash equivalents                      $   1,393     $     139      $              $   1,532
     Accounts receivable - net                         73,220         8,989                        82,209
     Intercompany accounts receivable                   5,250         1,539         (6,789)            --
     Inventories                                       30,855         2,642                        33,497
     Other current assets                               4,486           279                         4,765
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                      115,204        13,588         (6,789)       122,003
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                                
Property, Plant and Equipment - net                    36,192         3,175             --         39,367
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                                
Other Assets                                                                                    
     Goodwill                                          30,368         1,861                        32,229
     Noncurrent intercompany receivables                3,136            --         (3,136)            --
     Investment in affiliates                           1,174            --         (1,174)            --
     Other                                              6,001            --                         6,001
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                       40,679         1,861         (4,310)        38,230
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                                
                                                    $ 192,075     $  18,624      $ (11,099)     $ 199,600
                                                    =========     =========      =========      =========
                                                                                                
                    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S INVESTMENT                                    
Current Liabilities                                                                             
     Short-term notes payable and                                                               
      current portion of long-term obligations      $     692     $      60      $              $     752
     Bank overdrafts                                    2,076         2,217                         4,293
     Trade accounts payable                            27,824         4,832                        32,656
     Intercompany accounts payable                      1,539         5,250         (6,789)            --
     Employee compensation and benefits                 8,053            60                         8,113
     Advance payments and progress                                                              
      billings                                          7,626            59                         7,685
     Accrued warranties                                 3,913            85                         3,998
     Income taxes payable                               1,935           458                         2,393
     Other current liabilities                         10,656           214                        10,870
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                       64,314        13,235         (6,789)        70,760
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                                
Long-Term Obligations                                     355           688                         1,043
Noncurrent intercompany payables                           --         3,136         (3,136)            --
Deferred Income Taxes                                   3,088            --                         3,088
Minority Interest                                          --            --            391            391
Shareholder's Investment                              124,318         1,565         (1,565)       124,318
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                                
                                                    $ 192,075     $  18,624      $ (11,099)     $ 199,600
                                                    =========     =========      =========      =========
</TABLE>


                                      F-26
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)


                 SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING BALANCE SHEET
                                October 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Non-
                                                   Guarantor      Guarantor
                                                  Subsidiaries   Subsidiaries   Eliminations     Combined
                                                  ------------   ------------   ------------     --------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>      
                                     ASSETS
Current Assets
     Cash and cash equivalents                      $   3,582     $     239      $              $   3,821
     Accounts receivable - net                         67,331         7,930                        75,261
     Intercompany accounts receivable                   1,030                       (1,030)            --
     Inventories                                       34,396         2,843                        37,239
     Other current assets                               7,781           263                         8,044
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                      114,120        11,275         (1,030)       124,365
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                                
Property, Plant and Equipment - net                    26,832         3,355             --         30,187
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                                
Other Assets                                                                                    
     Goodwill                                          26,433         1,977                        28,410
     Noncurrent intercompany receivables                2,840            --         (2,840)            --
     Investment in affiliates                           3,078            --         (3,078)            --
     Other                                              6,096            --                         6,096
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                       38,447         1,977         (5,918)        34,506
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                                
                                                    $ 179,399     $  16,607      $  (6,948)     $ 189,058
                                                    =========     =========      =========      =========
                                                                                                
                    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S INVESTMENT
Current Liabilities                                                                             
     Short-term notes payable and                                                               
      current portion of long-term obligations      $     788     $      75      $              $     863
     Trade accounts payable                            29,738         7,183                        36,921
     Intercompany accounts payable                                    1,030         (1,030)            --
     Employee compensation and benefits                 9,218            47                         9,265
     Advance payments and progress                                                              
      billings                                         22,385           201                        22,586
     Accrued warranties                                 3,671           116                         3,787
     Income taxes payable                               1,204           499                         1,703
     Other current liabilities                         14,374           343                        14,717
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                       81,378         9,494         (1,030)        89,842
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                                
Long-Term Obligations                                     380           801                         1,181
Noncurrent intercompany payables                                      2,840         (2,840)            --
Deferred Income Taxes                                   3,440            --                         3,440
Minority Interest                                          --            --            394            394
Shareholder's Investment                               94,201         3,472         (3,472)        94,201
                                                    ---------     ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                                
                                                    $ 179,399     $  16,607      $  (6,948)     $ 189,058
                                                    =========     =========      =========      =========
</TABLE>


                                      F-27
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)


              SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING STATEMENT OF INCOME
                           Year Ended October 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Non-
                                               Guarantor       Guarantor
                                              Subsidiaries    Subsidiaries   Eliminations     Combined
                                              ------------    ------------   ------------     --------
<S>                                             <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>      
Revenues                                                                                     
    Net Sales                                   $ 332,244      $  24,065      $  (2,959)     $ 353,350
    Other Income - Net                              2,563             86                         2,649
                                                ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                             
                                                  334,807         24,151         (2,959)       355,999
                                                                                             
Cost of Sales                                     243,776         19,977         (2,959)       260,794
                                                                                             
Product Development, Selling                                                                 
 and Administrative Expenses                       51,954          4,852                        56,806
                                                                                             
Parent Management Fee                               2,862             --                         2,862
                                                ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                             
Operating Income                                   36,215           (678)            --         35,537
                                                                                             
Interest (Expense) Income - Net                                                              
    Affiliates                                       (198)          (196)                         (394)
    Third Party                                         8           (406)                         (398)
                                                ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                             
Income Before Income Taxes, Equity in Loss of                                                
 Combined Affiliates and Minority Interest         36,025         (1,280)            --         34,745
                                                                                             
Provision for Income Taxes                        (13,838)           (36)                      (13,874)
                                                                                             
Equity in Loss of Combined Affiliates              (1,334)            --          1,334             --
                                                                                             
Minority Interest                                      --             --            (18)           (18)
                                                ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                             
Net Income                                      $  20,853      $  (1,316)     $   1,316      $  20,853
                                                =========      =========      =========      =========
</TABLE>


                                      F-28
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)


              SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING STATEMENT OF INCOME
                           Year Ended October 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Non-
                                               Guarantor       Guarantor
                                              Subsidiaries    Subsidiaries   Eliminations     Combined
                                              ------------    ------------   ------------     --------
<S>                                             <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>      
Revenues
     Net Sales                                  $ 303,449      $  23,755      $  (3,469)     $ 323,735  
     Other Income - Net                             1,149             --                         1,149
                                                ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                             
                                                  304,598         23,755         (3,469)       324,884
                                                                                             
Cost of Sales                                     232,952         18,076         (3,469)       247,559
                                                                                             
Product Development, Selling                                                                 
 and Administrative Expenses                       40,727          4,241                        44,968
                                                                                             
Parent Management Fee                               2,341             --                         2,341
                                                ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                             
Operating Income                                   28,578          1,438             --         30,016
                                                                                             
Interest (Expense) Income - Net                                                              
     Affiliates                                       369           (206)                          163
     Third Party                                      (25)          (220)                         (245)
                                                ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                             
Income Before Income Taxes, Equity in Income of                                              
 Combined Affiliates and Minority Interest         28,922          1,012             --         29,934
                                                                                             
Provision for Income Taxes                        (11,150)          (338)                      (11,488)
                                                                                             
Equity in Income of Combined Affiliates               674             --           (674)            --
                                                ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                             
Net Income                                      $  18,446      $     674      $    (674)     $  18,446
                                                =========      =========      =========      =========
</TABLE>


                                      F-29
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)


              SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING STATEMENT OF INCOME
                           Year Ended October 31, 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Non-
                                               Guarantor       Guarantor
                                              Subsidiaries    Subsidiaries   Eliminations     Combined
                                              ------------    ------------   ------------     --------
<S>                                             <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>      
Revenues
     Net Sales                                  $ 227,038      $  17,291      $  (1,160)     $ 243,169
     Other Income - Net                             3,766             --                         3,766      
                                                ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                             
                                                  230,804         17,291         (1,160)       246,935
                                                                                             
Cost of Sales                                     174,558         13,006         (1,160)       186,404
                                                                                             
Product Development, Selling                                                                 
 and Administrative Expenses                       33,776          3,155                        36,931
                                                                                             
Parent Management Fee                               1,878             --                         1,878
                                                ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                             
Operating Income                                   20,592          1,130             --         21,722
                                                                                             
Interest (Expense) Income - Net                                                              
     Affiliates                                       600           (221)                          379
     Third Party                                     (191)            (9)                         (200)
                                                ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                             
Income Before Income Taxes, Equity in Income of                                              
 Combined Affiliates and Minority Interest         21,001            900             --         21,901
                                                                                             
Provision for Income Taxes                         (8,095)          (330)                       (8,425)
                                                                                             
Equity in Income of Combined Affiliates               570             --           (570)            --
                                                ---------      ---------      ---------      ---------
                                                                                             
Net Income                                      $  13,476      $     570      $    (570)     $  13,476
                                                =========      =========      =========      =========
</TABLE>


                                      F-30
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)


            SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                           Year Ended October 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Non-
                                                              Guarantor      Guarantor
                                                             Subsidiaries   Subsidiaries   Eliminations     Combined
                                                             ------------   ------------   ------------     --------
                                                                              (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>        
Operating Activities                                                         
     Net income                                                $ 20,853       $ (1,316)      $  1,316       $ 20,853   
     Add/(deduct)-items not affecting cash provided by                                                     
       operating activities:                                                                               
         Depreciation and amortization                            6,400            336                         6,736
         Equity in loss of combined affiliates                    1,334                        (1,334)            --
         Minority interest                                           --                           (18)           (18)
         Deferred income taxes - net                                 89                                           89
         Gain on fire insurance claim                            (2,011)                                      (2,011)
         Other                                                     (800)                                        (800)
     Changes in working capital, excluding the effects of                                                  
       acquisition opening balance sheets:                                                                 
         Accounts receivable                                     (2,318)        (1,338)                       (3,656)
         Inventories                                              5,984             60                         6,044
         Other current assets                                     2,113            (36)                        2,077
         Trade accounts payable and bank overdrafts              (3,026)           174                        (2,852)
         Other current liabilities                              (22,071)          (252)            36        (22,287)
         Activity with parent and other affiliates - net          5,976          2,748                         8,724
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
Net cash provided by operating activities                        12,523            376             --         12,899
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                           
Investment and Other Transactions                                                                          
     Fixed asset additions - net                                 (6,117)          (381)                       (6,498)
     Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired            (11,787)                                     (11,787)
     Fire insurance claim activity - net                          3,441                                        3,441
     Other - net                                                    (70)           (33)                         (103)
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
Net cash used for investment and other transactions             (14,533)          (414)            --        (14,947)
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                           
Financing Activities                                                                                       
     Repayments of notes payable                                    (99)                                         (99)
     Repayments of debt                                            (101)           (54)                         (155)
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
Net cash applied to financing activities                           (200)           (54)            --           (254)
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                           
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents         21             (8)                           13
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                           
Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents                            (2,189)          (100)            --         (2,289)
                                                                                                           
Cash and Cash Equivalents                                                                                  
     Beginning of year                                            3,582            239                         3,821
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
     End of year                                               $  1,393       $    139       $     --       $  1,532
                                                               ========       ========       ========       ========
</TABLE>


                                      F-31
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)


            SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                           Year Ended October 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Non-
                                                              Guarantor      Guarantor
                                                             Subsidiaries   Subsidiaries   Eliminations     Combined
                                                             ------------   ------------   ------------     --------
                                                                              (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>        
Operating Activities
  Net income                                                   $ 18,446       $    674       $   (674)      $ 18,446   
  Add/(deduct)-items not affecting cash provided by                                                         
    operating activities:                                                                                   
       Depreciation and amortization                              4,944            348                         5,292
       Equity in income of combined affiliates                     (674)                          674             --
       Deferred income taxes - net                                1,347                                        1,347
       Other                                                       (750)                                        (750)
  Changes in working capital, excluding the effects of                                                      
    acquisition opening balance sheets:                                                                     
       Accounts receivable                                       (4,252)        (2,965)                       (7,217)
       Inventories                                               (7,281)        (1,370)                       (8,651)
       Other current assets                                        (410)          (120)                         (530)
       Trade accounts payable and bank overdrafts                (2,825)         2,955                           130
       Other current liabilities                                  8,482            119                         8,601
       Activity with parent and other affiliates - net            6,230            558                         6,788
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
Net cash provided by operating activities                        23,257            199             --         23,456
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                            
Investment and Other Transactions                                                                           
  Fixed asset additions - net                                    (6,373)          (379)                       (6,752)
  Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired               (15,272)                                     (15,272)
  Fire insurance claim activity - net                             1,613                                        1,613
  Other - net                                                      (629)          (118)                         (747)
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
Net cash used for investment and other transactions             (20,661)          (497)            --        (21,158)
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                            
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents        168           (129)                           39
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                            
Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents                  2,764           (427)            --          2,337
                                                                                                            
Cash and Cash Equivalents                                                                                   
  Beginning of year                                                 818            666                         1,484
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
  End of year                                                  $  3,582       $    239       $     --       $  3,821
                                                               ========       ========       ========       ========
</TABLE>


                                      F-32
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

               NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Concluded)
                     (dollars in thousands unless indicated)


            SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                           Year Ended October 31, 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Non-
                                                              Guarantor      Guarantor
                                                             Subsidiaries   Subsidiaries   Eliminations     Combined
                                                             ------------   ------------   ------------     --------
                                                                              (Dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>        
Operating Activities
      Net income                                               $ 13,476       $    570       $   (570)      $ 13,476  
      Add/(deduct)-items not affecting cash provided by                                                     
        operating activities:                                                                               
          Depreciation and amortization                           3,643            157                         3,800
          Equity in income of combined affiliates                  (570)                          570             --       
          Deferred income taxes - net                             1,083                                        1,083 
          Gain on fire insurance claim                           (2,343)                                      (2,343)
          Other                                                    (750)                                        (750)
      Changes in working capital, excluding the effects of                                                  
        acquisition opening balance sheets:                                                                 
          Accounts receivable                                   (17,767)        (1,596)                      (19,363)      
          Inventories                                             2,386           (424)                        1,962       
          Other current assets                                   (1,904)           (35)                       (1,939)      
          Trade accounts payable and bank overdrafts              7,680          1,420                         9,100       
          Other current liabilities                               5,147            456                         5,603       
          Activity with parent and other affiliates - net        (6,733)          (143)                       (6,876)      
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
Net cash provided by operating activities                         3,348            405             --          3,753
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                            
Investment and Other Transactions                                                                           
      Fixed asset additions - net                                (3,625)          (100)                       (3,725)      
      Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired            (3,862)                                      (3,862)
      Fire insurance claim activity - net                          (700)                                        (700)
      Proceeds from sale of facility                              5,288                                        5,288
      Other - net                                                   551            (48)                          503       
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
Net cash used for investment and other transactions              (2,348)          (148)            --         (2,496)
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                            
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents       (182)           (19)                         (201)      
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                                                                            
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents                               818            238             --          1,056
                                                                                                            
Cash and Cash Equivalents                                                                                   
      Beginning of year                                              --            428                           428       
                                                               --------       --------       --------       --------
      End of year                                              $    818       $    666       $     --       $  1,484
                                                               ========       ========       ========       ========
</TABLE>


                                      F-33
<PAGE>

                 PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Section 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

      Pursuant to Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the
"DGCL"), Article Ninth of the Company's Certificate of Incorporation (the
"Certificate of Incorporation") (incorporated by reference as Exhibit 3.1 to
this Registration Statement), eliminates the liability of the Company's
directors to the Company or its stockholders, except for liabilities related to
breach of duty of loyalty, actions not in good faith and certain other
liabilities.

      Section 145 of the DGCL provides, in substance, that Delaware corporations
shall have the power, under specified circumstances, to indemnify their
directors, officers, employees and agents in connection with actions, suits or
proceedings brought against them by a third party or in the right of the
corporation, by reason of the fact that they were or are such directors,
officers, employees or agents, against expenses incurred in any such action,
suit or proceeding. The DGCL also provides that Delaware corporations may
purchase insurance on behalf of any such director, officer, employee or agent.

      Article Tenth of the Certificate of Incorporation provides that the
Company shall indemnify any current or former director or officer to the fullest
extent permitted by the DGCL. Article VIII of the Company's Bylaws provides that
the Company shall indemnify to the fullest extent permitted by DGCL its current
and former directors and officers and persons serving as directors and officers
of any corporation at the request of the Company. The Company also maintains
officers' and directors' liability insurance which insures against liabilities
that officers and directors of the Company may incur in such capacities.

      Reference is made to the Registration Rights Agreement filed as Exhibit
4.1 to this Registration Statement which provides for indemnification for the
officers and directors of the Company signing a Registration Statement and
certain control persons of the Company against certain liabilities, including
those arising under the Securities Act in certain circumstances by selling
holders.


                                      II-1
<PAGE>

Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

      Exhibit
      Number                                Exhibit
      ------                                -------

        1.1       Securities Purchase Agreement, dated March 23, 1998 by and
                  among Morris Material Handling, Inc., the Guarantors named
                  therein, CIBC Oppenheimer Corp and Goldman, Sachs & Co., and
                  Indosuez Capital.

        2.1       Recapitalization Agreement, dated January 28, 1998, among
                  Harnischfeger Corporation, the sellers named therein and MHE
                  Investments, Inc., as amended.

        3.1       Certificate of Incorporation of Morris Material Handling, Inc.

        3.2       Bylaws of Morris Material Handling, Inc.

        4.1       Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1998, by
                  and among Morris Material Handling, Inc, the Guarantors named
                  therein and CIBC Oppenheimer Corp., Goldman, Sachs & Co. and
                  Indosuez Capital.

        4.2       Indenture dated as of March 30, 1998 between Morris Material
                  Handling, Inc. and United States Trust Company of New York, as
                  Trustee, relating to Morris Material Handling, Inc.'s 9 1/2%
                  Senior Notes due 2008.

        4.3       Form of 9 1/2% Senior Note due 2008.

        4.4       Credit Agreement, dated March 30, 1998 among MMH Holdings,
                  Inc., Morris Material Handling, Inc., Material Handling, LLC,
                  Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC, Kaverit Steel and
                  Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as
                  Administrative Agent, Credit Agricole Indosuez, as Syndication
                  Agent, BankBoston, N.A., as Documentation Agent, and the
                  Lending Institutions listed therein.

        4.5       U.S. Security Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1998, made by
                  Morris Material Handling, Inc., the Guarantors listed therein,
                  in favor of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

        4.6       Guarantee, dated as of March 30, 1998, by MMH Holdings, Inc.,
                  in favor and for the benefit of Canadian Imperial Bank of
                  Commerce.

        4.7       Guarantee, dated as of March 30, 1998, by each of the
                  subsidiary Guarantors named therein, in favor and for the
                  benefit of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

        5.1       Legal Opinion of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
                  concerning the legality of the Notes (to be filed by
                  amendment).

        8.1       Legal Opinion of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
                  concerning certain tax matters (to be filed by amendment).

       10.1       Surety Arrangement, dated March 30, 1998, among Reliance
                  Insurance Companies, MMH Holdings, Inc., Morris Material
                  Handling, Inc. and certain of their subsidiaries.

       10.2       Credit Indemnification Agreement between Harnischfeger
                  Industries, Inc. and Morris Material Handling, Inc., dated as
                  of March 30, 1998.


                                      II-2
<PAGE>

      Exhibit
      Number                                Exhibit
      ------                                -------

       10.3       Tax Sharing Agreement between MHE Investments, Inc., MMH
                  Holdings, Inc. and certain of MMH Holdings, Inc.'s
                  subsidiaries, dated as of March 30, 1998.

       10.4       Component and Manufactured Products Supply Agreement between
                  Harnischfeger Corporation and Morris Material Handling, Inc.,
                  dated as of March 30, 1998.

       10.5       Transition Services Agreement between Harnischfeger
                  Corporation and Morris Material Handling, Inc., dated as of
                  March 30, 1998.

       10.6       Trademark License Agreement between Harnischfeger
                  Technologies, Inc. and Morris Material Handling Inc., dated as
                  of March 30, 1998.

       10.7       Management Consulting Agreement between Morris Material
                  Handling, Inc. and Chartwell Investments Inc., dated March 30,
                  1998.

       10.8       Financial Advisory Agreement between Morris Material Handling,
                  Inc. and Chartwell Investments Inc., dated March 30, 1998.
 
       10.9       Separation Agreement, dated October 26, 1997, between
                  Harnischfeger Corporation and Material Handling, LLC.

      10.10       Share and Asset Purchase Agreement between PHMH Holding
                  Company, James Gann, Sr., James Gann, Jr. and Gail Gann, dated
                  February 14, 1997.

      10.11       Employment Agreement, dated March 30, 1998, between Morris
                  Material Handling, Inc. and Michael S. Erwin.

      10.12       Employment Agreement, dated March 30, 1998, between Morris
                  Material Handling, Inc. and David D. Smith.

      10.13       Employment Agreement, dated March 30, 1998, between Morris
                  Material Handling, Inc. and Martin L. Ditkof.

      10.14       Employment Agreement, dated March 30, 1998, between Morris
                  Material Handling, Inc. and Richard J. Niespodziani.

      10.15       Employment Agreement, dated March 30, 1998, between Morris
                  Material Handling, Inc. and Peter A. Kerrick.

      10.16       Employment Agreement, dated March 30, 1998, between Morris
                  Material Handling, Inc. and Edward J. Doolan.

      10.17       Service Agreement, dated March 30, 1998, between Morris
                  Mechanical Handling Limited and Michael J. Maddock.

      10.18       Service Agreement, dated March 30, 1998, between Morris
                  Mechanical Handling Limited and K. Bruce Norridge.


                                      II-3
<PAGE>

      Exhibit
      Number                                Exhibit
      ------                                -------

      12.         Statement of Computation of Financial Ratios.

      21.         Subsidiaries of Morris Material Handling, Inc.

      23.1        Consent of Independent Accountants.

      23.2        Consent of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P. (included
                  in Exhibit 5.1).

      25.         Statement of Eligibility of Trustee. 

      27.         Financial Data Schedule.

      99.1        Letter of Transmittal (to be filed by amendment).

      99.2        Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (to be filed by amendment).


                                      II-4
<PAGE>

                      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT BUSINESS
                        OF HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                   SCHEDULE II

                        VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                             (Thousands of Dollars)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     Balance at   Additions                  Currency       Balance
                                     Beginning    Charged                   Translation     at End
        Classification                of Year    to Expense  Deductions(1)    Effects       of Year
- -----------------------------------  ----------  ----------  -------------  -----------     -------
<S>                                   <C>         <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>   
Allowance Deducted in Balance Sheet
  from Accounts Receivable:

For the year ended October 31, 1997
     Doubtful accounts                $1,408      $  439        $ (537)        $   20       $1,330
                                      ======      ======        ======         ======       ======
                                                                                             
                                                                                             
For the year ended October 31, 1996                                                          
     Doubtful accounts                $1,520      $  354        $ (515)        $   49       $1,408
                                      ======      ======        ======         ======       ======
                                                                                             
                                                                                             
For the year ended October 31, 1995                                                          
     Doubtful accounts                $1,077      $  706        $ (238)        $  (25)      $1,520
                                      ======      ======        ======         ======       ======
                                                                                          
</TABLE>

(1)   Represents write-off of bad debts, net of recoveries.


                                      II-5
<PAGE>

Item 22. Undertakings

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

      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the Prospectus pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the Registration Statement through the
date of responding to the request.

      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the Registration Statement when it became effective.

      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to file, during any period in
which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to the
Registration Statement: (i) to include any prospectus required by Section
10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or
events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the
most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease
in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered
would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or
high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of
prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the
Securities Act if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent
no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the
"Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;
and (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any
material change to such information in the Registration Statement.

      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for the purpose of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective
amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

      The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to remove from registration
by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered
which remain unsold at the termination of this Offering.


                                      II-6
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New
York, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

                                       By: /s/ TODD R. BERMAN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Todd R. Berman
                                           Chairman

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ TODD R. BERMAN      Chairman of the Board of Directors        May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Todd R. Berman          

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN    President, Chief Executive Officer        May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  and Director (Principal Executive
Michael S. Erwin        Officer)                            

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Vice President                            May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
David D. Smith          Officer)

/s/ MICHAEL S. SHEIN    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Michael S. Shein        
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       3016117 NOVA SCOTIA ULC

                                       By: /s/ DAVID D. SMITH
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           David D. Smith
                                           President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      President                                 May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer and 
David D. Smith          Principal Financial and Accounting 
                        Officer)

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof


                            AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the undersigned as the duly
authorized representative of the Co-Registrant in the United States on the 13th 
day of May, 1998.

                                       /s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Martin L. Ditkof

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       BIRMINGHAM CRANE & HOIST, INC.

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN    President and Director
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             May 13, 1998
Michael S. Erwin        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Vice President and Director               May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
David D. Smith          Officer)
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       BUTTERS ENGINEERING SERVICES LIMITED

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           Director


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ K. BRUCE NORRIDGE   Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)
K. Bruce Norridge       

/s/ STEVEN DAVIS        Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
Steven Davis            Officer)


- ----------------------  Director                                  May 13, 1998
Harnish Sutherland      

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Michael S. Erwin

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
David D. Smith

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof


                            AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the undersigned as the duly
authorized representative of the Co-Registrant in the United States on the 13th
day of May, 1998.

                                       /s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF
                                       ----------------------------
                                       Martin L. Ditkof
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       CMH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           Manager


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ EDWARD J. DOOLAN    Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
Edward J. Doolan        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
David D. Smith          Officer)

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        


- ----------------------  Manager                                   May 13, 1998
Jimmy Rogers            
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       EPH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           Manager


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ EDWARD J. DOOLAN    Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
Edward J. Doolan        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
David D. Smith          Officer)

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        


- ----------------------  Manager                                   May 13, 1998
David Sinkhorn
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       HARNISCHFEGER DISTRIBUTION & SERVICE, LLC

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           Manager


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ EDWARD J. DOOLAN    Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
Edward J. Doolan        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
David D. Smith          Officer)

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       HERCULES S.A. de C.V.

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           Director


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ CARLOS VERAZA RODRIGUEZ   General Manager and Director        May 13, 1998
- ---------------------------   (Principal Executive Officer)
Carlos Veraza Rodriguez       

/s/ SALVADOR AGUILAR          Controller                          May 13, 1998
- ----------------------        (Principal Financial and 
Salvador Aguilar              Accounting Officer)

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN          Director                            May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Michael S. Erwin

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH            Director                            May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
David D. Smith                


                            AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the undersigned as the duly
authorized representative of the Co-Registrant in the United States on the 13th
day of May, 1998.

                                       /s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       Martin L. Ditkof

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       HPH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           Manager


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ EDWARD J. DOOLAN    Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
Edward J. Doolan        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
David D. Smith          Officer)

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        

- ----------------------  Manager                                   May 13, 1998
Michael James
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       HYDRAMACH ULC

                                       By: /s/ DAVID D. SMITH
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           David D. Smith
                                           President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      President and Director                    May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer and 
David D. Smith          Principal Financial and 
                        Accounting Officer)

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof


                            AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the undersigned as the duly
authorized representative of the Co-Registrant in the United States on the 13th
day of May, 1998.

                                       /s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF
                                       ---------------------------
                                       Martin L. Ditkof

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       INVERCOE ENGINEERING LIMITED

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           Director


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ K. BRUCE NORRIDGE   Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
K. Bruce Norridge       

/s/ STEVEN DAVIS        Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
Steven Davis            Officer)


- ----------------------  Director                                  May 13, 1998
Harnish Sutherland      

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
- ----------------------
Michael S. Erwin        Director                                  May 13, 1998

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH
- ----------------------
David D. Smith          Director                                  May 13, 1998

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        Director                                  May 13, 1998


                            AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the undersigned as the duly
authorized representative of the Co-Registrant in the United States on the 13th
day of May, 1998.

                                       /s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF
                                       --------------------------------
                                       Martin L. Ditkof

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       KAVERIT STEEL AND CRANE ULC

                                       By: /s/ DAVID D. SMITH
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           David D. Smith
                                           President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      President and Director                    May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer and 
David D. Smith          Principal Financial and 
                        Accounting Officer)

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof


                            AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the undersigned as the duly
authorized representative of the Co-Registrant in the United States on the 13th
day of May, 1998.

                                       /s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF
                                       ---------------------------------
                                       Martin L. Dikof
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       LOWFILE LIMITED

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           Director


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ K. BRUCE NORRIDGE   Secretary
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             May 13, 1998
K. Bruce Norridge       

/s/ STEVEN DAVIS        Director
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting       May 13, 1998
Steven Davis            Officer)

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Michael S. Erwin        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
David D. Smith          

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        


                            AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the undersigned as the duly
authorized representative of the Co-Registrant in the United States on the 13th
day of May, 1998.

                                       /s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF
                                       ---------------------------------
                                       Martin L. Dikof

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Las Vegas, State of
Nevada, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT
                                       NEVADA CORPORATION

                                       By: /s/ PATRICK DORN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Patrick Dorn
                                           President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

         Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ PATRICK DORN        President
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             May 13, 1998
Patrick Dorn            

/s/ IVAN FARRIS         Vice President, Secretary and
- ----------------------  Treasurer (Principal Financial            May 13, 1998
Ivan Farris             and Accounting Officer)

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
David D. Smith          

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        


<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       MERWIN, LLC

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           Manager


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN    Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
Michael S. Erwin        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
David D. Smith          Officer)

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       MHE CANADA ULC

                                       By: /s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Martin L. Ditkof
                                           President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      President                                 May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer and 
David D. Smith          Principal Financial and Accounting
                        Officer)

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        


                            AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the undersigned as the duly
authorized representative of the Co-Registrant in the United States on the 13th
day of May, 1998.

                                       /s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF
                                       ---------------------------
                                       Martin L. Dikof

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Wilmington, State of
Delaware, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                        MHE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

                                        By: /s/ DAVID W. DUPERT  
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           David W. Dupert 
                                           President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ DAVID W. DUPERT     President                                 May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
David W. Dupert 

/s/ RICHARD F. KLUMPP   Vice President, Secretary and 
- ----------------------  Treasurer (Principal Financial            May 13, 1998
Richard F. Klumpp       and Accounting Officer)

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
David D. Smith          

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       MMH (HOLDINGS) LIMITED

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           Director


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ K. BRUCE NORRIDGE   Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
K. Bruce Norridge       

/s/ STEVEN DAVIS        Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
Steven Davis            Officer)


- ----------------------  Director                                  May 13, 1998
Michael J. Maddock      


- ----------------------  Director                                  May 13, 1998
Edward Bavister         

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Michael S. Erwin        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
David D. Smith          

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        


                            AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the undersigned as the duly
authorized representative of the Co-Registrant in the United States on the 13th
day of May, 1998.

                                       /s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF
                                       -----------------------------
                                       Martin L. Dikof
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       MMH INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           Director


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ K. BRUCE NORRIDGE   Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  
K. Bruce Norridge       

/s/ STEVEN DAVIS        Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  
Steven Davis            


- ----------------------  Director                                  May 13, 1998
Michael J. Maddock      


- ----------------------  Director                                  May 13, 1998
Edward Bavister         

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Michael S. Erwin        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
David D. Smith          

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        


                            AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the undersigned as the duly
authorized representative of the Co-Registrant in the United States on the 13th
day of May, 1998.

                                       /s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF
                                       -----------------------------
                                       Martin L. Dikof
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       MONDEL ULC

                                       By: /s/ DAVID D. SMITH
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           David D. Smith
                                           President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      President and Director                    May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer 
David D. Smith          and Principal

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        


                            AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the undersigned as the duly
authorized representative of the Co-Registrant in the United States on the 13th
day of May, 1998.

                                       /s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF
                                       --------------------------------
                                       Martin L. Dikof

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           Manager


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN    Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
Michael S. Erwin        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
David D. Smith          Officer)

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Manager                                   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING LIMITED

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           Director


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ K. BRUCE NORRIDGE   Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)
K. Bruce Norridge       

/s/ STEVEN DAVIS        Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting
Steven Davis            Officer)

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Michael S. Erwin        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
David D. Smith          

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        


                            AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the undersigned as the duly
authorized representative of the Co-Registrant in the United States on the 13th
day of May, 1998.

                                       /s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF
                                       ----------------------------
                                       Martin L. Dikof

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING, INC.

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN    President                                 May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
Michael S. Erwin        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Vice President, Treasurer and Director    May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
David D. Smith          Officer)

/s/ EDWARD J. DOOLAN    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Edward J. Doolan        


- ----------------------  Director                                  May 13, 1998
Joe Stern
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING LIMITED

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           Director


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ K. BRUCE NORRIDGE   Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
K. Bruce Norridge       

/s/ STEVEN DAVIS        Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
Steven Davis            Officer)


- ----------------------  Director                                  May 13, 1998
Michael J. Maddock      


- ----------------------  Director                                  May 13, 1998
Edward Bavister         

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
 Michael S. Erwin       

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
David D. Smith          

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        


                            AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the undersigned as the duly
authorized representative of the Co-Registrant in the United States on the 13th 
day of May, 1998.

                                       /s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF
                                       -------------------------------
                                       Martin L. Dikof

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

             Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the
Co-Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee,
State of Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       MPH CRANE, INC.

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN    President and Director                    May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
Michael S. Erwin        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Vice President, Treasurer and Director    May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
David D. Smith          Officer)

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       NPH MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN    President                                 May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
Michael S. Erwin        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Vice President, Treasurer and Director    May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
David D. Smith          Officer)

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       PHME SERVICE, INC.

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN    President                                 May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
Michael S. Erwin        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Vice President, Treasurer and Director    May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
David D. Smith          Officer)

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Wilmington, State of
Delaware, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       PHMH HOLDING COMPANY

                                       By: /s/ David W. Dupert
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ DAVID W. DUPERT     President                                 May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
David W. Dupert

/s/ RICHARD F. KLUMPP   Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer   May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
Richard F. Klumpp       Officer)             

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  
David D. Smith          

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       REDCROWN, ULC

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           Director


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ BRUCE NORRIDGE      Secretary                                 May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
Bruce Norridge

/s/ STEVEN DAVIS        Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
Steven David            Officer)             

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  
Michael S. Erwin        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  
David D. Smith          

/s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF    Director                                  May 13, 1998
- ----------------------
Martin L. Ditkof        

                            AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the undersigned as the duly
authorized representative of the Co-Registrant in the United States on the 13th
day of May, 1998.

                                       /s/ MARTIN L. DITKOF
                                       ----------------------------------
                                       Martin L. Dikof

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Co-Registrant has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, State of
Wisconsin, on the 13th day of May, 1998.

                                       SPH CRANE & HOIST, INC.

                                       By: /s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Erwin
                                           President


                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below constitutes and appoints Michael S. Erwin, Todd R. Berman and
Michael S. Shein and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name,
place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as might or could
be done in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes
may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

     Signature                     Title                             Date
     ---------                     -----                             ----

/s/ MICHAEL S. ERWIN    President and Director                    May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Executive Officer)             
Michael S. Erwin        

/s/ DAVID D. SMITH      Vice President, Treasurer and Director    May 13, 1998
- ----------------------  (Principal Financial and Accounting 
David D. Smith          Officer)


<PAGE>

                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS

      Exhibit
      Number                                Exhibit
      ------                                -------

        1.1       Securities Purchase Agreement, dated March 23, 1998 by and
                  among Morris Material Handling, Inc., the Guarantors named
                  therein, CIBC Oppenheimer Corp and Goldman, Sachs & Co., and
                  Indosuez Capital.

        2.1       Recapitalization Agreement, dated January 28, 1998, among
                  Harnischfeger Corporation, the sellers named therein and MHE
                  Investments, Inc., as amended.

        3.1       Certificate of Incorporation of Morris Material Handling, Inc.

        3.2       Bylaws of Morris Material Handling, Inc.

        4.1       Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1998, by
                  and among Morris Material Handling, Inc, the Guarantors named
                  therein and CIBC Oppenheimer Corp., Goldman, Sachs & Co. and
                  Indosuez Capital.

        4.2       Indenture dated as of March 30, 1998 between Morris Material
                  Handling, Inc. and United States Trust Company of New York, as
                  Trustee, relating to Morris Material Handling, Inc.'s 9 1/2%
                  Senior Notes due 2008.

        4.3       Form of 9 1/2% Senior Note due 2008.

        4.4       Credit Agreement, dated March 30, 1998 among MMH Holdings,
                  Inc., Morris Material Handling, Inc., Material Handling, LLC,
                  Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC, Kaverit Steel and
                  Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as
                  Administrative Agent, Credit Agricole Indosuez, as Syndication
                  Agent, BankBoston, N.A., as Documentation Agent, and the
                  Lending Institutions listed therein.

        4.5       U.S. Security Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1998, made by
                  Morris Material Handling, Inc., the Guarantors listed therein,
                  in favor of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

        4.6       Guarantee, dated as of March 30, 1998, by MMH Holdings, Inc.,
                  in favor and for the benefit of Canadian Imperial Bank of
                  Commerce.

        4.7       Guarantee, dated as of March 30, 1998, by each of the
                  subsidiary Guarantors named therein, in favor and for the
                  benefit of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

        5.1       Legal Opinion of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
                  concerning the legality of the Notes (to be filed by 
                  amendment).

        8.1       Legal Opinion of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
                  concerning certain tax matters (to be filed by amendment).

       10.1       Surety Arrangement, dated March 30, 1998, among Reliance
                  Insurance Companies, MMH Holdings, Inc., Morris Material
                  Handling, Inc. and certain of their subsidiaries.

       10.2       Credit Indemnification Agreement between Harnischfeger
                  Industries, Inc. and Morris Material Handling, Inc., dated as
                  of March 30, 1998.

<PAGE>

      Exhibit
      Number                                Exhibit
      ------                                -------

       10.3       Tax Sharing Agreement between MHE Investments, Inc., MMH
                  Holdings, Inc. and certain of MMH Holdings, Inc.'s
                  subsidiaries, dated as of March 30, 1998.

       10.4       Component and Manufactured Products Supply Agreement between
                  Harnischfeger Corporation and Morris Material Handling, Inc.,
                  dated as of March 30, 1998.

       10.5       Transition Services Agreement between Harnischfeger
                  Corporation and Morris Material Handling, Inc., dated as of
                  March 30, 1998.

       10.6       Trademark License Agreement between Harnischfeger
                  Technologies, Inc. and Morris Material Handling Inc., dated as
                  of March 30, 1998.

       10.7       Management Consulting Agreement between Morris Material
                  Handling, Inc. and Chartwell Investments Inc., dated March 30,
                  1998.

       10.8       Financial Advisory Agreement between Morris Material Handling,
                  Inc. and Chartwell Investments Inc., dated March 30, 1998.

       10.9       Separation Agreement, dated October 26, 1997, between
                  Harnischfeger Corporation and Material Handling, LLC.

      10.10       Share and Asset Purchase Agreement between PHMH Holding
                  Company, James Gann, Sr., James Gann, Jr. and Gail Gann, dated
                  February 14, 1997.

      10.11       Employment Agreement, dated March 30, 1998, between Morris
                  Material Handling, Inc. and Michael S. Erwin.

      10.12       Employment Agreement, dated March 30, 1998, between Morris
                  Material Handling, Inc. and David D. Smith.

<PAGE>

      Exhibit
      Number                                Exhibit
      ------                                -------

      10.13       Employment Agreement, dated March 30, 1998, between Morris
                  Material Handling, Inc. and Martin L. Ditkof.

      10.14       Employment Agreement, dated March 30, 1998, between Morris
                  Material Handling, Inc. and Richard J. Niespodziani.

      10.15       Employment Agreement, dated March 30, 1998, between Morris
                  Material Handling, Inc. and Peter A. Kerrick.

      10.16       Employment Agreement, dated March 30, 1998, between Morris
                  Material Handling, Inc. and Edward J. Doolan.

      10.17       Service Agreement, dated March 30, 1998, between Morris
                  Mechanical Handling Limited and Michael J. Maddock.

      10.18       Service Agreement, dated March 30, 1998, between Morris
                  Mechanical Handling Limited and K. Bruce Norridge.

      12.         Statement of Computation of Financial Ratios.

      21.         Subsidiaries of Morris Material Handling, Inc.

      23.1        Consent of Independent Accountants.

      23.2        Consent of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P. (included
                  in Exhibit 5.1).

      25.         Statement of Eligibility of Trustee. 

      27.         Financial Data Schedule.

      99.1        Letter of Transmittal (to be filed by amendment).

      99.2        Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (to be filed by amendment).



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


                                                                  Execution Copy

                          SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                  by and among

                         MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.
                            (a Delaware corporation),
                                   as Issuer,

                          THE GUARANTORS NAMED HEREIN,
                                 as Guarantors,

                             CIBC OPPENHEIMER CORP.
                                       and
                              GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.,
                              as Initial Purchasers

                                       and

                                INDOSUEZ CAPITAL,
                              as Financial Advisor

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


                           Dated as of March 23, 1998

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

<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

                                   ARTICLE I.

                                   DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1. Definitions.....................................................1
Section 1.2. Accounting Terms; Financial Statements..........................7

                                   ARTICLE II.

         ISSUE OF SECURITIES; PURCHASE AND SALE OF SECURITIES; RIGHTS OF
              HOLDERS OF SECURITIES; OFFERING BY INITIAL PURCHASERS

Section 2.1. Issue of Securities.............................................8
Section 2.2. Purchase, Sale and Delivery of Securities.......................8
Section 2.3. Registration Rights of Holders of Securities....................9
Section 2.4. Offering by the Initial Purchasers..............................9

                                  ARTICLE III.

             REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; RESALE OF SECURITIES

Section 3.1. Representations and Warranties of the Company and 
             the Guarantors..................................................9
Section 3.2. Resale of Shares...............................................24

                                   ARTICLE IV.

                         CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING

Section 4.1. Conditions Precedent to Obligations of the Initial Purchasers..24

                                   ARTICLE V.

                                    COVENANTS

Section 5.1. Covenants......................................................30

                                   ARTICLE VI.

                                      FEES

Section 6.1. Costs, Expenses and Taxes......................................32

                                  ARTICLE VII.

                                    INDEMNITY

Section 7.1. Indemnity......................................................33
Section 7.2. Contribution...................................................36
Section 7.3. Registration Rights............................................37

                                  ARTICLE VIII.

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

Section 8.1. Survival of Provisions.........................................38

<PAGE>

Section 8.2. Termination....................................................38
Section 8.3. No Waiver; Modifications in Writing............................39
Section 8.4. Information Supplied by the Initial Purchasers and 
             the Financial Advisor..........................................40
Section 8.5. Communications.................................................40
Section 8.6. Execution in Counterparts......................................41
Section 8.7. Successors.....................................................41
Section 8.8. Governing Law..................................................41
Section 8.9. Severability of Provisions.....................................41
Section 8.10. Headings......................................................41

Schedule I     Principal Amount of Notes to be Purchased
Schedule II    Subsidiaries

Exhibit A      Form of Registration Rights Agreement
Exhibit B      Form of Opinion of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer &
               Feld, LLP
Exhibit C      Form of Opinion of local counsel to the Guarantors


                                       ii
<PAGE>

            SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT, dated as of March 23, 1998 (the
"Agreement"), by and among MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), the Guarantors party hereto, CIBC OPPENHEIMER CORP.
("CIBC Oppenheimer" or an "Initial Purchaser") and GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
("Goldman, Sachs" or an "Initial Purchaser" and, together with CIBC Oppenheimer,
the "Initial Purchasers") and INDOSUEZ CAPITAL (the "Financial Advisor").

            In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth
herein and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I.

                                   DEFINITIONS

            Section 1.1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, and unless the
context requires a different meaning, the following terms have the meanings
indicated:

            "Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules
and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

            "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person
which directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is
controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person in question. For
purposes of this definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings,
the terms "controlling", "controlled by" and "under common control with"), as
used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly,
of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of
such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or
otherwise; provided, however, that beneficial ownership of at least 10% of the
voting securities of a Person shall be deemed to be control.

            "Agreement" means this Agreement, including its schedules and
exhibits, as the same may be amended, supplemented or modified in accordance
with the terms hereof.

            "Basic Documents" means, collectively, the Indenture, the Notes, the
Guarantees, the Registration Rights Agreement and this Agreement and, in each
case, all other agreements, instruments and documents executed and delivered by
the Company or its Subsidiaries in connection therewith.

            "Blooma" means Morris Blooma Engineering Pte Ltd.

            "Business Day" means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and
Friday which is not a day on which banking 

<PAGE>

institutions in the City of New York are authorized or obligated by law to
close.

            "capital interests" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(d).

            "Closing" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b) of this
Agreement.

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

            "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any
similar agency then having jurisdiction to enforce the Act.

            "Commonly Controlled Entity" has the meaning set forth in Section
3.1(q) of this Agreement.

            "Credit Agreement" means the Credit Agreement, to be dated as of the
date of the Closing, among the Company, MMH Holdings, Inc., Material Handling
LLC, Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC, Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC and
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as Administrative Agent, Credit Agricole
Indosuez, as Syndication Agent, BankBoston, N.A., as Documentation Agent, and
the lending institutions named therein.

            "Default" means any event, act or condition which, with notice or
lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

            "Enforceability Exceptions" has the meaning set forth in Section
3.1(f).

            "Environmental Law" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(u) of
this Agreement.

            "Equity Investment" has the meaning set forth in the Memoranda.

            "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended.

            "Event of Default" means any event defined as an Event of Default
under the Indenture.

            "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

            "Exchange Guarantees" means the guarantees of the Exchange Notes
issued under the Indenture.


                                       2
<PAGE>

            "Exchange Notes" has the meaning set forth in the Registration
Rights Agreement.

            "Final Memorandum" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 of this
Agreement.

            "Financial Advisor" has the meaning set forth in the introductory
paragraph of this Agreement.

            "Financing Documents" means the Credit Agreement, the Working
Capital Facilities and the Surety Arrangement and, in each case, all other
agreements, instruments and documents executed and delivered by the Company or
its Subsidiaries in connection therewith.

            "Foreign Plans" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(q) of this
Agreement.

            "Guarantees" means the guarantees of the Notes issued by the
Guarantors under the Indenture.

            "Guarantors" means Birmingham Crane & Hoist, Inc. (formerly Double
S. Enterprises, Inc.); CMH Material Handling, LLC; EPH Material Handling, LLC
(formerly EPH Distribution & Service, LLC); Harnischfeger Distribution &
Service, LLC; HPH Material Handling, LLC (formerly HPH Distribution & Service,
LLC); Material Handling, LLC; MHE Technologies, Inc.; Morris Mechanical
Handling, Inc.; MPH Crane, Inc.; NPH Material Handling, Inc. (formerly NPH
Distribution & Service, Inc.); PHME Service, Inc.; PHMH Holding Company;
Hercules S.A. de C.V.; Hydramach ULC; Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC; Mondel ULC;
Morris Mechanical Handling Pty. Ltd.; Lowfile Limited; Invercoe Engineering
Limited; Butters Engineering Limited; MMH (Holdings) Limited; Morris Mechanical
Handling Limited; MMH International Limited; Redcrown, ULC; SPH Crane & Hoist,
Inc.; Morris Material Handling, Ltd.; Material Handling Equipment Nevada
Corporation; MHE Canada, ULC; Morris Material Handling, LLC; and 3014794 Nova
Scotia ULC.

            "HarnCo" means Harnischfeger Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

            "Holdings" means MMH Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

            "Inactive Subsidiaries" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(d)
of this Agreement.

            "Indemnified Party" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(c) of
this Agreement.

            "Indemnifying Party" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(c) of
this Agreement.


                                       3
<PAGE>

            "Indenture" means the indenture dated as of the Time of Purchase by
and among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee under which the Notes and
the Guarantees will be issued.

            "Initial Purchasers" has the meaning set forth in the introductory
paragraph of this Agreement.

            "Lien" means, with respect to any property or assets of any Person,
any mortgage or deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit
arrangement, security interest, lien, charge, easement, encumbrance, preference,
priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or
nature whatsoever on or with respect to such property or assets, conditional
sales, or other title retention agreement having substantially the same economic
effect as any of the foregoing.

            "Material Adverse Effect" means, with respect to the Company and its
Subsidiaries, a material adverse effect on the business (including the MHE
Business), condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or
prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, after giving
effect to each of the Transactions, or a material adverse effect on the ability
of the Company or a Guarantor to perform its obligations under the Basic
Documents to which it is a party, including this Agreement.

            "Material Handling LLC" means Material Handling LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company.

            "Memoranda" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 of this
Agreement.

            "MHE Business" means the Material Handling Equipment Business of
Harnischfeger Industries, Inc.

            "MHE Entities" means each Subsidiary of the Company engaged in the
MHE Business after giving effect to the Transactions, as if the Transactions had
occurred as of the date of this Agreement.

            "MHE Investments" means MHE Investments, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

            "Morris Delivered Documents" means, collectively, the Basic
Documents, the Financing Documents and the Recapitalization Documents.

            "Notes" means the $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9-1/2%
Senior Notes due 2008 of the Company to be issued under the Indenture.

            "October 1997 Drop Down" means the contribution on October 26, 1997
by HarnCo of the assets comprising the MHE 


                                       4
<PAGE>

Business to Material Handling LLC, an indirect Subsidiary of Holdings, pursuant
to the Separation Agreement.

            "Offering Materials" has the meaning provided therefor in Section
7.1(a) of this Agreement.

            "Person" means any individual, corporation, limited liability
company, partnership, joint venture, incorporated or unincorporated association,
joint-stock company, trust, government (or an agency or political subdivision
thereof) or other entity of any kind.

            "PORTAL" means the Private Offerings, Resales and Trading through
Automated Linkages Market.

            "Preferred Stock" means the preferred stock included in the units
being issued pursuant to the Units Purchase Agreement.

            "Preliminary Memorandum" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 of
this Agreement.

            "Private Exchange Notes" has the meaning set forth in the
Registration Rights Agreement.

            "Proceeding" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1(c) of this
Agreement.

            "QIB" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2 of this Agreement.

            "Recapitalization" has the meaning set forth in the Memoranda.

            "Recapitalization Agreement" means the Recapitalization Agreement,
dated as of January 28, 1998, among HarnCo, the sellers named therein and MHE
Investments, together with Amendment No. 1 thereto, dated as of March 5, 1998.

            "Recapitalization Documents" means the Recapitalization Agreement,
together with all other agreements, instruments and documents executed and
delivered, or to be executed and delivered as of the Time of Purchase, by MHE
Investments, Holdings, the Company or its Subsidiaries in connection therewith,
including, without limitation, the Trademark License Agreement, by and between
Harnischfeger Technologies Inc. and the Company; the Confidentiality and
Non-Competition Agreement, by and between Harnischfeger Industries, Inc. and the
Company; the Component and Manufactured Products Supply Agreement, by and
between HarnCo and the Company; the Transition Services Agreement, by and
between HarnCo and the Company; the Credit Indemnification Agreement, by and
between Harnischfeger Industries, Inc. and the Company; and the Assumption
Agreement, by and between HarnCo and Material Handling LLC.


                                       5
<PAGE>

            "Registration Rights Agreement" means the Registration Rights
Agreement dated as of the date of the Closing by and among the Company, the
Guarantors, the Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor, substantially in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.

            "Regulation S" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(ii) of this
Agreement.

            "Securities" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 of this
Agreement.

            "Separation Agreement" means the Separation Agreement, dated as of
October 26, 1997, between HarnCo and Material Handling LLC.

            "Solvent" means, with respect to any Person on a particular date (i)
the fair value (or present fair saleable value) of the assets of such Person
will exceed the sum of its stated debts and liabilities (including identified
contingent liabilities); (ii) the Person is able to realize upon its assets and
pay its debts and other liabilities, contingent obligations and commitments as
they mature and become due in the normal course of business; (iii) such Person
is not incurring debts or liabilities beyond its ability to pay as such debts
and liabilities mature; and (iv) such Person is not engaged in any business or
transaction or is not about to engage in any business or transaction (including,
in the case of the Company and the Guarantors, on a consolidated basis, the
issuance of the Notes and the Guarantees and the application of proceeds from
the sale of the Securities by the Company (and the application by Holdings of
such proceeds immediately thereafter), for which at the Time of Purchase as
described in the Memoranda) its property would constitute unreasonably small
capital with which to carry on its business (including the MHE Business) as it
is proposed to be conducted after giving due consideration to the industry in
which the Person is engaged; or (v) such Person is otherwise insolvent. In
computing the amount of such contingent liabilities at any time, it is intended
that such liabilities will be computed at the amount that, in light of all the
facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can
reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

            "State" means each of the states of the United States, the District
of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

            "State Commission" means any agency of any State having jurisdiction
to enforce such State's securities laws.

            "Subsidiaries" means, with respect to any Person, any corporation,
partnership, joint venture, association or other business entity, whether now
existing or hereafter organized or acquired, (i) in the case of a corporation,
of which more than 50% of the total voting power of the capital stock entitled


                                       6
<PAGE>

(without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of
directors, officers or trustees thereof is held by such first-named Person or
any of its Subsidiaries; or (ii) in the case of a partnership, joint venture,
association or other business entity, with respect to which such first-named
Person or any of its Subsidiaries has the power to direct or cause the direction
of the management and policies of such entity by contract or otherwise or if in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles such entity is
consolidated with the first-named Person for financial statement purposes;
provided, however, that in respect of the Company, both prior to the Time of
Purchase and on and after the Time of Purchase, the term "Subsidiaries" shall
include, for all purposes of this Agreement, all of the MHE Entities as if the
same were Subsidiaries of the Company at the time in question, except in the
case of Sections 3.1(c) and 3.1(d) hereof.

            "Surety Arrangement" means the Surety Arrangement, to be dated as of
the Time of Purchase, by and between an affiliate of Reliance Insurance Company
and the Company.

            "Taxes" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(s) of this
Agreement.

            "Time of Purchase" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b) of
this Agreement.

            "Transactions" has the meaning provided therefor in the Memoranda.

            "Trustee" means United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee
under the Indenture.

            "Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

            "Unit Purchase Agreement" means the Securities Purchase Agreement,
dated as of March 23, 1998, among Holdings, as issuer, and CIBC Oppenheimer, as
initial purchaser.

            "Working Capital Facilities" means the contemplated working capital
facilities to be entered into after the Time of Purchase by the Company and its
Subsidiaries incorporated in South Africa, Singapore and Mexico.

            Section 1.2. Accounting Terms; Financial Statements. All accounting
terms used herein and not expressly defined in this Agreement shall have the
respective meanings given to them in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States as the same may be in effect from
time to time.


                                       7
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE II.

                     ISSUE OF SECURITIES; PURCHASE AND SALE
                 OF SECURITIES; RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES;
                         OFFERING BY INITIAL PURCHASERS

            Section 2.1. Issue of Securities. The Company has authorized the
issuance of $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes and the Guarantors
have authorized the issuance of the Guarantees. The Notes and the Guarantees are
referred to herein collectively as the "Securities."

            The Securities have not been registered under the Act, and will be
offered and sold to the Initial Purchasers in reliance on exemptions therefrom.

            In connection with the sale of the Securities, the Company has
prepared a preliminary offering memorandum dated March 5, 1998 (the "Preliminary
Memorandum") and prepared a final offering memorandum dated March 23, 1998 (the
"Final Memorandum" and, together with the Preliminary Memorandum, the
Memoranda") setting forth or including a description of the terms of the
Securities, a description of the Company, its Subsidiaries and the MHE Business
and any material developments relating to the Company, its Subsidiaries and the
MHE Business occurring after the date of the most recent financial statements
included therein.

            Section 2.2. Purchase, Sale and Delivery of Securities.

            (a) On the basis of the representations, warranties, agreements and
      covenants herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein
      set forth, the Company agrees that it will sell to each Initial Purchaser,
      and each Initial Purchaser agrees, acting severally and not jointly, that
      it will purchase from the Company at the Time of Purchase the principal
      amount of the Notes set forth opposite the name of such Initial Purchaser
      on Schedule I hereto at a price equal to 97% of the principal amount
      thereof.

            (b) The purchase, sale and delivery of the Securities will take
      place at a closing (the "Closing") at the offices of Akin, Gump, Strauss,
      Hauer & Feld, L.L.P., 590 Madison Avenue, New York, New York, at 9:00
      A.M., New York time, on March 30, 1998, or such later date and time, if
      any, as the Initial Purchasers and the Company shall agree. The time at
      which such Closing (and the concurrent closing of the Recapitalization,
      the Equity Investment (including, without limitation, the transactions
      contemplated pursuant to the Unit Purchase Agreement) and the Credit
      Agreement) is concluded is herein called the "Time of Purchase."


                                       8
<PAGE>

            (c) Certificates in definitive form for the Securities that the
      Initial Purchasers have agreed to purchase hereunder, and in such
      denominations and registered in such name or names as the Initial
      Purchasers request upon notice to the Company at least 48 hours prior to
      the Closing, shall be delivered by or on behalf of the Company to the
      nominee of The Depository Trust Company for the account of the Initial
      Purchasers, against payment by or on behalf of the Initial Purchasers of
      the purchase price therefor by wire transfer of immediately available
      funds wired in accordance with the written instructions of the Company.
      The Company will make such certificates for the Securities available for
      inspection by the Initial Purchasers at the offices of CIBC Oppenheimer,
      or such other place as the Initial Purchasers may designate, at least 24
      hours prior to the Closing.

            Section 2.3. Registration Rights of Holders of Securities. The
Initial Purchasers and their direct and indirect transferees of the Securities
will have such rights with respect to the registration of the Securities and
Exchange Notes and the Exchange Guarantees under the Act as set forth in the
Registration Rights Agreement.

            Section 2.4. Offering by the Initial Purchasers. The Initial
Purchasers propose to make an offering of the Securities at the price and upon
the terms set forth in the Final Memorandum, as soon as practicable after this
Agreement is entered into and as in the judgment of the Initial Purchasers is
advisable.

                                  ARTICLE III.

              REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; RESALE OF SECURITIES

            Section 3.1. Representations and Warranties of the Company and the
Guarantors. The Company and the Guarantors jointly and severally represent and
warrant to and agree with the Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor on
and as of the date hereof and the Time of Purchase as follows:

            (a) Each of the Preliminary Memorandum and the Final Memorandum, as
      of its respective date and the Final Memorandum as of the Time of
      Purchase, did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material
      fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements
      therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
      misleading, except that the representations and warranties set forth in
      this Section 3.1(a) do not apply to statements or omissions made in
      reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to the Initial
      Purchasers or the Financial Advisor furnished to the Company or a
      Guarantor in writing by the Initial Purchasers or the Financial Advisor
      expressly for use in the Final Memorandum 


                                       9
<PAGE>

      or any amendment or supplement thereto or relating to the manner of sale
      of the Securities by the Initial Purchasers. Each of the Preliminary
      Memorandum and the Final Memorandum, as of its respective date and the
      Final Memorandum as of the Time of Purchase, contains all the information
      that, if requested by a prospective purchaser of the Securities, would be
      required to be provided to such prospective purchaser pursuant to Rule
      144A(d)(4) under the Act.

            (b) Price Waterhouse LLP is an independent public accounting firm
      with respect to the Company and the MHE Business within the meaning of the
      Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. The historical
      financial statements (including the related notes) contained in the
      Memoranda comply in all material respects with the requirements applicable
      to a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Act; such financial
      statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
      accounting principles consistently applied throughout the periods covered
      thereby and fairly present the financial position of the entities
      purported to be covered thereby at the respective dates indicated and the
      results of their operations and their cash flows for the respective dates
      indicated; the summary and selected financial data contained in the
      Memoranda present fairly the information shown therein and have been
      prepared and compiled on a basis consistent with the financial statements
      included therein; and the adjusted and pro forma financial information
      contained in the Memoranda has been prepared on a basis consistent with
      the historical financial statements contained in the Memoranda (except for
      the pro forma adjustments specified therein), includes all material
      adjustments to the historical financial information required by Regulation
      S-X under the Act and the Exchange Act to reflect the transactions
      described in the Memoranda, gives effect to assumptions made on a
      reasonable basis and fairly presents the historical and proposed
      transactions contemplated by the Memoranda and the Morris Delivered
      Documents. The statistical and market-related data included in the
      Memoranda are based on or derived from sources which the Company and the
      Guarantors believe to be reliable and accurate in all material respects or
      represents the Company's and the Guarantors' good faith reasonable
      estimates that are made on the basis of data derived from such sources.

            (c) The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing
      and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. As of the
      date hereof, the Company has no direct or indirect Subsidiaries and as of
      the Time of Purchase, all the MHE Entities will be direct or indirect
      wholly-owned Subsidiaries of the Company except as disclosed in the
      Memoranda. As of the date hereof, Holdings has no 


                                       10
<PAGE>

      direct or indirect Subsidiaries other than the MHE Entities and as of the
      Time of Purchase, the Company will be the only directly held Subsidiary of
      Holdings. Each MHE Entity is (and, as of the Time of Purchase, each
      Guarantor will be) a corporation, limited liability company or partnership
      duly incorporated or organized, validly existing and in good standing
      under the laws of the state or other jurisdiction of its incorporation or
      organization and each of the Company and the MHE Entities is (and, as of
      the Time of Purchase, the Guarantors will be) duly qualified and in good
      standing as a foreign corporation, limited liability company or
      partnership and is (or, in the case of the Guarantors, will be) authorized
      to do business in each jurisdiction in which the ownership or leasing of
      any property or the character of its operations makes such qualification
      necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a
      Material Adverse Effect. Each of the Company and the MHE Entities has
      (and, as of the Time of Purchase, the Guarantors will have) corporate
      power and authority to own and lease its properties and conduct its
      business (including the MHE Business) as described in the Memoranda. (i)
      Linear Motors Limited, UK Crane Services Limited, Vaughan Crane Company
      Ltd. and Royce Ltd. (A) are corporations wholly owned by Morris Mechanical
      Handling Limited, a company organized in the United Kingdom and (B)
      conduct no operating activities, (ii) P & H Middle East, Ltd. is a
      corporation wholly owned by PHMH Holding Company, a company organized in
      the State of Delaware and conducts no operating activities and (iii)
      collectively, Linear Motors Limited, UK Crane Services Limited, Vaughan
      Crane Company Ltd., Royce Ltd. and P & H Middle East, Ltd. (collectively,
      the "Inactive Subsidiaries") do not constitute a One Percent Subsidiary,
      as such term is defined in the Indenture.

            (d) As of the Time of Purchase (after giving effect to the
      Transactions), the Company will have the authorized, issued and
      outstanding capitalization as set forth in the Final Memorandum. All of
      the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock, membership interests
      or partnership interests (collectively, "capital interests"), as the case
      may be, of the Company and the MHE Entities are validly issued (and, in
      the case of capital stock, all of such capital stock is fully paid and
      nonassessable), and none of such capital interests were issued in
      violation of any preemptive or similar rights. As of the Time of Purchase,
      the Company will have no Subsidiaries other than the Guarantors, the
      Inactive Subsidiaries and Blooma. Schedule II hereto sets forth the name
      of each Subsidiary of the Company after giving effect to the Transactions,
      as of the Time of Purchase, the type of each class of outstanding capital
      interests of each such Subsidiary as of such date and the number and
      percentage of such capital interests to be held by the Company or its
      Subsidiaries, identifying the


                                       11
<PAGE>

      name of the Person holding such capital interests. Except as set forth in
      the Final Memorandum, after giving effect to the Transactions, (i) at the
      Time of Purchase (A) all of the issued and outstanding capital interests
      of the Company will be owned by Holdings, all of the issued and
      outstanding capital interests of Holdings will be owned as set forth under
      "The Transactions-The Recapitalization" and "Security Ownership of Certain
      Beneficial Owners and Management," in the Final Memorandum, and all of the
      issued and outstanding capital interests of Material Handling LLC and each
      other MHE Entity will be wholly owned directly or indirectly by the
      Company, free and clear of any Liens, except, in each case, as created in
      connection with the Credit Agreement and (B) there will be no outstanding
      subscriptions, options, warrants, rights, convertible securities or other
      binding agreements or commitments of any character obligating the Company
      or any MHE Entity to issue any securities and (ii) as of the date hereof
      there is, and at the Time of Purchase there will be, no agreement,
      understanding or arrangement among the Company or any MHE Entity and their
      respective capital interest holders or any other Person (other than with
      another MHE Entity) relating to the ownership or disposition of any
      capital interests in the Company or any MHE Entity, the election of
      directors of the Company or any MHE Entity or the governance of the
      Company's or any MHE Entity's affairs, except for the Stockholders'
      Agreement (as defined in the Memoranda), the Common Stock Registration
      Rights and Stockholders' Agreement, the stockholders' agreement relating
      to Blooma, and employment agreements, employee stock purchase agreements
      and option grants, in each case, between the Company and the executives
      named in the Final Memorandum, and such agreements will not be breached or
      violated as a result of the execution and delivery of, or the consummation
      of the transactions contemplated by, this Agreement and Morris Delivered
      Documents or the consummation of the Transactions.

            (e) Each of the Company, its Subsidiaries and Holdings has, or at
      the Time of Purchase will have, the full right, power and authority to
      enter into the Morris Delivered Documents (in each case, to the extent a
      party thereto) and to carry out their respective obligations thereunder,
      including, without limitation, issuing the Notes and the Guarantees in the
      manner and for the purpose contemplated by this Agreement and to
      consummate each of the Transactions to which it is a party. The execution,
      delivery and performance of the Morris Delivered Documents and the
      consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby have been, or at the
      Time of Purchase will have been, authorized by the Company, each of its
      Subsidiaries and Holdings (in each case, to the extent a party thereto),
      and no other proceeding or approval on the part of the Company, such
      Subsidiaries, Holdings or the shareholders of any of the 


                                       12
<PAGE>

      foregoing is necessary, or will be necessary, at the Time of Purchase, to
      authorize the execution and delivery of the Morris Delivered Documents or
      the performance of any of the transactions contemplated thereby.

            (f) This Agreement has been duly authorized by the Company and at
      the Time of Purchase, will have been duly authorized by each of the
      Guarantors, and this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the
      Company and each of the Guarantors and (assuming the due authorization,
      execution and delivery by the Initial Purchasers and the Financial
      Advisor) is a valid and legally binding agreement of each of the Company
      and the Guarantors, enforceable in accordance with its terms except (i)
      that the enforcement hereof may be subject to bankruptcy, insolvency,
      reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other similar laws
      now or hereafter in effect relating to creditors' rights generally, and to
      general principles of equity and the discretion of the court before which
      any proceeding therefor may be brought (the "Enforceability Exceptions")
      and (ii) as any rights to indemnity or contribution hereunder may be
      limited by federal and state securities laws and public policy
      considerations.

            (g) The Indenture, when duly executed and delivered by each of the
      Company and the Guarantors (assuming the due authorization, execution and
      delivery by the Trustee), will constitute a valid and legally binding
      agreement of each of the Company and the Guarantors, enforceable in
      accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. At
      the Time of Purchase, the Indenture will conform in all material respects
      to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act and the rules and
      regulations of the Commission applicable to an indenture which is
      qualified thereunder.

            (h) The Notes and the Guarantees, when issued and delivered by the
      Company and the Guarantors in accordance with the terms of this Agreement
      (and, in the case of the Notes, against payment therefor by the Initial
      Purchasers and assuming the due authentication thereof by the Trustee in
      accordance with the Indenture), will constitute valid and binding
      obligations of the Company and the Guarantors, respectively, entitled to
      the benefits of the Indenture, enforceable in accordance with their
      respective terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions. The Exchange
      Notes and Private Exchange Notes have been duly authorized by the Company
      and, when executed, issued and delivered by the Company in accordance with
      the terms of the Indenture and the Exchange Offer contemplated by the
      Registration Rights Agreement (and assuming the due authentication thereof
      by the Trustee in accordance with the Indenture), will constitute valid
      and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with
      their respective 


                                       13
<PAGE>

      terms, entitled to the benefits of the Exchange Indenture, subject to the
      Enforceability Exceptions. The Securities satisfy the eligibility
      requirements of Rule 144A(d)(3) under the Act.

            (i) The Registration Rights Agreement, when duly executed and
      delivered by each of the Company and the Guarantors (assuming the due
      authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the Initial Purchasers
      and the Financial Advisor), will constitute a valid and legally binding
      agreement of each of the Company and the Guarantors, enforceable in
      accordance with its terms, subject to the Enforceability Exceptions and
      except as any rights to indemnity or contribution hereunder may be limited
      by federal and state securities laws and public policy considerations. No
      holder of securities of the Company or any Subsidiary will be entitled to
      have such securities registered under the Registration Rights Agreement
      other than as expressly permitted thereby.

            (j) Each other Morris Delivered Document, when duly executed and
      delivered by each of the Company, its Subsidiaries, Holdings and MHE
      Investments, in each case, to the extent a party thereto (assuming the due
      authorization, execution and delivery thereof by the other parties
      thereto), will constitute a valid and legally binding agreement of each of
      the Company, its Subsidiaries, Holdings and MHE Investments, as
      applicable, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to the
      Enforceability Exceptions and except as any rights to indemnity or
      contribution thereunder may be limited by federal and state securities
      laws and public policy considerations.

            (k) The execution, delivery and performance by the Company, its
      Subsidiaries, Holdings and MHE Investments of the Morris Delivered
      Documents to which they are a party, the issuance and sale by the Company
      and the Guarantors of the Securities to be issued by them, the execution,
      delivery and performance by the Company, its Subsidiaries, Holdings and
      MHE Investments of all other agreements and instruments to be executed by
      them and delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or
      therewith or in connection with any of the transactions contemplated
      hereby or thereby, and compliance by the Company, its Subsidiaries,
      Holdings and MHE Investments with the terms and provisions hereof and
      thereof, and consummation of the other Transactions (as defined in the
      Final Memorandum) do not and will not (i) violate any provision of any
      law, rule or regulation (including, without limitation, Regulation G, T, U
      or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System), order,
      writ, judgment, decree, determination or award presently in effect or in
      effect at the Time of Purchase having applicability to the Company, any of
      its 


                                       14
<PAGE>

      Subsidiaries, Holdings or MHE Investments, (ii) violate or conflict with
      or result in a breach of or constitute a default under the certificate of
      incorporation or by-laws (or similar organizational document) of the
      Company, any of its Subsidiaries, Holdings or MHE Investments, or, as of
      the Time of Purchase, any indenture or loan or credit agreement
      (including, without limitation, the Financing Documents), or any other
      material agreement or instrument which, if the Company were a reporting
      company pursuant to Section 13(d) or 15 of the Exchange Act, would be
      required to be filed pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K, to which the
      Company, any of its Subsidiaries, Holdings or MHE Investments is or will
      at such time be a party or by which the Company, any of its Subsidiaries,
      Holdings or MHE Investments or any of their respective properties or
      assets may be bound or affected, other than such violations, conflicts or
      defaults which would not reasonably be likely to have a Material Adverse
      Effect or (iii) except as expressly contemplated by the Indenture and the
      Financing Documents, result in, or require the creation or imposition of,
      any Lien upon or with respect to any of the properties or assets now owned
      or hereafter acquired by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, Holdings or
      MHE Investments, except, in each case, where such violation, conflict,
      default or creation or imposition of any Lien would not (individually or
      in the aggregate) be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect.

            (l) Immediately before and after the consummation of the
      Transactions, including those contemplated by this Agreement and the other
      Morris Delivered Documents (including the application of proceeds by the
      Company, and the application immediately thereafter by Holdings, from the
      issuance and sale of the Securities by the Company at the Time of Purchase
      as described in the Memoranda), the Company and its Subsidiaries, on a
      consolidated basis, will be Solvent.

            (m) Subsequent to the date as of which information is given in the
      Final Memorandum to the date hereof, except as contemplated in the Final
      Memorandum, there has not been (i) any event or condition that has had or
      that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii)
      any transaction entered into by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
      that is material to the Company or its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
      other than in the ordinary course of business, or (iii) any dividend,
      redemption or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the
      Company on its common stock.

            (n) There is no action, suit, investigation or proceeding,
      governmental or otherwise, in law or in equity, or before any commission
      or other administrative authority, 


                                       15
<PAGE>

      in any jurisdiction in which the Company or its Subsidiaries conducts
      business, pending or, to the knowledge of the Company and the Guarantors,
      threatened to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or would be
      a party or of which the properties or assets of the Company or its
      Subsidiaries are or may be subject, that (i) seeks to restrain, enjoin,
      prevent the consummation of or otherwise challenge the issuance and sale
      of the Securities by the Company or any of the other transactions
      contemplated by the Morris Delivered Documents or any of the Transactions,
      (ii) questions the legality or validity of any such transactions or seeks
      to recover damages or obtain other relief in connection with any such
      transactions or (iii) could reasonably be expected to have a Material
      Adverse Effect. There are no legal or governmental proceedings that would
      be required by the Act to be described in a prospectus relating to the
      Securities that are not described in the Final Memorandum.

            (o) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is currently or,
      after giving effect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated
      by this Agreement and the other Transactions, will be (i) in violation of
      its respective certificate of incorporation or by-laws (or similar
      organizational document), (ii) in default (nor will an event occur which
      with notice or passage of time or both would constitute such a default)
      under or in violation of any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any
      other material agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which
      it or any of its properties or assets may be bound or affected, (iii) in
      violation of any order of any court, arbitrator or governmental body, or
      (iv) in violation of or will have violated any statute, rule or regulation
      of any governmental authority, except in each case, which default or
      violation (individually or in the aggregate) could not reasonably be
      expected to (x) affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any of
      the Morris Delivered Documents in any material respect or (y) have a
      Material Adverse Effect.

            (p) There are no material licenses, franchises, permits and other
      governmental authorizations held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
      with respect to the conduct of their respective businesses that are not
      accurately described in the Memoranda, each, as of their respective dates.
      No authorization, consent, approval, license, qualification or formal
      exemption from, nor any filing, declaration or registration with, any
      court, governmental agency or regulatory authority or any securities
      exchange is required in connection with the execution, delivery or
      performance by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (to the extent they
      are a party thereto) of any of the Morris Delivered Documents or
      consummation of any 


                                       16
<PAGE>

      of the transactions contemplated thereby or consummation of any of the
      other Transactions, except (i) as may be required under state securities
      or "blue sky" laws or the laws of any foreign jurisdiction, (ii) such as
      have been obtained or made, (iii) as may be required under the Act, the
      Exchange Act and the Trust Indenture Act in connection with the
      performance of obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, (iv)
      as may be required under the Exchange Act after the Time of Purchase or
      (v) as would not (individually or in the aggregate) be reasonably likely
      to have a Material Adverse Effect. All such authorizations, consents,
      approvals, licenses, qualifications, exemptions, filings, declarations and
      registrations set forth in the Final Memorandum (other than as disclosed
      therein) which are required to have been obtained by the date hereof have
      been obtained or made, as the case may be, and are in full force and
      effect and not the subject of any pending or, to the best knowledge of the
      Company and the Guarantors, threatened attack by appeal or direct
      proceeding or otherwise except as would not reasonably be likely to have a
      Material Adverse Effect.

            (q) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the
      Morris Delivered Documents, the sale of the Securities to the Initial
      Purchasers, nor the consummation of the Transactions will involve any
      non-exempt prohibited transaction within the meaning of Section 406 of
      ERISA, or Section 4975 of the Code on the part of the Company or any of
      its Subsidiaries. The representation made by the Company and the
      Guarantors in the preceding sentence is made in reliance upon and subject
      to the accuracy of, and compliance with, the representations and covenants
      made or deemed made by the purchasers of Notes from the Initial Purchasers
      as set forth in the Final Memorandum under "Notice to Investors." The
      present value of all benefits vested under each Employee Benefit Plan
      maintained by the Company or its Subsidiaries or any person or entity
      treated with any such Person as a single employer under Section 414 of
      ERISA (a "Commonly Controlled Entity") (based on the current liability,
      interest rate and other assumptions used in preparation of the plan's Form
      5500 Annual Report) did not, as of the last annual valuation date prior to
      the date on which this representation is made or deemed made, exceed the
      value of the assets of such plan allocable to such accrued benefits.
      Neither the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, nor any Commonly Controlled
      Entity has had a complete or partial withdrawal from any Multiemployer
      Plan (as defined in ERISA), and neither the Company, any of its
      Subsidiaries, nor any Commonly Controlled Entity would become subject to
      any liability under ERISA if the Company, any Subsidiary, or any such
      Commonly Controlled Entity were to withdraw completely from all
      Multiemployer Plans as of the valuation date most closely preceding the
      date on which such 


                                       17
<PAGE>

      representation is made or deemed made. No such Multiemployer Plan is in
      reorganization or insolvent. There are no material liabilities of the
      Company, any of its Subsidiaries, or any Commonly Controlled Entity for
      post-retirement benefits to be provided to their current and former
      employees under Plans which are welfare benefit plans (as described in
      Section 3(l) of ERISA). The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are
      substantially and in all material respects in compliance with all
      applicable laws with respect to all employee benefit plans maintained or
      contributed to in respect of employees other than those employed in the
      United States ("Foreign Plans"). There are no material unfunded
      liabilities of the Company or its Subsidiaries in respect of the Foreign
      Plans.

            (r) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has good and marketable
      title to all real property described in the Final Memorandum as being
      owned by it and good and valid title to, or valid and enforceable
      leasehold interests in, all properties and assets identified in the Final
      Memorandum as owned or leased, respectively, by each of them (including,
      without limitation, all those transferred to Material Handling LLC in the
      October 1997 Drop-Down), free and clear of all material Liens, except (i)
      such Liens as are described in the Final Memorandum or (ii) Liens created
      in the ordinary course of business which are Permitted Liens (as defined
      in the Indenture). All material leases, contracts and agreements,
      including those referred to in the Memoranda, to which the Company or any
      of the Subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them are bound are in
      full force and effect and are valid and enforceable in accordance with
      their terms, except for the Enforceability Exceptions. There is not under
      any such material lease, contract or agreement any default by the Company
      or any such Subsidiary, or any default that with notice or lapse of time
      or both would constitute such a default by the Company or any such
      Subsidiary and with respect to which the Company or such Subsidiary has
      not taken adequate steps to prevent such default from occurring. To the
      knowledge of the Company and its Subsidiaries, there is not under any such
      material lease, contract or agreement any default by any other party
      thereto or any event that with notice or lapse of time or both would
      constitute such a default thereunder by such party.

            (s) All tax returns required to be filed by the Company or any of
      its Subsidiaries in any jurisdiction (including foreign jurisdictions)
      have been duly filed, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in default
      in the payment of any taxes, assessments, fees and other charges
      including, without limitation, withholding taxes, penalties, and interest
      ("Taxes") with respect thereto, except where the failure to so pay could
      not reasonably be expected to 


                                       18
<PAGE>

      have a Material Adverse Effect. There are no actual or, to the knowledge
      of the Company and its Subsidiaries, proposed additional tax assessments
      for any fiscal period against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that,
      individually or in the aggregate, is reasonably likely to have a Material
      Adverse Effect.

            (t) Giving effect to the Transactions, there are no material
      copyrights, patents, trade names, service marks or domain names, whether
      registered or at common law, or applications therefor that are pending or
      in the process or preparation (collectively, the "Intellectual Property
      Rights") that are directly or indirectly owned, licensed, used, required
      for use or controlled in whole or in part by the Company or its
      Subsidiaries, and no material licenses or other agreements allowing the
      Company or its Subsidiaries to use Intellectual Property Rights of third
      parties that, in any such case, are not accurately described in the Final
      Memorandum. Except as otherwise described in the Final Memorandum, the
      Company and its Subsidiaries are the sole and exclusive owners of the
      Intellectual Property Rights described therein, free and clear of any Lien
      (other than Permitted Liens) and such Intellectual Property Rights have
      not been and are not being challenged in any way or involved in any
      pending or threatened unfair competition proceeding. There has been and is
      no claim challenging the scope, validity or enforceability of any of the
      Intellectual Property Rights. To the knowledge of the Company and its
      Subsidiaries neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has
      infringed, or is infringing or is subject to any unfair competition claim
      with respect to any Intellectual Property Rights, or any other proprietary
      or other intellectual property right of any person or entity and neither
      the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received or has any knowledge,
      after due inquiry, of any such claim or other notice of any such violation
      or infringement.

            (u) Except as described in the Final Memorandum, each of the Company
      and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all federal, state, local and
      foreign laws, and any rules, regulations, orders, decrees, judgments or
      injunctions issued or promulgated thereunder relating to pollution and
      protection of public and employee health and the environment
      ("Environmental Law") and with the terms and conditions of any permit,
      license or approval required thereunder in connection with the ownership,
      operation or use of its business, property and assets where the failure to
      be in such compliance could reasonably be expected to have, individually
      or in the aggregate, a Material 


                                       19
<PAGE>

      Adverse Effect; none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is subject
      to any liability, absolute or contingent, under any Environmental Law
      which liability would, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably
      likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and there is no civil,
      criminal or administrative action, suit, demand, hearing, notice of
      violation or deficiency, investigation, proceeding or notice of potential
      responsibility or liability or demand letter or request for information
      pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company and the Guarantors,
      threatened against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under any
      Environmental Law which, if determined adversely to the Company or any
      such Subsidiary, would, individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably
      likely to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

            (v) There has been no resignation or termination of employment of
      any officer or key employee of the Company or any Subsidiary and neither
      the Company nor any Guarantor has any knowledge of any impending or
      threatened resignation or termination of employment in any case that would
      have a Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in the Memoranda,
      neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has entered into any severance or
      similar arrangement in respect of any present or former employees that
      would be required to be disclosed in a prospectus relating to the
      Securities under the Act. There is no strike, labor dispute, slowdown or
      work stoppage with the employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
      which is pending or, to the best knowledge of the Company and the
      Guarantors, threatened.

            (w) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has, since the date of
      the latest audited financial statements contained in the Memoranda,
      sustained any loss or interference with its business from fire, explosion,
      flood, accident or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or
      from any labor dispute, or has become a party to or the subject of any
      litigation, court or governmental action, investigation, order or decree,
      in any case otherwise than as set forth in the Final Memorandum, which in
      any case has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material
      Adverse Effect.

            (x) Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries carries insurance
      (including self insurance) in such amounts and covering such risks as in
      its reasonable determination is adequate for the conduct of its business
      (including the MHE Business) and the value of its properties.

            (y) On or prior to the date hereof, there were transferred by HarnCo
      to Material Handling LLC all of the assets described in the Separation
      Agreement required to be so transferred thereunder. After giving effect to
      such transfers, Material Handling LLC has good and marketable title to all
      such assets, and none of such assets are subject to any Lien except
      Permitted Liens. At the Time of Purchase, Material Handling LLC will be a
      wholly-owned


                                       20
<PAGE>

      direct Subsidiary of the Company, and the Company will own valid title to
      all of the membership interests of Material Handling LLC free and clear of
      any Liens except Permitted Liens and all of the assets relating to the MHE
      Business will be owned directly or indirectly by the Company as
      contemplated in the Recapitalization Agreement except as disclosed under
      "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the Memoranda.

            (z) Each of the Morris Delivered Documents conform in all material
      respects to the descriptions thereof in the Final Memorandum to the extent
      such Morris Delivered Documents would be required by the Act to be
      described in a prospectus relating to the Securities. There are no
      contracts or other documents that would be required by the Act to be
      described in a prospectus relating to the Securities that are not
      described in the Final Memorandum.

            (aa) The Company has delivered to the Initial Purchasers a true and
      correct copy of the Recapitalization Agreement, together with all related
      agreements or forms of agreement and all schedules and exhibits thereto
      (including the Recapitalization Documents), and as of the date hereof
      there have been no amendments, alterations, modifications or waivers of
      any of the provisions thereof since its applicable date of execution or
      from the form in which any such agreement has been delivered to the
      Initial Purchasers, except for any such amendment, modification or waiver
      a copy of which has been delivered to the Initial Purchasers. There exists
      as of the date hereof no event or condition that would constitute a breach
      or default by any of the parties to the Recapitalization Agreement or such
      other agreement that would result in a Material Adverse Effect or
      materially adversely affect the ability to consummate any of the
      Transactions.

            (bb) The Company and its Subsidiaries (i) make and keep accurate
      books and records and (ii) maintain internal accounting controls which
      provide reasonable assurance that (A) transactions are executed in
      accordance with management's specific authorization, (B) transactions are
      recorded as necessary to permit preparation of their consolidated
      financial statements and to maintain accountability for their assets, (C)
      access to their assets is permitted only in accordance with management's
      specific authorization and (D) the reported accountability for their
      assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and
      appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

            (cc) None of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the
      Company's and the Guarantors' knowledge, any 


                                       21
<PAGE>

      director, officer, agent, employee or other person associated with or
      acting on behalf of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, has (i) used
      any funds of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries during the last five
      years for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful
      expense relating to political activity, (ii) made any unlawful payment to
      any foreign or domestic government official or employee from corporate
      funds, (iii) violated or is in violation of any provision of the Foreign
      Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, or (iv) made any bribe, rebate, influence
      payment, kickback or other unlawful payment which, in each instance, could
      reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company
      and its Subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries does
      business with the government of Cuba or any person or affiliate thereof
      located in Cuba within the meaning of Florida Statutes Section 517.075.

            (dd) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is, or at the Closing
      Date will be, (i) a "holding company" or a "subsidiary company" of a
      "holding company" or an "affiliate" thereof, within the meaning of the
      Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended or (ii) an
      "investment company" or a company "controlled by" an "investment company"
      within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and
      the rules and regulations thereunder.

            (ee) Assuming the accuracy of the Initial Purchasers'
      representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.2 hereof and the due
      performance by the Initial Purchasers of the covenants and agreements set
      forth in Section 3.2 hereof, no form of general solicitation or general
      advertising was used by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of
      their respective representatives in connection with the offer and sale of
      the Securities or any other similar securities of the Company or any of
      its Subsidiaries. Neither the Company, any of its Subsidiaries nor any
      Person authorized to act for any of them has, either directly or
      indirectly, sold or offered for sale any of the Securities, or solicited
      any offers to buy any thereof from, or has otherwise approached or
      negotiated in respect thereof with, any Person or Persons other than with
      or through the Initial Purchasers; and assuming the accuracy of the
      Initial Purchasers' representations and warranties set forth in Section
      3.2 hereof and the due performance by the Initial Purchasers of the
      covenants and agreements set forth in Section 3.2 hereof, and the Company
      agrees that neither it, any of its Subsidiaries nor any Person acting on
      its or their behalf will sell or offer for sale any Securities to, or
      solicit any offers to buy any Securities from, or otherwise approach or
      negotiate in respect thereof with, any Person or Persons so as thereby to
      bring the issuance or 


                                       22
<PAGE>

      sale of any of the Securities within the provisions of Section 5 of the
      Act.

            (ff) Assuming the accuracy of the Initial Purchasers'
      representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.2 hereof, and the
      due performance by the Initial Purchasers of the covenants and agreements
      set forth in Section 3.2 hereof, it is not necessary, in connection with
      the issuance and sale of the Securities to the Initial Purchasers and the
      offer, resale and delivery of the Securities by the Initial Purchasers in
      the manner contemplated by this Agreement and the Memoranda to register
      them under the Act or to qualify the Indenture under the Trust Indenture
      Act.

            (gg) No securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are of
      the same class (within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Act) as any of
      the Securities and listed on a national securities exchange registered
      under Section 6 of the Exchange Act, or quoted in a U.S. automated
      inter-dealer quotation system. Neither the Company nor any of its
      Subsidiaries have, directly or indirectly or through any agent, sold,
      offered for sale, solicited offers to buy or otherwise negotiated in
      respect of, any security (as defined in the Act), which is or will be
      integrated with the sale of the Securities in a manner that would require
      registration of the Securities under the Act.

            (hh) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken, nor
      will any of them take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to, or
      that might be reasonably expected to, cause or result in stabilization or
      manipulation of the price of any of the Securities or that is prohibited
      by Regulation M under the Exchange Act.

            (ii) None of the Company, its Subsidiaries, any of their respective
      Affiliates or any person acting on its or their behalf (other than the
      Initial Purchasers) has engaged in any directed selling efforts (as that
      term is defined in Regulation S under the Act ("Regulation S") with
      respect to any of the Securities and the Company, its Subsidiaries and
      their respective Affiliates and any person acting on its or their behalf
      (other than the Initial Purchasers) have acted in accordance with the
      offering restrictions requirement of Regulation S.

            (jj) No forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A
      of the Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) contained in the
      Preliminary Memorandum or the Final Memorandum has been made or reaffirmed
      without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good faith.


                                       23
<PAGE>

            (kk) Except as stated in the Final Memorandum, the Company does not
      know of any claims for services, either in the nature of a broker's
      commission, finder's fee or financial advisory fee, with respect to the
      offering of the Securities and the transactions contemplated by the Final
      Memorandum.

Any Certificate signed by any officer of the Company or any Guarantor and
delivered to the Initial Purchasers or to counsel for the Initial Purchasers
shall be deemed a joint and several representation by the Company and the
Guarantors to the Initial Purchasers as to the matters covered thereby.

            Section 3.2. Resale of Shares. Each Initial Purchaser and the
Financial Advisor represents and warrants (as to itself only) that it is a
"qualified institutional buyer" as defined in Rule 144A under the Act ("QIB").
Each Initial Purchaser and the Financial Advisor, severally and not jointly,
agrees with the Company and the Guarantors that (a) it has not and will not,
directly or indirectly, solicit offers for, or offer or sell, any of the
Securities by any form of general solicitation or general advertising (as those
terms are used in Regulation D under the Act) or in any manner involving a
public offering within the meaning of Section 4(2) of the Act; (b) has not and
will not, directly or indirectly, engage in any "directed selling efforts" (as
defined in Regulation S under the Act); and (c) it has and (except in the case
of the Financial Advisor, which will not solicit offers for the Securities or
offer the Securities) will solicit offers for the Securities only from, and will
offer the Securities only to (i) in the case of offers inside the United States,
Persons whom it reasonably believes to be QIBs or, if any such Person is buying
for one or more institutional accounts for which such Person is acting as
fiduciary or agent, only when such Person has represented to it that each such
account is a QIB, to whom notice has been given that such sale or delivery is
being made in reliance on Rule 144A, and, in each case, in transactions under
Rule 144A and (ii) in the case of offers outside the United States, to Persons
other than U.S. Persons ("foreign purchasers," which term shall include dealers
or other professional fiduciaries in the United States acting on a discretionary
basis for foreign beneficial owners (other than an estate or trust)). The
Company acknowledges and agrees that the Initial Purchasers may sell Securities
to any Affiliate of an Initial Purchaser or of the Financial Advisor and that
any such Affiliate may sell Securities purchased by it to an Initial Purchaser
or the Financial Advisor.

                                   ARTICLE IV.

                         CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING

            Section 4.1. Conditions Precedent to Obligations of the Initial
Purchasers. The obligation of each Initial Purchaser 


                                       24
<PAGE>

to purchase the Securities to be purchased by it hereunder is subject to the
satisfaction of the following conditions:

            (a) At the Time of Purchase, the Initial Purchasers shall have
      received (i) an opinion, addressed to the Initial Purchasers and the
      Financial Advisor in form and substance satisfactory to counsel to the
      Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor and dated the Time of
      Purchase, from each of (A) Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP, counsel
      to the Company, in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit B hereto,
      and (B) local counsel to the Company in each jurisdiction in which the
      Guarantors are incorporated other than Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York
      and Texas, in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit C hereto and
      (ii) a reliance letter, addressed to the Initial Purchasers and the
      Financial Advisor, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel to the
      Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor and dated the Time of
      Purchase, from each of (A) Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP, counsel
      to the Company, entitling the Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor
      to rely upon their opinion being issued to the lenders under the Credit
      Facilities relating to the Financing Documents and dated the Time of
      Purchase and (B) Kirkland & Ellis, counsel to HarnCo, entitling the
      Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor to rely upon their opinion
      being issued to the Company relating to the Recapitalization Documents and
      dated the Time of Purchase, which opinion shall be substantially in the
      form attached as Exhibit H to the Recapitalization Agreement.

            (b) The Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor shall have
      received an opinion, addressed to the Initial Purchasers and the Financial
      Advisor in form and substance satisfactory to the Initial Purchasers and
      the Financial Advisor and dated the Time of Purchase, of Willkie Farr &
      Gallagher, counsel to the Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor, as
      to such matters as the Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor shall
      reasonably request.

            In rendering such opinions in accordance with Sections 4.1(a) and
      (b), each such counsel may rely as to factual matters upon certificates or
      other documents furnished by officers and directors of the Company or the
      Guarantors and representations of the Initial Purchasers and by government
      officials, and upon such other documents as such counsel deem appropriate
      as a basis for their opinion. Each such counsel may specify the
      jurisdictions in which it is admitted to practice and that it is not
      admitted to practice in any other jurisdiction or an expert in the law of
      any other jurisdiction. To the extent such opinion concerns the laws of
      any other such jurisdiction such counsel may rely upon the opinion of
      counsel (satisfactory to the Initial 


                                       25
<PAGE>

      Purchasers) admitted to practice in such jurisdiction. Any opinion relied
      upon by such counsel as aforesaid shall be delivered to the Initial
      Purchasers together with the opinion of such counsel, which opinion shall
      state that such counsel believes that their and the Initial Purchasers'
      reliance thereon is justified.

            (c) The Initial Purchasers shall have received from Price Waterhouse
      LLP a comfort letter or letters dated the date hereof and the Time of
      Purchase in form and substance satisfactory to counsel to the Initial
      Purchaser.

            (d) The Initial Purchasers shall have received a report from
      Valuation Research Corporation, in form and substance satisfactory to
      counsel to the Initial Purchasers, indicating that the Company and its
      Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, is Solvent, before and after giving
      effect to the Transactions, including those contemplated by this Agreement
      and the other Morris Delivered Documents (including the application of
      proceeds by the Company, and the application immediately thereafter by
      Holdings, from the issuance and sale of the Notes by the Company and the
      issuance of the Guarantees by the Guarantors at the Time of Purchase as
      described in the Final Memorandum).

            (e) The representations and warranties made by the Company and the
      Guarantors herein shall be true and correct in all material respects
      (except for changes expressly provided for in this Agreement) on and as of
      the Time of Purchase with the same effect as though such representations
      and warranties had been made on and as of the Time of Purchase, after
      giving effect to the consummation of all of the Transactions; the Company
      and the Guarantors shall have complied in all material respects with all
      agreements as set forth in or contemplated hereunder and in the other
      Basic Documents required to be performed by the Company and the Guarantors
      at or prior to the Time of Purchase.

            (f) Subsequent to the date of the Final Memorandum, there shall not
      have been any change which has had or could be reasonably likely to have a
      Material Adverse Effect.

            (g) At the Time of Purchase, after giving effect to the consummation
      of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the other Morris
      Delivered Documents and the other Transactions, there shall exist no
      Default or Event of Default on the part of the Company or its
      Subsidiaries.

            (h) The purchase of and payment for the Securities by the Initial
      Purchasers hereunder shall not be prohibited or enjoined (temporarily or
      permanently) by any applicable law or governmental regulation (including,
      without limitation, 


                                       26
<PAGE>

      Regulation G, T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
      System).

            (i) At the Time of Purchase, the Initial Purchasers shall have
      received a certificate, dated the Time of Purchase, and executed by the
      President and the Vice President - Finance of the Company, to the effect
      that:

                  (i) All of the representations and warranties of the Company
            and the Guarantors set forth in this Agreement are true and correct
            as if made on and as of the Time of Purchase and the Company and
            each of the Guarantors have complied in all material respects with
            all agreements and satisfied all conditions on their part to be
            performed or satisfied at or prior to the Time of Purchase.

                  (ii) The issuance and sale of the Securities pursuant to this
            Agreement and the Final Memorandum and the consummation of the
            Transactions have not been enjoined (temporarily or permanently) and
            no restraining order or other injunctive order has been issued and
            there has not been any legal action, order, decree or other
            administrative proceeding instituted or threatened against the
            Company or any of the Guarantors relating to the issuance of the
            Securities or in connection with any of the other Transactions.

                  (iii) Subsequent to the date of this Agreement and since the
            date of the most recent financial statements in the Final Memorandum
            (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto after the date
            hereof), there has not occurred (A) any change, or any development
            involving a prospective change, in or affecting the general affairs,
            management, business, condition (financial or other), properties,
            prospects or results of operations of the Company or the
            Subsidiaries or the MHE Business, both before and after giving
            effect to the Recapitalization and the other Transactions, not
            contemplated by the Final Memorandum that would materially adversely
            affect the market for the Securities, or (B) any event or
            development relating to or involving any of the Company or the
            Subsidiaries that makes any statement made in the Final Memorandum
            untrue or that requires the making of any addition to or change in
            the Final Memorandum in order to state a material fact required by
            any applicable law, rule or regulation to be stated therein or
            necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading.

                  (iv) There has not been any change in the capital stock of the
            Company or any of its Subsidiaries nor any 


                                       27
<PAGE>

            material increase in the consolidated short-term or long-term debt
            of the Company from that set forth in or contemplated in the Final
            Memorandum and the Company and the Subsidiaries have no liabilities
            or obligations, contingent or otherwise (whether or not in the
            ordinary course of business), that are material to the Company, its
            Subsidiaries and the MHE Business, taken as a whole, both before and
            after giving effect to the Recapitalization and the other
            Transactions, other than those reflected in the Final Memorandum.

            (j) At the Time of Purchase, each of the Morris Delivered Documents
      and the other material documents pertaining to the Transactions shall have
      been executed and delivered by the respective parties thereto and shall be
      in full force and effect.

            (k) Contemporaneously with the Time of Purchase, the
      Recapitalization and each other transaction contemplated in the
      Recapitalization Documents shall be consummated on the terms set forth in
      the Recapitalization Agreement and such other Recapitalization Documents
      as in effect as of the date hereof.

            (l) Contemporaneously with the Time of Purchase, the Company shall
      have received at least $55 million aggregate cash proceeds from borrowings
      under the Credit Agreement.

            (m) Contemporaneously with the Time of Purchase, the transactions
      contemplated under the Unit Purchase Agreement shall have been consummated
      and Holdings shall have received at least $60 million aggregate gross cash
      proceeds (less applicable commissions) from the unit offering contemplated
      therein.

            (n) HarnCo shall have received at least $54 million aggregate cash
      proceeds from MHE Investments, and all other transactions contemplated in
      connection with the Equity Investment (including the retention by HarnCo
      of capital interests in Holdings with aggregate implied value of not less
      than $12 million) shall have been consummated.

            (o) The Company shall have redeemed or repurchased 100 shares,
      representing 50% of its issued and outstanding shares, of common stock
      from Holdings for aggregate cash consideration of $225 million.

            (p) Holdings shall have redeemed or repurchased 1,512.317 shares of
      its Series C Preferred Stock and 88,319.182 shares of its common stock,
      representing 75% of its issued and outstanding shares of capital stock
      from HarnCo for aggregate cash consideration of $282 million.


                                       28
<PAGE>

            (q) Each of the Morris Delivered Documents and the other material
      documents pertaining to the Transactions shall be reasonably satisfactory
      in form and substance to the Initial Purchasers and shall have been
      executed and delivered by all the respective parties thereto and shall be
      in full force and effect.

            (r) All proceedings taken in connection with the issuance of the
      Securities (including the due authentication thereof by the Trustee) and
      the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the other Morris
      Delivered Documents and the other material documents pertaining to the
      Transactions and all documents and papers relating thereto shall be
      satisfactory to the Initial Purchasers and counsel to the Initial
      Purchasers. The Initial Purchasers and counsel to the Initial Purchasers
      shall have received copies of such papers and documents as they may
      reasonably request in connection therewith, including, without limitation,
      true and correct copies of each of the Morris Delivered Documents
      certified as such by an officer of the Company, all in form and substance
      reasonably satisfactory to them.

            (s) The issuance and sale of the Securities hereunder shall not have
      been enjoined (temporarily or permanently) at the Time of Purchase.

            (t) There shall not have been any announcement by any "nationally
      recognized statistical rating organization," as defined for purposes of
      Rule 436(g) under the Act, that (A) it is downgrading its rating assigned
      to the Notes of the Company or the Preferred Stock included within the
      units being issued by Holdings pursuant to the Unit Purchase Agreement, or
      (B) it is reviewing its rating assigned to such securities of the Company
      or Holdings with a view to possible downgrading, or with negative
      implications, or direction not determined.

            (u) The Securities shall have been approved by the NASD for trading
      in the PORTAL Market and accepted by The Depository Trust Company for
      clearance and settlement through The Depository Trust Company.

      On or before the Time of Purchase, the Initial Purchasers and counsel to
the Initial Purchasers shall have received such further documents, opinions,
certificates and schedules or other instruments relating to the business,
corporate, legal and financial affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries as
they may reasonably request.


                                       29
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE V.

                                    COVENANTS

            Section 5.1. Covenants. The Company and the Guarantors, as the case
may be, covenant and agree with the Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor
that:

            (a) The Company will not amend or supplement the Final Memorandum or
      any amendment or supplement thereto of which the Initial Purchasers shall
      not previously have been advised and furnished a copy for a reasonable
      period of time prior to the proposed amendment or supplement and as to
      which the Initial Purchasers shall not have given their consent, which
      consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Company will promptly,
      upon the reasonable request of the Initial Purchasers or counsel to the
      Initial Purchasers, make any amendments or supplements to the Preliminary
      Memorandum or the Final Memorandum that may be necessary or advisable in
      the opinion of the Initial Purchasers or counsel to the Initial Purchasers
      to make the statement therein not misleading or in connection with the
      resale of the Securities by the Initial Purchasers.

            (b) The Company will cooperate with the Initial Purchasers in
      arranging for the qualification of the Securities for offering and sale
      under the securities or "blue sky" laws of such jurisdictions as the
      Initial Purchasers may designate and will continue such qualifications in
      effect for as long as may be reasonably necessary to complete the resale
      of the Securities; provided, however, that in connection therewith, the
      Company shall not be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or to
      execute a general consent to service of process in any jurisdiction or
      subject itself to service of process in suits or taxation in excess of a
      nominal dollar amount in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so
      subject.

            (c) If, at any time prior to the completion of the distribution by
      the Initial Purchasers of the Securities, any event occurs or information
      becomes known as a result of which the Final Memorandum as then amended or
      supplemented would include any untrue statement of a material fact, or
      omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in
      the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading,
      or if for any other reason it is necessary at any time to amend or
      supplement the Final Memorandum to comply with applicable law, the Company
      will immediately notify the Initial Purchasers thereof (who thereafter
      will not use such Final Memorandum until appropriately amended or
      supplemented) and will prepare, at the expense of the Company, an
      amendment or supplement to the Final Memorandum that corrects such


                                       30
<PAGE>

      statement or omission or effects such compliance; provided, however, that
      the Company's obligation hereunder shall not be applicable to the extent
      resale by the Initial Purchasers may be accomplished pursuant to a
      registration statement filed by the Company pursuant to the Registration
      Rights Agreement.

            (d) The Company will, without charge, provide to the Initial
      Purchasers and the Financial Advisor and to counsel to the Initial
      Purchasers and the Financial Advisor as many copies of the Preliminary
      Memorandum and the Final Memorandum or any amendment or supplement thereto
      as they may reasonably request.

            (e) The Company will apply the net proceeds from the sale of the
      Securities as set forth under "Use Of Proceeds" in the Final Memorandum.

            (f) For and during the period ending on the date no Securities are
      outstanding, the Company will furnish to the Initial Purchasers and the
      Financial Advisor copies of all reports and other communications
      (financial or otherwise) furnished by the Company to the holders of its
      securities generally and, promptly after available, copies of any reports
      or financial statements furnished to or filed by the Company with the
      Commission or any national securities exchange on which any class of
      securities of the Company may be listed.

            (g) None of the Company or any of its Affiliates will sell, offer
      for sale or solicit offers to buy or otherwise negotiate in respect of any
      "security" (as defined in the Act) which could be integrated with the sale
      of any of the Securities in a manner which would require the registration
      under the Act of any of the Securities.

            (h) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its
      Subsidiaries to, solicit any offer to buy or offer to sell the Securities
      by means of any form of general solicitation or general advertising (as
      those terms are used in Regulation D under the Act) or in any manner
      involving a public offering within the meaning of Section 4(2) of the Act.

            (i) For so long as any of the Securities remain outstanding and are
      "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) under the Act
      and not salable in full under Rule 144 under the Act (or any successor
      provision), the Company will make available, upon request, to any seller
      of such Securities the information specified in Rule 144A(d)(4) under the
      Act, unless the Company is then subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
      Exchange Act.


                                       31
<PAGE>

            (j) The Company will use its reasonable best efforts to (i) permit
      the Securities to be included for quotation on PORTAL and (ii) permit the
      Securities to be eligible for clearance and settlement through The
      Depository Trust Company.

            (k) During the period beginning from the date hereof and continuing
      until the Time of Purchase, the Company will not offer, sell, contract to
      sell or otherwise dispose of, except as provided in this Agreement, any
      securities of the Company that are substantially similar to the
      Securities, without the prior written consent of the Initial Purchasers.

            (l) The Company and the Guarantors will use their reasonable best
      efforts to do and perform all things required to be done and performed by
      them under this Agreement and the other Basic Documents prior to or after
      the Closing and to satisfy all conditions precedent on their part to the
      obligations of the Initial Purchasers to purchase and accept delivery of
      the Securities.

                                   ARTICLE VI.

                                      FEES

            Section 6.1. Costs, Expenses and Taxes. The Company and the
Guarantors agree, jointly and severally, to pay all costs and expenses incident
to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, whether or not the
transactions contemplated herein are consummated or this Agreement is terminated
pursuant to Section 8.2 hereof, including, but not limited to, all costs and
expenses incident to (i) its negotiation, preparation, printing, typing,
reproduction, execution and delivery of this Agreement and each of the other
Basic Documents, any amendment or supplement to or modification of any of the
foregoing and any and all other documents furnished pursuant hereto or thereto
or in connection herewith or therewith, (ii) any costs of printing the
Preliminary Memorandum and the Final Memorandum and any amendment or supplement
thereto (iii) all arrangements relating to the delivery to the Initial
Purchasers of copies of the foregoing documents, (iv) the fees and disbursements
of the counsel, the accountants and any other experts or advisors retained by
the Company, (v) preparation (including printing), issuance and delivery to the
Initial Purchasers of the Securities, including transfer agent fees, (vi) the
qualification of the Securities under state securities and "blue sky" laws,
including filing fees and reasonable fees and disbursements in connection with
such counsel's preparation of "blue sky" memoranda, not to exceed $5,000, of
counsel to the Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor relating thereto,
(vii) its respective expenses and the cost of any private or chartered jets in
connection with any meetings with prospective investors in the Securities,
(viii) fees and expenses of the Trustee, including fees and expenses of 


                                       32
<PAGE>

counsel to the Trustee, (ix) all expenses and listing fees incurred in
connection with the application for quotation of the Securities on PORTAL, (x)
any fees charged by investment rating agencies for the rating of the Securities
and (xi) except as limited by Article VII, all costs and expenses (including,
without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses), if any, in
connection with the enforcement of this Agreement, the Securities or any other
agreement furnished pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or
therewith. In addition, the Company and the Guarantors shall pay, jointly and
severally, any and all stamp, transfer and other similar taxes (but excluding
any income, franchise, personal property, ad valorem or gross receipts taxes)
payable or determined to be payable in connection with the execution and
delivery of this Agreement, any of the other Basic Documents or the issuance of
the Securities, and shall save and hold the Initial Purchasers and the Financial
Advisor harmless from and against any and all liabilities with respect to or
resulting from any delay in paying, or omission to pay, such taxes (other than
if such delay is caused by the Initial Purchasers).

                                  ARTICLE VII.

                                    INDEMNITY

            Section 7.1. Indemnity.

            (a) Indemnification by the Company and the Guarantors. The Company
      and the Guarantors agree and covenant to jointly and severally hold
      harmless and indemnify the Initial Purchasers, the Financial Advisor and
      any director, officer, employee, agent or controlling Person of any of the
      foregoing from and against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and
      expenses (including expenses of investigation) to which the Initial
      Purchasers, the Financial Advisor and such Affiliates of the Initial
      Purchasers or the Financial Advisor may become subject arising out of or
      based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any
      material fact contained in the Memoranda and any amendments or supplements
      thereto, any documents filed with the Commission or any State Commission
      (collectively, the "Offering Materials") or arising out of or based upon
      the omission or alleged omission to state in any of the Offering Materials
      a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
      statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that the Company and
      the Guarantors shall not be liable under this paragraph (a) to the extent
      that such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arose out of or are based
      upon an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or
      omission made in any of the documents referred to in this paragraph (a) in
      reliance upon and in conformity with the information relating to the
      Initial Purchasers or the Financial Advisor 


                                       33
<PAGE>

      furnished in writing by the Initial Purchasers or the Financial Advisor
      for inclusion therein (or to the extent such losses, claims, damages or
      liabilities arose out of or are based upon a breach by an Initial
      Purchaser or the Financial Advisor for any representation or warranty
      contained in Section 3.2 of this Agreement); provided, further, that the
      Company and the Guarantors shall not be liable under this paragraph (a) to
      the extent that such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arose out of
      or are based upon an untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue
      statement or omission made in any Memoranda that is corrected in the Final
      Memorandum (or any amendment or supplement thereto) if the person
      asserting such loss, claim, damage or liability purchased Securities from
      the Initial Purchasers in reliance on such Memoranda but was not given the
      Final Memorandum (or any amendment or supplement thereto) on or prior to
      the confirmation of the sale of such Securities. The Company and the
      Guarantors further agree jointly and severally to reimburse the Initial
      Purchasers and the Financial Advisor for any reasonable legal and other
      expenses as they are incurred by it in connection with investigating,
      preparing to defend or defending any lawsuits, claims or other proceedings
      or investigations for which indemnification may be sought under this
      paragraph (a); provided that if the Company and the Guarantors reimburse
      an Initial Purchaser or the Financial Advisor hereunder for any expenses
      incurred in connection with a lawsuit, claim or other proceeding for which
      indemnification is sought, such Initial Purchaser or the Financial
      Advisor, as the case may be, hereby agrees to refund such reimbursement of
      expenses to the extent that the losses, claims, damages or liabilities
      arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or omission or alleged
      untrue statement or omission made in any of the documents referred to in
      this paragraph (a) in reliance upon and in conformity with the information
      relating to such Initial Purchaser or the Financial Advisor furnished in
      writing by such Initial Purchaser or the Financial Advisor for inclusion
      therein (or for a breach by such Initial Purchaser of any representation
      or warranty contained in this Agreement). The Company and the Guarantors
      further agree that the indemnification, contribution and reimbursement
      commitments set forth in this Article VII shall apply whether or not an
      Initial Purchaser or the Financial Advisor is a formal party to any such
      lawsuits, claims or other proceedings. The indemnity, contribution and
      expense reimbursement obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under
      this Article VII shall be in addition to any liability the Company may
      otherwise have.

            (b) Indemnification by the Initial Purchasers and the Financial
      Advisor. Each of the Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor agrees
      and covenants, severally and not jointly, to hold harmless and indemnify
      the Company and the 


                                       34
<PAGE>

      Guarantors and any director, officer, employee, agent or controlling
      Person of any of the foregoing from and against any losses, claims,
      damages, liabilities and expenses insofar as such losses, claims, damages,
      liabilities or expenses arise out of or are based upon any untrue
      statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in
      the Offering Materials, or any omission or alleged omission to state
      therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
      the statements therein not misleading, in each case to the extent, but
      only to the extent, that such untrue statement or omission was made in
      reliance upon and in conformity with the information relating to an
      Initial Purchaser or the Financial Advisor furnished in writing by such
      Initial Purchaser or the Financial Advisor for inclusion therein. The
      indemnity, contribution and expense reimbursement obligations of the
      Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor under this Article VII shall
      be in addition to any liability the Initial Purchasers or the Financial
      Advisor may otherwise have.

            (c) Procedure. If any Person shall be entitled to indemnity (each an
      "Indemnified Party"), such Indemnified Party shall give prompt written
      notice to the party or parties from which such indemnity is sought (each
      an "Indemnifying Party") of the commencement of any action, suit,
      investigation or proceeding, governmental or otherwise (a "Proceeding"),
      with respect to which such Indemnified Party seeks indemnification or
      contribution pursuant hereto; provided, however, that the failure so to
      notify the Indemnifying Parties shall not relieve the Indemnifying Parties
      from any obligation or liability except to the extent that the
      Indemnifying Parties have been prejudiced materially by such failure. The
      Indemnifying Parties shall have the right, exercisable by giving written
      notice to an Indemnified Party promptly after the receipt of written
      notice from such Indemnified Party of such Proceeding, to assume, at the
      Indemnifying Parties' expense, the defense of any such Proceeding, with
      counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party; provided,
      however, that an Indemnified Party or Parties (if more than one such
      Indemnified Party is named in any Proceeding) shall have the right to
      employ separate counsel in any such Proceeding and to participate in the
      defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the
      expense of such Indemnified Party or parties unless: (1) the Indemnifying
      Parties agree to pay such fees and expenses; or (2) the Indemnifying
      Parties fail promptly to assume the defense of such Proceeding or fail to
      employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party or
      Parties; or (3) the named parties to any such Proceeding (including any
      impleaded parties) include both such Indemnified Party or Parties and the
      Indemnifying Party or an Affiliate of the 


                                       35
<PAGE>

      Indemnifying Party and such Indemnified Parties, and the Indemnified
      Parties shall have been advised in writing by counsel that there may be
      one or more legal defenses available to such Indemnified Party or Parties
      that are different from or additional to those available to the
      Indemnifying Parties and in the reasonable judgment of such counsel it is
      advisable for such Indemnified Parties to employ separate counsel, in
      which case, if such Indemnified Party or Parties notifies the Indemnifying
      Parties in writing that it elects to employ separate counsel at the
      expense of the Indemnifying Parties, the Indemnifying Parties shall not
      have the right to assume the defense thereof with respect to the
      Indemnified Parties and such counsel shall be at the expense of the
      Indemnifying Parties, it being understood, however, that the Indemnifying
      Parties shall not, in connection with any one such Proceeding or separate
      but substantially similar or related Proceedings in the same jurisdiction,
      arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances, be liable
      for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys
      (together with appropriate local counsel) at any time for such Indemnified
      Party or Parties (which firm (and local counsel, if any) shall be
      designated in writing by such Indemnified Party or Parties), or for fees
      and expenses that are not reasonable. No Indemnified Party or Parties will
      settle any Proceeding without the consent of the Indemnifying Party or
      Parties (but such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). Each
      Indemnified Party shall use its best efforts to cooperate with the
      Indemnifying Parties in the defense of any such Proceeding. No
      Indemnifying Party shall, without the prior written consent of the
      Indemnified Party, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened
      Proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Party is or could have been
      or a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such
      Indemnified Party, unless such settlement (i) includes an unconditional
      release of such Indemnified Party from all liability or claims that are
      the subject of such Proceeding and (ii) does not include a statement as
      to, or an admission of, fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on
      behalf of any Indemnified Party.

            Section 7.2. Contribution. If for any reason the indemnification
provided for in Section 7.1 of this Agreement is unavailable to an Indemnified
Party, or insufficient to hold it harmless, in respect of any losses, claims,
damages, liabilities or expenses referred to therein, then each applicable
Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall
contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result
of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits received by the
Indemnifying Party on the one hand and the Indemnified Party on the other from
the offering of the Securities, but also the relative fault of the 


                                       36
<PAGE>

Indemnifying and Indemnified Parties in connection with the statements or
omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well
as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received
by the Indemnifying and Indemnified Parties shall be deemed to be in the same
proportion as the total proceeds from the offering of the Securities (net of
discounts but before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the
total discounts and commissions received by the Initial Purchasers (including
the amount thereof paid by the Initial Purchasers to the Financial Advisor). The
relative fault of the Indemnifying and Indemnified Parties shall be determined
by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue
statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a
material fact relates to information supplied by the Indemnifying or Indemnified
Parties and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and
opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The amount paid or
payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities
referred to above shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses
reasonably incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending
any such claim.

            The Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Initial
Purchasers and the Financial Advisor, on the other hand, agree that it would not
be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to the immediately preceding
paragraph were determined pro rata or per capita or by any other method of
allocation which does not take into account the equitable considerations
referred to in such paragraph. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Section 7.2, neither the Initial Purchasers nor the Financial Advisor shall be
obligated to make contributions hereunder that in the aggregate exceed the total
discounts, commissions and other compensation received by the Initial Purchasers
under this Agreement (or any such compensation received by the Financial Advisor
from the Initial Purchasers), less the aggregate amount of any damages that such
Initial Purchaser or the Financial Advisor, as the case may be, has otherwise
been required to pay by reason of the untrue or alleged untrue statements or a
breach of a representation or warranty or the omissions or alleged omissions to
state a material fact. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within
the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from
any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

            Section 7.3. Registration Rights. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in this Article VII, the indemnification and contribution provisions of
the Registration Rights Agreement shall govern any claim with respect thereto.


                                       37
<PAGE>

                                  ARTICLE VIII.

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

            Section 8.1. Survival of Provisions. The representations, warranties
and covenants of the Company, the Guarantors and their respective officers and
the Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor made herein, the indemnity and
contribution agreements contained herein and each of the provisions of Articles
VI, VII and VIII shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless
of (a) the investigation made by or on behalf of the Company or a Guarantor, the
Initial Purchasers or the Financial Advisor or any Indemnified Party, (b)
acceptance of any of the Securities and payment therefor, (c) any termination of
this Agreement or (d) disposition of the Securities by an Initial Purchaser
whether by redemption, exchange, sale or otherwise.

            Section 8.2. Termination. (a) This Agreement may be terminated in
the sole discretion of the Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor by
notice to the Company given prior to the Time of Purchase in the event that the
Company or any Guarantor shall have failed, refused or been unable to perform
all obligations and satisfy all conditions on its part to be performed or
satisfied hereunder at or prior thereto or, if at or prior to the Closing:

                  (i) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall have
            sustained any loss or interference with respect to its businesses or
            properties from fire, flood, hurricane, accident or other calamity,
            whether or not covered by insurance, or from any strike, labor
            dispute, slow down or work stoppage or any legal or governmental
            proceeding, which loss or interference, in the sole judgment of the
            Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor, has had or has a
            Material Adverse Effect, or there shall have been any event or
            development that, individually or in the aggregate, has or could be
            reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect (including
            without limitation a change in control of the Company or any of its
            Subsidiaries), except in each case as described in the Final
            Memorandum (exclusive of any amendment or supplement thereto);

                  (ii) trading in securities generally on the New York Stock
            Exchange, American Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq National Market
            shall have been suspended or minimum or maximum prices shall have
            been established on any such exchange or market;


                                       38
<PAGE>

                  (iii) a banking moratorium shall have been declared by New
            York or United States authorities;

                  (iv) there shall have been (A) an outbreak or escalation of
            hostilities between the United States and any foreign power, or (B)
            an outbreak or escalation of any other insurrection or armed
            conflict involving the United States or any other national or
            international calamity or emergency, or (C) any material change in
            the financial markets of the United States which, in the case of
            (A), (B) or (C) above and in the sole judgment of the Initial
            Purchasers and the Financial Advisor, makes it impracticable or
            inadvisable to proceed with the offering or the delivery of the
            Securities as contemplated by the Final Memorandum; or

                  (v) the Notes shall have been downgraded or placed on any
            "watch list" for possible downgrading by any nationally recognized
            statistical rating organization.

            (b) Termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.2 shall
      be without liability of any party to any other party except as provided in
      Section 8.1 hereof. If for any reason the Securities are not delivered by
      or on behalf of the Company as provided herein (other than by reason of a
      failure by the Initial Purchasers to purchase the Securities after
      satisfaction of all the conditions set forth in Section 4.1 hereof), in
      addition to any liability the Company may have as provided in Section 8.1
      hereof, the Company will reimburse the Initial Purchasers for all
      out-of-pocket expenses approved in writing by them including fees and
      disbursements of counsel, reasonably incurred by the Initial Purchasers in
      making preparations for the purchase, sale and delivery of the Securities.

            Section 8.3. No Waiver; Modifications in Writing. No failure or
delay on the part of the Company, a Guarantor or the Initial Purchasers or the
Financial Advisor in exercising any right, power or remedy hereunder shall
operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any
such right, power or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or
the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. The remedies provided for
herein are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies that may be
available to the Company, a Guarantor or the Initial Purchasers or the Financial
Advisor at law or in equity or otherwise. No waiver of or consent to any
departure by the Company, a Guarantor or the Initial Purchasers or the Financial
Advisor from any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless signed in
writing by the party entitled to the benefit thereof, provided that notice of
any such waiver shall be given to each party hereto as set forth below. Except
as 


                                       39
<PAGE>

otherwise provided herein, no amendment, modification or termination of any
provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless signed in writing by or on
behalf of each of the Company, the Guarantors, the Initial Purchasers or the
Financial Advisor. Any amendment, supplement or modification of or to any
provision of this Agreement, any waiver of any provision of this Agreement, and
any consent to any departure by the Company, a Guarantor, the Initial Purchasers
or the Financial Advisor from the terms of any provision of this Agreement,
shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose
for which made or given. Except where notice is specifically required by this
Agreement, no notice to or demand on the Company or a Guarantor in any case
shall entitle the Company or a Guarantor to any other or further notice or
demand in similar or other circumstances.

            Section 8.4. Information Supplied by the Initial Purchasers and the
Financial Advisor. The statements set forth in the third paragraph, the second
and third sentences of the fourth paragraph, the fourth sentence of the sixth
paragraph and the ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth paragraphs under the
heading "Plan of Distribution" in the Final Memorandum (to the extent such
statements relate to such Initial Purchaser or the Financial Advisor) constitute
the only information furnished by the Initial Purchasers and the Financial
Advisor to the Company for the purposes of Sections 3.1(a) and 7.1(a) and (b)
hereof.

            Section 8.5. Communications. All notices, demands and other
communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing, and, (a) if to the
Initial Purchasers or the Financial Advisor, shall be given by registered or
certified mail, return receipt requested, telex, telegram, telecopy, courier
service or personal delivery, addressed to CIBC Oppenheimer Corp., 425 Lexington
Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, New York 10017, Attention: Neil Wiesenberg, with a
copy to Willkie Farr & Gallagher, One Citicorp Center, 153 East 53rd Street, New
York, New York 10022, Attention: Laurence D. Weltman, Esq., and (b) if to the
Company or a Guarantor, shall be given by similar means to Morris Material
Handling, Inc., 315 W. Forest Hill Avenue, Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154,
Attention: Martin L. Ditkof, General Counsel, with a copy to Akin, Gump,
Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP, 1333 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Suite 400,
Washington, D.C. 20036 Attention: Russell Parks, Esq. In each case notices,
demands and other communications shall be deemed given when received.

            Section 8.6. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be
executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto on
separate counterparts, each of which counterparts, when so executed and
delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which counterparts,
taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Agreement.


                                       40
<PAGE>

            Section 8.7. Successors. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit
of and be binding upon the Initial Purchasers, the Financial Advisor, the
Company, the Guarantors and their respective successors and legal
representatives, and nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is
intended or shall be construed to give any other Person any legal or equitable
right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement, or any provisions
herein contained; this Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof being
intended to be and being for the sole and exclusive benefit of such Persons and
for the benefit of no other Person except that (i) the indemnities of the
Company and the Guarantors contained in Section 7.1(a) of this Agreement shall
also be for the benefit of the directors, officers, employees and agents of the
Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor and any Person or Persons who
control the Initial Purchasers or the Financial Advisor within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act and (ii) the indemnities
of the Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor contained in Section 7.1(b)
of this Agreement shall also be for the benefit of the Company, the Guarantors,
their respective directors, officers, employees and agents and any Person or
Persons who control the Company or a Guarantor within the meaning of Section 15
of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act. No purchaser of any Securities
from the Initial Purchasers will be deemed a successor because of such purchase.

            Section 8.8. Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A
CONTRACT MADE UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AND FOR ALL PURPOSES
SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF SAID STATE, WITHOUT REGARD TO
PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW.

            Section 8.9. Severability of Provisions. Any provision of this
Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to
such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or
unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or
affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other
jurisdiction.

            Section 8.10. Headings. The Article and Section headings and Table
of Contents used or contained in this Agreement are for convenience of reference
only and shall not affect the construction of this Agreement.


                                       41
<PAGE>

           IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be duly executed as of the date first written above.

                                   MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

                                   By: /s/ David D. Smith
                                      ---------------------------------
                                      Name: David D. Smith
                                      Title: Vice President

                                   BIRMINGHAM CRANE & HOIST, INC.
                                   CMH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC
                                   EPH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC
                                   HARNISCHFEGER DISTRIBUTION & SERVICE, LLC
                                   HPH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC
                                   MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC
                                   MHE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
                                   MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING, INC.
                                   MPH CRANE, INC.
                                   NPH MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.
                                   PHME SERVICE, INC.
                                   PHMH HOLDING COMPANY
                                   HERCULES S.A. de C.V.
                                   HYDRAMACH ULC
                                   KAVERIT STEEL AND CRANE ULC
                                   MONDEL ULC
                                   MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING PTY. LTD.
                                   LOWFILE LIMITED
                                   INVERCOE ENGINEERING LIMITED
                                   BUTTERS ENGINEERING LIMITED
                                   MMH (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
                                   MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING LIMITED
                                   MMH INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
                                   REDCROWN, ULC
                                   SPH CRANE & HOIST, INC.
                                   MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, LTD.
                                   MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT NEVADA
                                   CORPORATION
                                   MHE CANADA, ULC
                                   MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC
                                   3014794 NOVA SCOTIA ULC


                                   By: /s/ David D. Smith
                                      ---------------------------------
                                      Name: David D. Smith
                                      Title: Vice President


                                       42
<PAGE>

                                   The foregoing Agreement is hereby confirmed
                                   and accepted as of the date first written
                                   above:

                                   INITIAL PURCHASERS:

                                   CIBC OPPENHEIMER CORP.

                                   By: /s/ Neil Weisenberg
                                      ---------------------------------
                                      Name: Neil Weisenberg
                                      Title: Managing Director

                                   GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.

                                   By: /s/ Goldman, Sachs & Co.
                                      ---------------------------------
                                      Name: Goldman, Sachs & Co.
                                      Title:

                                   FINANCIAL ADVISOR:

                                   INDOSUEZ CAPITAL

                                   By: Kenneth J. Kencel
                                      ---------------------------------
                                      Name: Kenneth J. Kencel
                                      Title: Managing Director


                                       43
<PAGE>

                                                                      SCHEDULE I

                                                   PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
INITIAL PURCHASER                              OF NOTES TO BE PURCHASED
- -----------------                              ------------------------

CIBC OPPENHEIMER CORP.                                170,000,000

GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.                                   30,000,000

                                                     -------------
Total                                                $200,000,000


<PAGE>

                                                                     SCHEDULE II

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Outstanding
                                Capital                            Percentage of
Subsidiaries                   Interests               Holder       Class Held
- ------------                   ---------               ------       ----------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3016674 Nova Scotia                               Morris Material
ULC                                               Handling, LLC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Birmingham Crane &               10,000           PHMH Holding Company
Hoist, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Butters Engineering              100,000          Invercoe
Services Limited                                  Engineering Limited
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morris Material                                   MHE Canada, ULC
Handling, LLC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CMH Material                                      Harnischfeger         99%
Handling, LLC                                     Distribution &
                                                  Service, LLC
                                                  PHME Service, Inc.    1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EPH Material Handling,                            Harnischfeger         99%
LLC                                               Distribution &
                                                  Service, LLC
                                                  PHME Service, Inc.    1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harnischfeger                                     Material Handling     99%
Distribution &                                    Equipment Nevada
Service, LLC                                      Corporation
                                                  PHME Service, Inc.    1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hercules S.A. de C.V.      8,000 common           Morris Material
                           28,610 variable        Handling, Inc.
                           3,624,390 unlimited    PHME Holding 
                                                  Company
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HPH Material                                      Harnischfeger         99%
Handling, LLC                                     Distribution &
                                                  Service, LLC
                                                  PHME Service, Inc.    1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hydramach ULC                      1              3014794 Nova Scotia
                                                  ULC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invercoe Engineering       100,000 ordinary       Lowfile Limited
Ltd.                       14,286A ordinary
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaverit Steel & Crane      20 common              3014794 Nova Scotia
ULC                                               ULC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Linear Motors Limited                100          Morris Mechanical
                                                  Handling Ltd.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lowfile Limited                      100          RedCrown, ULC

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Material Handling          100 common             PHMH Holding Company
Equipment Nevada
Corporation
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<PAGE>

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Outstanding
                                Capital                            Percentage of
Subsidiaries                   Interests               Holder       Class Held
- ------------                   ---------               ------       ----------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Material Handling, LLC                            Morris Material       100%
                                                  Handling, Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MHE Technologies, Inc.     1,000 common           PHMH Holding Company  100%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MHE Canada ULC                                    Morris Material       100%
                                                  Handling, Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morris Material                                   Morris Material       100%
Handling, Ltd.                                    Handling, Inc.
                                                  
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MMH (Holdings) Ltd.        175,000 ordinary       Lowfile Limited       100%
                           775,000 A ordinary     
                           37,975,000 B ordinary                              
                           10,725,000 C           Harnischfeger
                           preferred..            Holdings Ltd.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MMH International Ltd.          3,776,471         MMH (Holdings) Ltd.   100%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mondel ULC                 8,600 common           3014794 Nova Scotia   100%
                                                  ULC
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morris Blooma Pte Ltd.           37,500           PHMH Holding Co.      85%
                                 56,250           Soh Heng Keow
                                 56,250           Tan Lee Peng
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morris Material                                   MMH Holdings, Inc.    100%
Handling, Inc.                                    
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morris Mechanical                 1,000           MMH International     100%
Handling, Inc.                                    Limited
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morris Mechanical          9,949,678 ordinary     MMH (Holdings) Ltd.   100%
Handling, Ltd.             300,000 cum preferred
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morris Mechanical                    200          MMH International     100%
Handling, Pty Ltd.                                Ltd.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MPH Crane, Inc.            450 non-voting         PHMH Holding Co.      100%
                           50 voting              
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPH Material Handling,               98           Material Handling     100%
Inc.                                              Equipment Nevada
                                                  Corp.
                                      2           PHME Service, Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P&H Middle East Ltd.                  1           PHMH Holding Co.      100%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHME Service, Inc.         100 common             PHMH Holding Co.      100%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHMH Holding Co.           350 class A voting     Morris Material       100%
                           250 class B            Handling, Inc.
                           non-voting             
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RedCrown, ULC                                     Morris Material       99.9%
                                                  Handling, Ltd.
                                                  Morris Material
                                                  Handling, Inc.        0.1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royce Ltd.                 2 ordinary             Morris Mechanical     100%
                                                  Handling Limited
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPH Crane & Hoist, Inc.                           PHMH Holding Company  100%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                       2
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Outstanding
                                Capital                            Percentage of
Subsidiaries                   Interests               Holder       Class Held
- ------------                   ---------               ------       ----------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inc.                                              Company 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.K. Crane Services        2 ordinary             Morris Mechanical     100%
Ltd.                                              Handling Limited
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vaughan Crane Co.          2 ordinary             Morris Mechanical     100%
                                                  Handling Limited
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                       3


                                                                [Execution Copy]

                           RECAPITALIZATION AGREEMENT

                                      AMONG

                            HARNISCHFEGER CORPORATION
                            THE SELLERS NAMED HEREIN
                                       AND
                              MHE INVESTMENTS, INC.

                                January 28, 1998
<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                            Page

Section 1.    Definitions......................................................1

Section 2.    Purchase and Sale of Company Shares.............................18
       (a)    Recapitalization Transaction....................................18
       (b)    The Closing.....................................................20
       (c)    Pre-Closing Transactions........................................21
       (d)    Purchase Price Adjustment.......................................22
       (e)    Certain Actions in Connection with the Closing..................25
       (f)    Allocation of Purchase Price....................................26
       (g)    Excluded Liabilities; Contracts.................................27
       (h)    Treatment.......................................................28

Section 3.    Representations and Warranties Concerning the Transaction.......28
       (a)    Representations and Warranties of HarnCo and Sellers............28
       (b)    Representations and Warranties of Investor......................30

Section 4.    Representations and Warranties Concerning the Companies
               and their Subsidiaries.........................................33
       (a)    Organization, Qualification, and Corporate Power................33
       (b)    Capitalization..................................................34
       (c)    Noncontravention................................................35
       (d)    Brokers' Fees...................................................36
       (e)    Title to Assets.................................................36
       (f)    Subsidiaries....................................................36
       (g)    Financial Statements............................................37
       (h)    Subsequent Events...............................................38
       (i)    Legal Compliance................................................40
       (j)    Tax Matters.....................................................40
       (k)    Real Property...................................................42
       (l)    Intellectual Property...........................................44
       (m)    Contracts.......................................................45
       (n)    Litigation......................................................47
       (o)    Employee Benefits...............................................48
       (p)    Bonds...........................................................51
       (q)    Environmental Matters...........................................51
       (r)    Licenses and Authorizations.....................................53
       (s)    Labor and Employee Matters......................................53
       (t)    Insurance.......................................................55
       (u)    Certain Business Relationships with the Companies and their
              Subsidiaries....................................................55

                                       -i-
<PAGE>

       (v)    Foreign Corrupt Practices Act...................................56
       (w)    Condition of Assets.............................................56
       (x)    Disclosure......................................................56

Section 5.    Pre-Closing Covenants...........................................56
       (a)    General.........................................................56
       (b)    Notices and Consents............................................56
       (c)    Operation of Business...........................................57
       (d)    Preservation of Business........................................59
       (e)    Full Access.....................................................59
       (f)    Compensation....................................................59
       (g)    Notice of Developments..........................................60
       (h)    Exclusivity.....................................................60
       (i)    Insurance.......................................................60
       (j)    Notice of Litigation............................................61
       (k)    Performance of Agreements.......................................61
       (l)    No Solicitation.................................................61
       (m)    Tax Elections...................................................61
       (n)    Financing.......................................................61
       (o)    Exchange Proceeds...............................................61
       (p)    Interim Financial Statements....................................62
       (q)    Update by Investor..............................................62
       (r)    Knowing Breach..................................................62
       (s)    Collective Bargaining Agreements................................62
       (t)    Joinder.........................................................63

Section 6.    Post-Closing Covenants..........................................63
       (a)    General.........................................................63
       (b)    Records; Employees..............................................64
       (c)    Employees and Employee Benefit Matters..........................65
       (d)    Tax Matters.....................................................70
       (e)    Transition......................................................74
       (f)    Concerning the Separation Agreement.............................74
       (g)    Insurance Arrangements..........................................74
       (h)    Concerning the Trademark Agreement..............................75
       (i)    Certain Purchasing Arrangements.................................75

Section 7.    Conditions to Obligation to Close...............................75
       (a)    Conditions to Obligation of Investor............................75
       (b)    Conditions to Obligation of HarnCo and Sellers..................77

Section 8.    Remedies for Breaches of this Agreement.........................79
       (a)    Survival of Representations and Warranties......................79

                                      -ii-
<PAGE>

       (b)    Indemnification Provisions for Benefit of Investor..............80
       (c)    Indemnification Provisions for Benefit of HarnCo and Sellers....82
       (d)    Tax Indemnification Provisions..................................83
       (e)    Indemnification Procedure.......................................84
       (f)    Remedy..........................................................86
       (g)    No Contribution From Company....................................86
       (h)    Calculation Methodology.........................................87

Section 9.    Termination.....................................................87
       (a)    Termination of Agreement........................................87
       (b)    Effect of Termination...........................................89

Section 10.   Miscellaneous...................................................89
       (a)    Certain Understandings of Investor..............................89
       (b)    Press Releases and Public Announcements.........................90
       (c)    No Third Party Beneficiaries....................................90
       (d)    Entire Agreement................................................90
       (e)    Succession and Assignment.......................................90
       (f)    Return of Information...........................................91
       (g)    No Personal Liability...........................................91
       (h)    Counterparts....................................................91
       (i)    Headings........................................................91
       (j)    Notices.........................................................91
       (k)    Governing Law...................................................92
       (l)    Amendments and Waivers..........................................92
       (m)    Severability....................................................93
       (n)    Expenses........................................................93
       (o)    Construction....................................................94
       (p)    Incorporation of Exhibits and Schedules.........................94
       (q)    Specific Performance............................................94
       (r)    Submission to Jurisdiction......................................94

                                      -iii-
<PAGE>

List of Exhibits

Exhibit A         -     Trademark Agreement
Exhibit B         -     Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement
Exhibit C         -     Separation Agreement
Exhibit D         -     Specified Employees
Exhibit E         -     Term Sheet for Stockholders Agreement
Exhibit F         -     Supply Agreement
Exhibit G         -     Transition Services Agreement
Exhibit H         -     Sellers' Opinion
Exhibit I         -     Investor's Opinion
Exhibit J         -     Preferred Stock Term Sheets
Exhibit K         -     Intentionally Omitted
Exhibit L         -     U.K. Pension Arrangements
Exhibit M         -     Net Assets Calculation
Exhibit N         -     Excluded Taxes
Exhibit O         -     Value of Assets
Exhibit P         -     Credit Indemnification Agreement
Exhibit Q         -     Assumption Agreement
Exhibit R         -     Employees Party to the Employment Agreements

Disclosure Schedule     - Exceptions to Representations and Warranties 
                          Concerning the Companies and their Subsidiaries

                                      -iv-
<PAGE>

                           RECAPITALIZATION AGREEMENT

            AGREEMENT entered into as of January 28, 1998, by and among MHE
Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Investor"), Harnischfeger
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("HarnCo"), and each of the Sellers (as
defined herein). Investor, HarnCo and Sellers are collectively referred to
herein as the "Parties." Other capitalized terms used herein are defined in
Section 1.

            WHEREAS, the MHE Business is owned and conducted by the Companies;

            WHEREAS, the Parties wish to enter into the transactions set forth
herein, pursuant to which, among other things, (i) MHE will acquire the
outstanding interests and capital stock of the other Companies; and (ii) HarnCo
and Investor will participate in a recapitalization of MHE; and

            WHEREAS, in connection with the Closing, MHE will license certain
trademarks and trade names from Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("HTI"), pursuant to the Trademark Agreement of even date herewith.

            NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual
promises herein made, and in consideration of the representations, warranties,
and covenants herein contained, the Parties agree as follows.

            Section 1. Definitions.

            "Adjusted Closing Balance Sheet" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2(d)(iv) below.

            "Adverse Consequences" means all actions, suits, proceedings,
investigations, charges, complaints, claims, injunctions, judgments, orders,
decrees, rulings, damages, dues, 
<PAGE>

hearings, penalties, fines, costs, reasonable amounts paid in settlement,
Liabilities, obligations, Taxes, liens, losses, expenses, and fees, including
court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses.

            "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, (a) any other Person
that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is
controlled by, or is under common control with, the first mentioned Person; (b)
any other Person who is a director, officer or general partner or is, directly
or indirectly, the beneficial owner of ten percent (10%) or more of any class of
equity securities, of the specified Person (but excluding any beneficial owner
of more than 10% of any class of equity securities of HII); (c) any other Person
of whom the specified Person is a director, officer or general partner or is,
directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of ten percent (10%) or more of any
class of equity securities; or (d) any relative of the specified Person. As used
in this definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings, "controlled
by" and "under common control with") shall mean possession, directly or
indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies
(whether through ownership of securities or partnership or other ownership
interests, by contract or otherwise). The foregoing notwithstanding, the
Companies and their Subsidiaries (and their other Affiliates) shall not be
considered Affiliates of HII, HarnCo or Sellers (or their Affiliates) from and
after the Closing.

            "Affiliated Group" means any affiliated group within the meaning of
Section 1504 of the Code (or any group defined under similar provision of state,
local or foreign law) of which any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries is a
member.

            "Applicable Rate" means the sum of (i) the six-month London
Interbank Offered Rate, as published from time to time in The Wall Street
Journal, plus (ii) 0.325%.

            "Asbestos Liabilities" means Liabilities arising in connection with
claims made or litigation brought by or on behalf of Persons before, on or after
the Closing Date alleging exposure to asbestos prior to the Closing in
connection with the MHE Business.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

            "Audit Fees" has the meaning set forth in Section 10(n) below.

            "Audited Financial Statements" has the meaning set forth in Section
4(g) below.

            "BCH" means Birmingham Crane & Hoist, Inc., an Alabama corporation.

            "BelCan" means Beloit Canada Ltd., a corporation organized under the
laws of Canada

            "Blooma" means Morris Blooma Pte., Ltd., a corporation organized
under the laws of Singapore, which was formerly known as Blooma Engineering
Pte., Ltd.

            "Brokers" has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(iv) below.

            "Business Assets" means all real, personal and mixed assets, both
tangible and intangible, which are used exclusively in the conduct of the MHE
Business. Business Assets shall include all such assets existing on the date of
this Agreement and all such assets acquired between the date hereof and the
Closing Date, but shall exclude any such assets (other than for purposes of
Exchange Proceeds) which are (x) disposed of between the date hereof and the
Closing Date in transactions consistent with the terms hereof or (y) are the
subject of a loss, casualty or condemnation between the date hereof and the
Closing Date.

            "Business Records" means any books, records or other information
relating to (i) the assets, Liabilities, business or affairs of the MHE Business
prior to the Closing or (ii) the transactions contemplated by the Transaction
Agreements.

            "Canada Newco" means a limited liability company to be organized
under the Laws of Delaware.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

            "Canada Newco Interests" means the limited liability company
membership interests of Canada Newco.

            "Cash" means cash and cash equivalents including marketable
securities and short term investments (but excluding Exchange Proceeds).

            "Chartwell Group" means the following persons: Todd R. Berman,
Michael S. Shein, Richard A. Keller and David A. Stonehill.

            "Closing" has the meaning set forth in Section 2(b)(i) below.

            "Closing Balance Sheet" has the meaning set forth in Section 2(d)(i)
below.

            "Closing Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 2(b)(i) below.

            "Closing Financial Data" has the meaning set forth in Section
2(d)(i) below.

            "COBRA" has the meaning set forth in Section 4(o)(v) below.

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

            "Commitment Letters" means the letters dated January 27, 1998 from
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Credit Agricole Indosuez pursuant to
which a syndicate of lenders is to provide $180 million of bank financing
subject to, and in accordance with, the terms and conditions thereof.

            "Companies" collectively means MHE, Redcrown, Hercules, Canada Newco
and MHE Technologies.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>

            "Company Shares" means the MHE Common Shares, the MHE Class C
Preferred Shares, the Redcrown Shares, the Hercules Shares and the Canada Newco
Interests.

            "Confidentiality Agreement" has the meaning set forth in Section
10(d) below.

            "Contract" means any contract, agreement or lease.

            "Credit Indemnification Agreement" means the Credit Indemnification
Agreement between HII and MHE substantially in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit P.

            "Current Employee" means any individual employed by any of the
Companies or their Subsidiaries on the Closing Date; provided, that Current
Employees shall be limited to individuals employed in the United States at such
time.

            "Current Employee Claims" has the meaning set forth in Section
6(c)(iv) below.

            "Disclosure Schedule" has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)
below.

            "Divestiture Bonus Agreements" means those certain Divestiture Bonus
Agreements referred to in Schedule 4(m)(iv) of the Disclosure Schedule.

            "Employee Benefit Plan" means any (a) nonqualified deferred
compensation or retirement plan or arrangement which is an Employee Pension
Benefit Plan, (b) qualified defined contribution retirement plan or arrangement
which is an Employee Pension Benefit Plan, (c) qualified defined benefit
retirement plan or arrangement which is an Employee Pension Benefit Plan, or (d)
Employee Welfare Benefit Plan.

            "Employee Pension Benefit Plan" has the meaning set forth in ERISA
Sec. 3(2).

            "Employee Welfare Benefit Plan" has the meaning set forth in ERISA
Sec. 3(1).

                                      -5-
<PAGE>

            "Employment Agreements" means the employment agreements in effect on
the date of this Agreement with the individuals listed on Exhibit R hereto,
copies of which have been furnished to Investor.

            "Encumbrance" means any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim,
easement, right of way, lease, occupancy, tenancy, option, warrant, purchase
right, charge, or security interest, other than, with respect to assets other
than shares, partnership interests and membership interests of the Companies and
their Subsidiaries, (a) mechanic's, materialmen's, and similar liens, (b) liens
for taxes not yet due and payable or for taxes that the taxpayer is contesting
in good faith through appropriate proceedings, (c) purchase money liens and
liens securing rental payments under capital lease arrangements, and (d) other
liens arising in the Ordinary Course of Business and not incurred in connection
with the borrowing of money (which other liens do not materially interfere with
the present use or value of the asset subject thereto).

            "End Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(c)(ix) below.

            "Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements" means, to the extent
enacted and in effect on or prior to the Closing Date, all federal, foreign,
state, provincial and local statutes, regulations, rules, ordinances, guidelines
having the force of law and policies having the force of law, and all court
orders and decrees and arbitration awards, which pertain to environmental
matters, including particulate emissions, pollution, effluent discharges,
Hazardous Substances, and the protection of the environment, or the health and
safety of workers or the general public, including but not limited to, the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; the Comprehensive Environment Response,
Compensation and Liability Act; the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization
Act; the Toxic Substances Control Act; the Hazardous Materials Transportation
Act; the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act; and the Hazard Communication
Standard.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>

            "Environmental Permits" means permits, licenses, registrations,
governmental approvals, agreements and consents that are required under
Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements.

            "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended.

            "Estimated Purchase Price Adjustment" has the meaning set forth in
Section 2(a)(iii) below.

            "Exchange Proceeds" means (i) any insurance proceeds payable on
account of the loss of or casualty to any Business Asset or Incidental Asset,
(ii) any proceeds from the taking of any Business Asset or Incidental Asset
pursuant to the power of eminent domain, (iii) any proceeds from the sale of
Business Assets or Incidental Assets outside of the Ordinary Course of Business
or (iv) proceeds from the sale of excess or obsolete assets which generate book
gains in excess of $500,000 in the aggregate; provided that the Gann Indemnity
Proceeds shall not be considered Exchange Proceeds.

            "Excluded Liabilities" means: (i) Excluded Taxes; (ii) Liabilities
for which HarnCo and its Affiliates are liable pursuant to Section 6(c) hereof;
(iii) Asbestos Liabilities; (iv) Liabilities retained by HarnCo under Section
4.3 of the Separation Agreement; (v) payments under the Divestiture Bonus
Agreements; (vi) Liabilities for which HarnCo or its Affiliates have been named
as a potentially responsible party with respect to the Marina Cliffs Superfund
Site in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the Muskego Landfill Superfund Site in
Muskego, Wisconsin; and (viii) Assumed Liabilities (as defined in the Separation
Agreement) if and to the extent such Assumed Liabilities did not result from,
arise out of or relate to the MHE Business as presently conducted or as
conducted in the past.

            "Excluded Taxes" has the meaning set forth on Exhibit N hereto.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>

            "Financing Shares" means MHE Common Shares, if any, or warrants to
purchase MHE Common Shares, if any, issued to purchasers of MHE Class A
Preferred Shares referred to in the Term Sheets.

            "Financing Shares Ratio" means a fraction (currently estimated to be
0.053), the numerator of which is the value of the Financing Shares (currently
estimated to be $2.4 million) and the denominator of which is $45,000,000.

            "Former Employee" means any individual employed by any of the
Companies or their Subsidiaries (or any predecessor thereto) prior to but not on
the Closing Date; provided, that Former Employees shall be limited to
individuals previously employed in the United States.

            "GAAP" means United States generally accepted accounting principles
as in effect from time to time.

            "Gann Indemnity Proceeds" has the meaning set forth in Section
6(d)(viii) below.

            "Governmental Agency" means any court or federal, state, municipal
or other government or governmental or quasi-governmental agency, authority,
department, commission, board, agency or instrumentality, foreign or domestic,
or any employee or agent thereof.

            "Guaranty" means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any
Person guaranteeing any Indebtedness or obligation of any other Person in any
manner, whether directly or indirectly, including any obligation of such Person,
direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the
purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or to purchase (or to advance or
supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment of such
Indebtedness, (ii) to purchase property, securities or services for the express
purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof, or
(iii) to maintain the working capital, equity capital or other financial
statement condition of any primary obligor; provided, however, that the term

                                      -8-
<PAGE>

Guaranty shall not include endorsement of instruments for deposit and collection
in the ordinary course of business.

            "HarnCo" has the meaning set forth in the preface above.

            "HarnCo Indemnitees" has the meaning set forth in Section 8(c)(i).

            "Harnischfeger Savings Plan" has the meaning set forth in Section
6(c)(vi)(A) below.

            "Hazardous Substances" means any hazardous substance, regulated
substance, hazardous or toxic waste, hazardous material, noise, pollutant or
contaminant, as those or similar terms are used in the Environmental, Health and
Safety Requirements and shall include, without limitation, asbestos and
asbestos-related products, nuclear waste, radon, chlorofluorocarbons, oils or
petroleum-derived compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides and other
substances defined, listed or regulated under the Environmental, Health and
Safety Requirements.

            "HCHC" means HCHC, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

            "HDS" means Harnischfeger Distribution & Service, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company.

            "HDS Subsidiaries" collectively means HPH Material Handling, LLC,
EPH Material Handling, LLC and CMH Material Handling, LLC.

            "Hercules" means Hercules S.A. de C.V., a corporation organized
under the laws of Mexico.

            "Hercules Shares" means the shares of common stock and variable
capital stock of 

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

Hercules.

            "HII" means Harnischfeger Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

            "HII Note" means those certain promissory notes payable by Lowfile
Limited to HII.

            "HK Agreement" means an agreement to become bound by the provisions
of (i) that certain Noncompetition Agreement dated as of October 28, 1993 by and
among HEI Acquisition, Inc., HII and Harnischfeger Engineers, Inc. (as and to
the extent required by Section 2(b) thereof) and (ii) that certain HC Closing
Agreement dated as of October 28, 1993 by and among HII, HarnCo and
Harnischfeger Engineers, Inc. (as and to the extent required by Section 2.7
thereof).

            "HMH" means Harnischfeger Mexico Holdings S.A. de C.V., a
corporation organized under the laws of Mexico.

            "HSR Act" means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of
1976, as amended.

            "HTI" has the meaning set forth in the preface above.

            "Incidental Assets" means all assets (other than Business Assets)
included in the Most Recent Balance Sheet or the fixed asset ledgers of the
Companies or their Subsidiaries. Incidental Assets shall include all such assets
existing on the date of this Agreement and on the Closing Date, but shall
exclude any such assets (other than for purposes of Exchange Proceeds) which are
(x) disposed of between the date hereof and the Closing Date in transactions
consistent with the terms hereof or (y) are the subject of a loss, casualty or
condemnation between the date hereof and the Closing Date.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

            "Income Taxes" means any Tax (including, without limitation, in the
case of the United Kingdom, corporation Tax), levy or other charge or assessment
based in whole or in part upon or calculated with reference to the income (as
defined for the purposes of any Tax legislation), profits or gains (including
capital gains) of any description or from any source, net worth or capital of an
entity, and any other Tax levied in lieu thereof or with respect to any returns
or report therefor, and all interest, penalties, charges and additions thereto,
whether disputed or not.

            "Indebtedness" of any Person means, without duplication: (a) all
obligations of such Person for borrowed money and purchase money indebtedness
(in each case, whether or not full recourse), (b) all obligations of such Person
evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all Guaranties
by such Person of obligations of another Person which would constitute
Indebtedness of such other Person (other than a wholly-owned Subsidiary
thereof); and (d) all lease obligations, but only to the extent, if any, that
such lease obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as
capital leases on a balance sheet of such Person as of such date computed in
accordance with GAAP.

            "Indemnified Party" has the meaning set forth in Section 8(e)(i)
below.

            "Indemnifying Party" has the meaning set forth in Section 8(e)(i)
below.

            "Intellectual Property" has the meaning set forth in Section 4(l)(i)
below.

            "Intercompany Debt" means any and all debts owed between (A) any of
the Companies and their respective Subsidiaries, and (B) HII and its Affiliates,
excluding the entities described in clause (A).

            "Investor" has the meaning set forth in the preface above.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>

            "Investor Indemnitees" has the meaning set forth in Section 8(b)(i)
below.

            "Investor Notice" has the meaning set forth in Section 5(q) below.

            "Knowing Breach" has the meaning set forth in Section 5(r).

            "Knowledge" means actual knowledge.

            "Liabilities" means all obligations, indebtedness, commitments, and
other items constituting "liabilities" under GAAP, and any other known or
unknown obligations or liabilities.

            "Licenses" means all licenses, franchises, authorizations, permits,
approvals and other governmental authorizations owned, leased or held and used
by HarnCo, the Sellers, the Companies or any of their Subsidiaries in connection
with the ownership and operation of the MHE Business, together with any
renewals, extensions or modifications thereof and additions thereto between the
date hereof and the Closing Date (but giving effect to any Licenses which expire
or are surrendered which are not necessary for the continued conduct of the MHE
Business).

            "Local 1114" has the meaning set forth in Section 5(s) below.

            "Material Adverse Effect" means any material and adverse effect upon
the business, assets, Liabilities or financial condition of the MHE Business,
taken as a whole, or upon the ability of HarnCo or Sellers to perform in any
material respect their respective obligations under the Transaction Agreements.

            "MHE" means Material Handling Equipment, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

            "MHE Business" means (i) the original equipment business for
industrial cranes, 

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

hoists, winches, and other related types of industrial "through-the-air"
material handling equipment, (ii) aftermarket products, parts and services for
the products described in clause (i), including inspection, repair,
modernization and maintenance, and (iii) other service activities conducted at
Material Handling Service Center locations. Except in the definition of the term
"Excluded Liabilities," references to the MHE Business shall refer to the MHE
Business as performed by or through HII and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates on
the date hereof and the Closing Date.

            "MHE Canada" means a company to be organized under the laws of
Canada and a wholly-owned subsidiary of MHE.

            "MHE Class A Preferred Shares" means the Class A Preferred Stock,
par value $0.01 per share, of MHE which will (i) be authorized and issued
following the date of this Agreement in connection with the Investor's financing
of the transaction contemplated hereby and (ii) have the terms described on
Exhibit J-1.

            "MHE Class B Preferred Shares" means the Class B Preferred Stock,
par value $0.01 per share, of MHE which will (i) be authorized and issued
following the date of this Agreement and (ii) have the terms described on
Exhibit J-2.

            "MHE Class C Preferred Shares" means the Class C Preferred Stock,
par value $0.01 per share, of MHE which will (i) be authorized and issued
following the date of this Agreement and (ii) have the terms described on
Exhibit J-3.

            "MHE Common Shares" means the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of MHE.

            "MHE Defined Contribution Plan" has the meaning set forth in Section
6(c)(vi)(A) below.

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

            "MHE Nevada" means Material Handling Equipment Nevada Corporation, a
Nevada corporation.

            "MHE Technologies" means MHE Technologies, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

            "MHE U.K." means a company to be organized under the laws of the
United Kingdom and a wholly-owned subsidiary of MHE.

            "Most Recent Balance Sheet" means the October 31, 1997 balance sheet
contained in the Audited Financial Statements.

            "MPH" means MPH Crane, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

            "Net Assets" means the net amount of the balance sheet line items
listed in Exhibit M hereto.

            "Neutral Auditors" has the meaning set forth in Section 2(d)(iv)
below.

            "New Subsidiary" means a new wholly-owned Subsidiary of MHE to be
formed after the date of this Agreement.

            "Non-Competition Agreement" means the Confidentiality and
Non-Competition Agreement between HII and MHE substantially in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit B.

            "Non-U.S. Employee Benefit Plan" means any non-U.S. (A) pension,
welfare benefit or deferred compensation plan or scheme (including all Non-U.S.
Pension Plans) or (B) other employee benefit plan, policy or arrangement,
whether or not Tax-qualified, Tax-exempt or otherwise Tax-favored under the laws
of the applicable non-U.S. (federal or state) Governmental 

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

Agency.

            "Non-U.S. Pension Plan" means any plan, scheme, policy or
arrangement which provides pension or retirement benefits and which is intended
to be Tax-qualified, Tax-exempt, or otherwise Tax-favored under the laws of any
non-U.S. (federal or state) Governmental Agency.

            "NPH" means NPH Material Handling, Inc., a Michigan corporation.

            "Ordinary Course of Business" means the ordinary course of business
consistent with past custom and practice.

            "Party" has the meaning set forth in the preface above (as qualified
by Section 5(t) below).

            "Person" means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, an
association, a joint stock company, a body corporate, a limited liability
company, an unlimited liability company, a trust, a joint venture, an
unincorporated organization, or a governmental entity (or any department,
agency, or political subdivision thereof).

            "PHME" means PHME Service, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

            "PHMH" means PHMH Holding Company, a Delaware corporation.

            "Pre-Closing Transactions" has the meaning set forth in Section 2(c)
below.

            "RCHH" means RCHH, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

            "Redcrown" means Redcrown, ULC, an unlimited liability company
organized under the laws of the United Kingdom.

                                      -15-
<PAGE>

            "Redcrown Shares" means the ordinary shares of Redcrown.

            "Redemption Price" has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(ii)
below.

            "Resolution Period" has the meaning set forth in Section 2(d)(iii)
below.

            "RYL" means RYL, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

            "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

            "Section 338(h)(10) Election" has the meaning set forth in Section
6(d)(v)(A) below.

            "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

            "Sellers" means RCHH, RYL, HCHC, HMH and BelCan.

            "Separation Agreement" means the Separation Agreement between HarnCo
and Material Handling, LLC dated as of October 26, 1997 and attached hereto as
Exhibit C.

            "Specified Employees" means the persons listed on Exhibit D.

            "Stockholders Agreement" means a Stockholders and Registration
Rights Agreement among MHE, HarnCo and the Investor containing the terms set
forth in Exhibit E hereto.

            "Subsidiary" means any corporation or other form of entity with
respect to which a specified Person (or a Subsidiary thereof), directly or
indirectly, owns a majority of the common stock or other voting interests, or,
directly or indirectly, has the power to vote or direct the voting 

                                      -16-
<PAGE>

of sufficient securities to elect a majority of the directors of such
corporation or entity. For the avoidance of doubt, Material Handling, LLC shall
be considered a Subsidiary of MHE for purposes of this Agreement.

            "Supply Agreement" means the Component and Manufactured Products
Supply Agreement among HarnCo and the Companies substantially in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit F.

            "Tax" or "Taxes" means all forms of taxation and includes (without
limitation) any federal, state, governmental, local, or foreign income
(including income tax or amounts for or on account of income tax required to be
deducted or withheld from or accounted for in respect of any payment), gross
receipts, corporation, advance corporation, license, payroll, employment,
excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profits, environmental
(including taxes under Code Section 59A), customs duties, capital stock,
franchise, profits, withholding, social security (or similar), unemployment,
disability, real property, personal property, sales, use, transfer,
registration, value added, alternative or add-on minimum, estimated, capital
gains, development land, inheritance, national insurance contributions, capital
duty, landfill, stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax, secondary tax on
companies, duties of customs and excise, petroleum revenue tax, all taxes,
duties or charges replaced by or replacing any of them, and all levies, imposts,
duties, charges or withholdings of any nature whatsoever chargeable by any Tax
Authority, and any payment whatsoever which the Companies or any of their
Subsidiaries may be or become bound to make to any Person as a result of the
discharge by that Person of any tax which the Companies or any of their
Subsidiaries has failed to discharge, together with all penalties, charges and
interest relating to any of the foregoing or to any late or incorrect return in
respect of any of them, and regardless of whether any such taxes, levies,
duties, imposts, charges, withholdings, penalties and interest are chargeable
directly or primarily against or attributable directly or primarily to the
Companies, any of their Subsidiaries or any other Person.

            "Tax Audit" means any audit, examination or other proceeding
conducted by a Tax 

                                      -17-
<PAGE>

Authority with respect to Taxes of a Person for which a separate notice of
audit, examination or proceeding is issued.

            "Tax Authority" means any taxing or other authority (whether within
or outside the United States) competent to impose any Tax.

            "Tax Return" means any return, declaration, report, claim for
refund, or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any
schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.

            "Termination Date" shall mean the latest to occur of (i) December
31, 2007 or (ii) 60 days after the expiration of the statute of limitations
period (including extensions) relating to the records or matter in question.

            "Term Sheets" means the Term Sheets dated January 27, 1998 from CIBC
Oppenheimer Corp. outlining the terms and conditions of an offering of $175
million of subordinated debt and $45 million of MHE Class A Preferred Shares.

            "Third Party Claim" has the meaning set forth in Section 8(e)(i)
below.

            "Trademark Agreement" means the Trademark License Agreement between
HTI and MHE substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.

            "Transaction Agreements" means this Agreement, the Trademark
Agreement, the Non-Competition Agreement, the Separation Agreement, the
Stockholders Agreement, the Supply Agreement, the Transition Services Agreement,
the Assumption Agreement, the Credit Indemnification Agreement and the HK
Agreement.

            "Transfer Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 6(c)(vi)(B)
below.

                                      -18-
<PAGE>

            "Transition Services Agreement" means the Transition Services
Agreement among HarnCo and the Companies substantially in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit G.

            "U.S. Entities" collectively means MHE, PHMH, BCH, PHME, MHE Nevada,
MHE Technologies, MPH, the New Subsidiary, NPH, HDS and the HDS Subsidiaries.

            "Unresolved Changes" has the meaning set forth in Section 2(d)(iv)
below.

            Section 2. Purchase and Sale of Company Shares

            (a) Recapitalization Transaction. On and subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the Parties will consummate the following
transactions at the Closing:

                  (i) The New Subsidiary shall redeem from MHE shares of the New
            Subsidiary's capital stock, the proceeds of which shall be used by
            MHE as partial funding for the transactions described in Sections
            2(a)(ii) and (iii) below.

                  (ii) MHE shall redeem from HarnCo for a price of $282 million:

                        (A)   that number of MHE Class C Preferred Shares
                              (currently estimated to be 1,600 MHE Class C
                              Preferred Shares) equal to the product of (x)
                              30,000 and (y) the Financing Shares Ratio; and

                        (B)   that number of MHE Common Shares (currently
                              estimated to be 88,176 MHE Common Shares) equal to
                              88,679.245 less (x) the number of MHE Class C
                              Preferred Shares redeemed pursuant to Section

                                      -19-
<PAGE>

                              2(a)(ii)(A) above (currently estimated to be 1,600
                              MHE Class C Preferred Shares) multiplied by (y)
                              $1,000 divided by (z) $3,180.

            The price paid pursuant to this Section 2(a)(ii) (the "Redemption
            Price") shall be payable by wire transfer of immediately available
            funds.

                  (iii) MHE shall pay to HarnCo $5 million in immediately
            available funds as an estimate of the adjustment to the Redemption
            Price to be made pursuant to Section 2(d) hereof (the "Estimated
            Purchase Price Adjustment").

                  (iv) MHE shall redeem from HarnCo that number of MHE Common
            Shares (currently estimated to be 1,488 MHE Common Shares) equal to
            1,572.327 multiplied by the difference of (a) 1 (one) less (b) the
            Financing Shares Ratio, in exchange for MHE Class B Preferred Shares
            having a face value (currently estimated to be $4,733,333) of $5.0
            million multiplied by the difference of (a) 1 (one) less (b) the
            Financing Shares Ratio.

                  (v) Investor shall purchase from HarnCo:

                        (A)   7,547.170 MHE Common Shares for $24 million;

                        (B)   that number of MHE Common Shares (currently
                              estimated to be 503 MHE Common Shares) equal to
                              (x) 9,433.962 multiplied by (y) the Financing
                              Shares Ratio, in exchange for that amount
                              (currently estimated to be $1.6 million) equal to
                              the product of (a) $30 million and (b) the
                              Financing Shares Ratio; and

                                      -20-
<PAGE>

                        (C)   that number of MHE Class C Preferred Shares
                              (currently estimated to be 28,400) equal to 30,000
                              MHE Class C Preferred Shares times the difference
                              of (x) 1 (one) less (y) the Financing Shares
                              Ratio, in exchange for that amount equal to the
                              product of (a) $1,000 and (b) the number of MHE
                              Class C Preferred Shares purchased by Investor
                              pursuant to this Section 2(a)(v)(C).

The cash price paid pursuant to this Section 2(a)(v) shall be payable by wire
transfer of immediately available funds.

            (b) The Closing.

                  (i) Closing Transactions. The closing of the transactions
            contemplated by Section 2(a) above (the "Closing") shall take place
            at the offices of Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago, Illinois or such
            other place as the Investor's financing sources shall require,
            commencing at 9:00 a.m. local time on February 27, 1998 (or, if
            later, the second business day following the satisfaction or waiver
            of all conditions to the obligations of the Parties to consummate
            the transactions contemplated hereby (other than conditions with
            respect to actions the respective Parties will take at the Closing
            itself)) (the "Closing Date").

                  (ii) Post-Closing Transactions. MHE and one of its
            Subsidiaries shall purchase all of the Hercules Shares from HCHC and
            HMH for an aggregate price of $2 million payable in immediately
            available funds. Such price shall be paid to HCHC and HMH pro rata
            based on their ownership of the Hercules Shares.

            (c) Pre-Closing Transactions. Prior to the Closing Date, HarnCo and
Sellers 

                                      -21-
<PAGE>

shall cause the following transactions to be consummated (the "Pre-Closing
Transactions"):

                  (i) HarnCo shall contribute to MHE cash (in Pounds Sterling
      and U.S. or Canadian Dollars) in amounts sufficient to consummate the
      transactions set forth in Section 2(b)(ii) above and Sections 2(c)(ii),
      (iii), (iv) and (v) below.

                  (ii) MHE shall loan Pounds Sterling in cash to MHE U.K. and
      U.S. or Canadian Dollars in cash to MHE Canada and shall contribute Pounds
      Sterling in cash to the capital of MHE U.K. and U.S. or Canadian Dollars
      in cash to the capital of MHE Canada, in each case in amounts sufficient
      to consummate the transactions set forth in Sections 2(c) (iii), (iv) and
      (v) below. The allocation of such amounts between loans and capital
      contributions shall be reasonably satisfactory to Investor.

                  (iii) MHE U.K. and a Subsidiary of MHE shall purchase all of
      the Redcrown Shares from RCHH and RYL for an aggregate price of One
      Hundred (100) Pounds Sterling.

                  (iv) MHE U.K. shall purchase the HII Note from HII for an
      amount in Pounds Sterling equal to principal plus accrued interest
      thereon, such amount to be payable in immediately available funds.

                  (v) MHE Canada shall purchase all of the Canada Newco
      Interests from BelCan for $32 million (or its Canadian Dollar equivalent),
      such amount to be payable in immediately available funds.

                  (vi) HDS shall distribute all of its shares of NPH to MHE
      Nevada and PHME in accordance with their respective ownership interests in
      HDS.

                  (vii) Such other transactions as may be necessary for MHE to
      own (and continue to own at Closing), directly or indirectly, all
      outstanding equity securities of 

                                      -22-
<PAGE>

      the other Companies and their Subsidiaries (other than Hercules and the
      15% of Blooma held by third parties), free and clear of Encumbrances.

                  (viii) MHE shall contribute all of its assets and assign all
      of its Liabilities to the New Subsidiary.

            (d) Purchase Price Adjustment.

                  (i) As soon as practicable, but in no event later than 60 days
            following the Closing Date, MHE shall prepare a combined and
            consolidated balance sheet of the Companies as of the Closing Date
            (the "Closing Balance Sheet") and a calculation of Net Assets as of
            the Closing Date based on the Closing Balance Sheet (collectively,
            the "Closing Financial Data"). The Closing Balance Sheet and
            calculation of Net Assets shall be prepared on a basis consistent
            with the methods, principles, practices and policies employed in the
            preparation and presentation of the Audited Financial Statements and
            in accordance with Exhibit M.

                  (ii) During the preparation of the Closing Financial Data, and
            the period of any review or dispute within the contemplation of this
            Section 2(d), MHE shall (A) provide Investor, HarnCo and their
            authorized representatives with full access to all relevant books,
            records, work-papers and employees of the Companies and their
            Subsidiaries, and (B) cooperate fully with Investor, HarnCo and
            their authorized representatives, including the provision on a
            timely basis of all information necessary or useful.

                  (iii) MHE shall deliver a copy of the Closing Financial Data
            to Investor and HarnCo promptly after it has been prepared. After
            receipt of the Closing Financial Data, Investor and HarnCo shall
            have 30 days to review the 

                                      -23-
<PAGE>

            Closing Financial Data, together with the work-papers used in the
            preparation thereof. Unless Investor or HarnCo delivers written
            notice to MHE on or prior to the 30th day after their receipt of the
            Closing Financial Data stating that it has objections to the Closing
            Financial Data (and setting forth the details of its calculation of
            disputed items), Investor and HarnCo shall be deemed to have
            accepted and agreed to the Closing Financial Data. If Investor or
            HarnCo so notifies MHE of its objections to the Closing Financial
            Data, then Investor and HarnCo shall, within 30 days (or such longer
            period as they may agree) following such notice (the "Resolution
            Period"), attempt to resolve their differences and any resolution by
            them as to any disputed amounts shall be final, binding and
            conclusive on all Parties (and MHE).

                  (iv) Any amounts remaining in dispute at the conclusion of the
            Resolution Period ("Unresolved Changes") shall be submitted to a
            nationally recognized independent public accounting firm jointly
            selected by the independent public accounting firms of HarnCo and
            Investor (such firm being referred to as the "Neutral Auditors")
            within 10 days after the expiration of the Resolution Period. The
            Parties agree to execute, if requested by the Neutral Auditors, a
            reasonable engagement letter. All fees and expenses relating to the
            work, if any, to be performed by the Neutral Auditors shall be borne
            pro rata by HarnCo and MHE in proportion to the allocation of the
            dollar amount of the Unresolved Changes made by the Neutral Auditors
            such that the prevailing party pays a lesser proportion of the fees
            and expenses. The Neutral Auditors shall act as an arbitrator to
            determine, based on the provisions of this Section 2(d), only the
            Unresolved Changes. The Neutral Auditors' determination of the
            Unresolved Changes shall be made within 45 days of the submission of
            the Unresolved Changes thereto, shall be set forth in a written
            statement delivered to HarnCo and Investor and shall be final,
            binding and conclusive on all Parties (and MHE). The term "Adjusted
            Closing Balance Sheet," as used in this Agreement, shall mean the
            definitive Closing 

                                      -24-
<PAGE>

            Balance Sheet agreed to (or deemed agreed to) by HarnCo and Investor
            under Section 2(d)(iii) or, if Unresolved Changes are submitted to
            the Neutral Auditors, such definitive Closing Balance Sheet, as
            adjusted to reflect the determination of the Neutral Auditors under
            this Section 2(d)(iv).

                  (v) If and to the extent Net Assets as of the Closing as shown
            on the Adjusted Closing Balance Sheet are greater than One Hundred
            Twenty-Five Million Nine Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand Dollars
            ($125,973,000) plus the Estimated Purchase Price Adjustment, then
            MHE shall pay such excess to HarnCo as an adjustment to the
            Redemption Price. If and to the extent Net Assets as of the Closing
            as shown on the Adjusted Closing Balance Sheet are less than One
            Hundred Twenty-Five Million Nine Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand
            Dollars ($125,973,000) plus the Estimated Purchase Price Adjustment,
            then HarnCo shall pay such shortfall to MHE as an adjustment to the
            Redemption Price. Any payment made pursuant to this Section 2(d)(v)
            shall be paid by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a
            bank account specified by the party to which such payment is owed.
            If the amount of Net Assets as of the Closing is agreed to (or
            deemed agreed to) by HarnCo and Investor before or during the
            Resolution Period, then payment of any adjustment shall be made
            within five business days after the date of such agreement (or
            deemed agreement). If there are Unresolved Changes at the end of the
            Resolution Period, then (A) the minimum amount which the parties
            agree is owed pursuant to this Section 2(d) shall be paid within
            five business days after the end of the Resolution Period and any
            additional amounts owing with respect to the Unresolved Changes
            shall be paid within five business days after the resolution thereof
            by the Neutral Auditors or (B) in all other cases, any and all
            payments shall be made within five business days after the
            resolution of the Unresolved Changes by the Neutral Auditors.

                  (vi) All payments made pursuant to this Section 2(d) shall be

                                      -25-
<PAGE>

            accompanied by interest at the Applicable Rate from the Closing Date
            through the date of payment.

               (e) Certain Actions in Connection with the Closing.

                  (i) Prior to the Closing, HarnCo shall (and shall cause its
            Affiliates to) (A) take such action as is necessary to cause all
            Intercompany Debt to be settled in full, (B) cause MHE to organize
            MHE Canada and MHE U.K. and (C) cause the charters (or corresponding
            governing documents) of the Companies and their Subsidiaries to be
            amended to create the MHE Class B Preferred Shares and the MHE Class
            C Preferred Shares (and other capital stock necessary to consummate
            the reorganization of the Subsidiaries in Canada, Mexico, the United
            States and the United Kingdom to facilitate the transactions
            contemplated by the Transaction Agreements). At their option, HarnCo
            and its Affiliates may, at any time prior to the Closing, remove all
            or a portion of any Cash held by the Companies and their
            Subsidiaries; provided that the Cash contributed to MHE pursuant to
            Section 2(c)(i) above shall be used for the purposes referred to in
            such Section.

                  (ii) Prior to MHE's approval and consummation of the actions
            to be taken by it at the Closing (and the debt and equity financing
            thereof), HarnCo shall take such actions as are necessary to cause
            the board of directors of MHE (and its Subsidiaries which are party
            to the financing arrangements) to be comprised exclusively of
            individuals who are (A) members of the MHE management team or (B)
            members of the Chartwell Group. HarnCo shall consult with Investor
            as to the individuals who will be elected to MHE's board of
            directors under the preceding sentence, and Investor shall use its
            best efforts to ensure that such individuals are available to serve
            in such capacity.

                                      -26-
<PAGE>

                  (iii) Subject to obtaining financing on terms reasonably
            consistent with those contained in the Term Sheets and the
            Commitment Letters, Investor shall procure senior debt, subordinated
            debt and preferred stock financing for MHE in amounts sufficient to
            enable MHE to make the payments and enter into the transactions
            contemplated by Section 2(a) of this Agreement.

                  (iv) At the Closing, (A) HarnCo shall deliver to MHE and
            Investor the various instruments and documents referred to in
            Section 7(a) below, (B) MHE and Investor shall deliver to HarnCo the
            various instruments and documents referred to in Section 7(b) below,
            (C) HarnCo shall deliver to MHE and Investor certificates
            representing the MHE Common Shares and MHE Class C Preferred Shares
            to be acquired by them, endorsed in blank or accompanied by duly
            executed assignment documents, (D) MHE and Investor shall deliver to
            HarnCo the consideration specified in Section 2(a) above, and (E)
            MHE shall deliver to HarnCo certificates representing the MHE Class
            B Preferred Shares to be issued to HarnCo.

                  (v) In connection with the closing of the Pre-Closing
            Transactions, (A) the Sellers shall deliver to MHE U.K. or MHE
            Canada (as appropriate) certificates representing the Company Shares
            to be acquired by them, endorsed in blank or accompanied by duly
            executed assignment documents and (B) MHE U.K. and MHE Canada shall
            deliver to the Sellers the consideration specified in Section 2(c)
            above.

                  (vi) Immediately after Closing, (A) the Sellers shall deliver
            to MHE certificates representing the Hercules Shares and (B) MHE
            shall deliver to the Sellers the consideration specified in Section
            2(b)(ii) above.

            (f) Allocation of Purchase Price. The Parties agree that the fair
market values 

                                      -27-
<PAGE>

of the assets of the MHE Business are as set forth on Exhibit O hereto, and that
such fair market values shall be used in determining allocations of the amounts
paid hereunder for all purposes. No Party shall take any action in preparation
of tax returns or tax filings or otherwise that is inconsistent with such
allocations, except as otherwise required by law.

            (g) Excluded Liabilities; Contracts.

                  (i) Limitation on Obligations of MHE. Neither MHE nor the
            other Companies nor their Subsidiaries shall retain or be deemed to
            retain at Closing, under the Transaction Agreements or by reason of
            any transactions contemplated thereunder, any Excluded Liabilities.
            Immediately prior to the Closing, HarnCo shall assume the Excluded
            Liabilities and relinquish its rights to indemnification for
            Excluded Liabilities under the Separation Agreement pursuant to an
            assumption agreement in the form attached as Exhibit Q hereto.

                  (ii) Substitution Where Not Transferable. If the Parties shall
            be unable, on or prior to the Closing, to obtain any consent
            required in connection with the transactions contemplated by the
            Transaction Agreements under (A) any Contract to which any of the
            Companies or their Subsidiaries is a party or (B) any Contract (as
            defined under the Separation Agreement), then HarnCo, HarnCo's
            Affiliates and Investor will cooperate to enter into a reasonable
            arrangement designed to enable the Companies or their Subsidiaries
            to perform the obligations thereunder, and to provide for the
            retention by the Companies or their Subsidiaries of the benefits,
            risks and burdens of, and Liabilities under, any such Contract,
            including enforcement at the cost and for the account of the
            Companies and their Subsidiaries of any and all rights of the
            Companies and their Subsidiaries against the other party thereto;
            provided that if any third party refuses to consent to the
            assignment of any such Contract, challenges any arrangement under
            this Section 2(g)(ii) or attempts to cancel, accelerate or change
            the terms of any such Contract 

                                      -28-
<PAGE>

            as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby, then HarnCo and
            Sellers, on the one hand, and the Companies and their Subsidiaries,
            on the other hand, shall each bear 50% of the total Adverse
            Consequences suffered by HarnCo, Sellers, the Companies and their
            Subsidiaries (and their respective Affiliates) which arise or result
            therefrom. Effective as of the date of this Agreement, the
            provisions of this Section 2(g) shall supersede and replace the
            provisions of Sections 3.4 and 4.4 of the Separation Agreement.

            (h) Treatment. For U.S. federal, state and local tax purposes only,
the creation and issuance of the MHE Class B Preferred Shares and MHE Class C
Preferred Shares, the redemptions described under Sections 2(a)(i), (ii) and
(iv) of this Agreement and any distributions or deemed distributions to HarnCo
or MHE (when combined with the sale of stock of MHE described under Section 2(a)
of this Agreement and Code Sec. 338(h)(10) elections for MHE and the New
Subsidiary), shall be deemed to constitute proceeds from the respective Code
Sec. 332 liquidations of MHE and the New Subsidiary. This Agreement shall
constitute the plans of liquidation of MHE and the New Subsidiary for purposes
of Code Sec. 332.

            Section 3. Representations and Warranties Concerning the
Transaction.

            (a) Representations and Warranties of HarnCo and Sellers. HarnCo and
Sellers jointly and severally represent and warrant to Investor that the
statements contained in this Section 3(a) are true and correct as of the date of
this Agreement and will be true and correct as of the Closing Date (or the dates
specified in such statements), except (1) as set forth in the disclosure
schedule delivered by HarnCo and Sellers to Investor on the date hereof (the
"Disclosure Schedule") (as the same may be supplemented in accordance with
Sections 5(g) and 5(q) below) and (2) as may be affected by the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement. The Disclosure Schedule will be arranged in
paragraphs corresponding to the lettered and numbered paragraphs contained in
this Section 3(a) and Sections 3(b) and 4.

                                      -29-
<PAGE>

                  (i) Organization. Each of HarnCo and Sellers is a corporation
            or limited liability company, duly organized, validly existing and
            in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
            organization.

                  (ii) Authorization of Transaction. Each of HarnCo and Sellers
            has full power and authority pursuant to its corporate charter or
            limited liability company operating agreement, as the case may be,
            to execute and deliver each of the Transaction Agreements to which
            it is a party and to perform its obligations thereunder. Each of the
            Transaction Agreements constitutes the valid and legally binding
            obligation of each of HarnCo and the Sellers party thereto,
            enforceable in accordance with its respective terms and conditions.
            Neither HarnCo nor Sellers needs to give any notice to, make any
            filing with, or obtain any authorization, consent, or approval of
            any Governmental Agency in order to consummate the transactions
            contemplated by the Transaction Agreements, except as required
            pursuant to the HSR Act and any applicable foreign merger
            regulations (including those of Mexico).

                  (iii) Noncontravention. Neither the execution and the delivery
            of the Transaction Agreements, nor the consummation of the
            transactions contemplated thereby, do or will, either with notice or
            upon the expiration of applicable grace or cure periods or both, (A)
            violate or conflict in any material respect with any statute,
            constitution, regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree,
            ruling, charge, or other restriction of any Governmental Agency or
            court to which any of HarnCo or Sellers is subject or any provision
            of its charter, bylaws or operating agreement, as applicable, or (B)
            result in a breach of, constitute a default under, conflict with,
            result in the acceleration or termination of, create in any party
            the right to accelerate, terminate, modify, or cancel, or require
            any notice under any material Contract or license unrelated to the
            MHE Business to which HarnCo or any Seller is a party or otherwise
            bound.

                                      -30-
<PAGE>

                  (iv) Brokers' Fees. Neither HarnCo, Sellers, the Companies,
            the MHE Business nor any of their Affiliates has engaged any broker
            or consultant (collectively, "Brokers") in connection with this
            Agreement or the transactions contemplated herein or any aspect
            hereof. Neither HarnCo nor Sellers has any liability or obligation
            to pay any fees or commissions to any Broker with respect to the
            transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreements for which
            the Companies, their Subsidiaries or Investor could become liable or
            obligated.

                  (v) Company Shares. Immediately prior to the Closing, (A)
            HarnCo will hold of record and beneficially own 100,000 MHE Common
            Shares and 30,000 MHE Class C Preferred Shares (which will represent
            all of the issued and outstanding shares of MHE's capital stock
            immediately prior to the Closing), (B) MHE U.K. and a Subsidiary of
            MHE will collectively hold of record and beneficially own all of the
            issued and outstanding Redcrown Shares, (C) HCHC and HMH will
            collectively hold of record and beneficially own all of the issued
            and outstanding Hercules Shares, and (D) MHE Canada will hold of
            record and beneficially own all of the issued and outstanding Canada
            Newco Interests, in each case free and clear of any restrictions on
            transfer (other than restrictions under the Securities Act and state
            securities laws), Taxes, Encumbrances, claims and demands. Neither
            HarnCo nor any Seller is party to any option, warrant, purchase
            right, or other contract or commitment that could require it to
            sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any capital stock or
            interests of any of the Companies (other than this Agreement).
            Neither HarnCo nor any Seller is party to any voting trust, proxy,
            or other agreement or understanding with respect to the voting of
            any capital stock or interests of any of the Companies or their
            Subsidiaries.

            (b) Representations and Warranties of Investor. Investor represents
and 

                                      -31-
<PAGE>

warrants to HarnCo and Sellers that the statements contained in this Section
3(b) are true and correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and
correct as of the Closing Date (or the dates specified in such statements).

                  (i) Organization. Investor is a corporation duly organized,
            validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware.

                  (ii) Authorization of Transaction. Investor has full power and
            authority pursuant to its organizational documents to execute and
            deliver each of the Transaction Agreements to which it is a party
            and to perform its obligations thereunder. Each of the Transaction
            Agreements to which Investor is a party constitutes the valid and
            legally binding obligation of Investor, enforceable in accordance
            with its respective terms and conditions. Investor does not need to
            give any notice to, make any filing with, or obtain any
            authorization, consent, or approval of any Governmental Agency in
            order to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Transaction
            Agreements, except as required pursuant to the HSR Act and any
            applicable foreign merger regulations (including those of Mexico).

                  (iii) Sufficient Funds. Investor has obtained the Commitment
            Letters and the Term Sheets (copies of which have been furnished to
            HarnCo and Sellers) relating to bank, subordinated debt and
            preferred stock financing for the transactions contemplated by this
            Agreement. Investor has received (and furnished HarnCo copies of)
            commitment letters for $54 million in equity financing to fund its
            purchase of preferred and common stock from HarnCo under Section
            2(a) (v) above. Based on its due diligence investigation and current
            market conditions, Investor believes that such financing will be
            available at the Closing on terms reasonably consistent with those
            set forth in the Commitment Letters and the Term Sheets.

                                      -32-
<PAGE>

                  (iv) Noncontravention. Neither the execution and the delivery
            of the Transaction Agreements to which the Investor is a party, nor
            the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, do or
            will, either with notice or upon the expiration of applicable grace
            or cure periods or both, (A) violate or conflict with any statute,
            constitution, regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, order, decree,
            ruling, charge, or other restriction of any Governmental Agency or
            court to which the Investor is subject or any provision of its
            charter, bylaws or partnership agreement, or (B) conflict with,
            result in a breach of, constitute a default under, result in the
            acceleration or termination of, create in any party the right to
            accelerate, terminate, modify, or cancel, or require any notice
            under any material agreement, contract, lease, license, instrument,
            or other arrangement to which the Investor is a party or by which it
            is bound or to which any of its material assets is subject.

                  (v) Brokers' Fees. Investor has no liability or obligation to
            pay any fees or commissions to any Broker with respect to the
            transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreements for which
            any of HarnCo or Sellers could become liable or obligated.

                  (vi) MHE Solvency; Net Worth. Assuming the correctness of the
            representations and warranties in Section 4 hereof:

                  (A) MHE will, after giving effect to the transactions
            contemplated hereby, be solvent and capable of meeting its
            obligations as they become due, have assets exceeding its
            Liabilities and have a reasonable amount of capital for the conduct
            of its business.

                  (B) MHE's surplus (as defined under Delaware law) at the time
            of 

                                      -33-
<PAGE>

            the Closing will exceed the Redemption Price.

                  (vii) No Knowledge of Breach. To the Knowledge of the
            Chartwell Group (after reviewing reports from attorneys, consultants
            and other advisors), the representations and warranties of HarnCo
            and the Sellers in Section 3(a)(iii)(B) and Section 4 of this
            Agreement are true and correct in all material respects as of the
            date of this Agreement.

                  (viii) Share Ownership. Assuming the correctness of the
            representations and warranties in Section 4 hereof, the MHE Common
            Shares held by HarnCo immediately following the Closing will
            represent 22.58% of the total MHE Common Shares then outstanding
            (subject, however, to adjustment under the provisions of Section
            2(a) hereof and decrease due to the equity interests of MHE
            management and any initial common investment in MHE by Investor in
            excess of the amount contemplated by the Term Sheets).

            Section 4. Representations and Warranties Concerning the Companies
and their Subsidiaries. HarnCo and Sellers jointly and severally represent and
warrant to Investor that the statements contained in this Section 4 are true and
correct as of the date of this Agreement and will be true and correct as of the
Closing Date (or the dates specified in such statements), except (i) as set
forth in the Disclosure Schedule (as the same may be supplemented in accordance
with Sections 5(g) and 5(q) below) and (ii) as may be affected by the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

            (a) Organization, Qualification, and Corporate Power. Each of the
Companies and its Subsidiaries is duly organized, validly existing, and in good
standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization. Each of the
Companies and its Subsidiaries is duly authorized to conduct business and is in
good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where such qualification is
required, except where the lack of such qualification, individually or in the

                                      -34-
<PAGE>

aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Each of the Companies and
its Subsidiaries has full corporate (or other entity) power and authority to
carry on the businesses in which it is engaged and which it proposes to engage
under existing agreements and to own and use the properties owned and used by
it. HarnCo has made available (or will promptly make available after the date
hereof) to the Investor correct and complete copies of the charter and bylaws of
each of HarnCo, Sellers, the Companies and the Companies' Subsidiaries (as
amended to date). The stock certificate books and the stock record books of each
of the Companies and the Companies' Subsidiaries correctly reflect the current
stockholders and their record ownership thereof. None of HarnCo, Sellers, the
Companies nor any of the Companies' Subsidiaries is in default under or in
violation of any provision of its charter or bylaws. None of the MHE Business is
conducted through any corporation or Person other than the Companies and their
Subsidiaries. Since becoming Affiliates of HarnCo, the Companies and their
Subsidiaries' sole business and operations have consisted of the ownership and
operation of the MHE Business.

            (b) Capitalization.

                  (i) Immediately prior to the Closing, the entire authorized
            capital stock of MHE will consist of 1,000,000 Common Shares, a
            number of MHE Class A Preferred Shares to be determined by Investor,
            100,000 MHE Class B Preferred Shares and 100,000 MHE Class C
            Preferred Shares, of which 100,000 Common Shares and 30,000 MHE
            Class C Preferred Shares will be issued and outstanding. All of the
            issued and outstanding shares of MHE's capital stock immediately
            prior to the Closing will have been duly authorized, will be validly
            issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and will be held of record and
            beneficially by HarnCo.

                  (ii) Redcrown's authorized share capital comprises 100,000,000
            redeemable ordinary shares, par value one Pound Sterling, and 100
            ordinary shares, par value one Pound Sterling, of which no
            redeemable ordinary shares and 100 ordinary shares are issued. All
            of the issued Redcrown Shares have been duly 

                                      -35-
<PAGE>

            authorized, are validly issued, are fully paid and are
            nonassessable. As of the date of this Agreement, all of the issued
            and outstanding shares of Redcrown are held of record and
            beneficially by RCHH and RYL. As of the Closing, all of the issued
            and outstanding shares of Redcrown will be held by MHE U.K. and a
            Subsidiary of MHE. Redcrown has neither allotted nor agreed to allot
            any further shares.

                  (iii) The entire authorized capital stock of Hercules consists
            of 8,000 shares of Common Stock and an unlimited number of shares of
            variable capital stock, of which 8,000 shares of Common Stock and
            3,661,000 shares of variable capital stock are issued and
            outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding Hercules Shares have
            been duly authorized, are validly issued, fully paid, and
            nonassessable, and are held of record and beneficially by HCHC and
            HMH.

                  (iv) As of the Closing, all of the issued and outstanding
            Canada Newco Interests will have been duly authorized, will be
            validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable, and will be held of
            record and beneficially by MHE Canada.

            There are no Encumbrances or outstanding or authorized options,
warrants, purchase rights, subscription rights, conversion rights, exchange
rights, or other commitments or arrangements, relating to any securities or
interests in the Companies or that could require any of the Companies to issue,
sell, or otherwise cause to become outstanding any of its respective capital
stock, securities or interests, as the case may be. There are no outstanding or
authorized stock appreciation, phantom stock, profit participation, stock based
or similar rights with respect to any of the Companies. There are no voting
trusts, proxies or other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting
of the capital stock of the Companies. Neither the Companies, nor any of their
Subsidiaries own, directly or indirectly, debt securities, shares or other
equity interests or securities in any corporation, partnership, joint venture or
other Person, and none of them has any agreement or commitment to purchase any
such interests or securities.

                                      -36-
<PAGE>

            (c) Noncontravention. Neither the execution and the delivery of the
Transaction Agreements, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated
thereby, do or will, either with notice or upon the expiration of applicable
grace or cure periods or both, (i) violate or conflict in any material respect
with any statute, regulation, rule, injunction, judgment, constitution, order,
decree, ruling, charge, or other restriction of any Governmental Agency or court
to which any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries or the MHE Business is
subject or any provision of the charter, bylaws or operating agreement of any of
the Companies or their Subsidiaries or (ii) result in a breach of, constitute a
default under, conflict with, result in the acceleration or termination of,
create in any party the right to accelerate, terminate, modify, or cancel, or
require any notice under (x) any Contract listed (or required to be listed) on
Schedule 4(m) of the Disclosure Schedule or (y) to the Knowledge of the
Specified Employees, any other material Contract or license (I) to which any of
the Companies or their Subsidiaries or the MHE Business is a party, (II) by
which any of them is bound, (III) to which any of their material assets is
subject or (IV) which could result in the imposition of any Encumbrance upon any
of their material assets. None of the Companies, their Subsidiaries or the MHE
Business needs to give any notice to, make any material filing with, or obtain
any material authorization, consent, waiver or approval of any government or
Governmental Agency in order for the Parties to consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, except under the HSR Act and any applicable
European or national merger regulations. The foregoing notwithstanding, no
representation or warranty is made as to the financing of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement or any Contracts entered into in connection
therewith.

            (d) Brokers' Fees. None of the Companies or their Subsidiaries has
any Liability or obligation to pay any fees or commissions to any Broker
(including those listed on Schedule 3(a)(iv) of the Disclosure Schedule, which
shall be borne by HarnCo) with respect to the transactions contemplated by the
Transaction Agreements.

            (e) Title to Assets. The Companies and their Subsidiaries have good
and marketable title to, or have a valid leasehold interest in, all tangible
personal property included in 

                                      -37-
<PAGE>

the Business Assets or the Incidental Assets and have good and marketable title
to, a valid leasehold interest in or other valid right to use all intangible
assets included in the Business Assets or the Incidental Assets, in each case
free and clear of Encumbrances (it being understood, however, that certain
services will be provided and certain assets will be made available to the
Companies and their Subsidiaries under the Transition Services Agreement, the
Supply Agreement and the Trademark Agreement). The Business Assets, plus the
Incidental Assets, plus the services to be provided and assets to be made
available under the Transition Services Agreement, the Supply Agreement and the
Trademark Agreement, are sufficient to operate the MHE Business in substantially
the same manner as operated prior to the date of this Agreement.

            (f) Subsidiaries. Schedule 4(f) of the Disclosure Schedule sets
forth for each Subsidiary of each Company (i) if such Subsidiary is a
corporation (A) its name and jurisdiction of incorporation, (B) the number of
shares of authorized capital stock of each class of its capital stock and other
securities, (C) the number of issued and outstanding shares of each class of its
capital stock and other securities, (D) the names of the holders of shares of
each class of its capital stock and other securities, and (E) the number of
shares held by each such holder; (ii) if such Subsidiary is a partnership (A)
its name and jurisdiction of organization, (B) the names of the holders of its
general and limited partner interests and (C) the percentage general or limited
partner interest held by each such holder; and (iii) if such Subsidiary is a
limited liability company (A) its name and jurisdiction of organization, (B) the
names of its members, and (C) the percentage interest held by each such member.
All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each corporate
Subsidiary of the Companies have been duly authorized and are validly issued,
fully paid and nonassessable. All of the outstanding general and limited partner
interests of each partnership Subsidiary of the Companies have been duly
authorized and are validly issued. All of the outstanding limited liability
company membership interests of each limited liability company Subsidiary of the
Companies have been duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable. One of the Companies or their Subsidiaries holds of record and
owns beneficially all of the outstanding shares of each corporate Subsidiary of
the Companies and one of the Companies or their Subsidiaries owns each
outstanding partner interest or member interest 

                                      -38-
<PAGE>

of each partnership or limited liability company Subsidiary of the Companies, as
the case may be, free and clear of any restrictions on transfer (other than
restrictions under the Securities Act and state securities laws), Taxes,
Encumbrances, claims and demands. There are no Encumbrances or outstanding or
authorized options, warrants, purchase rights, subscription rights, conversion
rights, exchange rights or other contracts or commitments that could require any
of the Companies or their Subsidiaries to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of
any capital stock or securities of any of their Subsidiaries or that could
require any Subsidiary of the Companies to issue, sell or otherwise cause to
become outstanding any of their own capital stock. There are no outstanding
stock appreciation, phantom stock, profit participation, stock based or similar
rights with respect to any Subsidiary of the Companies. There are no voting
trusts, proxies or other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting
of any capital stock of any Subsidiary of the Companies. None of the Companies
or any of their Subsidiaries controls directly or indirectly or has any direct
or indirect equity participation in any corporation, partnership, trust or other
business association which is not a Subsidiary of the Companies.

            (g) Financial Statements. Schedule 4(g) of the Disclosure Schedule
contains the following financial statements: audited combined balance sheets for
the MHE Business as of October 31, 1997 and 1996 and income statements and cash
flow statements for the MHE Business as and for the fiscal years ended October
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 (the "Audited Financial Statements"). Except as
otherwise noted, the Audited Financial Statements present fairly in all material
respects the financial condition and results of operations of the MHE Business
as of and for the periods covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently
applied and are consistent with the books and records of the MHE Business. To
the Knowledge of the Specified Employees, none of the Companies or their
Subsidiaries has any Liabilities which would be required by GAAP (applied on a
basis consistent with the preparation of the Audited Financial Statements) to be
set forth on a balance sheet other than (1) Liabilities reflected on the Most
Recent Balance Sheet, (2) Liabilities that have arisen thereafter in the
Ordinary Course of Business (excluding Liabilities arising from Knowing
Breaches), (3) Liabilities to be reflected in the calculation of Net Assets on
the Closing Balance Sheet, and (4) other immaterial Liabilities.

                                      -39-
<PAGE>

            (h) Subsequent Events.

                  (i) Since October 31, 1997, there has not been any material
            adverse change in the business, financial condition or operations of
            the MHE Business.

                  (ii) Since October 31, 1997, neither HarnCo nor Sellers nor
            their Affiliates have, with respect to the MHE Business, engaged in
            any material practice, taken any material action or entered into any
            material transaction outside the Ordinary Course of Business (other
            than (A) the transactions contemplated by or referred to in the
            Transaction Agreements and (B) the reorganization of their
            Subsidiaries in Canada, Mexico, the United States, and the United
            Kingdom to facilitate the transactions contemplated by the
            Transaction Agreements).

                  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, since
      October 31, 1997, none of Sellers, HarnCo (with respect to the MHE
      Business), the Companies or the Companies' Subsidiaries:

                  (A) has sold, leased, transferred, or assigned any of its
            material assets, tangible or intangible, other than in the Ordinary
            Course of Business;

                  (B) has (nor, to the Knowledge of the Specified Employees, has
            any other party) accelerated, terminated, modified or cancelled any
            Contract or license (or series of related Contracts and licenses)
            involving more than $50,000 (other than change orders for sales and
            purchasing contracts in the Ordinary Course of Business);

                  (C) has made any capital expenditure (or series of related
            capital 

                                      -40-
<PAGE>

            expenditures) either involving more than $1,250,000 or outside the
            Ordinary Course of Business;

                  (D) has issued any note, Guaranty, bond or other debt security
            or created, incurred or assumed any Indebtedness, either involving
            more than $250,000 singly or $1,000,000 in the aggregate (for the
            entire MHE Business);

                  (E) has made any material change in the policies of the
            Companies or any of their Subsidiaries with respect to the payment
            of accounts payable or other current Liabilities or the collection
            of accounts receivable, including any acceleration, deferral or
            write-off of the payment or collection thereof, as applicable.

                  (F) has cancelled, compromised, waived or released any right
            or claim (or series of related rights and claims) either involving
            more than $250,000 or outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

                  (G) has made any general changes in employee compensation;

                  (H) has made any material change in accounting policies
            (including with respect to intercompany transactions) in connection
            with the maintenance of the books and records of the MHE Business;

                  (I) has waived or released any material rights of the Company
            or any of its Subsidiaries, except in the Ordinary Course of
            Business and for fair value;

                  (J) has removed any Exchange Proceeds from the Companies or
            their Subsidiaries (by dividend, distribution, redemption or other
            means); or

                                      -41-
<PAGE>

                  (K) none of HarnCo, the Sellers, the Companies nor any of the
            Companies' Subsidiaries has committed to any of the foregoing.

            (i) Legal Compliance. To the Knowledge of the Specified Employees,
the MHE Business has been conducted in compliance in all material respects with
all applicable laws, rules, codes, plans, injunctions, judgments, orders,
decrees, rulings, charges and regulations of Governmental Agencies and the MHE
Business has not received written notice of any such non-compliance (other than
notices as to (x) matters which have been resolved and (y) immaterial matters).

            (j) Tax Matters.

                  (i) Each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries has filed or
            been included in all Tax Returns that it was required to file or to
            be included in and all Taxes shown thereon as owing have been paid.

                  (ii) No Tax liens have been filed by any Governmental Agency
            against any property or assets of the Companies or their
            Subsidiaries, and no claims are being asserted with respect to any
            Taxes.

                  (iii) The U.S. federal income Tax Returns of the Companies and
            their Subsidiaries and of each consolidated group of which any of
            the Companies or their Subsidiaries is or has been a member have
            been examined by the IRS and closed or are federal income Tax
            Returns with respect to which the applicable period for assessment
            under applicable law, after giving effect to extensions or waivers,
            has expired. No issue relating to the Companies or their
            Subsidiaries has been raised in writing by any taxing authority in
            any audit or examination with respect to taxable periods of any of
            the Companies or their Subsidiaries, which, by 

                                      -42-
<PAGE>

            application of the same or similar principles, could reasonably be
            expected to result in a material deficiency for any subsequent
            period (including periods subsequent to the Closing Date). There are
            no outstanding agreements, waivers, or arrangements extending the
            statutory period of limitation applicable to any claim for, or the
            period of collection or assessment of, Taxes due from or with
            respect to the Companies or their Subsidiaries for any taxable
            period. No power of attorney granted by any of the Companies or
            their Subsidiaries with respect to Taxes is currently in force. No
            closing agreement pursuant to Section 7121 of the Code (or any
            predecessor provision) or any similar provision of any state, local
            or foreign law has been entered into by or with respect to any of
            the Companies or their Subsidiaries.

                  (iv) No audit or other proceeding by any Governmental Agency,
            or similar Person is pending nor has any dispute been raised or, to
            the Knowledge of the Specified Employees, threatened with respect to
            any Taxes due from or with respect to any of the Companies or their
            Subsidiaries or any Tax Return filed by or with respect to any of
            the Companies or their Subsidiaries. No assessment of Tax is
            proposed against any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries or any
            of their assets. No claim has ever been made by any Governmental
            Authority in a jurisdiction where any of the Companies or their
            Subsidiaries do not file Tax Returns that any of them is or may be
            subject to Tax by that jurisdiction.

                  (v) None of the Companies or their Subsidiaries (A) has been a
            member of an Affiliated Group filing a consolidated federal Tax
            Return (other than a group the common parent of which was HII) or
            (B) has any Liability for Taxes of any Person under Reg. Section
            1.1502-6 (or other similar provision of state, local or foreign
            law), as a transferee or successor, by contract, or otherwise.

                  (vi) None of the Companies or their Subsidiaries have filed a

                                      -43-
<PAGE>

            consent under Code Section 341(f) concerning collapsible
            corporations. None of the Companies or their Subsidiaries have made
            or entered into, or holds any assets subject to, a "safe harbor
            lease" subject to former Section 168(f)(8) of the Internal Revenue
            Code of 1954, as amended, and the regulations thereunder. None of
            the Companies or their Subsidiaries has made any payments, is
            obligated to make any payments, or is party to any agreement that
            under certain circumstances could obligate it to make any payments
            that would not be deductible under Code Section 280G. None of the
            Companies or their Subsidiaries has been a United States real
            property holding corporation within the meaning of Code Section
            897(c)(2) during the applicable period specified in Code Section
            897(c)(1)(A)(ii). None of the Companies or their Subsidiaries has
            been an investment company within the meaning of Code Section
            351(e).

                  (vii) All elections made on IRS Form 8832 with respect to
            entity classification relating to any of the Companies or their
            Subsidiaries are set forth in Schedule 4(j) of the Disclosure
            Schedule.

            (k) Real Property.

                  (i) Schedule 4(k)(i) of the Disclosure Schedule lists all real
            property owned by the Companies and their Subsidiaries. With respect
            to each such parcel of real property:

                  (A) the owner has good and marketable title to the parcel of
            real property, free and clear of any Encumbrance, easement,
            covenant, or other restriction, except for installments of special
            assessments not yet delinquent, recorded easements, covenants, and
            other restrictions, and utility easements, building restrictions,
            zoning restrictions, and other easements and restrictions existing
            generally with respect to properties of a similar character that do
            not 

                                      -44-
<PAGE>

            materially impair the current or contemplated use of such parcel or
            the value thereof;

                  (B) there are not any leases, subleases, licenses,
            concessions, or other agreements granting to any party or parties
            the right of use or occupancy of any portion of the parcel of real
            property, other than leases, subleases, licenses and other
            agreements which do not, individually or in the aggregate,
            materially impair the current or contemplated use of such property
            or the value thereof;

                  (C) there are not any outstanding options or rights of first
            refusal to purchase the parcel of real property or any portion
            thereof (or any binding commitment to grant or enter into any such
            option or right);

                  (D) there are no pending or, to the Knowledge of the Specified
            Employees, threatened condemnation proceedings;

                  (E) all approvals of Governmental Agencies (including licenses
            and permits) required in connection with the ownership or operation
            thereof have been received, except those the failure to obtain which
            would not, individually or in the aggregate, materially impair the
            current or contemplated use of such property or the value thereof.

                  (ii) Schedule 4(k)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule lists all
            leases and subleases of real property to which any of the Companies
            or their Subsidiaries is a party as of the date of this Agreement
            providing for lease payments in excess of $20,000 per year. HarnCo
            and Sellers have made available to Investor copies of the leases and
            subleases listed in Schedule 4(k)(ii) of the Disclosure Schedule. To
            the Knowledge of the Specified Employees, each lease and sublease
            relating to the property listed in Schedule 4(k)(ii) of the
            Disclosure Schedule is legal, valid, 

                                      -45-
<PAGE>

            binding, enforceable, and in full force and effect.

            (l) Intellectual Property.

                  (i) Schedule 4(l) of the Disclosure Schedule identifies and
            describes the following included in the Business Assets: (A) U.S.
            and Foreign patents and pending patent applications; (B) U.S. and
            Foreign trademark, service mark and trade name registrations and
            applications therefor; (C) U.S. and Foreign copyright registrations
            and applications (or similar protections by whatever name) therefor;
            and (D) licenses and similar agreements for the use, reproduction,
            distribution, manufacture or sale of any intellectual property
            (including, without limitation, patents, unpatented inventions and
            technology, trademarks, service marks and trade names, copyrights
            and copyrightable works, know-how and trade secrets, hereinafter
            collectively referred to as "Intellectual Property") (other than
            licenses for the use of commercially available computer software and
            related documentation, which licenses do not require the payment of
            ongoing royalties and were each acquired for consideration totaling
            less than $10,000).

                  (ii) The Companies and their Subsidiaries own and possess all
            right, title and interest in and to, or have a license or right to
            use, the Intellectual Property necessary for the operation of the
            MHE Business (it being understood, however, that certain assets will
            be made available and certain services will be provided to the
            Companies and their Subsidiaries under the Transition Services
            Agreement, the Supply Agreement and the Trademark Agreement). To the
            Knowledge of the Specified Employees, no action, suit, proceeding or
            written claim by any third party is currently outstanding which (i)
            contests the validity, enforceability, use or ownership of any of
            the Intellectual Property owned or used by the MHE Business or (ii)
            alleges that the MHE Business has infringed or misappropriated any
            Intellectual Property of others, in each case except as would 

                                      -46-
<PAGE>

            not have a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (iii) Schedule 4(l) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth as
            of the date hereof a list of all licenses and agreements under which
            the MHE Business have granted rights to third parties under any of
            the Intellectual Property, including without limitation any rights
            granted to third parties to use any computer programs, databases,
            manufacturing processes or other know-how.

                  (iv) To the Knowledge of the Specified Employees, all granted
            and issued patents listed on Schedule 4(l) of the Disclosure
            Schedule, all registered trademarks, trade names and service marks
            and all applications to register the same listed on Schedule 4(l) of
            the Disclosure Schedule, and all copyright registrations and
            applications listed on Schedule 4(l) of the Disclosure Schedule are
            valid, enforceable and subsisting. To the Knowledge of the Specified
            Employees, as of the date hereof, there has not been and there is
            not any unauthorized use, infringement or misappropriation by any
            third party, employee or former employee of the MHE Business of any
            Intellectual Property owned by the Companies or their Subsidiaries,
            except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

            (m) Contracts. Schedule 4(m) of the Disclosure Schedule lists the
            following written Contracts of the MHE Business as of the date
            hereof:

                  (i) any Contract the performance of which is expected to
            involve consideration in excess of $2,000,000;

                  (ii) any Contract which restricts or contains limitations on
            the ability of any of the MHE Business or the Companies or their
            Subsidiaries to freely conduct business anywhere in the world or
            relates to confidentiality (other than confidentiality agreements
            that relate to (x) the purchase or sale of goods or 

                                      -47-
<PAGE>

            services in the Ordinary Course of Business, or (y) acquisitions or
            joint venture transactions);

                  (iii) any collective bargaining agreement;

                  (iv) any contract which provides for the employment of any
            individual on a full-time, part-time, consulting or other basis
            providing annual salary and cash bonus in excess of $100,000 or
            which provides for severance or change in control benefits;

                  (v) any agreement which relates to Indebtedness or any
            Guaranty;

                  (vi) any Contract concerning a partnership, joint venture or
            other similar entity or arrangement;

                  (vii) any Contract between the Companies or their Subsidiaries
            on the one hand, and any of the Sellers or their Affiliates (other
            than the Companies and their Subsidiaries) on the other hand;

                  (viii) any profit sharing, stock option, stock purchase, stock
            appreciation, deferred compensation, severance or other plan or
            arrangement for the benefit of its current or former directors,
            officers and employees;

                  (ix) any Contract under which the Companies or any of their
            Subsidiaries has advanced or loaned any amount to any of their
            directors, officers and employees outside the Ordinary Course of
            Business; and

                  (x) with respect to any of the foregoing, any outstanding
            executed letters of intent and written offers to which the Companies
            and/or their 

                                      -48-
<PAGE>

            Subsidiaries is party (including, but not limited to, offers made,
            but not yet accepted, for the acquisition or sale of any facility,
            real property or business, but excluding offers made, but not yet
            accepted, for the sale of goods or services in the Ordinary Course
            of Business).

            HarnCo and Sellers have made available to Investor (or will make
available to Investor promptly following the date hereof) a correct and complete
copy of each written contract or other agreement listed in Schedule 4(m) of the
Disclosure Schedule. With respect to each such Contract: (A) the Contract is
legal, valid, binding, enforceable in accordance with its terms against the
Companies, their Subsidiaries and their Affiliates party thereto and, to the
Knowledge of the Specified Employees, the other parties thereto; (B) neither the
Companies, their Subsidiaries nor their Affiliates and, to the Knowledge of the
Specified Employees, no other party thereto is in material breach or default,
and, to the Knowledge of the Specified Employees, no event has occurred which
with notice or upon the expiration of applicable grace or cure periods or both
would constitute a material breach or default, or permit termination,
modification or acceleration under, the Contract; (C) neither the Companies,
their Subsidiaries nor their Affiliates and, to the Knowledge of the Specified
Employees, no other party, has repudiated any material provision of the
Contract; and (D) none of HarnCo, Sellers, the Companies nor any of the
Companies' Subsidiaries has granted any release or waiver of any material
provision under the Contract outside the Ordinary Course of Business.

            (n) Litigation. Schedule 4(n) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth
each instance in which HarnCo (with respect to the MHE Business), Sellers, the
Companies or any Subsidiaries of the Companies (or the MHE Business or the
Business Assets) is (i) subject to any outstanding injunction, judgment,
stipulation, writ, order, decree, ruling, or charge or (ii) a party to, or to
the Knowledge of any of the Specified Employees, is threatened to be made a
party to any action, suit, proceeding, hearing, or investigation of, in, or
before any court or quasi-judicial or Governmental Agency . The foregoing
notwithstanding, HarnCo and the Sellers shall not be required to list in the
Disclosure Schedules any action, suit or proceeding which has been filed 

                                      -49-
<PAGE>

against them but which has not been served (unless a Specified Employee has
Knowledge of the action, suit or proceeding in question).

            (o) Employee Benefits. Schedule 4(o) of the Disclosure Schedule
lists, and the Sellers, the Companies and their Subsidiaries will make available
to Investor promptly after the date hereof copies of, each Employee Benefit Plan
and each Non-U.S. Employee Benefit Plan that any of the Companies or their
Subsidiaries maintains or to which any of them contributes or has any obligation
to contribute.

                  (i) Each such Employee Benefit Plan and each such non-U.S.
            Employee Benefit Plan (and, with respect to all such plans, each
            related trust, insurance contract, or fund) complies in form and in
            operation in all material respects with (A) the applicable
            requirements of ERISA, the Code and other applicable laws, both U.S.
            and non-U.S., and (B) its own terms.

                  (ii) All contributions (including all employer contributions
            and employee salary reduction contributions) which are due have been
            paid to each Employee Benefit Plan which is an Employee Pension
            Benefit Plan and to each Non-U.S. Employee Benefit Plan and all
            contributions for any period ending on or before the Closing Date
            which are not yet due have been reserved for in the accounts of
            HarnCo, the Sellers, the Companies or the Companies' Subsidiaries
            (as applicable). All premiums or other payments for all periods
            ending on or before the Closing Date which are due have been paid
            with respect to each Employee Welfare Benefit Plan and with respect
            to each Non-U.S. Employee Benefit Plan. With respect to non-U.S.
            operations and employees, the Sellers, the Companies and their
            Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with the
            laws and regulations of any applicable Governmental Agency with
            respect to employee benefits.

                                      -50-
<PAGE>

                  (iii) Each such Employee Benefit Plan which is an Employee
            Pension Benefit Plan has (A) received a determination letter from
            the Internal Revenue Service to the effect that it meets the
            requirements of Code Sec. 401(a), or (B) an application for such a
            determination letter for such plan has been timely filed within the
            remedial amendment period (as described in Section 401(b) of the
            Code) with respect to the Tax Reform Act of 1986, as amended, and
            subsequent federal legislation, or (C) such remedial amendment
            period for such plan has not yet expired; and none of HII, HarnCo or
            the Sellers is aware of any facts or circumstances that could result
            in the revocation of any such determination letter. Each of the
            Non-U.S. Pension Plans has been operated in accordance with all
            applicable laws in all material respects to retain its
            Tax-qualified, Tax-exempt or Tax-favored status and, if applicable,
            has been determined to be Tax-qualified, Tax-exempt or Tax-favored
            by any relevant Governmental Agency.

                  (iv) Neither HarnCo nor any "ERISA Affiliate" (each business
            or entity which is a member of a "controlled group of corporations,"
            under "common control" or an "affiliated service group" with HarnCo
            within the meaning of Sections 414(b), (c) or (m) of the Code, or is
            required to be aggregated with HarnCo under Section 414(o) of the
            Code, or is under "common control" with HarnCo, within the meaning
            of Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA) has any liability with respect to
            any multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section 3(37)(A) of
            ERISA. Neither BelCan nor any of its Subsidiaries is required to
            make any contributions to any multiemployer plan.

                  (v) HarnCo, Sellers, the Companies and their Subsidiaries have
            complied in all material respects with the requirements under
            Section 4980B of the Code and Section 601 et seq. of ERISA
            ("COBRA").

                  (vi) To the Knowledge of the Specified Employees, (A) there
            have 

                                      -51-
<PAGE>

            been no prohibited transactions (as defined in ERISA Section 406)
            with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan, (B) no fiduciary of any
            Employee Benefit Plan or any Non-U.S. Employee Benefit Plan has any
            Liability for breach of fiduciary duty or any other failure to act
            or comply in connection with the administration or investment of the
            assets of any Employee Benefit Plan or any Non-U.S. Employee Benefit
            Plan; and (C) no action, suit, proceeding, hearing, audit or
            investigation with respect to the administration or the investment
            of the assets of any Employee Benefit Plan or any Non-U.S. Employee
            Benefit Plan (other than routine claims for benefits) is pending.

                  (vii) No Liability under Title IV of ERISA has been incurred
            by HarnCo, HII or any ERISA Affiliate which has not been satisfied
            in full (other than for the payment of PBGC premiums), and no event
            has occurred and no condition exists that could reasonably be
            expected to result in HII, HarnCo or any ERISA Affiliate incurring a
            Liability under Title IV of ERISA (other than for the payment of
            PBGC premiums) or could constitute grounds for terminating any
            Employee Pension Benefit Plan.

                  (viii) HarnCo and Sellers have made available to Investor (or
            will make available to Investor promptly after the date hereof) true
            and correct copies of the plan documents and summary plan
            descriptions, the most recent determination letter received from the
            Internal Revenue Service and any recent applications for a
            determination letter with respect to each Employee Pension Benefit
            Plan and each Non-U.S. Employee Benefit Plan, the two most recently
            filed Form 5500 Annual Reports or other annual reports, the two most
            recent actuarial valuations for the Morris Mechanical Handling
            Limited Scheme, all related trust agreements and other funding
            agreements which implement each such Employee Benefit Plan and each
            such Non-U.S. Employee Benefit Plan and all insurance contracts
            which relate to each such Non-U.S. Employee Benefit Plan.

                                      -52-
<PAGE>

                  (ix) Unless listed in the Disclosure Schedule, none of the
            Companies or their Subsidiaries have made any commitments (A) to
            increase benefits under any of the Employee Benefit Plans or
            Non-U.S. Employee Benefit Plans or (B) to establish new employee
            benefits, plans, policies, schemes or other arrangements.

            (p) Bonds. Schedule 4(p) of the Disclosure Schedule identifies all
bonds, Guarantees, letters of credit and similar instruments and credit support
maintained by or on behalf of the MHE Business, copies of which have been made
available to Investor.

            (q) Environmental Matters. To the Knowledge of the Specified
Employees, the Companies and their Subsidiaries and the MHE Business are in
compliance in all material respects with all Environmental, Health and Safety
Requirements, and each of them has obtained all material Environmental Permits
which are required for the operation of their respective businesses, and none of
them is subject to any outstanding material claim or notice to the contrary with
respect to such businesses or any businesses previously owned, leased, used,
conducted, occupied or controlled by any of the Companies and their Subsidiaries
or any other location where any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries would
have any Liability under the Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements.

                  (i) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to the
      Knowledge of the Specified Employees, the Companies, their Subsidiaries
      and the MHE Business have not generated, manufactured, refined,
      transported, treated, stored, handled, disposed, transferred, produced,
      imported, exported, used or processed any Hazardous Substances, except in
      compliance in all material respects with all Environmental Health and
      Safety Requirements (excluding for this purpose any previous failure to so
      comply which has been substantially addressed or resolved).

                                      -53-
<PAGE>

                  (ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to the
      Knowledge of the Specified Employees, there has been no material release,
      spill, emission, discharge or similar occurrence (which would require
      reporting thereof to the applicable governmental or regulatory authority)
      of any Hazardous Substances at or from any location of the Companies,
      their Subsidiaries, the MHE Business or at any other locations where any
      Hazardous Substances were generated, manufactured, refined, transported,
      treated, stored, handled, disposed, transferred, produced, imported,
      exported, used or processed from or by the Companies, their Subsidiaries
      or the MHE Business in connection with their respective business and there
      are no material remediation obligations, costs or expenses currently
      required to be incurred by the Companies, their Subsidiaries or the MHE
      Business relating to Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements.

                  (iii) HarnCo and the Sellers have heretofore made available to
      Investor true and correct copies of all material internal and third-party
      environmental audits, studies, reports and records in the possession or
      control of HII, the Sellers, the Companies or their Subsidiaries (other
      than audits, studies, reports and records relating to Excluded
      Liabilities). There are no agreements between the Companies and their
      Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and HarnCo and its other Affiliates, on the
      other hand, as to the sharing of environmental liabilities (except as
      expressly set forth in this Agreement and the Separation Agreement).

                  (iv) To the Knowledge of the Specified Employees, none of the
      following exists at any property or facility owned or operated by the
      Companies, their Subsidiaries and the MHE Business, the presence of which
      could reasonably be expected to give rise to a material liability: (A)
      underground storage tanks, (B) asbestos-containing material in any damaged
      and friable form or condition, (C) materials or equipment containing
      polychlorinated biphenyls, or (D) landfills, surface impoundments or
      disposal areas.

                                      -54-
<PAGE>

                  (v) To the Knowledge of the Specified Employees, neither the
      Transaction Agreements nor the consummation of the transactions that are
      the subject of the Transaction Agreements will result in any material
      obligation for site investigation or clean-up, or notification to or
      consent of any Governmental Agency under so-called "responsible property
      transfer" Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements.

                  (vi) This Section 4(q), together with Sections 4(n), 4(p) and
      4(r), sets forth the sole and exclusive representations and warranties of
      HarnCo and Sellers with respect to environmental, health and safety
      matters, including without limitation any matters arising under
      Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements.

            (r) Licenses and Authorizations. The Companies or one of their
Subsidiaries holds or owns all material Licenses the Companies and their
Subsidiaries must have to conduct the MHE Business as presently being conducted.
All such material Licenses are listed on Schedule 4(r) of the Disclosure
Schedule. To the Knowledge of the Specified Employees, all such Material
Licenses are valid and in full force and effect. There are no judgments, writs,
decrees, injunctions, stipulations, compliance or settlement agreements that
have been issued that could be expected to result in a forfeiture or the
suspension, termination prior to its expiration date, revocation, material
impairment, materially adverse modification or non-renewal of any material
License. No action, suit or proceeding is pending, or to the Knowledge of the
Specified Employees, threatened before any Governmental Authority to revoke,
refuse to renew or make material adverse modifications to any such material
License.

            (s) Labor and Employee Matters.

                  (i) The Companies and their Subsidiaries are not party to any
            labor or collective bargaining agreement and there are no labor or
            collective bargaining agreements that pertain to employees of the
            Companies, their 

                                      -55-
<PAGE>

            Subsidiaries or the MHE Business. The Companies have made available
            to the Investor correct, and complete copies of the labor or
            collective bargaining agreements listed on Schedule 4(s)(i) of the
            Disclosure Schedule, together with all amendments, modifications,
            letters of agreements and supplements thereto. HarnCo, Sellers, the
            Companies and the Subsidiaries of the Companies are not currently
            engaged in or required to be engaged in collective bargaining with
            any employee representative.

                  (ii) No employees of the Companies or the MHE Business are
            represented by any labor organization. No labor organization or
            group of employees of the Companies or the MHE Business has made a
            pending demand for recognition, and there are no representation
            proceedings or petitions presently pending or, to the Knowledge of
            the Specified Employees, threatened to be brought or filed, with the
            National Labor Relations Board or other labor relations tribunal.
            There is no labor organizing activity involving the Companies'
            employees or employees of the MHE Business pending or, to the
            Knowledge of the Specified Employees, threatened by any labor
            organization or group of employees of the Companies or the MHE
            Business.

                  (iii) There are no strikes, work stoppages, slow downs,
            lockouts, arbitrations or unfair labor practice charges (or actions,
            suits or proceedings relating to wrongful discharge, discrimination,
            employment practices, employment conditions, or terms and conditions
            of employment) pending or, to the Knowledge of the Specified
            Employees, threatened against or involving the Companies, their
            Subsidiaries or the MHE Business.

                  (iv) Neither the Companies, their Subsidiaries, nor the MHE
            Business is delinquent or allegedly delinquent in payments to any of
            its employees of any wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, or other
            direct compensation for any 

                                      -56-
<PAGE>

            services performed by them to date or in amounts required to be
            reimbursed to such employees.

                  (v) Sellers have heretofore delivered to Investor a list of
            all Employees of the MHE Business whose aggregate salary and cash
            bonus exceeded $100,000 for the 12 month period ended October 31,
            1997 setting forth as to each such employee listed thereon, the job
            title, location and salary and cash bonus of such employee for such
            period.

            (t) Insurance. Schedule 4(t) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth
the following information with respect to each insurance policy (including
policies providing property, casualty, liability and workers' compensation
coverage) to which any of the MHE Business has been a party, a named insured or
otherwise the beneficiary of coverage at any time within the past 5 years:

                  (i) the policy number and the period of coverage;

                  (ii) the scope (including an indication of whether the
            coverage was on a claims made, occurrence or other basis) and amount
            (including a description of how deductibles and ceiling are
            calculated and operate) of coverage; and

                  (iii) a description of any retroactive premium adjustments or
            other loss-sharing arrangements.

With respect to each such insurance policy: (A) the policy is legal, valid,
binding, enforceable and in full force and effect; (B) neither HarnCo, the
Sellers nor their Affiliates (nor, to the Knowledge of the Specified Employees,
any other party to the policy) is in material breach or default, and no event
has occurred which, with notice or the lapse of time, would constitute such a
material breach or default, or permit termination, modification or acceleration,
under the policy; and (C) to 

                                      -57-
<PAGE>

the Knowledge of the Specified Employees, no party to the policy has repudiated
any material provision thereof. Schedule 4(t) of the Disclosure Schedule
describes any self-insurance arrangements affecting any of the MHE Business.

            (u) Certain Business Relationships with the Companies and their
Subsidiaries. Except as set forth on Schedule 4(u) in the Disclosure Schedule,
none of HarnCo, the Sellers nor their Affiliates (i) is or has been involved in
any material business arrangement or relationship with any of the Companies, the
Companies' Subsidiaries or the MHE Business since November 1, 1996, and none of
the Sellers or their Affiliates owns any material asset, tangible or intangible,
which is used in the MHE Business or (ii) is the direct or indirect owner of an
interest in any Person which is a present competitor or supplier of the MHE
Business; provided that, in the case of individuals included in the definition
of Affiliate by virtue of their status as a director, officer, partner or
relative, the representation and warranty in this sentence is made to the
Knowledge of the Specified Employees.

            (v) Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. To the Knowledge of the Specified
Employees, the MHE Business has been conducted in compliance with the Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.

            (w) Condition of Assets. Viewed in the aggregate, the Business
Assets and the Incidental Assets are in reasonable operating condition (subject
to ordinary wear and tear).

            (x) Disclosure. The representations and warranties contained in this
Section 4 do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained in
this Section 4 not misleading.

            Section 5. Pre-Closing Covenants. The Parties agree as follows with
respect to the period between the execution of this Agreement and the Closing
(or the earlier termination of this Agreement under Section 9); provided that
with respect to Hercules, the 

                                      -58-
<PAGE>

covenants in this Section 5 shall apply until such time as MHE purchases
Hercules.

            (a) General. Each of the Parties will use commercially reasonable
efforts to take all action and to do all things necessary, proper, or advisable
in order to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement (including satisfaction, but not waiver, of the closing conditions set
forth in Section 7 below and the execution and delivery of the other Transaction
Agreements).

            (b) Notices and Consents. Each of the Parties will (and HarnCo and
Sellers will cause each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries to) give any
notices to third parties, and each of the Parties will (and HarnCo and Sellers
will cause each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries to) use commercially
reasonable efforts to obtain any third party consents, that the other Party may
reasonably request in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. Each of the Parties will (and HarnCo and Sellers will cause each of
the Companies and their Subsidiaries to) give any notices to, make any filings
with, and use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any authorizations,
consents, and approvals of governments and governmental agencies in connection
with the matters referred to in Section 3(a)(ii), Section 3(b)(ii), and Section
4(c) above. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each of the
Parties will file within 15 business days of the date of this Agreement any
Notification and Report Forms and related material that it may be required to
file with the Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the United
States Department of Justice under the HSR Act. Each of the Parties will
promptly make any other merger, anti-trust or similar filings which may be
required in other jurisdictions. The Parties will (i) supply promptly any
additional information and documentary material that may be requested in
connection with such filings, (ii) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain
early termination (if available) of any applicable waiting periods, (iii) make
any further filings pursuant thereto that may be necessary, proper, or advisable
in connection therewith and (iv) take all commercially reasonable actions
necessary to obtain all required clearances. Prior to Closing, the Employment
Agreements with U.S. employees shall be assigned from HarnCo to MHE (or one of
its Subsidiaries), and HarnCo shall be released from its 

                                      -59-
<PAGE>

obligations thereunder.

            (c) Operation of Business. HarnCo and the Sellers will not and will
not cause or permit any of the Companies and their Subsidiaries to engage in any
practice, take any action, or enter into any transaction outside the Ordinary
Course of Business (other than (A) the transactions contemplated by or referred
to in the Transaction Agreements and (B) the reorganization of their
subsidiaries in Canada, Mexico, the United States and the United Kingdom to
facilitate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement). Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, HarnCo and the Sellers (with respect to the MHE
Business) will not and will not cause or permit any of the Companies or any of
their Subsidiaries to:

                  (i) declare, set aside or pay any dividend or make any
            distribution with respect to its capital stock (other than dividends
            and distributions payable in Cash prior to the Closing) or redeem,
            purchase or otherwise acquire any of its capital stock for any
            consideration other than Cash payable prior to the Closing;

                  (ii) acquire or agree to acquire by merging or consolidating
            with, or by purchasing a substantial portion of the assets of, or by
            any other manner, any corporation, partnership, association or other
            business organization or division thereof;

                  (iii) amend the charter, bylaws or comparable governing
            instruments of the Companies or any of their Subsidiaries;

                  (iv) except pursuant to pre-existing contractual commitments
            heretofore disclosed to Investor, issue or sell any shares of its
            capital stock or other interests or securities, or issue options,
            warrants or rights of any kind to acquire, or any securities
            convertible into, exchangeable for or representing a right to
            purchase or receive, or enter into any contract, plan, understanding
            or 

                                      -60-
<PAGE>

            arrangement with respect to the issuance of, any equity based or
            equity related awards, shares of its capital stock or other
            securities, in each instance of the Companies or any of their
            Subsidiaries;

                  (v) enter into any arrangement or contract with respect to the
            purchase, encumbrance or voting of the shares of capital stock or
            adjust, split, combine or reclassify any of the securities, or make
            any other changes in the equity capital structure, in each instance
            of the Companies or any of their Subsidiaries; or

                  (vi) otherwise engage in any practice, take any action or
            enter into any transaction of the sort described in Section 4(h)(ii)
            above (provided that neither HarnCo nor the Sellers will be deemed
            to have breached this covenant as a result of (i) actions taken or
            omissions made by Persons other than HarnCo, the Sellers, the
            Companies or their Subsidiaries or Affiliates or (ii) acts of God or
            other events beyond their control).

            (d) Preservation of Business. HarnCo and Sellers shall use
commercially reasonable efforts to and shall cause each of the Companies and
their Subsidiaries to use commercially reasonable efforts to keep the MHE
Business and its properties substantially intact, including its present
operations, physical facilities, working conditions and relationships with
lessors, licensors, suppliers, customers and employees.

            (e) Full Access. Each of HarnCo and the Sellers will permit, and
HarnCo and the Sellers will cause each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries
to permit, representatives of the Investor to have full access at all reasonable
times, and in a manner so as not to interfere with the normal business
operations of the Companies and their Subsidiaries, to all premises, properties,
personnel, books, records (including Tax records), contracts and documents of or
pertaining to each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries; it being understood
that the foregoing shall include such access (i) as Investor and its
accountants, attorneys, agents and representatives 

                                      -61-
<PAGE>

shall reasonably require in order to review (at Investor's expense) the books
and records of the MHE Business, including access to accountants' work-papers
and the like (but subject to Investor signing any letter which such accountants
may require as a prerequisite to reviewing work papers and the like); and (ii)
as Investor may reasonably require to the management of the MHE Business to
enable Investor to obtain information about the employees of the MHE Business.

            (f) Compensation. Without Investor's prior written consent, no
increase shall be made in the compensation, bonuses or commissions payable or to
become payable to any employee of the MHE Business, except in accordance with
existing employment arrangements or in the Ordinary Course of Business; no
arrangement shall be made by the Companies or any of their Subsidiaries for any
new, additional or increased bonuses, profit sharing plan, pension or retirement
plan, or any similar plan relating to the employees of the MHE Business; and no
material change shall be effected in management, personnel policies or employee
benefits of the MHE Business or any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries.

            (g) Notice of Developments. HarnCo and Sellers shall promptly notify
Investor in writing in the event that any Specified Employee has Knowledge of
any matter which would cause any of their representations and warranties in
Section 3(a) or Section 4 above (or in the other Transaction Agreements) to be
untrue as of the date of this Agreement or the Closing Date. With respect to any
fact, circumstance, event or development occurring after the date of this
Agreement (other than those which constitute a Knowing Breach), the written
notice pursuant to this Section 5(g) will be deemed to have amended the
Disclosure Schedule, to have qualified the representations and warranties
contained in Section 3(a) or Section 4 above, and to have corrected any
misrepresentation or breach of warranty that otherwise might have existed
hereunder by reason of the fact, circumstance, event or development (with the
result that no misrepresentation or breach shall be deemed to have occurred), in
each case to the extent of the disclosure contained in such notice.

            (h) Exclusivity. From and after the date of this Agreement, neither
HarnCo 

                                      -62-
<PAGE>

nor the Sellers nor their Affiliates will (i) solicit, initiate, or encourage
the submission of any proposal or offer from any Person relating to the
acquisition of all or substantially all of the MHE Business or the capital
stock, voting securities or assets of any of the Companies or their Subsidiaries
(including any acquisition structured as a merger, consolidation, or share
exchange) or (ii) participate in any discussion or negotiations regarding,
furnish any information or enter into any agreement with respect to, assist or
participate in, or facilitate in any other manner any effort or attempt by any
Person to do or seek any of the foregoing. The Sellers will notify the Investor
immediately if any Person makes any proposal, offer, inquiry or contact with
respect to any of the foregoing and will promptly provide Investor with a copy
of any documentation relating thereto.

            (i) Insurance. The Companies shall use commercially reasonable
efforts to maintain in effect through the Closing Date the property damage,
liability and other insurance policies set forth on Schedule 4(t) of the
Disclosure Schedule with respect to the MHE Business.

            (j) Notice of Litigation. The Companies shall notify Investor of any
material litigation filed by or served on them or their Subsidiaries after the
date of this Agreement, including any litigation which challenges the
transactions contemplated hereby, and of any material damage to or destruction
of their material assets.

            (k) Performance of Agreements. HarnCo and the Sellers shall use
commercially reasonable efforts to, and shall cause the Companies and their
Subsidiaries to use commercially reasonable efforts to, perform all obligations
(including, without limitation, all payment obligations) required to be
performed by them under all agreements, leases, contracts and commitments
relating to the MHE Business. Neither the Companies nor their Subsidiaries shall
enter into any collective bargaining agreement, employment agreement with any
management-level employee (other than agreements terminable at will and
agreements required by law in nations other than the U.S.) or Employee Benefit
Plan (or any material amendment thereto), except as otherwise required by law or
with the prior written consent of Investor.

                                      -63-
<PAGE>

            (l) No Solicitation. Neither HarnCo nor any of its Affiliates shall
directly or indirectly through another Person induce or attempt to induce any
employee of the Companies or their Subsidiaries to leave the employ of the
Companies or their Subsidiaries.

            (m) Tax Elections. Neither HII, HarnCo, the Sellers, the Companies
nor any of the Companies' Subsidiaries shall make any new elections with respect
to Taxes, or change any current elections with respect to Taxes, that adversely
affect the Companies, their Subsidiaries or the MHE Business.

            (n) Financing. Investor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
obtain the necessary financing for the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement on terms reasonably consistent with those referred to in the
Commitment Letters and the Term Sheets.

            (o) Exchange Proceeds. If, between the date hereof and the Closing,
HarnCo, Sellers, the Companies or their Subsidiaries and/or any of their
Affiliates receives any Exchange Proceeds, one of them shall promptly notify the
Investor of the receipt of the Exchange Proceeds. Any Exchange Proceeds received
by HarnCo, Sellers, the Companies or their Subsidiaries between October 31, 1997
and the Closing shall either be used to purchase replacement Business Assets or
shall be retained by the Companies (as determined based on consultation with
Investor).

            (p) Interim Financial Statements. HarnCo shall furnish to Investor
within twenty (20) days after the end of each monthly accounting period,
commencing with the monthly accounting period ending in December, unaudited
combined consolidated management accounts for the MHE Business consisting of (i)
statements of income and cash flows for the MHE Business for such monthly
accounting period and the fiscal year to date and (ii) a balance sheet of the
MHE Business as of the end of such monthly accounting period. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, HarnCo and the Sellers do
not make (and will not make) any representation or warranty as to the financial
information furnished under this Section.

                                      -64-
<PAGE>

            (q) Update by Investor. Investor shall promptly give written notice
to HarnCo (an "Investor Notice") in the event that any person in the Chartwell
Group has Knowledge of any matter which would cause any representation or
warranty of HarnCo and the Sellers in this Agreement or any other Transaction
Document to be untrue or incorrect in any material respect. Any Investor Notice
shall have the same effect as a notice delivered by HarnCo and Sellers under
Section 5(g) hereof.

            (r) Knowing Breach. HarnCo and Sellers shall not cause or permit
any Knowing Breach to occur. As used in this Agreement, "Knowing Breach" means
an action (or a willful failure to take action) by, at the direction of, or with
the prior Knowledge of any Specified Employee, which action would (i) cause any
of the representations or warranties of HarnCo and Sellers in this Agreement or
any other Transaction Agreement to be untrue in any material respect (other than
actions (or willful failures to take action) in the Ordinary Course of Business)
or (ii) breach any other covenant contained in this Section 5.

            (s) Collective Bargaining Agreements. Effective on the Closing Date,
Investor shall cause MHE to assume and to be responsible for all employer
liabilities and obligations (as such apply to the MHE Business) that accrue
after the Closing Date under the collective bargaining agreement applicable to
United Steelworkers of America, Local No. 1114 ("Local 1114"), as currently set
forth in the "1995-1998 Agreement" between HarnCo and Local 1114, dated
September 1, 1995, subject to the provisions in this Agreement as to Excluded
Liabilities.

            (t) Joinder. At the Closing, Investor shall cause MHE and the other
Companies to execute an instrument for the benefit of HarnCo and its Affiliates
pursuant to which MHE, the other Companies and their Subsidiaries will ratify
and approve and will agree to honor and be bound by all provisions of this
Agreement which are applicable to them. From and after the Closing, MHE and the
other Companies shall be deemed "Parties" to this Agreement for purposes of all
provisions of this Agreement which are applicable to them.

                                      -65-
<PAGE>

            Section 6. Post-Closing Covenants. The Parties agree as follows with
respect to the period following the Closing.

            (a) General. In case at any time after the Closing any further
reasonable action is necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, each
of the Parties will take such further action (including the execution and
delivery of such further instruments and documents) as any other Party may
reasonably request, all at the sole cost and expense of the requesting Party
(unless the requesting Party is entitled to indemnification therefor under
Section 8 below). HarnCo and the Sellers acknowledge and agree that from and
after the Closing, the Investor will be entitled to possession of all documents,
books, records (including Tax records other than U.S. and state income Tax
records relating to periods ending on or prior to the Closing Date), agreements
and financial data of any sort relating to the Companies and the Companies'
Subsidiaries and the MHE Business, if and to the extent such Business Records
are reasonably separable from those relating to HII's other businesses.

            (b) Records; Employees.

                  (i) Records in Investor's and MHE's Possession. Until the
            Termination Date, Investor and MHE agree to permit HarnCo, Sellers
            and their officers, employees, attorneys, accountants, agents and
            designees, such access to, and right to copy, Business Records in
            the possession of the Investor or MHE (or any of their Affiliates)
            as HarnCo or Sellers may deem reasonably necessary or reasonably
            desirable. Any such examination and copying shall be at HarnCo or
            Sellers' expense, shall be performed at the place where the Business
            Records are regularly maintained and shall not unreasonably
            interfere with the normal business activities of the furnishing
            party. In the event that Investor or MHE (or any of their
            Affiliates) intends to destroy any Business Records prior to the
            Termination Date, it shall so notify HarnCo and Sellers (and HarnCo
            and the Sellers shall have 

                                      -66-
<PAGE>

            the right to review and remove at their expense any of the Business
            Records to be destroyed).

                  (ii) Records in HarnCo's or Sellers' Possession. Until the
            Termination Date, HarnCo and Sellers agree to permit Investor, MHE
            and their officers, employees, attorneys, accountants, agents and
            designees, such access to, and right to copy, such Business Records
            in the possession of HarnCo and Sellers (or any of their Affiliates)
            as Investor or MHE may deem reasonably necessary or reasonably
            desirable. Any such examination and copying shall be at the expense
            of Investor or MHE, shall be performed at the place where the
            Business Records are regularly maintained and shall not unreasonably
            interfere with the normal business activities of the furnishing
            party. In the event that HarnCo or Sellers (or any of their
            Affiliates) intend to destroy any Business Records prior to the
            Termination Date, they shall so notify the Investor and MHE (and the
            Investor and MHE shall have the right to review and remove at its
            expense any of the Business Records to be destroyed).

                  (iii) Investor and MHE Employees. Until the Termination Date,
            Investor and MHE shall afford HarnCo and Sellers access to those
            employees of Investor or MHE (or any of their Affiliates) who are
            familiar with the MHE Business. Any such access shall be: (i) at the
            request of HarnCo or Sellers, (ii) scheduled and provided on a
            reasonable basis, and (iii) for any proper business purpose of
            HarnCo or Sellers, including the defense of any legal proceedings
            and the preparation, filing and execution of any Tax Returns. HarnCo
            and Sellers shall pay all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses,
            excluding wages, salaries, overhead or burden, incurred by Investor
            or MHE (or any of their Affiliates) in connection with this
            subsection (iii).

                  (iv) HarnCo and Seller Employees. Until the Termination Date,

                                      -67-
<PAGE>

            HarnCo and Sellers shall afford Investor and MHE access to those
            employees of HarnCo or Sellers who are familiar with the MHE
            Business. Any such access shall be: (i) at the request of Investor
            or MHE; (ii) scheduled and provided on a reasonable basis, and (iii)
            for any proper business purpose of Investor or MHE, including the
            defense of any legal proceedings and the preparation, filing and
            execution of any Tax Returns. Investor and MHE shall pay all
            reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, excluding wages, salaries,
            overhead or burden, incurred by HarnCo or Sellers in connection with
            this subsection (iv).

            (c) Employees and Employee Benefit Matters.

                  (i) Except as set forth in Section 6(c)(vi) below and except
            as may be required by collective bargaining agreements in effect on
            the Closing Date, nothing in this Agreement (whether express or
            implied) shall in any way restrict the right of the Companies and/or
            their Subsidiaries to provide salaries, wages and benefits different
            from those provided to Current Employees (or employees of the
            non-U.S. Companies and their Subsidiaries) prior to the Closing
            Date. HarnCo and Sellers shall retain all Liability for
            post-retirement medical benefits and other benefits payable to
            Former Employees as of the Closing Date. Nothing in this Agreement
            shall be deemed to restrict or otherwise prevent or prohibit the
            Companies or their Subsidiaries from terminating after the Closing
            Date any employee of the Companies or their Subsidiaries, to the
            extent permitted by applicable law and any applicable collective
            bargaining agreement. Investor and MHE shall indemnify HarnCo and
            its Affiliates against any Adverse Consequences which HarnCo or its
            Affiliates may incur or suffer under the Worker Adjustment and
            Retraining Notification Act or any similar state law arising out of,
            or relating to, any actions taken by Investor, the Companies or
            their Subsidiaries with respect to Current Employees on or after the
            Closing Date.

                                      -68-
<PAGE>

                  (ii) To the extent Current Employees or Former Employees
            participate in employee health, disability, dental or life insurance
            benefit plans which are sponsored by HII, HarnCo or one or more of
            the Sellers, then HII, HarnCo and Sellers shall retain liability for
            all claims filed thereunder prior to the Closing Date. The Companies
            and their Subsidiaries shall have liability for all claims filed
            under such plans by Current Employees on or after the Closing Date.
            HarnCo and Sellers shall retain Liability for all medical and
            disability benefits for all Current Employees who are on short-term
            or long-term disability as of the Closing Date as to such condition
            or disability.

                  (iii) HarnCo and Sellers shall retain and assume the Liability
            for all workers' compensation claims filed prior to the Closing Date
            and the Companies and their Subsidiaries shall have Liability for
            all workers' compensation claims for all Current Employees filed on
            or after the Closing Date.

                  (iv) HarnCo and its Affiliates shall retain responsibility for
            any claims by Former Employees arising out of or relating to the
            termination of their retiree medical benefits. The Companies and
            their Subsidiaries shall be responsible for any claims by Current
            Employees arising out of or relating to the termination of their
            retiree medical benefits ("Current Employee Claims"). HarnCo and its
            Affiliates shall control and manage the defense of any litigation
            brought against the Companies or their Subsidiaries in respect of
            Current Employee Claims and shall pay the costs and expenses of
            defending such litigation (but not any settlements or judgments in
            respect of such litigation); provided that the Companies and their
            Subsidiaries may retain separate co-counsel at their sole cost and
            expense to monitor the defense of such litigation; and provided
            further that the Companies and their Subsidiaries may elect to
            assume control of the defense (in which case (A) the Companies and
            their Subsidiaries shall be responsible for the payment of the costs
            and expenses of defending such litigation and (B) HarnCo and its

                                      -69-
<PAGE>

            Affiliates may retain separate co- counsel at their sole cost and
            expense to monitor such litigation). Neither the Companies or their
            Subsidiaries, on the one hand, nor HarnCo or its Affiliates, on the
            other hand, shall enter into any settlement of any litigation
            against the Companies or their Subsidiaries in respect of Current
            Employee Claims without the consent of the other, not to be
            unreasonably withheld.

                  (v) On behalf of itself, MHE and the Companies, Investor
            agrees and acknowledges that (i) HarnCo does not consider retiree
            medical insurance to be a vested benefit and (ii) HarnCo has
            retained, and communicated to Former Employees and Current
            Employees, its right to change, modify or alter, in whole or in
            part, or to eliminate retiree medical benefits. With respect to
            retiree medical insurance, Investor shall permit HarnCo to monitor
            and consult with MHE concerning its planning for and presentations
            in collective bargaining negotiations with Local 1114. Until such
            time as HarnCo and its Affiliates cease to hold any ownership
            interest (including any interest in preferred shares) in MHE,
            Investor shall not (and shall not permit MHE or the Companies to)
            make any statement or admission in its collective bargaining
            negotiations or otherwise which is inconsistent with the first
            sentence of this Section 6(c)(v).

                  (vi) (A) Effective as of the Closing Date, MHE shall adopt and
            maintain a defined contribution plan (the "MHE Defined Contribution
            Plan") intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code
            that has features concerning the timing and method of distributions
            such that a mandatory transfer from the Harnischfeger Industries
            Employees' Savings Plan (the "Harnischfeger Savings Plan") to the
            MHE Defined Contribution Plan of account balances attributable to
            the Current Employees will not cause a violation of Section
            411(d)(6) of the Code, and that credits the Current Employees with
            all of their years of service credited under the Harnischfeger
            Savings Plan as of the Closing 

                                      -70-
<PAGE>

            Date for all purposes under the MHE Defined Contribution Plan. As
            soon as practicable following the Closing Date, MHE shall submit the
            MHE Defined Contribution Plan to the IRS for a favorable
            determination that the MHE Defined Contribution Plan is qualified
            under Section 401(a) of the Code, and MHE shall take all such
            actions as may be necessary to obtain such favorable determination
            prior to the end of the remedial amendment period specified therefor
            in Section 401(b) of the Code.

                        (B) In accordance with the applicable provisions of
            Section 414(l) of the Code, HarnCo and Sellers shall cause the
            assets of the Harnischfeger Savings Plan attributable to the
            accounts (whether or not vested) of each Current Employee (or the
            beneficiaries or alternate payee(s) of each Current Employee) to be
            transferred by the trustee of the Harnischfeger Savings Plan to the
            trustee of the MHE Defined Contribution Plan. The transfer of assets
            from the Harnischfeger Savings Plan to the MHE Defined Contribution
            Plan made pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall be in cash
            or in kind (including any promissory notes or other evidences of
            indebtedness with respect to outstanding loans made to Current
            Employees), as mutually agreed by HarnCo, Sellers and MHE, or in
            cash and such promissory notes if no such agreement is made, and
            shall be made as of and as soon as practicable after a valuation
            date under the Harnischfeger Savings Plan occurring coincident with
            or immediately following the Closing Date, or as of such later
            valuation date as may be mutually selected by Sellers, HarnCo and
            MHE. Such transfer shall account appropriately for earnings and
            losses during the period from the applicable valuation date to the
            actual date of transfer (the "Transfer Date").

                        (C) From the Closing Date until the Transfer Date, MHE
            shall make continuous payroll deductions each pay period from the
            pay of each Current Employee who has a loan(s) outstanding from the
            Harnischfeger Savings Plan of 

                                      -71-
<PAGE>

            amounts sufficient to pay the installment payments of principal and
            interest on each such loan as required by the promissory note or
            other evidence of indebtedness relating to such loan. Such deducted
            amounts shall be paid by MHE to the trustee of the Harnischfeger
            Savings Plan who shall accept such payments for a credit against
            such loans.

                  (vii) HarnCo and Sellers shall retain the Harnischfeger
            Industries Salaried Employees' Retirement Plan and the Harnischfeger
            Industries Hourly Employees' Retirement Plan, and all Liabilities
            with respect to each such plan; provided, that effective as of the
            Closing Date, Current Employees will no longer accrue service for
            purposes of benefit accrual, vesting or early retirement subsidies.
            Neither Investor nor MHE shall assume the Harnischfeger Industries
            Salaried Employees' Retirement Plan or the Harnischfeger Industries
            Hourly Employees' Retirement Plan, or any Liabilities with respect
            to either such plan.

                  (viii) The provisions of Exhibit L shall govern the treatment
            of the Morris Pension Scheme.

                  (ix) From the Closing Date until the earlier of MHE's notice
            of termination to HarnCo or December 31, 1998 (such earlier date
            shall be the "End Date"), the Current Employees shall continue to
            participate in the medical, dental, life and long-term disability
            insurance benefit plans which are sponsored by HarnCo for the
            benefit of such Current Employees as of the Closing Date; provided
            that, except as otherwise set forth in this Section 6(c), MHE shall
            (and Investor and MHE shall cause the other Companies and their
            Subsidiaries to) pay to HarnCo and Sellers the cost of all benefits
            provided under such plans with respect to the Current Employees from
            the Closing Date until the End Date, including, but not limited to,
            (i) the amount of all claims paid thereunder on or prior to the End
            Date, (ii) the amount of any claims paid thereunder subsequent to

                                      -72-
<PAGE>

            the End Date, provided that any such claim was incurred on or prior
            to the End Date, and (iii) the cost of any administrative and
            support services provided with respect to the claims paid pursuant
            to clauses (i) and (ii). All payments of such costs shall be made
            not later than 30 days following the submission to the Companies of
            an invoice therefor by HII or HarnCo.

            (d) Tax Matters. The following provisions shall govern the
allocation of responsibility as between the Parties for certain Tax matters
following the Closing Date:

                  (i) Tax Periods Ending on or Before the Closing Date. Investor
            shall prepare or cause to be prepared and file or cause to be filed
            and pay any amounts (other than Excluded Taxes) related to all Tax
            Returns for each of the Companies and their Subsidiaries for all
            periods ending on or prior to the Closing Date which are filed after
            the Closing Date other than Tax Returns with respect to periods for
            which a consolidated, unitary or combined income Tax Return of
            HarnCo or the Sellers will include the operations of any of the
            Companies or their Subsidiaries, the income Tax Returns of Redcrown,
            ULC and its subsidiaries for periods ending on or before October 31,
            1997 and the income Tax Returns for periods ended on or before the
            Closing Date of any U.S. Entity which is a flow-through entity for
            U.S. Tax purposes (which returns shall be prepared or be caused to
            be prepared and filed or be caused to be filed by Sellers and
            Sellers will pay any amounts related thereto).

                  (ii) Tax Periods Beginning Before and Ending After the Closing
            Date. Investor shall prepare or cause to be prepared and file or
            cause to be filed and pay any amounts (other than Excluded Taxes)
            related to any Tax Returns of each of the Companies and their
            Subsidiaries which begin before and end after the Closing Date.

                                      -73-
<PAGE>

                  (iii) Cooperation on Tax Matters. Investor, MHE, HarnCo, the
            Sellers and the Companies and their Subsidiaries shall cooperate
            fully, as and to the extent reasonably requested by the other party,
            in connection with the filing of Tax Returns pursuant to this
            Section 6(d), the providing of copies of Tax Returns and any audit,
            litigation or other proceeding with respect to Taxes. Such
            cooperation shall include the retention and (upon the other Party's
            request) the provision of records and information which are
            reasonably relevant to any such audit, litigation or other
            proceeding and making employees available without charge on a
            mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and
            explanation of any material provided hereunder.

                  (iv) Tax Sharing Agreements. On the Closing Date, none of the
            Companies or their Subsidiaries will be a party to, be bound by, or
            have any obligation under any Tax sharing agreement or similar
            contract or arrangement.

                  (v) Section 338(h)(10) Election.

                  (A) The Parties will join in making an election under Section
            338(h)(10) of the Code (and any corresponding election under state
            or local law) with respect to the purchase and sale of the stock of
            the U.S. Entities and Morris Mechanical Handling Inc. (a "Section
            338(h)(10) Election"). HarnCo and the Sellers will include any
            income, gain, loss, deduction, or any other tax item resulting from
            the Section 338(h)(10) Election on their Tax Returns to the extent
            permitted by applicable law. HarnCo and the Sellers shall also pay
            any Tax imposed on the U.S. Entities attributable to the making of
            the Section 338(h)(10) Election, including, but not limited to, (A)
            any Tax imposed under Reg. Section 1.338(h)(10)-1(e)(5), or (B) any
            state, local or foreign Tax imposed on the U.S. Entities gain, and
            HarnCo and the Sellers shall indemnify the Investors, or the U.S.
            Entities against any Adverse Consequences arising out of any failure
            to pay any 

                                      -74-
<PAGE>

            such Taxes. HarnCo and the Sellers shall report, in connection with
            the determination of Taxes, the transactions contemplated by this
            Agreement in a manner consistent with the Section 338(h)(10)
            Election, including the reasonable determination by the fair market
            value of the assets of the U.S. Entities and the allocation of the
            deemed purchase price of the assets of the U.S. Entities within the
            meaning of Section 338(h)(10) of the Code and the Treasury
            Regulations promulgated thereunder.

                  (B) The Parties jointly shall be responsible for the
            preparation and filing of all forms and documents required in
            connection with the Section 338(h)(10) Election. The Parties shall
            cooperate fully with each other and make available to each other
            such Tax data and other information as may be reasonably required by
            the Parties in order to timely file the Section 338(h)(10) Election
            and other required statements or schedules. HarnCo and the Sellers
            shall promptly execute and deliver the Investor any amendments made
            to Form 8023 (or successor form) (and any comparable state and local
            forms) subsequent to the filing of the Section 338(h)(10) Election
            and any attachments which are required to be filed under applicable
            law, including any amendments to Form 8023 (or successor form)
            necessitated by any indemnification payments made pursuant to this
            Agreement.

                  (C) To the extent permitted by state or local laws, the
            principles and procedures of this Section 6(d) shall also apply with
            respect to a Section 338(h)(10) election or equivalent or comparable
            provision under state or local, including, without limitation, an
            election under Section 338(g) of the Code or equivalent or
            comparable provision under state or local law.

                  (vi) Investor, MHE, HarnCo and Sellers shall take such action
            as is necessary to cause the elections under the Code (and any
            comparable election 

                                      -75-
<PAGE>

            under state and local tax law) to be made in connection with the
            transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The U.S. Entities,
            Investor, Sellers, HarnCo and their respective affected Affiliates
            shall cooperate with each other in the making of such elections. The
            Parties shall prepare and deliver the appropriate election forms as
            soon as practicable after Closing. None of the Companies, their
            Subsidiaries or the Parties shall take a position for Tax or other
            purposes which is inconsistent with this Agreement.

                  (vii) Investor shall notify HarnCo upon receipt of a notice
            from any Taxing Authority claiming that MHE or any of its
            Subsidiaries has a Tax Liability referred to in paragraph (e) of
            Exhibit N in excess of $250,000 for any Tax Audit that relates to
            the operation of the MHE Business prior to Closing. HarnCo shall
            have the right to monitor and participate in any such Tax Audit.

                  (viii) Gann Indemnity Rights. Notwithstanding anything in this
            Agreement to the contrary, HarnCo and Sellers shall have the right
            to receive and retain $400,000 of the Gann Indemnity Proceeds (as
            defined below) in order to pay Excluded Taxes associated with MPH
            Crane, Inc. and HarnCo's collection costs; provided that any portion
            of such $400,000 of the Gann Indemnity Proceeds in excess of such
            Excluded Taxes and collection costs shall be available to the
            Companies and their Subsidiaries as a source of payment for
            indemnity claims under (and subject to the terms of) that certain
            Share and Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 14, 1997. As used
            in this Agreement, "Gann Indemnity Proceeds" means the cash proceeds
            from the sale by MPH of that certain real estate on West 3rd Street
            in Dayton, Ohio. Notwithstanding any provision of Section 5 of this
            Agreement to the contrary, HarnCo shall be entitled to cause the
            sale of such real estate to be completed after the date of this
            Agreement and to cause the Companies and their Subsidiaries to
            distribute or pay to HarnCo $400,000 of the Gann Indemnity Proceeds.
            In the event such sale is completed 

                                      -76-
<PAGE>

            after the Closing, MHE shall cause $400,000 of the Gann Indemnity
            Proceeds to be paid to HarnCo for application in accordance with
            this Section.

                  (ix) Effective as of the Closing Date, the procedures in this
            Section 6(d) shall supersede the procedures contained in Section 14
            of the Separation Agreement.

            (e) Transition. None of the Sellers, HarnCo nor any of their
Affiliates will take any action that is designed or intended to have the effect
of discouraging any lessor, licensor, customer, supplier or other business
associate of any of the MHE Business from maintaining the same business
relationships with the MHE Business after the Closing as it maintained with the
MHE Business prior to the Closing. Each of HarnCo, the Sellers and their
Affiliates will refer all customer inquiries relating to the MHE Businesses to
MHE from and after the Closing.

            (f) Concerning the Separation Agreement. Notwithstanding any
provision of the Separation Agreement to the contrary, the Parties agree that
(i) the Closing Date shall be deemed to be the "Termination Date" for purposes
of the Separation Agreement and (ii) Material Handling LLC may assign its rights
and obligations under the Separation Agreement to a third party as part of a
sale of all or substantially all of the MHE Business (whether by stock sale,
asset sale, merger or otherwise) so long as the successor to the MHE Business
executes an assumption agreement for the benefit of HarnCo and its Affiliates
pursuant to which such successor becomes fully and unconditionally bound by the
Separation Agreement.

            (g) Insurance Arrangements. HarnCo shall use commercially reasonable
efforts to make available to the Companies and their Subsidiaries coverage under
any existing insurance policies (other than self insurance) which may be in
effect with respect to occurrences prior to the Closing. HarnCo shall permit the
Companies and their Subsidiaries to pursue access to such insurance through
declaratory judgment and other legal proceedings against HarnCo's insurance
carriers in the name of HarnCo and/or its Affiliates (or, to the extent
practicable, any of 

                                      -77-
<PAGE>

their predecessors which are named insureds on such policies).

            (h) Concerning the Trademark Agreement. HarnCo agrees, on behalf of
itself and its Affiliates, to comply and to cause HTI to comply with the
Trademark Agreement.

            (i) Certain Purchasing Arrangements. Following the Closing (and for
a period of up to two years thereafter), HarnCo and the Sellers shall use
commercially reasonable efforts to make available to the Companies those
purchasing arrangements referenced in item 2 of Schedule 4(m)(vii) of the
Disclosure Schedule which are in effect on the Closing.

            Section 7. Conditions to Obligation to Close.

            (a) Conditions to Obligation of Investor. The obligation of Investor
to consummate the transactions to be performed by it in connection with the
Closing is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions:

                  (i) the representations and warranties set forth in Section
            3(a) and Section 4 shall be true and correct in all material
            respects as of the date of this Agreement, taking into account the
            Disclosure Schedule;

                  (ii) the representations set forth in Section 3(a) and Section
            4 shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
            Closing Date, taking into account the Disclosure Schedule (as
            supplemented in accordance with Sections 5(g) and 5(q) hereof);

                  (iii) from the date of this Agreement through the Closing
            Date, no Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred;

                  (iv) HarnCo and Sellers shall have performed and complied with
            all 

                                      -78-
<PAGE>

            of their covenants hereunder in all material respects through the
            Closing;

                  (v) there shall not be any action, suit or proceeding pending
            or threatened before any Governmental Agency or before any
            arbitrator in connection with the consummation of the transactions
            contemplated by this Agreement wherein an unfavorable injunction,
            judgment, order, decree, ruling or charge would (A) prevent
            consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this
            Agreement, (B) cause any of the transactions contemplated by this
            Agreement to be rescinded following consummation or result in
            material damages to Investor, the MHE Business or the Companies, (C)
            affect adversely the right of the Investor to own the shares of MHE
            and to control the Companies and their Subsidiaries , or (D) have a
            material adverse effect on the right of the Companies and their
            Subsidiaries to own their assets or to operate their business (and
            no such injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, or charge shall
            be in effect);

                  (vi) all applicable waiting periods (and any extensions
            thereof) under the HSR Act and any applicable European or national
            merger regulations shall have expired or otherwise been terminated;

                  (vii) HTI shall have executed the Trademark Agreement;

                  (viii) HII shall have executed the Non-Competition Agreement;

                  (ix) HarnCo shall have executed the Stockholders Agreement,
            the Supply Agreement, the Transition Services Agreement, the
            Assumption Agreement and the Credit Indemnity Agreement;

                  (x) HarnCo and the Sellers shall have delivered to the
            Investor a certificate to the effect that each of the conditions
            specified above in Section 

                                      -79-
<PAGE>

            7(a)(i) - (iv) is satisfied in all respects;

                  (xi) Investor shall have received the opinions in form and
            substance as set forth in Exhibit H attached hereto, addressed to
            the Investor, and dated as of the Closing Date;

                  (xii) Investor shall have obtained financing for the
            transactions contemplated by this Agreement on terms reasonably
            consistent with the Commitment Letters and Term Sheets,
            respectively;

                  (xiii) The business relationships identified on Schedule
            4(m)(vii) (other than those identified in items 4 through 12 and
            items 17 and 19 thereof) shall have either been (A) terminated or
            (B) superseded or otherwise modified pursuant to the express terms
            of the Transaction Agreements (as applicable);

                  (xiv) The Employment Agreements shall be in full force and
            effect; and

                  (xv) MHE shall own, directly or indirectly, all of the
            outstanding equity securities of the other Companies and their
            Subsidiaries free and clear of all Encumbrances (other than (A) the
            15% interest in Blooma held by third parties and (B) the Hercules
            Shares).

Investor may waive any condition specified in this Section 7(a) prior to the
Closing (without prejudice to any of Investor's rights under Section 8 hereof).

            (b) Conditions to Obligation of HarnCo and Sellers. The obligation
of HarnCo and Sellers to consummate the transactions to be performed by them in
connection with the Closing is subject to satisfaction of the following
conditions:

                                      -80-
<PAGE>

                  (i) the representations and warranties set forth in Section
            3(b) above shall be true and correct in all material respects at and
            as of the date of this Agreement and the Closing Date;

                  (ii) Investor shall have performed and complied with all of
            its covenants hereunder in all material respects through the
            Closing;

                  (iii) there shall not be any action, suit, or proceeding
            pending or threatened before any Governmental Agency or before any
            arbitrator in connection with the consummation of the transactions
            contemplated by this Agreement wherein an unfavorable injunction,
            judgment, order, decree, ruling or charge would (A) prevent
            consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this
            Agreement, or (B) cause any of the transactions contemplated by this
            Agreement to be rescinded following consummation (and no such
            injunction, judgment, order, decree, ruling, or charge shall be in
            effect);

                  (iv) all applicable waiting periods (and any extensions
            thereof) under the HSR Act and any applicable European or national
            merger regulations shall have expired or otherwise been terminated;

                  (v) MHE shall have executed the Trademark Agreement;

                  (vi) MHE shall have executed the Non-Competition Agreement;

                  (vii) MHE shall have executed the Supply Agreement and the
            Transition Services Agreement;

                  (viii) MHE, Investor and the other parties shall have executed
            and 

                                      -81-
<PAGE>

            delivered the Stockholders Agreement;

                  (ix) MHE and Investor shall have executed and delivered the HK
            Agreement;

                  (x) MHE shall have executed and delivered the Credit
            Indemnification Agreement; and

                  (xi) HarnCo and Sellers shall have received from Akin, Gump,
            Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P., counsel to the Investor, an opinion
            in form and substance as set forth in Exhibit I attached hereto,
            addressed to HarnCo and Sellers, and dated as of the Closing Date.

HarnCo and Sellers may waive any condition specified in this Section 7(b) prior
to the Closing (without prejudice to any of HarnCo and Sellers' rights under
Section 8 of this Agreement).

            Section 8. Remedies for Breaches of this Agreement.

            (a) Survival of Representations and Warranties.

                  (i) All of the representations and warranties of HarnCo and
            Sellers contained in Section 3(a)(iii)(B) and 4 above (taking into
            account the Disclosure Schedule as supplemented pursuant to Sections
            5(g) and 5(q)) shall survive the Closing hereunder and shall
            continue in full force and effect for a period of eighteen (18)
            months after the Closing; with the exception of (A) those
            representations and warranties contained in Sections 4(a)
            (Organization, Qualification and Corporate Power), 4(b)
            (Capitalization) and 4(f) (Subsidiaries) which shall survive
            indefinitely; (B) those representations and warranties contained in
            Sections 4(e) (Title to Assets) and 4(q) (Environmental Matters)
            which shall 

                                      -82-
<PAGE>

            survive for two (2) years after the Closing; (C) those
            representations and warranties contained in Sections 4(l)
            (Intellectual Property) and 4(o) (Employee Benefits) which shall
            survive for three (3) years after the Closing; and (D) those
            representations and warranties contained in Section 4(j) (Tax
            Matters) which shall survive until expiration of applicable statutes
            of limitation or, if later, the date on which the relevant
            Governmental Agency is no longer entitled to raise an assessment in
            respect of the relevant matters.

                  (ii) All of the representations and warranties of HarnCo and
            Sellers contained in Section 3(a) (i), (ii), (iii)(A), (iv) and (v)
            above (taking into account the Disclosure Schedule as supplemented
            pursuant to Sections 5(g) and 5(q)) shall survive the Closing and
            continue in full force and effect forever thereafter (subject to any
            applicable statutes of limitations). All of the representations and
            warranties of Investor contained in Section 3(b) above shall survive
            the Closing and continue in full force and effect forever thereafter
            (subject to any applicable statutes of limitations).

            (b) Indemnification Provisions for Benefit of Investor.

                  (i) In the event that (A) HarnCo and Sellers breach any of
            their representations or warranties contained herein (other than the
            representations and warranties in Section 3(a) (i), (ii), (iii)(A),
            (iv) and (v) and Sections 4(b) and 4(f) above) and (B) Investor
            makes a written claim for indemnification against HarnCo and Sellers
            with respect thereto within the time periods, if any, specified in
            Section 8(a)(i) above (which written claim shall specify in
            reasonable particulars the basis of the breach being asserted and,
            to the extent then determinable, an estimate of any Adverse
            Consequences which Investor, the Companies and their Subsidiaries
            and their respective Affiliates (the "Investor Indemnitees") claim
            to suffer as a result thereof), then HarnCo and Sellers jointly and
            severally agree to indemnify 

                                      -83-
<PAGE>

            the Investor Indemnitees from and against any Adverse Consequences
            the Investor Indemnitees suffer (including any Adverse Consequences
            the Investor Indemnitees may suffer after the end of any applicable
            survival period) resulting from, arising out of, or caused by such
            breach; provided, however, that HarnCo and Sellers shall not have
            any obligation to indemnify the Investor Indemnitees from and
            against any Adverse Consequences caused by the breach of any
            representation or warranty of HarnCo and Sellers contained herein
            (other than those representations and warranties in Section 3(a)(i),
            (ii), (iii)(A), (iv) and (v) and in Sections 4(b) and 4(f)): (X)
            unless and until the Investor Indemnitees have suffered Adverse
            Consequences by reason of all such breaches in excess of a $7.5
            million aggregate deductible (after which point HarnCo and Sellers
            will be obligated only to indemnify the Investor Indemnitees from
            and against further such Adverse Consequences), and (Y) to the
            extent the Adverse Consequences the Investor Indemnitees have
            suffered by reason of all such breaches exceeds a $32.5 million
            aggregate ceiling (after which point HarnCo and Sellers will have no
            obligation to the indemnify the Investor Indemnitees from and
            against further such Adverse Consequences). For purposes of clarity,
            the purpose of the proviso in the preceding sentence is to limit the
            total indemnification obligations of HarnCo and Sellers to a maximum
            of $25 million in respect of all breaches of the representations and
            warranties contained herein (other than those representations and
            warranties in Section 3(a)(i), (ii), (iii)(A), (iv) and (v) and in
            Sections 4(b) and 4(f)).

                  (ii) In the event that (A) HarnCo and Sellers breach any of
            their representations and warranties in Section 3(a) (i), (ii),
            (iii)(A), (iv) or (v) or Sections 4(b) or 4(f) or (B) HarnCo or
            Sellers breach any of their covenants contained herein, then HarnCo
            and Sellers jointly and severally agree to indemnify the Investor
            Indemnitees from and against any Adverse Consequences the Investor
            Indemnitees suffer through and after the date of the claim for
            indemnification 

                                      -84-
<PAGE>

            resulting from, arising out of, or caused by the breach.

                  (iii) HarnCo and the Sellers jointly and severally agree to
            indemnify the Investor Indemnitees from and against the entirety of
            any Adverse Consequences the Investor Indemnitees may suffer
            resulting from, arising out of, or caused by any Excluded Liability
            (other than Asbestos Liabilities).

                  (iv) HarnCo and Sellers jointly and severally agree to
            indemnify Investor for any Adverse Consequences Investor suffers as
            the result of any employee pension benefit plan maintained or
            contributed to by HarnCo and Sellers and which is subject to Title
            IV of ERISA.

            (c) Indemnification Provisions for Benefit of HarnCo and Sellers.

                  (i) In the event Investor breaches any of its representations,
            warranties, or covenants contained herein, then Investor shall
            indemnify (and, from and after the Closing, MHE, the other Companies
            and their Subsidiaries shall jointly and severally indemnify)
            HarnCo, Sellers and their Affiliates (the "HarnCo Indemnitees") from
            and against any Adverse Consequences the HarnCo Indemnitees suffer
            resulting from, arising out of, or caused by the breach.

                  (ii) MHE shall (and MHE shall cause the other Companies and
            their Subsidiaries to) jointly and severally indemnify the HarnCo
            Indemnitees from and against any and all Adverse Consequences the
            HarnCo Indemnitees suffer resulting from, arising out of or caused
            by the Asbestos Liabilities; provided that (x) Adverse Consequences
            shall be net of any insurance proceeds received by the HarnCo
            Indemnitees, excluding self-insurance and giving effect to all
            deductibles, ceilings, uninsured layers, exclusions, payments in
            respect of retro-rated coverage and similar items, and (y) MHE shall
            control the defense of the litigation relating to 

                                      -85-
<PAGE>

            the Asbestos Liabilities as an Indemnifying Party under Section 8(e)
            below. MHE shall be responsible for the cost of defending the
            litigation relating to the Asbestos Liabilities to the extent not
            paid by HarnCo's insurance carriers.

                  (iii) From and after the Closing, MHE, the other Companies and
            their Subsidiaries shall jointly and severally indemnify the HarnCo
            Indemnitees from and against all Adverse Consequences the HarnCo
            Indemnitees suffer resulting from, arising out of, or caused by the
            breach by any of MHE, the other Companies or their Subsidiaries of
            any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Agreement
            which is applicable to them.

                  (iv) The Parties agree and acknowledge that Investor has not
            agreed to assume or pay any of the Liabilities of the Companies or
            their Subsidiaries or the MHE Business.

                  (v) The foregoing notwithstanding, (A) the indemnification
            provisions in clauses (i) and (ii) above shall not apply to those of
            the Companies and their Subsidiaries incorporated under U.K. company
            law (the "U.K. Companies") and (B) the indemnification provisions of
            clause (iii) above shall only apply to the U.K. Companies on a
            several basis with respect to those provisions of this Agreement and
            the other Transaction Agreements expressly applicable to them as to
            which such U.K. Company committed a breach; provided that the U.K.
            Companies agree that they will make such dividends or distributions
            as are lawful in order to provide funds to the other Companies (or
            their Subsidiaries) to make any indemnification payments which such
            other Companies (or their Subsidiaries) are required to make
            hereunder.

            (d) Tax Indemnification Provisions. Notwithstanding any other
provisions of this Agreement:

                                      -86-
<PAGE>

                  (i) HarnCo and the Sellers shall be liable for the payment or
            satisfaction of and hereby indemnify and hold harmless Investor and
            its Affiliates against any and all (A) Excluded Taxes and (B) any
            and all Taxes for which the Companies and their Subsidiaries are
            liable arising from or by reason of Treas. Reg. ss.1.1502-6 or any
            similar provision of state, local or foreign law for any taxable
            period ending on or prior to the Closing Date.

                  (ii) All payments made by HarnCo or the Sellers pursuant to
            Section 8 of this Agreement shall be made free and clear of, and
            without reduction or withholding of, any Taxes. If any withholding
            Taxes are payable in respect of any such payment, the amount of such
            payment shall be increased to the extent necessary to yield (after
            payment of all withholding Taxes) the same amount that would have
            been received if no withholding Taxes were payable in respect of the
            payment giving effect to any offsets or credits for such withholding
            Taxes received by the indemnified party.

            (e) Indemnification Procedure.

                  (i) If any third party shall notify any Party (the
            "Indemnified Party") with respect to any matter (a "Third Party
            Claim") which may give rise to a claim for indemnification against
            any other Party (the "Indemnifying Party") under this Section 8,
            then the Indemnified Party shall promptly (and in any event within
            20 business days after receiving notice of the Third Party Claim)
            notify each Indemnifying Party thereof in writing; provided,
            however, that failure to provide such notice on a timely basis shall
            not release the Indemnifying Party from any of its obligations under
            this Section 8 except to the extent the Indemnifying Party is
            prejudiced by such failure.

                                      -87-
<PAGE>

                  (ii) The Indemnifying Party will have the right at any time to
            assume and thereafter conduct the defense of the Third Party Claim
            with counsel of its choice; provided, however, that the Indemnifying
            Party will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into
            any settlement with respect to the Third Party Claim without the
            prior written consent of the Indemnified Party (not to be
            unreasonably withheld or delayed) unless the judgment or proposed
            settlement involves only the payment of money damages and does not
            impose an injunction or other equitable relief upon the Indemnified
            Party.

                  (iii) If the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of the
            Third Party Claim, the Indemnified Party may retain separate
            co-counsel at its sole cost and expense to monitor the defense of
            the Third Party Claim.

                  (iv) Unless and until the Indemnifying Party assumes the
            defense of the Third Party Claim as provided in Section 8(e)(ii)
            above, or if the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense and
            thereafter fails to conduct the defense in good faith, (A) the
            Indemnified Party may defend against the Third Party Claim in any
            manner it reasonably may deem appropriate, and (B) the Indemnifying
            Parties will remain responsible for any Adverse Consequences the
            Indemnified Party may suffer resulting from, arising out of, or
            caused by the Third Party Claim to the extent provided in this
            Section 8.

                  (v) In no event will the Indemnified Party consent to the
            entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to
            the Third Party Claim without the prior written consent of each of
            the Indemnifying Parties (not to be unreasonably withheld or
            delayed).

                  (vi) In the event that any Party suffers damage or loss in
            respect of which it makes a valid claim against another Party for
            indemnification, it must take 

                                      -88-
<PAGE>

            reasonable steps to mitigate its loss or damage.

                  (vii) With respect to any investigatory, remedial, or
            corrective action undertaken with respect to any claim under this
            Section 8 made by Investor Indemnitees arising from a breach of the
            representation set forth in Section 4(q) hereof (in addition to the
            procedures set forth above and whether or not arising from a Third
            Party Claim), HarnCo and Sellers shall have the right, but not the
            obligation, to conduct and principally manage all such action
            (including any related governmental negotiations), subject to the
            obligation to consult reasonably with Investor Indemnitees with
            respect to such action and to complete such action with reasonable
            promptness and diligence and in compliance with all Environmental,
            Health and Safety Requirements; provided that HarnCo and Sellers
            shall not have the right to enter into any agreements, consents or
            settlements which would require any payment by or materially
            adversely affect the Companies, their Subsidiaries or the MHE
            Business without the prior written consent of MHE (not to be
            unreasonably withheld).

                  (viii) Subject to the provisions of Sections 3(b)(vii), 5(g)
            and 5(q), each Party to this Agreement shall be entitled to
            indemnification for any breach of representation or warranty
            notwithstanding that such Party had Knowledge at or prior to the
            Closing of the facts or circumstances giving rise to such breach.

            (f) Remedy. Except as set forth in Section 10(q), each of the
Parties hereby acknowledges and agrees that its sole and exclusive remedy with
respect to any and all claims (including without limitation any matters arising
under CERCLA or any other Environmental, Health and Safety Requirements) against
any other Party after the Closing relating to the acquisition of the MHE
Business or any other issue relating to the subject matter of this Agreement or
the transactions contemplated hereby shall be pursuant to the indemnification
provisions contained in this Section 8. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Parties shall have the 

                                      -89-
<PAGE>

right to pursue remedies against other Parties outside of this Section 8 to
enforce covenants contained in the other Transaction Agreements; provided that
HarnCo shall not have the right to seek indemnification from the Companies or
their Subsidiaries under the Separation Agreement for Excluded Liabilities.

            (g) No Contribution From Company. The obligations of the Sellers and
HarnCo to indemnify pursuant to this Agreement are primary obligations of the
Sellers and HarnCo, subject to the limitations set forth herein. Each Seller and
HarnCo hereby waives any rights to seek or obtain indemnification or
contribution from the Companies or their Subsidiaries in respect of any
Liability or obligation of HarnCo or Sellers pursuant to Section 8. The
foregoing notwithstanding, this Section shall not limit the right of HarnCo and
Sellers to obtain indemnification under Section 8 of this Agreement or under the
other Transaction Agreements; provided that HarnCo shall not have the right to
seek indemnification from the Companies or their Subsidiaries under the
Separation Agreement for Excluded Liabilities.

            (h) Calculation Methodology. The Parties recognize that in order to
structure this transaction as a recapitalization, the Investor is acquiring less
than all of the stock of MHE. The parties also recognize that in certain events
a representation, warranty or covenant of HarnCo or the Sellers may be breached
that may not entail an actual "loss" suffered by the Investor but would result
in an actual loss by a purchaser of 100% of the stock of MHE. However, for
purposes of the indemnification obligations under Section 8, Adverse
Consequences suffered, sustained or incurred by the Investor shall be deemed to
be those that would have been sustained by a purchaser of 100% of the stock of
MHE in reliance on such representations, warranties and covenants (it being
understood, however, that indemnification in respect of such Adverse
Consequences shall be payable to the Companies and their Subsidiaries as opposed
to Investor (except to the extent Investor has suffered such Adverse
Consequences directly)).

            Section 9. Termination.

                                      -90-
<PAGE>

            (a) Termination of Agreement. This Agreement may be terminated as
provided below:

                  (i) Investor and HarnCo may terminate this Agreement by mutual
            written consent at any time prior to the Closing;

                  (ii) Investor may terminate this Agreement by giving written
            notice to HarnCo at any time prior to the Closing in the event that
            (A) HarnCo and Sellers have given Investor any notice pursuant to
            Section 5(g) above and (B) the matter that is the subject of the
            notice (taken together with the matters which have been the subject
            of previous notices under Sections 5(g) or 5(q)) has had or could
            reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

                  (iii) Investor may terminate this Agreement by giving written
            notice to HarnCo (A) at any time prior to the Closing in the event
            that (1) HarnCo and Sellers have breached any covenant contained in
            this Agreement in any material respect, (2) Investor has notified
            HarnCo of such breach and (3) such breach has not been cured within
            30 days after the notice of breach or cannot be cured; (B) at any
            time prior to the Closing in the event that (1) HarnCo and Sellers
            have breached any representation or warranty contained in this
            Agreement, (2) such breach would have or could reasonably be
            expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (3) Investor has
            notified HarnCo of such breach and (4) such breach has not been
            cured (by means of a supplement to the Disclosure Schedule under
            Sections 5(g) or 5(q) or otherwise) within 30 days after the notice
            of breach or cannot be cured; or (C) if the Closing shall not have
            occurred on or before March 31, 1998 by reason of the failure of any
            condition precedent under Section 7(a) hereof (unless the failure
            results primarily from Investor breaching any representation,
            warranty or covenant contained in this Agreement); and

                                      -91-
<PAGE>

                  (iv) HarnCo may terminate this Agreement by giving written
            notice to Investor (A) at any time prior to the Closing if Investor
            has breached any material representation, warranty or covenant
            contained in this Agreement in any material respect, HarnCo has
            notified Investor of the breach, and the breach has not been cured
            within 30 days after the notice of breach, (B) at any time after
            March 15, 1998; provided that, such termination right shall not be
            available to HarnCo in the event there is a reasonable expectation
            that the Closing will occur by March 31, 1998 or (C) if the Closing
            shall not have occurred on or before March 31, 1998 by reason of the
            failure of any condition precedent under Section 7(b) hereof (unless
            the failure results primarily from HarnCo or any Seller breaching
            any representation, warranty or covenant contained in this
            Agreement) or by reason of Investor's not having procured financing
            for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement by such date.

            (b) Effect of Termination. If any Party terminates this Agreement
pursuant to Section 9(a) above, all rights and obligations of the Parties
hereunder shall terminate without any liability of any Party to any other Party
(except for any liability of any Party then in breach); provided, that the
Confidentiality Agreement shall survive termination; and provided further that,
if this Agreement is terminated by Investor by reason of the breach hereof by
HarnCo or Sellers (other than a Knowing Breach), Investor's remedy shall be
limited to the recovery of its out-of-pocket costs and expenses in connection
the transactions contemplated hereby.

            Section 10. Miscellaneous.

            (a) Certain Understandings of Investor. Investor acknowledges that
it has had sufficient opportunity to make whatever investigation it has deemed
necessary and advisable for purposes of determining whether or not to enter into
this Agreement and acknowledges and agrees that, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT OF THE
EXPRESS REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, AGREEMENTS AND COVENANTS CONTAINED IN THIS

                                      -92-
<PAGE>

AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO THE DISCLOSURE SCHEDULE, INVESTOR IS ACQUIRING THE
COMPANIES, THEIR SUBSIDIARIES AND THE MHE BUSINESS IN RELIANCE UPON ITS OWN
INVESTIGATION AND WITHOUT ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY,
FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY OTHER IMPLIED WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER.
Investor acknowledges (i) that in the course of its independent investigation of
the MHE Business, it examined the information contained in the draft
Confidential Offering Memorandum (the "Offering Memorandum"), attended
presentations conducted by management of the MHE Business (the "Presentations"),
and has made its own evaluation of the Companies, their Subsidiaries and the MHE
Business, and their respective present and expected future values, (ii) that
because of its investigation, Investor is not relying on the information
contained in the Offering Memorandum or the statements made and information
furnished in connection with the Presentations in its decision to enter into
this Agreement, including any projections, estimates or budgets contained in the
Offering Memorandum or provided to Investor, and (iii) that neither HarnCo nor
Sellers make any representation or warranty concerning the information contained
in the Offering Memorandum or the statements made and information furnished in
connection with the Presentations.

            (b) Press Releases and Public Announcements. No Party shall issue
any press release or make any public announcement relating to the subject matter
of this Agreement prior to the Closing without the prior written approval of
HarnCo and Investor; provided, however, that any Party may make any public
disclosure it believes in good faith, upon the advice of counsel, is required by
applicable law, the regulations of the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. or any
listing or trading agreement concerning its publicly-traded securities (in which
case the disclosing Party will use commercially reasonable efforts to consult
the other Parties prior to making the disclosure).

            (c) No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall not confer
any rights or remedies upon any Person other than the Parties and their
respective successors and permitted 

                                      -93-
<PAGE>

assigns.

            (d) Entire Agreement. The Transaction Agreements (including the
schedules and exhibits thereto) constitute the entire agreement among the
Parties and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements, or representations
by or among the Parties, written or oral, to the extent they related in any way
to the subject matter hereof; provided, however, that the letter agreement
between Chartwell Investments Inc. and HII concerning confidentiality (the
"Confidentiality Agreement") shall continue in effect between the date of this
Agreement and the Closing.

            (e) Succession and Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of the Parties named herein and their respective
successors and permitted assigns. No Party may assign either this Agreement or
any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written
approval of HarnCo and Investor; provided, however, that any Party may (i)
assign any or all of its rights and interests hereunder to one or more of its
Affiliates or financing sources and (ii) designate one or more of its Affiliates
to perform its obligations hereunder (in any or all of which cases the assigning
Party nonetheless shall remain responsible for the performance of all of its
obligations hereunder). Any attempted assignment made in violation of this
Agreement shall be null and void.

            (f) Return of Information. If for any reason whatsoever the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements
are not consummated, Investor shall promptly return to HarnCo and Sellers all
books and records furnished by HarnCo and Sellers, the Companies or any of their
respective agents, employees or representatives (including all copies, if any,
thereof), and shall not use or disclose the information contained in such books
and records for any purpose or make such information available to any other
entity or Person.

            (g) No Personal Liability. No director, officer, member, employee or
agent of 

                                      -94-
<PAGE>

HII, Investor or their Affiliates (including, without limitation, HarnCo,
Chartwell Investments Inc. and Sellers) shall have any personal liability to any
other party for any breach of any representation, warranty or obligation
contained in this Agreement or the other Transaction Agreements.

            (h) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.

            (i) Headings. The Section headings contained in this Agreement are
inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.

            (j) Notices. All notices, requests, demands, claims, and other
communications hereunder will be in writing. Any notice, request, demand, claim,
or other communication hereunder shall be deemed duly given if (and then five
business days after) it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, and addressed to the intended recipient as set forth
below:

      If to HarnCo or Sellers:                Copy to:

      Harnischfeger Industries, Inc.          Kirkland & Ellis
      3600 South Lake Drive                   200 East Randolph Drive
      St. Francis, WI 53235-3716              Chicago, IL  60601
      Attn: James A. Chokey                   Attn: Keith S. Crow

      If to Investor:                         Copy to:

      Chartwell Investments Inc.              Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer
      717 Fifth Avenue                          & Feld, L.L.P.
      23rd Floor                              1333 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
      New York, NY 10022                      Suite 400
      Attn: Todd R. Berman                    Washington, D.C. 20036

                                      -95-
<PAGE>

                                              Attn: Russell W. Parks, Jr.

Any Party may send any notice, request, demand, claim, or other communication
hereunder to the intended recipient at the address set forth above using any
other means (including personal delivery, expedited courier, messenger service,
telecopy, telex, ordinary mail, or electronic mail), but no such notice,
request, demand, claim, or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly
given unless and until it actually is received by the intended recipient. Any
Party may change the address to which notices, requests, demands, claims, and
other communications hereunder are to be delivered by giving the other Parties
notice in the manner herein set forth.

            (k) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of New York without giving
effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State
of New York or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the
laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York.

            (l) Amendments and Waivers. No amendment of any provision of this
Agreement shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and signed by duly
authorized representatives of Investor and HarnCo. No waiver by any Party of any
default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether
intentional or not, shall be deemed to extend to any prior or subsequent
default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder or
affect in any way any rights arising by virtue of any prior or subsequent such
occurrence.

            (m) Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is
invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect
the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or
the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other
situation or in any other jurisdiction.

            (n) Expenses. Each of Investor and HarnCo will bear its own costs
and 

                                      -96-
<PAGE>

expenses (including legal fees and expenses) incurred in connection with this
Agreement, the other Transaction Agreements and the transactions contemplated
hereby and thereby. Investor shall be responsible for the payment upon
termination of this Agreement (other than due to a breach by HarnCo or Sellers)
of the first $100,000 of the fees and expenses of Price Waterhouse LLP in
connection with the audit performed on the Companies and their Subsidiaries
prior to the Closing (the "Audit Fees") and HarnCo shall be responsible for the
payment of the balance of the Audit Fees; provided that, in the event the
Closing occurs, MHE shall pay 100% of the Audit Fees. The Sellers and HarnCo
agree that, except as provided below, neither the Companies nor any of their
Subsidiaries will bear on or after the Closing any of the Sellers' or HarnCo's
costs and expenses (including any of their legal fees and expenses) in
connection with the Transaction Agreements or any of the transactions
contemplated thereby and that on the Closing MHE will (i) pay to Investor and
its Affiliates their costs and fees associated with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) pay to the entities financing the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement their fees and charges and (iii) pay
to Kirkland & Ellis the fees and expenses of Kirkland & Ellis in connection with
the opinion referred to in Section 7(a)(xi) above. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, none of the fees and expenses payable by MHE hereunder shall offset
or reduce the consideration payable to HarnCo and Sellers under this Agreement.

            (o) Construction. The Parties have participated jointly in the
negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or
question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed
as if drafted jointly by the Parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall
arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any of
the provisions of this Agreement. Any reference to any federal, state, local, or
foreign statute or law shall be deemed also to refer to all rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context requires otherwise. The
word "including" shall mean including without limitation.

            (p) Incorporation of Exhibits and Schedules. The Exhibits and
Schedules identified in this Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and
made a part hereof, and Section 1 applies to each of them accordingly.

                                      -97-
<PAGE>

            (q) Specific Performance. Each of the Parties recognizes and affirms
that in the event of breach by any of them of any of the provisions of this
Agreement, money damages would be inadequate and no adequate remedy at law would
exist. Accordingly, each of the Parties agrees that any Party shall have the
right, in addition to any other rights and remedies existing in its favor, to
enforce its rights and the obligations of any other Party under this Agreement
not only by an action or actions for damages, but also by an action or action
for specific performance, injunction and/or other equitable relief in order to
enforce or prevent any violations of the provision of this Agreement.

            (r) Submission to Jurisdiction. Each of the Parties consents to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the federal courts of the Eastern District of
Wisconsin for any legal action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or in
connection with this Agreement, and agrees that any such action, suit, or
proceeding may be brought only in such courts. If such forum is not available,
each of the Parties consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Milwaukee
County Circuit Court for any such action, suit or proceeding. Each of the
Parties further waives any objection to the laying of venue for any such suit,
action, or proceeding in such courts. Each Party agrees to accept and
acknowledge service of any and all process that may be served in any suit,
action, or proceeding. Each Party agrees that any service of process upon it
mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested to such Party
at the address provided in Section 10(j) above shall be deemed in every respect
effective service of process upon such Party in any such suit, action, or
proceeding. Each Party agrees to waive any right it might have to a trial by
jury in any such suit, action or proceeding.

                                   * * * * * *

                                      -98-
<PAGE>

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement
as of the date first above written.

MHE INVESTMENTS, INC.                  HARNISCHFEGER CORPORATION

By: /s/ Michael S. Shein               By: /s/ Eric B. Fonstad
    -----------------------------          -------------------------------------
Name:  Michael S. Shein                Name:  Eric B. Fonstad
Title: Vice President                  Title: Assistant Secretary

                                       HCHC, INC.

                                       By: /s/ John P. Garniewski, Jr.
                                           -----------------------------
                                       Name:  John P. Garniewski, Jr.
                                       Title: President

                                       RCHH, INC.

                                       By: /s/ Eric B. Fonstad
                                           -----------------------------
                                       Name:  Eric B. Fonstad
                                       Title: President

                                       RYL, LLC

                                       By: /s/ Eric B. Fonstad
                                           -----------------------------
                                       Name:  Eric B. Fonstad
                                       Title: Authorized Signatory

                                       HARNISCHFEGER MEXICO
                                       HOLDINGS S.A. de C.V.

                                       By: /s/ Michael W. Salsieder
                                           -----------------------------
                                       Name:  Michael W. Salsieder
                                       Title: Secretary

                                       BELOIT CANADA LTD.

                                       By: /s/ Francis M. Corby, Jr.
                                           -----------------------------
<PAGE>

                                       Name:  Francis M. Corby, Jr.
                                       Title: Treasurer
<PAGE>

                               FIRST AMENDMENT TO
                         THE RECAPITALIZATION AGREEMENT

      This FIRST AMENDMENT, dated as of March 4, 1998, by and among (a) MHE
Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Investor"), (b) Harnischfeger
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("HarnCo"), and (c) RCHH, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, RYL, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, HCHC, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, Harnischfeger Mexico Holdings S.A. de C.V., a corporation
organized under the laws of Mexico, and Beloit Canada Ltd., a corporation
organized under the laws of Canada (collectively, "Sellers"). Investor, HarnCo
and Sellers are collectively referred to herein as the "Parties."

      WHEREAS, Investor, HarnCo and Sellers are parties to that certain
Recapitalization Agreement dated as of January 28, 1998 (the "Recapitalization
Agreement"); and

      WHEREAS, the Parties desire to modify certain provisions of the
Recapitalization Agreement.

      NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereby covenant and agree as follows:

      Section 1. Definitions; Amendments. Capitalized terms which are used
herein without definition and which are defined in the Recapitalization
Agreement shall have the same meanings herein as in the Recapitalization
Agreement. The following definitions are hereby amended and restated in their
entirety to read:

                  "Commitment Letters" means the letters dated March 4, 1998
from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Credit Agricole Indosuez pursuant to
which a syndicate of lenders is to provide $155 million of bank financing
subject to, and in accordance with, the terms and conditions thereof.

                  "Financing Shares Ratio" means a fraction (currently estimated
to be 0.038), the numerator of which is the value of the Financing Shares
(currently estimated to be $2.1 million) and the denominator of which is $55
million.

                  "Term Sheets" means the Term Sheets dated March 4, 1998 from
CIBC Oppenheimer Corp., outlining the terms and conditions of an offering of
$190 million of senior debt and $55 million of MHE Class A Preferred Shares.

      Section 2. Amendment to Section 2. Sections 2(a)(ii), (iv) and (v) of the
Recapitalization Agreement are hereby amended and restated in their entirety to
read as follows:

            "(ii) MHE shall redeem from HarnCo for a price of $282 million:

                                      -1-
<PAGE>

                        (A)   that number of MHE Class C Preferred Shares
                              (currently estimated to be 1,145 MHE Class C
                              Preferred Shares) equal to the product of (x)
                              30,000 and (y) the Financing Shares Ratio; and

                        (B)   that number of MHE Common Shares (currently
                              estimated to be 88,319 MHE Common Shares) equal to
                              88,679.245 less (x) the number of MHE Class C
                              Preferred Shares redeemed pursuant to Section
                              2(a)(ii)(A) above (currently estimated to be 1,145
                              MHE Class C Preferred Shares) multiplied by (y)
                              $1,000 divided by (z) $3,180.

      The price paid pursuant to this Section 2(a)(ii) (the "Redemption Price")
      shall be payable by wire transfer of immediately available funds.

                  (iv) MHE shall redeem from HarnCo that number of MHE Common
            Shares (currently estimated to be 1,512 MHE Common Shares) equal to
            1,572.327 multiplied by the difference of (a) 1 (one) less (b) the
            Financing Shares Ratio, in exchange for MHE Class B Preferred Shares
            having a face value (currently estimated to be $4,809,000) of $5.0
            million multiplied by the difference of (a) 1 (one) less (b) the
            Financing Shares Ratio.

                  (v) Investor shall purchase from HarnCo:

                        (A)   7,547.170 MHE Common Shares for $24 million;

                        (B)   that number of MHE Common Shares (currently
                              estimated to be 360 MHE Common Shares) equal to
                              (x) 9,433.962 multiplied by (y) the Financing
                              Shares Ratio, in exchange for that amount
                              (currently estimated to be $1.1 million) equal to
                              the product of (a) $30 million and (b) the
                              Financing Shares Ratio; and

                        (C)   that number of MHE Class C Preferred Shares
                              (currently estimated to be 28,855) equal to 30,000
                              MHE Class C Preferred Shares times the difference
                              of (x) 1 (one) less (y) the Financing Shares
                              Ratio, in exchange for that amount equal to the
                              product of (a) $1,000 and (b) the number of MHE
                              Class C Preferred Shares purchased by Investor
                              pursuant to this Section 2(a)(v)(C).

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

      The cash price paid pursuant to this Section 2(a)(v) shall be payable by
      wire transfer of immediately available funds."

      Section 3. No Other Changes. Except as specifically amended by this First
Amendment, the Recapitalization Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
Without limiting the foregoing, Sections 2(a)(i) and (iii) of the
Recapitalization Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

      Section 4. No Waiver. The execution and delivery of this First Amendment
shall not, except as expressly provided herein, constitute a waiver of any
provision of, or operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of any party
under, the Recapitalization Agreement.

      Section 5. Miscellaneous.

                  (a) Headings. The Section headings contained in this First
Amendment are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the
meaning or interpretation of this First Amendment.

                  (b) Counterparts. This First Amendment may be executed in one
or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this First Amendment
to the Recapitalization Agreement as of the date first above written.

MHE INVESTMENTS, INC.                  HARNISCHFEGER CORPORATION

By:/s/ Michael S. Shein                By: /s/ Eric B. Fonstad
   ------------------------------         --------------------------------------
Name: Michael S. Shein                 Name:  Eric B. Fonstad
Title: Vice President                  Title: Assistant Secretary

                                       HCHC, INC.

                                       By: /s/ John P. Garniewski, Jr.
                                          --------------------------------------
                                       Name:  John P. Garniewski, Jr.
                                       Title: President

                                       RCHH, INC.

                                       By: /s/ Eric B. Fonstad
                                          --------------------------------------
                                       Name:  Eric B. Fonstad
                                       Title: President

                                       RYL, LLC

                                       By: /s/ Eric B. Fonstad
                                          --------------------------------------
                                       Name:  Eric B. Fonstad
                                       Title: Authorized Signatory

                                       HARNISCHFEGER MEXICO
                                       HOLDINGS S.A. de C.V.

                                       By: /s/ Michael W. Salsieder
                                          --------------------------------------
                                       Name:  Michael W. Salsieder
                                       Title: Secretary

                                       BELOIT CANADA LTD.

                                       By: /s/ Francis M. Corby, Jr.
                                          --------------------------------------
                                       Name:  Francis M. Corby, Jr.
                                       Title: Treasurer


                                      -4-
<PAGE>

                               SECOND AMENDMENT TO
                         THE RECAPITALIZATION AGREEMENT

      This SECOND AMENDMENT, dated as of March 23, 1998, by and among (a) MHE
Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Investor"), (b) Harnischfeger
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("HarnCo"), and (c) RCHH, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, RYL, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, HCHC, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, Harnischfeger Mexico Holdings S.A. de C.V., a corporation
organized under the laws of Mexico, and Beloit Canada Ltd., a corporation
organized under the laws of Canada (collectively, "Sellers"). Investor, HarnCo
and Sellers are collectively referred to herein as the "Parties."

      WHEREAS, Investor, HarnCo and Sellers are parties to that certain
Recapitalization Agreement dated as of January 28, 1998, as amended as of March
4, 1998 (the "Recapitalization Agreement"); and

      WHEREAS, the Parties desire to modify certain provisions of the
Recapitalization Agreement.

      NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereby covenant and agree as follows:

      Section 1. Definitions; Amendments. Capitalized terms which are used
herein without definition and which are defined in the Recapitalization
Agreement shall have the same meanings herein as in the Recapitalization
Agreement. The following definition is hereby amended and restated in its
entirety to read:

                  "Financing Shares Ratio" means a fraction (currently estimated
to be 0.038), the numerator of which is the value of the Financing Shares
(currently estimated to be $2.29 million) and the denominator of which is $60
million.

      Section 2. Retirement Plan. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section
6(c)(vii) of the Recapitalization Agreement, the Harnischfeger Industries Hourly
Employees' Retirement Plan (the "HIHERP") shall be amended in connection with
the Closing in accordance with Exhibit I attached hereto. Section 6(c)(vii) of
the Recapitalization Agreement is hereby amended to the extent it is
inconsistent with the transactions contemplated by Exhibit I. In consideration
of such amendment to the HIHERP, MMH Holdings, Inc. Shall pay HarnCo $115,000 on
the Closing Date. The price paid pursuant to this Section 2 of this Second
Amendment to the Recapitalization Agreement shall be payable by wire transfer of
immediately available funds.

                                      -1-
<PAGE>

      Section 3. Hercules Capitalization. Section 4(b)(iii) of the
Recapitalization Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to
read:

            "(iii) The entire authorized capital stock of Hercules consists of
      an unlimited number of shares of variable capital stock, of which
      20,891,605 shares of variable capital stock are issued and outstanding.
      All of the issued and outstanding Hercules Shares have been duly
      authorized, are validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable, and are
      held of record and beneficially by HCHC and HMH."

      Section 4. No Other Changes. Except as specifically amended by this Second
Amendment, the Recapitalization Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

      Section 5. No Waiver. The execution and delivery of this Second Amendment
shall not, except as expressly provided herein, constitute a waiver of any
provision of, or operate as a waiver of any right, power or remedy of any party
under, the Recapitalization Agreement.

      Section 6. Miscellaneous.

                  (a) Headings. The Section headings contained in this Second
Amendment are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the
meaning or interpretation of this Second Amendment.

                  (b) Counterparts. This Second Amendment may be executed in one
or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Second Amendment
to the Recapitalization Agreement as of the date first above written.

MHE INVESTMENTS, INC.                  HARNISCHFEGER CORPORATION

By: /s/ Michael S. Shein               By: /s/ Eric B. Fonstad
   ------------------------------         --------------------------------------
Name:  Michael S. Shein                Name:  Eric B. Fonstad
Title: Vice President                  Title: Assistant Secretary

                                       HCHC, INC.

                                       By: /s/ John P. Garniewski, Jr.
                                          --------------------------------------
                                       Name:  John P. Garniewski, Jr.
                                       Title: President

                                       RCHH, INC.

                                       By: /s/ Eric B. Fonstad
                                          --------------------------------------
                                       Name:  Eric B. Fonstad
                                       Title: President

                                       RYL, LLC

                                       By: /s/ Eric B. Fonstad
                                          --------------------------------------
                                       Name:  Eric B. Fonstad
                                       Title: Assistant Secretary

                                       HARNISCHFEGER MEXICO
                                       HOLDINGS S.A. de C.V.

                                       By: /s/ Eric B. Fonstad
                                          --------------------------------------
                                       Name:  Eric B. Fonstad
                                       Title: Assistant Secretary

                                       BELOIT CANADA LTD.

                                       By: /s/ Eric B. Fonstad
                                          --------------------------------------
                                       Name:  Eric B. Fonstad
                                       Title: Assistant Secretary

                                       -3-



                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                         MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

      The undersigned, Margaret M. Dall, in order to form a corporation for the
purposes hereinafter stated, under and pursuant to the provisions of the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, does hereby certify as follows:

      FIRST: The name of the Corporation is:

      Morris Material Handling, Inc. (the "Corporation").

      SECOND: The address of the Corporation's registered office in the State of
Delaware is 1013 Centre Road, Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware 19805.
The name of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Service
Company.

      THIRD: The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or
activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation
Law of the State of Delaware.

      FOURTH: The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall
have authority to issue is 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per
share.

      FIFTH: The name and mailing address of the incorporator is as follows:

                        Margaret M. Dall
                        Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
                        1333 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
                        Suite 400
                        Washington, D.C. 20036

      SIXTH: Except as otherwise provided in the bylaws of the Corporation, the
Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, alter, amend or repeal the
bylaws of the Corporation.

      SEVENTH: Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the
bylaws of the Corporation shall so provide.

      EIGHTH: The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or
repeal any provision in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or
hereafter prescribed by statute.

      NINTH: No director of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation
or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a
director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of
loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not
in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing

<PAGE>

violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an
improper personal benefit.

      TENTH: The Corporation shall, to the fullest extent permitted by Section
145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended from
time to time, indemnify all persons whom it may indemnify pursuant thereto.

      ELEVENTH: Pursuant to Section 203(b) of the General Corporation Law of the
State of Delaware, the Corporation hereby expressly elects not to be governed by
Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate, hereby
declaring and certifying that this is his act and deed, and that the facts
herein stated are true, and accordingly has hereunto set his hand this 4th day
of March, 1998.

                              /s/ Margaret M. Dall
                              -------------------------------
                              Margaret M. Dall, Incorporator



                         MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

                                   ---oo0oo---

                                     BYLAWS

                                   ---oo0oo---

                                    ARTICLE I

                                     OFFICES

      Section 1.01. Registered Office. The registered office of Morris Material
Handling, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation") shall be in the
City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware.

      Section 1.02. Additional Offices. The Corporation may also have offices at
such other places, both within and without the State of Delaware, as the Board
of Directors may from time to time determine or as the business of the
Corporation may require.

                                   ARTICLE II

                            MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

      Section 2.01. Time and Place. All meetings of stockholders for the
election of Directors shall be held at such time and place, either within or
without the State of Delaware, as shall be designated from time to time by the
Board of Directors and stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed
waiver of notice of the meeting. Meetings of stockholders for any other purpose
may be held at such time and place either within or 

<PAGE>

without the State of Delaware as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting or
in a duly executed waiver of notice of the meeting.

      Section 2.02. Annual Meeting. Annual meetings of stockholders shall be
held for the purpose of electing a Board of Directors and transacting such other
business as may properly be brought before the meeting.

      Section 2.03. Notice of Annual Meeting. Written notice of the annual
meeting, stating the place, date and time of such annual meeting, shall be given
to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting not less than ten (10)
(unless a longer period is required by law) nor more than sixty (60) days prior
to the meeting.

      Section 2.04. Special Meeting. Special meetings of the stockholders, for
any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the
Certificate of Incorporation, may be called by the Chairman of the Board, if
any, or, if the Chairman is not present (or, if there is none), by the President
and shall be called by the President or Secretary at the request in writing of a
majority of the Board of Directors, or at the request in writing of the
stockholders owning a majority of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation
issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at such meeting. Such request shall
state 


                                       2
<PAGE>

the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting. The person calling such meeting
shall cause notice of the meeting to be given in accordance with the provisions
of Section 2.05 of this Article II and of Article V.

      Section 2.05. Notice of Special Meeting. Written notice of a special
meeting, stating the place, date and time of such special meeting and the
purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered either
personally or mailed to his last address to each stockholder not less than ten
(10) (unless a longer period is required by law) nor more than sixty (60) days
prior to the meeting.

      Section 2.06. List of Stockholders. The Officer in charge of the stock
ledger of the Corporation or the transfer agent shall prepare and make, at least
ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the
stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order,
and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered
in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of
any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary
business hours, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, at
a place within the city where the meeting is to be held. Such place, if other
than the place of the meeting, shall be specified in the notice of the meeting.
The list shall also be produced 


                                       3
<PAGE>

and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time of the
meeting and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.

        Section 2.07. Presiding Officer. Meetings of stockholders shall be
presided over by the Chairman of the Board, if any, or if the Chairman is not
present (or if there is none), by the President, or, if the President is not
present, by a Vice President, or, if a Vice President is not present, by such
person who may have been chosen by the Board of Directors, or, if none of such
persons is present, by a Chairman to be chosen by the stockholders owning a
majority of the shares of capital stock of the Corporation issued and
outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting and who are present in person or
represented by proxy. The Secretary of the Corporation, or, if the Secretary is
not present, an Assistant Secretary, or, if an Assistant Secretary is not
present, such person as may be chosen by the Board of Directors, shall act as
secretary of meetings of stockholders, or, if none of such persons is present,
the stockholders owning a majority of the shares of capital stock of the
Corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting and who
are present in person or represented by proxy shall choose any person present to
act as secretary of the meeting.


                                       4
<PAGE>

      Section 2.08. Quorum and Adjournments. The holders of a majority of the
shares of capital stock of the Corporation issued and outstanding and entitled
to vote at stockholders meetings, present in person or represented by proxy,
shall be necessary to, and shall constitute a quorum for, the transaction of
business at all meetings of the stockholders, except as otherwise provided by
statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation. The stockholders present or in
person or represented by proxy at a duly organized meeting may continue to do
business until final adjournment of such meeting whether on the same day or on a
later day, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough stockholders to leave less
than a quorum. If a meeting cannot be organized because a quorum has not
attended, those present in person or represented by proxy may adjourn the
meeting from time to time, until a quorum shall be present or represented.
Notice of the adjourned meeting need not be given if the time and place of the
adjourned meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is
taken. Even if a quorum shall be present or represented at any meeting of the
stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting, present in
person or represented by proxy, may adjourn the meeting from time to time
without notice of the adjourned meeting if the time and place of the adjourned
meeting are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, until a
date which is not more than thirty (30) days after the date of the original
meeting. At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present in person or
represented by proxy any business may be transacted 


                                       5
<PAGE>

which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called. If the
adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or if after the adjournment a new
record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned
meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such
meeting.

      Section 2.09. Voting.

            (a) At any meeting of stockholders, every stockholder having the
right to vote shall be entitled to vote in person or by proxy, but no such proxy
shall be voted or acted upon after three (3) years from its date, unless the
proxy provides for a longer period. Except as otherwise provided by law or the
Certificate of Incorporation, each stockholder of record shall be entitled to
one (1) vote for each share of capital stock registered in his name on the books
of the Corporation.

            (b) At a meeting at which a quorum is present, all elections of
Directors shall be determined by a plurality vote, and, except as otherwise
provided by law or the Certificate of Incorporation, all other matters shall be
determined by a vote of a majority of the shares present in person or
represented by proxy and entitled to vote on such other matters.

      Section 2.10. Consent. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of
Incorporation, any action required or permitted by law or the Certificate of
Incorporation to be taken at any


                                       6
<PAGE>

meeting of the stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice
and without a vote, if a written consent, setting forth the action so taken,
shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the
minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action
at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote on such action were present or
represented by proxy and voted. Such written consent shall be filed with the
minutes of meetings of stockholders. Prompt notice of the taking of the
corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall
be given to those stockholders who have not so consented in writing.

                                   ARTICLE III

                                    DIRECTORS

      Section 3.01. Number and Tenure. There shall be such number of Directors,
no fewer than one (1), as shall from time to time be fixed by the stockholders
at the annual meeting or at any special meeting called for such purpose. The
Directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of the stockholders, except for
initial Directors named in the Certificate of Incorporation or elected by the
incorporator, and except as provided in Section 3.02 of this Article, and each
Director elected shall hold office until his successor is elected and shall
qualify. Directors need not be stockholders.


                                       7
<PAGE>

      Section 3.02. Vacancies. If any vacancies occur on the Board of Directors,
or if any new Directorships are created, they shall be filled by a majority of
the Directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining
Director. Each Director so chosen shall hold office until the next annual
election of Directors and until his successor is duly elected and shall qualify.
If there are no Directors in office, any Officer or stockholder may call a
special meeting of stockholders in accordance with the provisions of the
Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, at which meeting such vacancies
shall be filled.

      Section 3.03. Resignation. Any Director may resign at any time by giving
written notice to the Chairman of the Board, the President or the Secretary of
the Corporation, or, in the absence of all of the foregoing, by notice to any
other Director or officer of the Corporation. Unless otherwise specified in such
written notice, a resignation shall take effect upon delivery to the designated
Director or officer. It shall not be necessary for a resignation to be accepted
before it becomes effective.

      Section 3.04. Place of Meetings. The Board of Directors may hold meetings,
both regular and special, either within or without the State of Delaware.


                                       8
<PAGE>

      Section 3.05. Annual Meeting. Unless otherwise agreed by the newly elected
Directors, the annual meeting of each newly elected Board of Directors shall be
held immediately following the annual meeting of stockholders, and no notice of
such meeting to either incumbent or newly elected Directors shall be necessary.

      Section 3.06. Removal. Unless otherwise restricted by law, the Certificate
of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, any director or the entire Board may be
removed, with or without cause, by a majority vote of the shares entitled to
vote at an election of directors, if notice of the intention to act upon such
matter shall have been given in the notice calling such meeting.

      Section 3.07. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors
may be held without notice, at such time and place as may from time to time be
determined by the Board of Directors.

      Section 3.08. Special Meetings. Special Meetings of the Board of Directors
may be called by the Chairman of the Board or the President on two (2) hours'
notice to each Director, if such Special Meeting is to be conducted by means of
conference telephone or similar communications equipment in accordance with
Section 3.11, and otherwise, upon six (6) hours' notice if such 


                                       9
<PAGE>

notice is delivered personally or sent by telegram. Special Meetings shall be
called by the Chairman of the Board or the President in like manner and on like
notice on the written request of one-half or more of the Directors then in
office. The purpose of a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors need not be
stated in the notice of such meeting.

      Section 3.09. Quorum and Adjournments. Unless otherwise provided by the
Certificate of Incorporation, at all meetings of the Board of Directors,
one-half of the total number of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business; provided, however, that when the Board of Directors
consists of one (1) Director, then one (1) Director shall constitute a quorum.
If a quorum is not present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, the
Directors present may adjourn the meeting, from time to time, without notice
other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

      Section 3.10. Presiding Officer. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall
be presided over by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, if any, or if the
Chairman is not present (or if there is none), by the President, or, if the
President is not present, by such person as the Board of Directors may appoint
for the purpose of presiding at the meeting from which the President is absent.


                                       10
<PAGE>

      Section 3.11. Action by Consent. Unless otherwise restricted by the
Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted
to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof
may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or
committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writing or
writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or
committee. Such consent shall have the same force and effect as the unanimous
vote of the Board of Directors.

      Section 3.12. Telephone Meetings. Members of the Board of Directors, or
any committee designated by the Board of Directors, may participate in a meeting
of the Board of Directors, or any committee, by means of conference telephone or
similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in
the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall
constitute presence in person at the meeting.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                   COMMITTEES

        Section 4.01. Committees of Directors. The Board of Directors may, by
resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board of Directors, designate one
(1) or more committees, each committee to consist of one (1) or more Directors
of the


                                       11
<PAGE>

Corporation. The Board of Directors may designate one (1) or more persons who
are not Directors as additional members of any committee, but such persons shall
be nonvoting members of such committee. The Board of Directors may designate one
(1) or more Directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any
absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or
disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members of the
committee present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or
not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another
member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such
absent or disqualified member. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the
resolution of the Board of Directors, shall have and may exercise all the powers
and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and
affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be
affixed to all papers that may require it; but no such committee shall have
power or authority to amend the Certificate of Incorporation, adopt an agreement
of merger or consolidation, recommend to the stockholders the sale, lease or
exchange of all or substantially all of the Corporation's property and assets,
recommend to the stockholders a dissolution of the Corporation or a revocation
of a dissolution, elect or remove Officers or Directors, or amend the Bylaws of
the Corporation; and, unless the resolution or the Certificate of Incorporation
expressly so provides, no such 


                                       12
<PAGE>

committee shall have the power or authority to declare a dividend or to
authorize the issuance of stock. Such committee or committees shall have such
name or names as may be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by
the Board of Directors.

      Section 4.02. Minutes of Committee Meetings. Unless otherwise provided in
the resolution of the Board of Directors establishing such committee, each
committee shall keep minutes of action taken by it and file the same with the
Secretary of the Corporation.

      Section 4.03. Quorum. A majority of the number of Directors constituting
any committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the
affirmative vote of such Directors present at the meeting shall be required for
any action of the committee; provided, however, that, when a committee of one
(1) member is authorized under the provisions of Section 4.01 of this Article,
such one (1) member shall constitute a quorum.

      Section 4.04. Vacancies, Changes and Discharge. The Board of Directors
shall have the power at any time to fill vacancies in, to change the membership
of and to discharge any committee.

      Section 4.05. Compensation. The Board of Directors, by the affirmative
vote of a majority of the Directors then in office 


                                       13
<PAGE>

and irrespective of the personal interest of any Director, shall have authority
to establish reasonable compensation for committee members for their services as
such and may, in addition, authorize reimbursement of any reasonable expenses
incurred by committee members in connection with their duties.

                                    ARTICLE V

                                     NOTICES

      Section 5.01. Form and Delivery.

            (a) Whenever, under the provisions of law, the Certificate of
Incorporation or these Bylaws, notice is required to be given to any
stockholder, it shall not be construed to mean personal notice unless otherwise
specifically provided, but such notice may be given in writing, by mail,
telecopy, telegram or messenger addressed to such stockholder, at his address as
it appears on the records of the Corporation. If mailed, such notice shall be
deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, with postage
prepaid.

            (b) Whenever, under the provisions of law, the Certificate of
Incorporation, or these Bylaws, notice is required to be given to any Director,
it shall not be construed to mean personal notice unless otherwise specifically
provided, but such notice may be given in writing, by mail, telecopy, telegram
or messenger addressed to such Director at the usual place of residence or
business of such Director as in the discretion of the person giving such notice
will be likely to be received most 


                                       14
<PAGE>

expeditiously by such Director. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be
delivered when deposited in the United States mail, with postage prepaid. Notice
to a Director may also be given personally or be sent to such address.

      Section 5.02. Waiver. Whenever any notice is required to be given under
the provisions of law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, a
written waiver of notice, signed by the person or persons entitled to said
notice, whether before or after the time for the meeting stated in such notice,
shall be deemed equivalent to such notice.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                    OFFICERS

      Section 6.01. Designations. The officers of the Corporation shall be
chosen by the Board of Directors and shall be a President and a Secretary. The
Board of Directors may also choose a Chairman of the Board, one (1) or more Vice
Presidents, a Treasurer, one (1) or more Assistant Secretaries and one (1) or
more Assistant Treasurers and other officers and agents as it shall deem
necessary or appropriate. Any officer of the Corporation shall have the
authority to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest the affixing of the
seal by his signature. All officers and agents of the Corporation shall exercise
such powers and perform such duties as shall from time to time be determined by
the Board of Directors.


                                       15
<PAGE>

      Section 6.02. Term of Office and Removal. The Board of Directors at its
annual meeting after each annual meeting of stockholders or at a special meeting
called for that purpose shall choose Officers and agents, if any, in accordance
with the provisions of Section 6.01. Each Officer of the Corporation shall hold
office until his successor is elected and shall qualify. Any officer or agent
elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed, with or without
cause, at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors then
in office. Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation may be filled
for the unexpired portion of the term by the Board of Directors.

      Section 6.03. Compensation. The salaries of all officers and agents, if
any, of the Corporation shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of
Directors, and no officer or agent shall be prevented from receiving such salary
by reason of the fact that he is also a Director of the Corporation.

      Section 6.04. The Chairman of the Board and the President. The Chairman of
the Board shall be the chief executive officer of the Corporation. If there is
no Chairman of the Board, the President shall be the chief executive officer of
the Corporation. The duties of the Chairman of the Board, and of the


                                       16
<PAGE>

President at the direction of the Chairman of the Board, shall be the following:

            (i) Subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, to have
      general charge of the business, affairs and property of the Corporation
      and general supervision over its other officers and agents and, in
      general, to perform all duties incident to the office of Chairman of the
      Board (or President, as the case may be) and to see that all orders and
      resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect.

            (ii) Unless otherwise prescribed by the Board of Directors, to have
      full power and authority on behalf of the Corporation to attend, act and
      vote at any meeting of security holders of other Corporations in which the
      Corporation may hold securities. At such meeting the Chairman of the Board
      (or the President, as the case may be) shall possess and may exercise any
      and all rights and powers incident to the ownership of such securities
      that the Corporation might have possessed and exercised if it had been
      present. The Board of Directors may from time to time confer like powers
      upon any other person or persons.

            (iii) To preside over meetings of the stockholders and of the Board
      of Directors, to call special meetings of stockholders, to be an
      ex-officio member of all committees of the Board of Directors, and to have
      such other duties as


                                       17
<PAGE>

      may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors.

      Section 6.05. The Vice President. The Vice President, if any (or in the
event there be more than one (1), the Vice Presidents in the order designated,
or in the absence of any designation, in the order of their election), shall, in
the absence of the President or in the event of his inability or refusal to act,
perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President and shall generally
assist the President and perform such other duties and have such other powers as
may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors.

      Section 6.06. The Secretary. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of
the Board of Directors and all meetings of stockholders and record all votes and
the proceedings of the meetings in a book to be kept for that purpose and shall
perform like duties for any committees of the Board of Directors, if requested
by such committee. He shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings
of stockholders and special meetings of the Board of Directors, and shall
perform such other duties as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of
Directors or the President, under whose supervision he shall act. He shall have
custody of the seal of the Corporation, and he, or an Assistant Secretary, shall
have authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it, and, when so
affixed, the seal may 


                                       18
<PAGE>

be attested by his signature or by the signature of such Assistant Secretary.

      Section 6.07. The Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary, if any (or
in the event there be more than one (1), the Assistant Secretaries in the order
designated, or in the absence of any designation, in the order of their
election), shall, in the absence of the Secretary or in the event of his
inability or refusal to act, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the
Secretary and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may
from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors.

      Section 6.08. The Treasurer. The Treasurer, if any, shall have the custody
of the corporate funds and other valuable effects, including securities, and
shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books
belonging to the Corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable
effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as
may from time to time be designated by the Board of Directors. He shall disburse
the funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Board of Directors, taking
proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the President and
the Board of Directors, at regular meetings of the board, or whenever they may
require it, an account of all his transactions as Treasurer and of the financial
condition of the Corporation.


                                       19
<PAGE>

      Section 6.09. The Assistant Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer, if any,
(or in the event there be more than one (1), the Assistant Treasurers in the
order designated, or in the absence of any designation, in the order of their
election), shall, in the absence of the Treasurer or in the event of his
inability or refusal to act, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the
Treasurer and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as may
from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors.

      Section 6.11. Transfer of Authority. In case of the absence of any officer
or for any other reason that the Board of Directors deems sufficient, the Board
of Directors may transfer the powers or duties of that officer to any other
officer or to any Director or employee of the Corporation, provided a majority
of the full Board of Directors concurs.

                                   ARTICLE VII

                               STOCK CERTIFICATES

      Section 7.01. Form and Signatures. Every holder of stock in the
Corporation shall be entitled to have a certificate, signed by or in the name of
the Corporation, by the Chairman of the Board, the President or a Vice President
and the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary of the Corporation, certifying the number and class (and series, 


                                       20
<PAGE>

if any) of shares owned by him, and bearing the seal of the Corporation. Such
seal and any or all of the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In
case any officer, transfer agent, or registrar who has signed, or whose
facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be
such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such certificate is issued, it
may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he were such
officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

      Section 7.02. Registration of Transfer. Upon surrender to the Corporation
or any transfer agent of the Corporation of a certificate for shares duly
endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or
authority to transfer, it shall be the duty of the Corporation or its transfer
agent to issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, to cancel the
old certificate and to record the transaction upon its books.

      Section 7.03. Registered Stockholders. Except as otherwise provided by
law, the Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a
person who is registered on its books as the owner of shares of its capital
stock to receive dividends or other distributions, to vote as such owner, and to
hold liable for calls and assessments a person who is registered on its books as
the owner of shares of its capital stock. The Corporation shall not be bound to
recognize any equitable, legal or other 


                                       21
<PAGE>

claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person
whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as
otherwise provided by law.

      Section 7.04. Issuance of Certificates. No certificate shall be issued for
any share until (i) consideration for such share in the form of cash, services
rendered, personal or real property, leases of real property or a combination
thereof in an amount not less than the par value or stated capital of such share
has been received by the Corporation and (ii) the Corporation has received a
binding obligation of the subscriber or purchaser to pay the balance of the
subscription or purchase price.

      Section 7.05. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. The Board of
Directors may direct a new certificate to be issued in place of any certificate
theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or
destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming
the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such
issue of a new certificate, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion and as
a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost,
stolen or destroyed certificate, or his legal representative, to advertise the
same in such manner as it shall require, and to give the Corporation a bond in
such sum, or other security in such form as it may 


                                       22
<PAGE>

direct, as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation
on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of any such certificate or
the issuance of such new certificate.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                 INDEMNIFICATION

      Section 8.01. Directors, Officers, Employees or Agents.

            (a) The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party
or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by
reason of the fact that he is or was a Director, officer, employee or agent of
the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a
Director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys'
fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted
in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of the Corporation and, with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The
termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement,
conviction or upon a plea of nolo 


                                       23
<PAGE>

contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that
the person did not act in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed
to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and, with
respect to any criminal action or a proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe
that his conduct was unlawful.

            (b) The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party
or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed
action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in
its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a Director, officer, employee
or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
Corporation as a Director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses
(including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in
connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in
good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
best interests of the Corporation and except that no indemnification shall be
made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have
been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that
the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought
shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but
in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnity for


                                       24
<PAGE>

such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.

            (c) To the extent that a Director, officer, employee or agent of the
Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any
action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this
Article VIII, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be
indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably
incurred by him in connection therewith.

            (d) Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this
Article VIII (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only
as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of
the Director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because
he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsections (a) and
(b) of this Article VIII. Such determination shall be made (1) by the Board of
Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of Directors who were not
parties to such action, suit or proceeding, or (2) if such a quorum is not
obtainable, or, even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested Directors so
directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (3) by the
stockholders.

            (e) Expenses incurred by an officer or Director in defending a civil
or criminal action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in
advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt
of an undertaking by 


                                       25
<PAGE>

or on behalf of such Director or officer to repay such amount if it shall
ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the
Corporation as authorized in this Article. Such expenses incurred by other
employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as
the Board of Directors deems appropriate.

            (f) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by
these Bylaws shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those
seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any
agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested Directors or otherwise, both as
to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while
holding such office.

            (g) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or
granted pursuant to, this section shall, unless otherwise provided when
authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a Director,
officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs,
executors and administrators of such a person.

            (h) The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of
any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the
Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him
and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising


                                       26
<PAGE>

out of his status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power
to indemnify him against such liability under this Article.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

      Section 9.01. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be as
determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.

      Section 9.02. Seal. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the
name of the Corporation, the year of its incorporation and the words "Corporate
Seal" and "Delaware." The seal or any facsimile thereof may be, but need not be,
unless required by law, impressed or affixed to any instrument executed by an
officer of the Corporation.

                                    ARTICLE X

                                   AMENDMENTS

      Section 10.01. These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed or new
Bylaws may be adopted by the stockholders or by the Board of Directors, to the
extent that such power is conferred upon the Board of Directors by the
Certificate of Incorporation, at any regular meeting of the stockholders or of
the Board of Directors or at any special meeting of the stockholders or of the
Board of Directors if notice of such proposed alteration, 


                                       27
<PAGE>

amendment, repeal or adoption of new Bylaws be contained in the notice of such
special meeting.


                                       28



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

                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

                          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                           Dated as of March 30, 1998

                                  by and among

                         MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.,

                          THE GUARANTORS NAMED HEREIN,

                           CIBC OPPENHEIMER CORP. and
                              GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.,
                              as Initial Purchasers

                                       AND

                                INDOSUEZ CAPITAL
                              as Financial Advisor

================================================================================
<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
1. DEFINITIONS...............................................................1

2. EXCHANGE OFFER............................................................4

3. SHELF REGISTRATION........................................................7
      (a) INITIAL SHELF REGISTRATION.........................................7
      (b) SUBSEQUENT SHELF REGISTRATIONS.....................................8
      (c) SUPPLEMENTS AND AMENDMENTS.........................................8

4. ADDITIONAL INTEREST.......................................................9

5. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES..................................................10

6. REGISTRATION EXPENSES....................................................19

7. INDEMNIFICATION..........................................................20

8. RULES 144 AND 144A.......................................................23

9. UNDERWRITTEN REGISTRATIONS...............................................23

10. MISCELLANEOUS...........................................................24
      (a) REMEDIES..........................................................24
      (b) ENFORCEMENT.......................................................24
      (c) NO INCONSISTENT AGREEMENTS........................................24
      (d) ADJUSTMENTS AFFECTING REGISTRABLE NOTES...........................24
      (e) AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS............................................24
      (f) NOTICES...........................................................25
      (g) SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS............................................25
      (h) COUNTERPARTS......................................................25
      (i) HEADINGS..........................................................25
      (j) GOVERNING LAW.....................................................26
      (k) SEVERABILITY......................................................26
      (l) ENTIRE AGREEMENT..................................................26
      (m) NOTES HELD BY THE ISSUERS OR THEIR AFFILIATES.....................26
      (n) FUTURE GUARANTOR..................................................26


                                      (i)
<PAGE>

      REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (the "AGREEMENT") dated as of March 30,
1998, by and among MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC., a Delaware corporation (the
"COMPANY "), THE GUARANTORS NAMED HEREIN (the "GUARANTORS" and, together with
the Company, the "ISSUERS"), CIBC OPPENHEIMER CORP. and GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
(each, an "INITIAL PURCHASER" and together, the "INITIAL PURCHASERS") and
INDOSUEZ CAPITAL (the "FINANCIAL ADVISOR").

      This Agreement is entered into in connection with the Securities Purchase
Agreement, dated as of March 23, 1998, by and among each of the parties hereto
(the "PURCHASE AGREEMENT").

      In order to induce the Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor to
enter into the Purchase Agreement, the Issuers have agreed to provide the rights
set forth in this Agreement for the benefit of the Initial Purchasers and the
Financial Advisor. The execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition
to the Initial Purchasers' obligation to purchase the Notes under the Purchase
Agreement.

      The parties hereby agree as follows:

1.    DEFINITIONS

      As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following
meanings:

      ACT: The Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and
regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

      ADDITIONAL INTEREST: See Section 4(a).

      ADVICE: See the last paragraph of Section 5.

      APPLICABLE PERIOD: See Section 2(b).

      "BUSINESS DAY":  means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and
Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in the City of New
York are authorized or obligated by law to close.

      CLOSING: See the Purchase Agreement.

      COMPANY: See the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

      EFFECTIVENESS DATE: The 135th day after the Issue Date.

      EFFECTIVENESS PERIOD: See Section 3(a).

      EVENT DATE: See Section 4(b).

      EXCHANGE ACT: The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the
rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.
<PAGE>

      EXCHANGE NOTES: The 9-1/2% Senior Notes due 2008 of the Company, including
the guarantees thereof on a senior basis by each of the Guarantors, that are
identical to the Notes in all material respects, except that the provisions
regarding restrictions on transfer shall be modified, as provided in the
Indenture (or the indenture pursuant to which the Exchange Notes are issued),
and the issuance thereof pursuant to the Exchange Offer shall have been
registered pursuant to an effective Registration Statement in compliance with
the Act.

      EXCHANGE OFFER: See Section 2(a).

      EXCHANGE REGISTRATION STATEMENT: See Section 2(a).

      FILING DATE: The 60th day after the Issue Date.

      FINANCIAL ADVISOR:  As defined in the preamble hereof.

      GUARANTORS: CMH Material Handling, LLC; EPH Material Handling, LLC
(formerly EPH Distribution & Service, LLC); Harnischfeger Distribution &
Service, LLC; HPH Material Handling, LLC (formerly HPH Distribution & Service,
LLC); Material Handling, LLC; MHE Technologies, Inc.; Morris Mechanical
Handling, Inc.; MPH Crane, Inc.; NPH Material Handling, Inc. (formerly NPH
Distribution & Service, Inc.); PHME Service, Inc.; PHMH Holding Company;
Hercules S.A. de C.V.; Hydramach ULC; Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC; Mondel ULC;
Lowfile Limited; Invercoe Engineering Limited; Butters Engineering Limited; MMH
(Holdings) Limited; Morris Mechanical Handling Limited; MMH International
Limited; Redcrown, ULC; SPH Crane & Hoist, Inc.; Morris Material Handling, Ltd.;
Material Handling Equipment Nevada Corporation; MHE Canada, ULC; Morris Material
Handling, LLC; and 3016117 Nova Scotia ULC.

      HOLDER: Any holder of a Registrable Note or Registrable Notes.

      INDEMNIFIED PERSON: See Section 7(c).

      INDEMNIFYING PERSON: See Section 7(c).

      INDENTURE: The Indenture, dated as of March 30, 1998, by and between the
Issuers and United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee, pursuant to
which the Notes are being issued, as amended or supplemented from time to time
in accordance with the terms thereof.

      INITIAL PURCHASERS: As defined in the preamble hereof.

      INITIAL SHELF REGISTRATION: See Section 3(a).

      INSPECTORS: See Section 5(o).


                                      -2-
<PAGE>

      ISSUE DATE: The date on which the original Notes are sold to the Initial
Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

      LIEN: See the Indenture.

      NASD: See Section 5(t).

      NOTES: The 9-1/2% Senior Notes due 2008 of the Company, including the
guarantees thereof on a senior basis by each of the Guarantors, issued pursuant
to the Indenture.

      PARTICIPANT: See Section 7(a).

      PARTICIPATING BROKER-DEALER: See Section 2(b).

      PERSON: An individual, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, joint venture, incorporated or unincorporated association,
joint-stock company, trust, government (or an agency or political subdivision
thereof) or other entity of any kind.

      PRIVATE EXCHANGE: See Section 2(b).

      PRIVATE EXCHANGE NOTES: See Section 2(b).

      PROSPECTUS: The prospectus included in any Registration Statement
(including, without limitation, any prospectus subject to completion and a
prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus
filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A
promulgated under the Act), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus
supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the
Registrable Notes covered by such Registration Statement, and all other
amendments and supplements to the Prospectus, including post-effective
amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be
incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.

      PURCHASE AGREEMENT: See the introductory paragraphs to this Agreement.

      RECORDS: See Section 5(o).

      REGISTRABLE NOTES: The Notes upon original issuance of the Notes and at
all times subsequent thereto and, if issued, the Private Exchange Notes, until
in the case of any such Notes or any such Private Exchange Notes, as the case
may be, (i) a Registration Statement covering such Notes or such Private
Exchange Notes has been declared effective by the SEC and such Notes or such
Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, have been disposed of in accordance
with such effective Registration Statement, (ii) such Notes or such Private
Exchange Notes, as the case may be, are sold in compliance with Rule 144, (iii)
in the case of any Note, the Exchange Offer has been consummated, (iv)


                                      -3-
<PAGE>

such Notes or such Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, cease to be
outstanding or (v) two years have passed from the Issue Date.

      REGISTRATION DEFAULT: See Section 4(a).

      REGISTRATION STATEMENT: Any registration statement of the Issuers,
including, but not limited to, the Exchange Registration Statement, which covers
any of the Registrable Notes pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement,
including the Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such registration
statement, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits, and all material
incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such
registration statement.

      RULE 144: Rule 144 promulgated under the Act, as such Rule may be amended
from time to time, or any similar rule (other than Rule 144A) or regulation
hereafter adopted by the SEC providing for offers and sales of securities made
in compliance therewith resulting in offers and sales by subsequent holders that
are not affiliates of an issuer of such securities being free of the
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Act.

      RULE 144A: Rule 144A promulgated under the Act, as such Rule may be
amended from time to time, or any similar rule (other than Rule 144) or
regulation hereafter adopted by the SEC.

      RULE 415: Rule 415 promulgated under the Act, as such Rule may be amended
from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the
SEC.

      SEC: The Securities and Exchange Commission.

      SHELF NOTICE: See Section 2(c).

      SHELF REGISTRATION: See Section 3(b).

      SUBSEQUENT SHELF REGISTRATION: See Section 3(b).

      TIA: The Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.

      TRUSTEE: The trustee under the Indenture and, if existent, the trustee
under any indenture governing the Exchange Notes and Private Exchange Notes (if
any).

      UNDERWRITTEN REGISTRATION OR UNDERWRITTEN OFFERING: A registration in
which securities are sold to an underwriter for reoffering to the public.

2.    EXCHANGE OFFER

      (a) Unless not permitted by applicable law or SEC policy, the Issuers
agree to use their best efforts to file with the SEC as soon as practicable
after the Closing, but in no event later 


                                      -4-
<PAGE>

than the Filing Date, an offer to exchange (the "EXCHANGE OFFER") any and all of
the Notes for a like aggregate principal amount of Exchange Notes, except that
the Exchange Notes shall have been registered pursuant to an effective
Registration Statement under the Act. The Exchange Offer will be registered
under the Act on an appropriate form (the "EXCHANGE REGISTRATION STATEMENT") and
will comply with all applicable tender offer rules and regulations under the
Exchange Act. The Issuers agree to use their best efforts to (x) cause the
Exchange Registration Statement to become effective under the Act on or before
the Effectiveness Date; (y) keep the Exchange Offer open for at least 30 days
(or longer if required by applicable law) after the date that notice of the
Exchange Offer is mailed to Holders; and (z) consummate the Exchange Offer on or
prior to the 60th day following the date on which the Exchange Registration
Statement is declared effective. Each Holder who participates in the Exchange
Offer will be required to represent that any Exchange Notes received by it will
be acquired in the ordinary course of its business, that at the time of the
consummation of the Exchange Offer such Holder will have no arrangement or
understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the Exchange
Notes, and that such Holder is not an affiliate of the Issuers within the
meaning of Rule 405 promulgated under the Act or if it is such an affiliate,
that it will comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements
of the Act, to the extent applicable. Upon consummation of the Exchange Offer in
accordance with this Section 2, the provisions of this Agreement shall continue
to apply, MUTATIS MUTANDIS, solely with respect to Registrable Notes that are
Private Exchange Notes and Exchange Notes held by Participating Broker-Dealers
(as defined below), and the Issuers shall have no further obligation to register
Registrable Notes (other than Private Exchange Notes and Exchange Notes held by
Participating Broker-Dealers) pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement.

      (b) The Issuers shall include within the Prospectus contained in the
Exchange Registration Statement a section entitled "Plan of Distribution,"
acceptable to the Initial Purchasers, which shall contain a summary statement of
the positions taken or policies made by the staff of the SEC with respect to the
potential "underwriter" status of any broker-dealer that is the beneficial owner
(as defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of Exchange Notes
received by such broker-dealer in the Exchange Offer (a "PARTICIPATING
BROKER-DEALER"), whether such positions or policies have been publicly
disseminated by the staff of the SEC or such positions or policies, in the
judgment of the Initial Purchasers, represent the prevailing views of the staff
of the SEC. Such "Plan of Distribution" section shall also allow the use of the
Prospectus by all persons subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the
Act, including all Participating Broker-Dealers, and include a statement
describing the means by which Participating Broker-Dealers may resell the
Exchange Notes.


                                      -5-
<PAGE>

      The Issuers shall use their best efforts to keep the Exchange Registration
Statement effective and to amend and supplement the Prospectus contained
therein, in order to permit such Prospectus to be lawfully delivered by all
persons subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Act for such
period of time as such persons must comply with such requirements in order to
resell the Exchange Notes, PROVIDED that such period shall not exceed 180 days
(or such longer period if extended pursuant to the last paragraph of Section 5)
after the date of the consummation of the Exchange Offer (the "APPLICABLE
PERIOD").

      If, prior to consummation of the Exchange Offer, either of the Initial
Purchasers holds any Notes acquired by it and having, or which are reasonably
likely to be determined to have, the status of an unsold allotment in the
initial distribution, the Company upon the request of such Initial Purchaser
shall, simultaneously with the delivery of the Exchange Notes in the Exchange
Offer, issue and deliver to such Initial Purchaser, in exchange (the "PRIVATE
EXCHANGE") for the Notes held by such Initial Purchaser, a like principal amount
of debt securities of the Company, guaranteed by each of the Guarantors on a
senior basis, that are identical in all material respects to the Exchange Notes
(the "PRIVATE EXCHANGE NOTES") (and which are issued pursuant to the same
indenture as the Exchange Notes). The Private Exchange Notes shall bear the same
CUSIP number as the Exchange Notes. Interest on the Exchange Notes and any
Private Exchange Notes will accrue from (A) the later of (i) the last interest
payment date on which interest was paid on the Notes surrendered in exchange
therefor or (ii) if the Notes are surrendered for exchange on a date in a period
which includes the record date for an interest payment date to occur on or after
the date of such exchange and as to which interest will be paid, the date of
such interest payment date or (B), if no interest has been paid on the Notes,
from the Issue Date.

      In connection with the Exchange Offer, the Issuers shall:

            (i) mail to each Holder a copy of the Prospectus forming part of the
      Exchange Registration Statement, together with an appropriate letter of
      transmittal and related documents;

            (ii) utilize the services of a depository for the Exchange Offer
      with an address in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York; and

            (iii) permit Holders to withdraw tendered Notes at any time prior to
      the close of business, New York time, on the last business day on which
      the Exchange Offer shall remain open.

      As soon as practicable after the close of the Exchange Offer or the
Private Exchange, as the case may be, the Issuers shall:


                                      -6-
<PAGE>

            (i) accept for exchange all Notes tendered and not validly withdrawn
      pursuant to the Exchange Offer or the Private Exchange;

            (ii) deliver to the Trustee for cancellation all Notes so accepted
      for exchange; and

            (iii) cause the Trustee to authenticate and deliver promptly to each
      Holder of Notes, Exchange Notes or Private Exchange Notes, as the case may
      be, equal in principal amount to the Notes of such Holder so accepted for
      exchange.

      The Exchange Notes and the Private Exchange Notes may be issued under (i)
the Indenture or (ii) an indenture substantially identical to the Indenture,
which in either event will provide that the Exchange Notes will not be subject
to the transfer restrictions set forth in the Indenture and that the Exchange
Notes, the Private Exchange Notes and the Notes will vote and consent together,
to the extent provided by the Indenture, on all matters as one class and that
neither the Exchange Notes, the Private Exchange Notes nor the Notes will have
the right to vote or consent as a separate class on any matter.

      (c) If (1) prior to the consummation of the Exchange Offer, the Issuers or
Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable
Notes reasonably determine in good faith that (i) the Exchange Notes would not,
upon receipt, be tradable by such Holders which are not affiliates (within the
meaning of the Act) of the Issuers without restriction under the Act and without
restrictions under applicable state securities laws or (ii) after conferring
with counsel, the SEC is unlikely to permit the consummation of the Exchange
Offer prior to 60 days after the Effectiveness Date, (2) subsequent to the
consummation of the Private Exchange, any holder of the Private Exchange Notes
so requests, or (3) the Exchange Offer is commenced and not consummated within
180 days of the date of this Agreement, then the Issuers shall promptly deliver
to the Holders and the Trustee written notice thereof (the "SHELF NOTICE") and
shall file an Initial Shelf Registration pursuant to Section 3. Following the
delivery of a Shelf Notice to the Holders of Registrable Notes (in the
circumstances contemplated by clauses (1) and (3) of the preceding sentence),
the Issuers shall not have any further obligation to conduct the Exchange Offer
or the Private Exchange under this Section 2.

3.    SHELF REGISTRATION

      If a Shelf Notice is delivered as contemplated by Section 2(c), then:

      (a) INITIAL SHELF REGISTRATION. The Issuers shall prepare and file with
the SEC a Registration Statement for an offering to be made on a continuous
basis pursuant to Rule 415 covering all of the Registrable Notes (the "INITIAL
SHELF REGISTRATION"). The 


                                      -7-
<PAGE>

Issuers shall use their best efforts to file with the SEC the Initial Shelf
Registration within 30 days of the delivery of the Shelf Notice. The Initial
Shelf Registration shall be on Form S-1 or another appropriate form permitting
registration of such Registrable Notes for resale by such Holders in the manner
or manners designated by them (including, without limitation, one or more
underwritten offerings). The Issuers shall not permit any securities other than
the Registrable Notes to be included in the Initial Shelf Registration or any
Subsequent Shelf Registration (as defined below). The Issuers shall use their
best efforts to cause the Initial Shelf Registration to be declared effective
under the Act on or prior to the Effectiveness Date and to keep the Initial
Shelf Registration continuously effective under the Act until two years from the
Issue Date (the "EFFECTIVENESS PERIOD"), or such shorter period ending when (i)
all Registrable Notes covered by the Initial Shelf Registration have been sold
in the manner set forth and as contemplated in the Initial Shelf Registration or
(ii) a Subsequent Shelf Registration covering all of the Registrable Notes has
been declared effective under the Act.

      (b) SUBSEQUENT SHELF REGISTRATIONS. If the Initial Shelf Registration or
any Subsequent Shelf Registration ceases to be effective for any reason at any
time during the Effectiveness Period (prior to the sale of all of the securities
registered thereunder), the Issuers shall use their best efforts to obtain the
prompt withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness thereof, and in any
event shall within 45 days of such cessation of effectiveness amend the Shelf
Registration in a manner reasonably expected to obtain the withdrawal of the
order suspending the effectiveness thereof, or file an additional "shelf"
Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 415 covering all of the Registrable
Notes (a "SUBSEQUENT SHELF REGISTRATION"). In the event that the Issuers become
eligible to use any form other than Form S-1 for a Subsequent Shelf
Registration, if permitted under applicable law, the Issuers shall be entitled
to cause a Subsequent Shelf Registration to be substituted for the Initial Shelf
Registration. If a Subsequent Shelf Registration is filed, the Issuers shall use
their best efforts to cause the Subsequent Shelf Registration to be declared
effective as soon as practicable after such filing and to keep such Registration
Statement continuously effective during the Effectiveness Period. As used herein
the term "SHELF REGISTRATION" means the Initial Shelf Registration and any
Subsequent Shelf Registration.

      (c) SUPPLEMENTS AND AMENDMENTS. The Issuers shall promptly supplement and
amend the Shelf Registration if required by the rules, regulations or
instructions applicable to the registration form used for such Shelf
Registration, if required by the Act, or if requested by the Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes covered by such
Registration Statement or by any underwriter(s) of such Registrable Notes.


                                      -8-
<PAGE>

4.    ADDITIONAL INTEREST

      (a) The Issuers, the Initial Purchasers and the Financial Advisor agree
that the Holders of Registrable Notes will suffer damages if the Issuers fail to
fulfill their obligations under Section 2 or Section 3 hereof and that it would
not be feasible to ascertain the extent of such damages with precision.
Accordingly, the Issuers agree, jointly and severally, to pay additional
interest on the Notes ("ADDITIONAL INTEREST") under the circumstances set forth
below:

            (i) if the Exchange Registration Statement has not been filed on or
      prior to the Filing Date or the Initial Shelf Registration has not been
      filed on or prior to the Filing Date;

            (ii) if neither the Exchange Registration Statement nor the Initial
      Shelf Registration has been declared effective on or prior to the
      Effectiveness Date; and/or

            (iii) if either (A), if applicable, the Issuers have not exchanged
      the Exchange Notes for all Notes validly tendered in accordance with the
      terms of the Exchange Offer on or prior to 45 days after the date on which
      the Exchange Registration Statement was declared effective or (B), if
      applicable, the Exchange Registration Statement ceases to be effective at
      any time prior to the time that the Exchange Offer is consummated as to
      all Notes validly tendered or (C) if applicable, the Shelf Registration
      has been declared effective and such Shelf Registration ceases to be
      effective at any time prior to the earlier of the date on which all
      Registrable Notes covered by the Shelf Registration have been sold in the
      manner set forth and as contemplated in the Shelf Registration or the
      second anniversary of the Issue Date;

(each such event referred to in clauses (i) through (iii) above is a
"REGISTRATION DEFAULT"), the sole remedy available to holders of the Notes will
be the immediate accrual of Additional Interest as follows: the per annum
interest rate on the Notes will increase by 0.5% upon the occurrence of the
first Registration Default; and the per annum interest rate will increase by an
additional 0.25% for each subsequent 90-day period during which any Registration
Default remains uncured, up to a maximum additional interest rate of 2.0% per
annum for all Registration Defaults, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (1) upon the filing
of the Exchange Registration Statement or the Initial Shelf Registration (in the
case of (i) above), (2) upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Registration
Statement or a Shelf Registration (in the case of (ii) above) or (3) upon the
exchange of Exchange Notes for all Notes tendered (in the case of (iii)(A)
above), or upon the effectiveness of the Exchange Registration Statement which
had ceased to remain effective (in the case of (iii)(B) above), or upon the
effectiveness of the Shelf 


                                      -9-
<PAGE>

Registration which had ceased to remain effective (in the case of (iii)(C)
above), Additional Interest on the Notes as a result of such clause (i), (ii) or
(iii) (or the relevant subclause thereof), as the case may be, shall cease to
accrue and the interest rate on the Notes will revert to the interest rate
originally borne by the Notes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the amount of
Additional Interest shall not increase because more than one Registration
Default has occurred and is pending.

      (b) The Issuers shall notify the Trustee within one business day after
each and every date on which an event occurs in respect of which Additional
Interest is required to be paid (an "EVENT DATE"). Any amounts of Additional
Interest due pursuant to (a)(i), (a)(ii) or (a)(iii) of this Section 4 will be
payable in cash semi-annually on each April 1 and October (to the Holders of
record on the March 15th and September 15th immediately preceding such dates),
commencing with the first such date occurring after any such Additional Interest
commences to accrue. The amount of Additional Interest with respect to each Note
will be determined by multiplying the applicable Additional Interest rate by the
principal amount of such Note, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which
is the number of days such Additional Interest rate was applicable during such
period (determined on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day
months), and the denominator of which is 360.

5.    REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

      In connection with the registration of any Registrable Notes or Private
Exchange Notes pursuant to Section 2 or 3 hereof, the Issuers shall effect such
registrations to permit the sale of such Registrable Notes or Private Exchange
Notes in accordance with the intended method or methods of disposition thereof,
and pursuant thereto the Issuers shall:

      (a) Prepare and file with the SEC, prior to the Filing Date, a
Registration Statement or Registration Statements as prescribed by Section 2 or
3, and to use their best efforts to cause each such Registration Statement to
become effective and remain effective as provided herein, PROVIDED that, if (1)
such filing is pursuant to Section 3, or (2) a Prospectus contained in an
Exchange Registration Statement filed pursuant to Section 2 is required to be
delivered under the Act by any Participating Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell
Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, before filing any Registration
Statement or Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, the Issuers
shall, if requested by any Holders of Registrable Notes, furnish to and afford
such Holders of the Registrable Notes and each such Participating Broker-Dealer,
as the case may be, covered by such Registration Statement, their counsel and
the managing underwriters, if any, a reasonable opportunity to review copies of
all such documents (including copies of any documents to be incorporated by
reference therein and all exhibits thereto)


                                      -10-
<PAGE>

proposed to be filed (at least 5 business days prior to such filing). The
Issuers shall not file any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any
amendments or supplements thereto in respect of which the Holders must be
afforded an opportunity to review prior to the filing of such document, if the
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes
covered by such Registration Statement, or such Participating Broker-Dealer, as
the case may be, their counsel, or the managing underwriter(s), if any, shall
reasonably object;

      (b) Prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective
amendments to each Shelf Registration or Exchange Registration Statement, as the
case may be, as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement
continuously effective for the Effectiveness Period or the Applicable Period, as
the case may be; cause the related Prospectus to be supplemented by any
prospectus supplement required by applicable law, and as so supplemented to be
filed pursuant to Rule 424 (or any similar provisions then in force) under the
Act; and comply with the provisions of the Act, the Exchange Act and the rules
and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder applicable to them with
respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration
Statement as so amended or in such Prospectus as so supplemented and with
respect to the subsequent resale of any securities being sold by a Participating
Broker-Dealer covered by any such Prospectus; the Issuers shall be deemed not to
have used their best efforts to keep a Registration Statement effective during
the Applicable Period if they voluntarily take any action that would result in
selling Holders of the Registrable Notes covered thereby or Participating
Broker-Dealers seeking to sell Exchange Notes not being able to sell such
Registrable Notes or such Exchange Notes during that period unless such action
is required by applicable law or unless the Issuers comply with this Agreement,
including without limitation, the provisions of clause 5(c)(v) below;

      (c) If (1) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3, or (2) a
Prospectus contained in an Exchange Registration Statement filed pursuant to
Section 2 is required to be delivered under the Act by any Participating
Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period,
notify the selling Holders of Registrable Notes, or each such Participating
Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, their counsel and the managing
underwriter(s), if any, promptly (but in any event within two Business Days),
and confirm such notice in writing, (i) when a Prospectus or any prospectus
supplement or post-effective amendment thereto has been filed, and, with respect
to a Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, when the
same has become effective (including in such notice a written statement that any
Holder may, upon request, obtain, without charge, one conformed copy of such
Registration Statement or post-effective amendment thereto including financial
statements and schedules, documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference and 


                                      -11-
<PAGE>

exhibits), (ii) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the
effectiveness of a Registration Statement or of any order preventing or
suspending the use of any preliminary Prospectus or the initiation of any
proceedings for that purpose, (iii) if at any time when a Prospectus is required
by the Act to be delivered in connection with sales of the Registrable Notes the
representations and warranties of the Issuers contained in any agreement
(including any underwriting agreement) contemplated by Section 5(n) below cease
to be true and correct, (iv) of the receipt by any of the Issuers of any
notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification or exemption
from qualification of a Registration Statement or any of the Registrable Notes
or the Exchange Notes to be sold by any Participating Broker-Dealer for offer or
sale in any jurisdiction, or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for
such purpose, (v) of the happening of any event or any information becoming
known to any Issuer that makes any statement made in such Registration Statement
or related Prospectus or any document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated
therein by reference untrue in any material respect or that requires the making
of any changes in, or amendments or supplements to, such Registration Statement,
Prospectus or documents so that, in the case of the Registration Statement, it
will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
therein not misleading, and that in the case of the Prospectus, it will not
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein,
in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading,
and (vi) any Issuer's reasonable determination that a post-effective amendment
to a Registration Statement would be appropriate;

      (d) If (1) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3, or (2) a
Prospectus contained in an Exchange Registration Statement filed pursuant to
Section 2 is required to be delivered under the Act by any Participating
Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, use
their best efforts to prevent the issuance of any order suspending the
effectiveness of a Registration Statement or of any order preventing or
suspending the use of a Prospectus or suspending the qualification (or exemption
from qualification) of any of the Registrable Notes or the Exchange Notes to be
sold by any Participating Broker-Dealer, for sale in any jurisdiction, and, if
any such order is issued, to use their best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of
any such order at the earliest possible moment;

      (e) If a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3 and if
reasonably requested by the managing underwriter(s), if any, or the Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes being sold in
connection with an underwritten offering, (i) promptly incorporate in a
Prospectus 


                                      -12-
<PAGE>

supplement or post-effective amendment thereto such information as the managing
underwriters), if any, or such Holders reasonably request to be included
therein, (ii) make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or such
post-effective amendment thereto as soon as practicable after the Issuers have
received notification of the matters to be incorporated in such Prospectus
supplement or post-effective amendment thereto and (iii), if applicable,
supplement or make amendments to such Registration Statement;

      (f) If (1) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3, or (2) a
Prospectus contained in an Exchange Registration Statement filed pursuant to
Section 2 is required to be delivered under the Act by any Participating
Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period,
furnish to each selling Holder of Registrable Notes and to each such
Participating Broker-Dealer who so requests and to counsel and the managing
underwriter(s), if any, without charge, one conformed copy of the Registration
Statement or Registration Statements and each post-effective amendment thereto,
including financial statements and schedules, and, if requested, all documents
incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference and all exhibits;

      (g) If (1) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3, or (2) a
Prospectus contained in an Exchange Registration Statement filed pursuant to
Section 2 is required to be delivered under the Act by any Participating
Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period,
deliver to each selling Holder of Registrable Notes, or each such Participating
Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, their counsel, and the managing underwriter
or underwriters, if any, without charge, as many copies of the Prospectus or
Prospectuses (including each form of preliminary Prospectus) and each amendment
or supplement thereto and any documents incorporated by reference therein as
such Persons may reasonably request; and, subject to the last paragraph of this
Section 5, the Issuers hereby consent to the use of such Prospectus and each
amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders of Registrable
Notes or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, and the
managing underwriter or underwriters or agents, if any, and dealers (if any), in
connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Notes covered by or the
sale by Participating Broker-Dealers of the Exchange Notes pursuant to such
Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto;

      (h) Prior to any public offering of Registrable Notes or any delivery of a
Prospectus contained in the Exchange Registration Statement by any Participating
Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, to
use their best efforts to register or qualify, and to cooperate with the selling
Holders of Registrable Notes or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the
case may be, the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, and their
respective counsel 


                                      -13-
<PAGE>

in connection with the registration or qualification (or exemption from such
registration or qualification) of such Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes for
offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions
within the United States as any selling Holder, Participating Broker-Dealer, or
the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, reasonably request in writing,
PROVIDED that where Exchange Notes held by Participating Broker-Dealers or
Registrable Notes are offered other than through an underwritten offering, the
Issuers agree to cause their counsel to perform Blue Sky investigations and file
registrations and qualifications required to be filed pursuant to this Section
5(h); keep each such registration or qualification (or exemption therefrom)
effective during the period such Registration Statement is required to be kept
effective and do any and all other acts or things reasonably necessary or
advisable to enable the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Exchange Notes
held by Participating Broker-Dealers or the Registrable Notes covered by the
applicable Registration Statement; PROVIDED that no Issuer shall be required to
(A) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not then so
qualified, (B) take any action that would subject it to general service of
process in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject or (C) subject
itself to taxation in excess of a nominal dollar amount in any such
jurisdiction;

      (i) If a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3, cooperate with
the selling Holders of Registrable Notes and the managing underwriter or
underwriters, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of
certificates representing Registrable Notes to be sold, which certificates shall
not bear any restrictive legends and shall be in a form eligible for deposit
with The Depository Trust Company; and enable such Registrable Notes to be in
such denominations and registered in such names as the managing underwriter or
underwriters, if any, or Holders may reasonably request and which are consistent
with the terms of the indenture under which the Registrable Notes are issued;

      (j) Use their best efforts to cause the Registrable Notes covered by the
Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other
governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the seller or
sellers thereof or the managing underwriter or underwriters, if any, to
consummate the disposition of such Registrable Notes, except as may be required
solely as a consequence of the nature of such selling Holder's business, in
which case the Issuers will cooperate in all reasonable respects with the filing
of such Registration Statement and the granting of such approvals at such
sellers' cost and expense;

      (k) If (1) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3, or (2) a
Prospectus contained in an Exchange Registration Statement filed pursuant to
Section 2 is required to be delivered under the Act by any Participating
Broker-Dealer who 


                                      -14-
<PAGE>

seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period, upon the occurrence
of any event contemplated by paragraph 5(c)(v) or 5(c)(vi) above, as promptly as
reasonably practicable prepare and (subject to Section 5(a) above) file with the
SEC, at the expense of the Issuers, a supplement or post-effective amendment to
the Registration Statement or a supplement to the related Prospectus or any
document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated therein by reference, or file
any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers
of the Registrable Notes being sold thereunder or to the purchasers of the
Exchange Notes to whom such Prospectus will be delivered by a Participating
Broker-Dealer during the Applicable Period, any such Prospectus will not contain
an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

      (l) Use their best efforts to cause the Registrable Notes covered by a
Registration Statement or the Exchange Notes sold by a Participating
Broker-Dealer during the Applicable Period, as the case may be, to be rated with
the appropriate rating agencies, if so requested by the Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of Registrable Notes covered by such Registration
Statement or the Exchange Notes, as the case may be, or the managing underwriter
or underwriters, if any;

      (m) Prior to the effective date of the first Registration Statement
relating to the Registrable Notes, (i) provide the Trustee with printed
certificates for the Registrable Notes in a form eligible for deposit with The
Depository Trust Company and (ii) provide a CUSIP number for the Registrable
Notes;

      (n) In connection with an underwritten offering of Registrable Notes
pursuant to a Shelf Registration, enter into an underwriting agreement as is
customary in underwritten offerings of debt securities similar to the Notes and
take all such other actions as are reasonably requested by the managing
underwriter(s), if any, in order to expedite or facilitate the registration or
the disposition of such Registrable Notes, and in such connection, (i) make such
representations and warranties to the managing underwriter or underwriters on
behalf of any underwriters, with respect to the business of the Issuers and
their subsidiaries and the Registration Statement, Prospectus and documents, if
any, incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein, in each
case, as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in underwritten
offerings of debt securities, and confirm the same if and when requested; (ii)
obtain opinions of counsel to the Issuers and updates thereof in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the managing underwriter or underwriters,
addressed to the managing underwriter or underwriters covering the matters
customarily covered in opinions requested in underwritten offerings of debt
securities and such other matters as may be reasonably requested by
underwriters; (iii) obtain "cold comfort" letters and updates


                                      -15-
<PAGE>

thereof in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the managing
underwriter or underwriters from the independent certified public accountants of
the Issuers (and, if necessary, any other independent certified public
accountants of any subsidiary of the Issuers or of any business acquired by the
Issuers for which financial statements and financial data are, or are required
to be, included in the Registration Statement), addressed to the managing
underwriter or underwriters on behalf of any underwriters, such letters to be in
customary form and covering matters of the type customarily covered in "cold
comfort" letters in connection with underwritten offerings of debt securities
and such other matters as reasonably requested by the managing underwriter or
underwriters; and (iv) if an underwriting agreement is entered into, the same
shall contain indemnification provisions and procedures no less favorable than
those set forth in Section 7 hereof (or such other provisions and procedures
acceptable to Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Registrable
Notes covered by such Registration Statement and the managing underwriter or
underwriters or agents) with respect to all parties to be indemnified pursuant
to said Section. The above shall be done at each closing under such underwriting
agreement, or as and to the extent required thereunder;

      (o) If (1) a Shelf Registration is filed pursuant to Section 3, or (2) a
Prospectus contained in an Exchange Registration Statement filed pursuant to
Section 2 is required to be delivered under the Act by any Participating
Broker-Dealer who seeks to sell Exchange Notes during the Applicable Period,
make available for inspection by any selling Holder of such Registrable Notes
being sold, or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, the
managing underwriter or underwriters participating in any such disposition of
Registrable Notes, if any, and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained
by any such selling Holder or each such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case
may be (collectively, the "INSPECTORS"), at the offices where normally kept,
during reasonable business hours, all financial and other records, pertinent
corporate documents and properties of the Issuers and their subsidiaries
(collectively, the "RECORDS") as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to
exercise any applicable due diligence responsibilities, and cause the officers,
directors and employees of the Issuers and their subsidiaries to supply all
information in each case reasonably requested by any such Inspector in
connection with such Registration Statement. Records which the Issuers
determines, in good faith, to be confidential and any Records which it notifies
the Inspectors are confidential shall not be disclosed by the Inspectors unless
(i) the disclosure of such Records is necessary to avoid or correct a material
misstatement or material omission in such Registration Statement and the Issuers
fails to promptly correct such material misstatement or omission after notice
thereof, (ii) the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or
other order from a court of competent jurisdiction or (iii) the information 


                                      -16-
<PAGE>

in such Records has been made generally available to the public other than
through the Inspectors' breach of any confidentiality agreement. Each selling
Holder of such Registrable Notes and each such Participating Broker-Dealer or
underwriter will be required to agree that information obtained by it as a
result of such inspections shall be deemed confidential and shall not be used by
it for any purpose other than discharging due diligence responsibilities. In
addition, such information shall not be used as the basis for any market
transactions in the securities of the Issuers unless and until such is made
generally available to the public. Each selling Holder of such Registrable Notes
and each such Participating Broker-Dealer will be required to further agree that
it will, upon learning that disclosure of such Records is sought in a court of
competent jurisdiction, give notice to the Issuers and allow the Issuers to
undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of the Records deemed
confidential at their expense;

      (p) Provide an indenture trustee for the Registrable Notes or the Exchange
Notes, as the case may be, and cause the Indenture or the trust indenture
provided for in Section 2(a), as the case may be, to be qualified under the TIA
not later than the effective date of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement
or the first Registration Statement relating to the Registrable Notes; and in
connection therewith, cooperate with the trustee under any such indenture and
the Holders of the Registrable Notes, to effect such changes to such indenture
as may be required for such indenture to be so qualified in accordance with the
terms of the TIA; and execute, and use their best efforts to cause such trustee
to execute, all documents as may be required to effect such changes, and all
other forms and documents required to be filed with the SEC to enable such
indenture to be so qualified in a timely manner;

      (q) Comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and make
generally available to their securityholders earnings statements satisfying the
provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or any similar
rule promulgated under the Act) no later than 45 days after the end of any
12-month period (or 90 days after the end of any 12-month period if such period
is a fiscal year) (i) commencing at the end of any fiscal quarter in which
Registrable Notes are sold to underwriters in a firm commitment or best efforts
underwritten offering and (ii) if not sold to underwriters in such an offering,
commencing on the first day of the first fiscal quarter of the Issuers after the
effective date of a Registration Statement, which statements shall cover said
12-month periods;

      (r) Upon consummation of an Exchange Offer or a Private Exchange, obtain
an opinion of counsel to the Issuers, in a form customary for underwritten
offerings of debt securities similar to the Notes, addressed to the Trustee for
the benefit of all Holders of Registrable Notes participating in the Exchange
Offer or the Private Exchange, as the case may be, and which includes


                                      -17-
<PAGE>

an opinion that (i) the Issuers have duly authorized, executed and delivered the
Exchange Notes and Private Exchange Notes and the related indenture and (ii)
each of the Exchange Notes or the Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be,
and related indenture constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of the
Issuers, enforceable against the Issuers in accordance with its respective terms
(with customary exceptions);

      (s) If an Exchange Offer or a Private Exchange is to be consummated, upon
delivery of the Registrable Notes by Holders to the Issuers (or to such other
Person as directed by the Issuers) in exchange for the Exchange Notes or the
Private Exchange Notes, as the case may be, the Issuers shall mark, or cause to
be marked, on such Registrable Notes that such Registrable Notes are being
canceled in exchange for the Exchange Notes or the Private Exchange Notes, as
the case may be; and, in no event shall such Registrable Notes be marked as paid
or otherwise satisfied;

      (t) Cooperate with each seller of Registrable Notes covered by any
Registration Statement and the managing underwriter(s), if any, participating in
the disposition of such Registrable Notes and their respective counsel in
connection with any filings required to be made with the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") and any securities exchange, if any, on
which the Registrable Notes are to be listed; and

      (u) Use their best efforts to take all other steps necessary to effect the
registration of the Registrable Notes covered by a Registration Statement
contemplated hereby.

      The Issuers may require each seller of Registrable Notes or Participating
Broker-Dealer as to which any registration is being effected to furnish to the
Issuers such information regarding such seller or Participating Broker-Dealer
and the distribution of such Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes to be sold by
such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, as the Issuers may, from
time to time, reasonably request. The Issuers may exclude from such registration
the Registrable Notes of any seller or Participating Broker-Dealer who fails to
furnish such information within a reasonable time after receiving such request.

      Each Holder of Registrable Notes and each Participating Broker-Dealer
agrees by acquisition of such Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes to be sold by
such Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, that, upon receipt of any
notice from the Issuers of the happening of any event of the kind described in
Section 5(c)(ii), 5(c)(iv), 5(c)(v), or 5(c)(vi), such Holder will forthwith
discontinue disposition of such Registrable Notes covered by such Registration
Statement or Prospectus or Exchange Notes to be sold by such Holder or
Participating Broker-Dealer, as the case may be, until such Holder's receipt of
the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section
5(k), or until it is advised in writing (the "ADVICE") by the


                                      -18-
<PAGE>

Issuers that the use of the applicable Prospectus may be resumed, and has
received copies of any amendments or supplements thereto. In the event the
Issuers shall give any such notice, the Applicable Period shall be extended by
the number of days during such period from and including the date of the giving
of such notice to and including the date when each seller of Exchange Notes to
be sold by such Participating Broker-Dealer, shall have received (x) the copies
of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 5(k) or (y)
the Advice.

6.    REGISTRATION EXPENSES

      (a) All fees and expenses incident to the performance of or compliance
with this Agreement by the Issuers shall be borne by the Issuers whether or not
the Exchange Offer or a Shelf Registration is filed or becomes effective,
including, without limitation, (i) all registration and filing fees (including,
without limitation, (A) fees with respect to filings required to be made with
the NASD in connection with one underwritten offering and (B) fees and expenses
of compliance with state securities or Blue Sky laws (including, without
limitation, reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with Blue
Sky qualifications of the Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes and determination
of the eligibility of the Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes for investment
under the laws of such jurisdictions (x) where the Holders of Registrable Notes
are located, in the case of the Exchange Notes, or (y) as provided in Section
5(h), in the case of Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes to be sold by a
Participating Broker-Dealer during the Applicable Period)), (ii) printing
expenses (including, without limitation, expenses of printing certificates for
Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes in a form eligible for deposit with The
Depository Trust Company and of printing Prospectuses if the printing of
Prospectuses is reasonably requested by the managing underwriter or
underwriters, if any, or, in respect of Registrable Notes or Exchange Notes to
be sold by any Participating Broker-Dealer during the Applicable Period, by the
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes
included in any Registration Statement or of such Exchange Notes, as the case
may be), (iii) messenger, telephone and delivery expenses, (iv) fees and
disbursements of counsel for the Issuers and fees and disbursements of special
counsel for the sellers of Registrable Notes (subject to the provisions of
Section 6(b)), (v) fees and disbursements of all independent certified public
accountants referred to in Section 5(n)(iii) (including, without limitation, the
expenses of any special audit and "cold comfort" letters required by or incident
to such performance), (vi) rating agency fees, (vii) Act liability insurance, if
the Issuers desire such insurance, (viii) fees and expenses of the Trustee
(including, without limitation, fees and disbursements of counsel), (ix) fees
and expenses of all other Persons retained by the Issuers, (x) internal expenses
of the Issuers (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of
officers and employees of the Issuers performing legal or accounting duties),
(xi) the expense 


                                      -19-
<PAGE>

of any annual audit, (xii) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with any
listing of the securities to be registered on any securities exchange if the
Issuers elect to list any such securities and (xiii) the expenses relating to
printing, word processing and distributing all Registration Statements,
underwriting agreements, securities sales agreements, indentures and any other
documents necessary in order to comply with this Agreement.

      (b) In connection with any Shelf Registration hereunder, the Issuers shall
reimburse the Holders of the Registrable Notes being registered in such
registration for the reasonable fees and disbursements of not more than one
counsel (in addition to appropriate local counsel) chosen by the Holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Notes to be included
in such Registration Statement and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of
the Holders of Registrable Notes incurred in connection with the registration of
the Registrable Notes. The Issuers shall not have any obligation to pay any
underwriting fees, discounts or commissions attributable to the sale of
Registrable Notes.

7.    INDEMNIFICATION

      (a) The Issuers agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Holder of
Registrable Notes and each Participating Broker-Dealer selling Exchange Notes
during the Applicable Period, the officers and directors of each such person,
and each person, if any, who controls any such person within the meaning of
either Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act (each, a
"PARTICIPANT"), from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and
liabilities (including, without limitation, the reasonable legal fees and other
expenses incurred in connection with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim
asserted) caused by, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or
alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration
Statement or Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Issuers shall have
furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) or any preliminary Prospectus,
or caused by, arising out of or based upon any omission or alleged omission to
state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make
the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or
liabilities are caused by any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue
statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information
relating to any Participant or underwriter furnished to the Issuers in writing
by such Participant or underwriter expressly for use therein.

      (b) Each Participant will be required to agree, severally and not jointly,
to indemnify and hold harmless the Issuers, their directors and officers and
each person who controls any such person within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Act or 


                                      -20-
<PAGE>

Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity
from the Issuers to each Participant, but only with reference to information
relating to such Participant furnished to the Issuers in writing by such
Participant expressly for use in any Registration Statement or Prospectus, any
amendment or supplement thereto, or any preliminary Prospectus. The liability of
any Participant under this paragraph (b) shall in no event exceed the proceeds
received by such Participant from sales of Registrable Notes giving rise to such
obligations.

      (c) If any suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or
regulatory investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against
any person in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to either
paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 7, such person (the "INDEMNIFIED PERSON")
shall promptly notify the person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the
"INDEMNIFYING PERSON") in writing, and the Indemnifying Person, upon request of
the Indemnified Person, shall retain one counsel reasonably satisfactory to the
Indemnified Person to represent the Indemnified Person and any others the
Indemnifying Person may reasonably designate in such proceeding and shall pay
the reasonable fees and expenses incurred by such counsel related to such
proceeding. In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Person shall have the right
to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at
the expense of such Indemnified Person unless (i) the Indemnifying Person and
the Indemnified Person shall have mutually agreed in writing to the contrary,
(ii) the Indemnifying Person has failed within a reasonable time to retain
counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person or (iii) the named
parties in any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both
the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person and representations of both
parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential
differing interests between them. It is understood that the Indemnifying Person
shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceeding in the same
jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate law
firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Indemnified Persons, and that
all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. Any such
separate firm for the Participants and such control persons of Participants
shall be designated in writing by Participants who sold a majority in interest
of Registrable Notes sold by all such Participants and any such separate firm
for the Issuers, their directors, their officers and such control persons of the
Issuers shall be designated in writing by the Issuers. The Indemnifying Person
shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its
written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final
judgment for the plaintiff, the Indemnifying Person agrees to indemnify any
Indemnified Person from and against any loss or liability by reason of such
settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time
an Indemnified Person shall have requested an Indemnifying Person to reimburse
the


                                      -21-
<PAGE>

Indemnified Person for reasonable fees and expenses incurred by counsel as
contemplated by the third sentence of this paragraph, the Indemnifying Person
agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected
without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30
days after receipt by such Indemnifying Person of the aforesaid request and (ii)
such Indemnifying Person shall not have reimbursed the Indemnified Person in
accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No
Indemnifying Person shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified
Person, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect
of which any Indemnified Person is or could have been a party, unless such
settlement includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person from all
liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding.

      If the indemnification provided for in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this
Section 7 is unavailable to an Indemnified Person in respect of any losses,
claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each Indemnifying
Person under such paragraphs, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Person
thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified
Person as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Issuers on the
one hand and the Participants on the other in connection with the statements or
omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well
as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the
Issuers on the one hand and the Participants on the other shall be determined by
reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement
of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact
relates to information supplied by the Issuers or by the Participants and the
parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to
correct or prevent such statement or omission.

      The parties shall agree that it would not be just and equitable if
contribution pursuant to this Section 7 were determined by PRO RATA allocation
(even if the Participants were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any
other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable
considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. The amount
paid or payable by an Indemnified Person as a result of the losses, claims,
damages and liabilities referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph shall
be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any reasonable
legal or other expenses actually incurred by such Indemnified Person in
connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, in no event shall a
Participant be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by
which proceeds received by such Participant from sales of Registrable Notes or
Exchange Notes exceeds the amount of any damages that such 


                                      -22-
<PAGE>

Participant has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of
fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act)
shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation.

      The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 7 will
be in addition to any liability which the Indemnifying Persons may otherwise
have to the Indemnified Persons referred to above.

8.    RULES 144 AND 144A

      The Issuers covenant that they will file the reports required to be filed
by them under the Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations adopted
by the SEC thereunder in a timely manner and, if at any time the Issuers are not
required to file such reports, they will, upon the request of any Holder of
Registrable Notes, make publicly available other information of a like nature
until no longer necessary to permit sales pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule 144A. The
Issuers further covenant that so long as any Registrable Notes remain
outstanding and the Company is not required to make filings pursuant to Section
13(d) or 15 of the Exchange Act to make available to any Holder of Registrable
Notes in connection with any sale thereof, the information required by Rule
144A(d)(4) under the Act in order to permit resales of such Registrable Notes
pursuant to (a) such Rule 144A, or (b) any similar rule or regulation hereafter
adopted by the SEC, unless at such time the Registrable Notes are fully saleable
under Rule 144 or any successor provision.

9.    UNDERWRITTEN REGISTRATIONS

      If any of the Registrable Notes covered by any Shelf Registration are to
be sold in an underwritten offering, the investment banker or investment bankers
and manager or managers that will manage the offering will be selected by the
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of such Registrable Notes
included in such offering and shall be reasonably acceptable to the Issuers.

      No Holder of Registrable Notes may participate in any underwritten
registration hereunder unless such Holder (a) agrees to sell such Holder's
Registrable Notes on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements
approved by the Persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (b)
completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities,
underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms
of such underwriting arrangements.


                                      -23-
<PAGE>

10.   MISCELLANEOUS

      (a) REMEDIES. In the event of a breach by the Issuers of any of their
obligations under this Agreement, other than the occurrence of an event which
requires payment of Additional Interest, each Holder of Registrable Notes, in
addition to being entitled to exercise all rights provided herein, in the
Indenture or, in the case of the Initial Purchasers or the Financial Advisor, in
the Purchase Agreement or granted by law, including recovery of damages, will be
entitled to specific performance of its rights under this Agreement. The Issuers
agree that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation for any loss
incurred by reason of a breach by them of any of the provisions of this
Agreement and hereby further agree that, in the event of any action for specific
performance in respect of such breach, they shall waive the defense that a
remedy at law would be adequate.

      (b) ENFORCEMENT. The Trustee shall be authorized to enforce the provisions
of this Agreement for the ratable benefit of the Holders.

      (c) NO INCONSISTENT AGREEMENTS. The Issuers do not have, as of the date
hereof, and the Issuers shall not, after the date of this Agreement, enter into,
any agreement with respect to any of their securities that is inconsistent with
the rights granted to the Holders of Registrable Notes in this Agreement or
otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof. The Issuers have not entered and
will not enter into any agreement with respect to any of their securities which
will grant to any Person piggyback rights with respect to a Registration
Statement.

      (d) ADJUSTMENTS AFFECTING REGISTRABLE NOTES. The Issuers shall not,
directly or indirectly, take any action with respect to the Registrable Notes as
a class that would adversely affect the ability of the Holders of Registrable
Notes to include such Registrable Notes in a registration undertaken pursuant to
this Agreement.

      (e) AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. The provisions of this Agreement, including
the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or supplemented,
and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be
given, unless the Issuers have obtained the written consent of Holders of at
least a majority of the then outstanding aggregate principal amount of
Registrable Notes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a waiver or consent to depart
from the provisions hereof with respect to a matter that relates exclusively to
the rights of Holders of Registrable Notes whose securities are being sold
pursuant to a Registration Statement and that does not directly or indirectly
affect, impair, limit or compromise the rights of other Holders of Registrable
Notes may be given by Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Registrable Notes being sold by such Holders pursuant to such
Registration Statement, PROVIDED that the provisions of this sentence may not


                                      -24-
<PAGE>

be amended, modified or supplemented except in accordance with the provisions of
the immediately preceding sentence.

      (f) NOTICES. All notices and other communications (including without
limitation any notices or other communications to the Trustee) provided for or
permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, registered
first-class mail, next-day air courier or telecopier:

            (i) if to a Holder of Registrable Notes, at the most current address
      given by the Trustee to the Issuers; and

            (ii) if to the Issuers:

                      Morris Material Handling, Inc.
                      315 W. Forest Hill Avenue
                      Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154
                      Attention: Martin L. Ditkof, General Counsel

                 with a copy to:

                      Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP
                      1333 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W., Suite 400
                      Washington, D.C. 20036
                      Attention: Russell Parks, Esq.

      All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly
given: (i) when delivered by hand, if personally delivered; (ii) five business
days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; (iii) one
business day after being timely delivered to a next-day air courier; and (iv)
when receipt is acknowledged by the addressee, if telecopied.

      Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be
concurrently delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee under the
Indenture at the address specified in such Indenture.

      (g) SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of
and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the parties, including
without limitation and without the need for an express assignment, subsequent
Holders of Registrable Notes.

      (h) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which
when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

      (i) HEADINGS. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of
reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.


                                      -25-
<PAGE>

      (j) GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AS APPLIED TO CONTRACTS MADE
AND PERFORMED WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF
CONFLICTS OF LAW. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES TO SUBMIT TO THE
JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

      (k) SEVERABILITY. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this
Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal,
void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and
restrictions set forth herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in
no way be affected, impaired or invalidated, and the parties hereto shall use
their best efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same
or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such term, provision,
covenant or restriction.

      (l) ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, together with the Purchase Agreement
and the Indenture, is intended by the parties as a final expression of their
agreement, and is intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the
agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject
matter contained herein and therein.

      (m) NOTES HELD BY THE ISSUERS OR THEIR AFFILIATES. Whenever the consent or
approval of Holders of a specified percentage of Registrable Notes is required
hereunder, Registrable Notes held by the Issuers or their affiliates (as such
term is defined in Rule 405 under the Act) shall not be deemed outstanding for
such purpose and shall not be counted in determining whether such consent or
approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage.

      (n) FUTURE GUARANTOR. The Company shall cause Birmingham Crane & Hoist,
Inc., an Alabama corporation ("Birmingham"), to become a party to this Agreement
at such time as it shall have become a Guarantor under the Indenture, whereupon
Birmingham shall have all the rights and obligations of a Guarantor and an
Issuer under this Agreement as if Birmingham had been an original party hereto.


                                      -26-
<PAGE>

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Registration Rights Agreement
as of the date first written above.

                                   MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.


                                   By: /s/ David D. Smith
                                      --------------------------------
                                       Name:  David D. Smith
                                       Title: Vice President

                                   CMH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC
                                   EPH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC
                                   HARNISCHFEGER DISTRIBUTION & SERVICE, LLC
                                   HPH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC
                                   MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC
                                   MHE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
                                   MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING, INC.
                                   MPH CRANE, INC.
                                   NPH MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.
                                   PHME SERVICE, INC.
                                   PHMH HOLDING COMPANY
                                   HERCULES S.A. de C.V.
                                   HYDRAMACH ULC
                                   KAVERIT STEEL AND CRANE ULC
                                   MONDEL ULC
                                   LOWFILE LIMITED
                                   INVERCOE ENGINEERING LIMITED
                                   BUTTERS ENGINEERING LIMITED
                                   MMH (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
                                   MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING LIMITED
                                   MMH INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
                                   REDCROWN, ULC
                                   SPH CRANE & HOIST, INC.
                                   MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, LTD.
                                   MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT NEVADA
                                   CORPORATION
                                   MHE CANADA, ULC
                                   MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC
                                   3016117 NOVA SCOTIA ULC


                                   By: /s/ David D. Smith
                                      --------------------------------
                                       Name:  David D. Smith
                                       Title: Vice President


                                      -27-
<PAGE>

                                   INITIAL PURCHASERS:

                                   CIBC OPPENHEIMER CORP.

                                   By: /s/ Neil Weisenberg
                                       --------------------------------
                                       Name:  Neil Weisenberg
                                       Title: Managing Director

                                   GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.

                                   By: /s/ Goldman, Sachs & Co.
                                       --------------------------------
                                       Name: Goldman, Sachs & Co.
                                       Title:

                                   FINANCIAL ADVISOR:

                                   INDOSUEZ CAPITAL

                                   By: /s/ Kenneth J. Kencel
                                       --------------------------------
                                       Name:  Kenneth J. Kencel
                                       Title: Managing Director




                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

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

                         MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.
                                   as Issuer,

                                 the GUARANTORS,

                                       and

                     United States Trust Company of New York
                                   as Trustee

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

                                    INDENTURE

                           Dated as of March 30, 1998

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

                                  $200,000,000

                          9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2008

================================================================================
<PAGE>

                            CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE

TIA                                                             Indenture
Section                                                          Section

310(a)(1).......................................................  7.10
   (a)(2).......................................................  7.10
   (a)(3).......................................................  N.A.
   (a)(4).......................................................  N.A.
   (b)..........................................................  7.8; 7.10;
                                                                  11.2
   (b)(1).......................................................  7.10
   (b)(9).......................................................  7.10
   (c)..........................................................  N.A.
311(a)..........................................................  7.11
   (b)..........................................................  7.11
   (c)..........................................................  N.A.
312(a)..........................................................  2.6
   (b)..........................................................  11.3
   (c)..........................................................  11.3
313(a)..........................................................  7.6
   (b)..........................................................  7.6
   (c)..........................................................  7.6
   (d)..........................................................  11.2
314(a)..........................................................  4.2; 4.16;
                                                                  11.2
   (b)..........................................................  N.A.
   (c)(1).......................................................  11.4; 11.5
   (c)(2).......................................................  11.4; 11.5
   (c)(3).......................................................  N.A.
   (d)..........................................................  N.A.
   (e)..........................................................  11.5
   (f)..........................................................  N.A.
315(a)..........................................................  7.1; 7.2
   (b)..........................................................  7.5; 11.2
   (c)..........................................................  7.1
   (d)..........................................................  6.5; 7.1;
                                                                  7.2
   (e)..........................................................  6.11
316(a)(last sentence)...........................................  2.10
   (a)(1)(A)....................................................  6.5
   (a)(1)(B)....................................................  6.4
   (a)(2).......................................................  8.2
   (b)..........................................................  6.7
   (c)..........................................................  8.4
317(a)(1).......................................................  6.8
317(a)(2).......................................................  6.9
   (b)..........................................................  2.4
318(a)..........................................................  10.1
   (c)..........................................................  10.1

"N.A." means Not Applicable
<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

ARTICLE 1.  DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE......................   1
Section 1.1. Definitions....................................................   1
Section 1.2. Other Definitions..............................................  33
Section 1.3. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act..............  34
Section 1.4. Rules of Construction..........................................  34

ARTICLE 2.  THE NOTES.......................................................  35
Section 2.1. Amount of Notes................................................  35
Section 2.2. Form and Dating................................................  36
Section 2.3. Execution and Authentication...................................  36
Section 2.4. Registrar and Paying Agent.....................................  37
Section 2.5. Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust............................  38
Section 2.6. Noteholder Lists...............................................  38
Section 2.7. Transfer and Exchange..........................................  38
Section 2.8. Replacement Notes..............................................  39
Section 2.9. Outstanding Notes..............................................  39
Section 2.10. Treasury Notes................................................  40
Section 2.11. Temporary Notes...............................................  40
Section 2.12. Cancellation..................................................  41
Section 2.13. Defaulted Interest............................................  41
Section 2.14. CUSIP Number..................................................  41
Section 2.15. Deposit of Moneys.............................................  42
Section 2.16. Book-Entry Provisions for Global Notes........................  42
Section 2.17. Special Transfer Provisions...................................  44
Section 2.18. Computation of Interest.......................................  47

ARTICLE 3.  REDEMPTION......................................................  47
Section 3.1. Notices to Trustee.............................................  47
Section 3.2. Selection by Trustee of Notes to Be Redeemed...................  47
Section 3.3. Notice of Redemption...........................................  47
Section 3.4. Effect of Notice of Redemption.................................  48
Section 3.5. Deposit of Redemption Price....................................  49
Section 3.6. Notes Redeemed in Part.........................................  49

ARTICLE 4.  COVENANTS.......................................................  49
Section 4.1. Payment of Notes...............................................  49
Section 4.2. Reports to Commission and Holders..............................  50
Section 4.3. Limitation on Additional Indebtedness..........................  50
Section 4.4. Limitation on Restricted Payments..............................  51
Section 4.5. Limitations on Liens...........................................  54
Section 4.6. Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates.....................  54
Section 4.7. Limitation on Creation of Subsidiaries.........................  56
Section 4.8. Limitation on Certain Asset Sales..............................  56
Section 4.9. Limitation on Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries.......  60

<PAGE>

Section 4.10. Limitation on Capital Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries........  60
Section 4.11. Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions................  61
Section 4.12. Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions
                Affecting Subsidiaries......................................  61
Section 4.13. Payments for Consent..........................................  63
Section 4.14. Change of Control Offer.......................................  63
Section 4.15. Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws.......................  66
Section 4.16. Compliance Certificate........................................  66
Section 4.17. Taxes.........................................................  66
Section 4.18. Legal Existence...............................................  66
Section 4.19. Maintenance of Office or Agency...............................  67
Section 4.20. Maintenance of Properties; Insurance; Books and Records;
                Compliance with Law.........................................  67
Section 4.21. Additional Guarantor..........................................  68

ARTICLE 5.  SUCCESSOR CORPORATION...........................................  68
Section 5.1. Limitation on Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets.........  68
Section 5.2. Successor Person Substituted...................................  70

ARTICLE 6.  DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES...........................................  71
Section 6.1. Events of Default..............................................  71
Section 6.2. Acceleration...................................................  73
Section 6.3. Other Remedies.................................................  74
Section 6.4. Waiver of Past Defaults and Events of Default..................  74
Section 6.5. Control by Majority............................................  74
Section 6.6. Limitation on Suits............................................  75
Section 6.7. Rights of Holders to Receive Payment...........................  75
Section 6.8. Collection Suit by Trustee.....................................  76
Section 6.9. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim...............................  76
Section 6.10. Priorities....................................................  77
Section 6.11. Undertaking for Costs.........................................  77
Section 6.12. Restoration of Rights and Remedies............................  78

ARTICLE 7.  TRUSTEE.........................................................  78
Section 7.1. Duties of Trustee..............................................  78
Section 7.2. Rights of Trustee..............................................  79
Section 7.3. Individual Rights of Trustee...................................  80
Section 7.4. Trustee's Disclaimer...........................................  80
Section 7.5. Notice of Defaults.............................................  80
Section 7.6. Reports by Trustee to Holders..................................  81
Section 7.7. Compensation and Indemnity.....................................  81
Section 7.8. Replacement of Trustee.........................................  82
Section 7.9. Successor Trustee by Consolidation, Merger, Etc................  83
Section 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification.................................  84
Section 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.............  84
Section 7.12. Paying Agents.................................................  84

ARTICLE 8.  AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS.............................  85


                                       ii
<PAGE>

Section 8.1. Without Consent of Holders.....................................  85
Section 8.2. With Consent of Holders........................................  86
Section 8.3. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act............................  87
Section 8.4. Revocation and Effect of Consents..............................  87
Section 8.5. Notation on or Exchange of Notes...............................  88
Section 8.6. Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc................................  88

ARTICLE 9.  DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE..............................  88
Section 9.1. Discharge of Indenture.........................................  88
Section 9.2. Legal Defeasance...............................................  89
Section 9.3. Covenant Defeasance............................................  90
Section 9.4. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance................  90
Section 9.5. Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held
               in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.....................  92
Section 9.6. Reinstatement..................................................  93
Section 9.7. Moneys Held by Paying Agent....................................  93
Section 9.8. Moneys Held by Trustee.........................................  93

ARTICLE 10.  GUARANTEE OF NOTES.............................................  94
Section 10.1. Guarantee.....................................................  94
Section 10.2. Execution and Delivery of Guarantees..........................  95
Section 10.3. Limitation of Guarantee.......................................  96
Section 10.4. Release of Guarantor..........................................  96
Section 10.5. Payment Over of Proceeds upon Dissolution, etc., of a
                Guarantor...................................................  97

ARTICLE 11.  MISCELLANEOUS..................................................  97
Section 11.1. Trust Indenture Act Controls..................................  97
Section 11.2. Notices.......................................................  98
Section 11.3. Communications by Holders with Other Holders..................  99
Section 11.4. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent............  99
Section 11.5. Statements Required in Certificate and Opinion................ 100
Section 11.6. Rules by Trustee and Agents................................... 101
Section 11.7. Business Days; Legal Holidays................................. 101
Section 11.8. Governing Law................................................. 101
Section 11.9. No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements................. 101
Section 11.10. No Recourse Against Others................................... 101
Section 11.11. Successors................................................... 102
Section 11.12. Multiple Counterparts........................................ 102
Section 11.13. Table of Contents, Headings, etc............................. 102
Section 11.14. Separability................................................. 102


                                      iii
<PAGE>

EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT A ....  Form of Note
EXHIBIT B ....  Form of Legend and Assignment for 144A Note
EXHIBIT C ....  Form of Legend and Assignment for Regulation S Note
EXHIBIT D ....  Form of Legend and Assignment for Global Note
EXHIBIT E ....  Form of Certificate to be Delivered in Connection with
                          Transfers to Non-QIB Accredited Investors
EXHIBIT F ....  Form of Certificate to be Delivered in Connection with
                          Transfers Pursuant to Regulation S
EXHIBIT G ....  Form of Guarantee


                                       iv
<PAGE>

      INDENTURE, dated as of March 30, 1998 among MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING,
INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), as Issuer, the Guarantors (as
hereinafter defined) and United States Trust Company of New York, a bank and
trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, as trustee (the
"Trustee").

      Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the other parties and for
the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Company's 9 1/2% Senior
Notes due 2008.

                                   ARTICLE 1.

                   DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Section 1.1. Definitions.

      "Acquired Indebtedness" means (a) Indebtedness of a Person (including an
Unrestricted Subsidiary) existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary or assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such
Person and (b) any Seller Note.

      "Additional Interest" means additional interest on the Notes which the
Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, agree to pay to the Holders
pursuant to Section 4 of the Registration Rights Agreement.

      "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person (including,
without limitation, such Person's issue, siblings and spouse) that directly or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or
is under common control with, such specified Person. For the purposes of this
definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms
"controlling," "controlled by," and "under common control with"), as used with
respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the
power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such
Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or
otherwise. For purposes of this Indenture, the term "Affiliate," as it relates
to the Company, shall (a) include HarnCo for so long as HarnCo is entitled to
designate at least one member of the Board of Directors of Holdings or any
successor to Holdings and (b) not include CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. or Indosuez
Capital, a division of Credit Agricole Indosuez, or their respective Affiliates.

      "Adjusted Net Assets" of a Guarantor at any date shall mean the amount by
which the fair value of the Property and other assets of such Guarantor exceeds
the total amount of liabilities, including, without limitation, contingent
liabilities (after giving effect to all other fixed and contingent liabilities
<PAGE>

incurred or assumed on such date), but excluding liabilities under the Guarantee
of such Guarantor.

      "Agent" means the Registrar, any Paying Agent, or agent for service of
notices and demands.

      "Asset Acquisition" means (a) an Investment by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in any other Person pursuant to which such
Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, or is merged with or into
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or (b) the acquisition
by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of the assets of any
Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) which constitute all
or substantially all of the assets of such Person or comprise any division or
line of business of such Person or any other properties or assets of such Person
other than in the ordinary course of business.

      "Asset Sale" means the sale, transfer or other disposition (including,
without limitation, by merger or consolidation) (other than to the Company or
any of its Guarantors) in any single transaction or series of related
transactions of (a) any Capital Stock of or other equity interest in any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (other than directors' qualifying shares to
the extent required by applicable law), (b) all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company or of any Restricted Subsidiary thereof, (c) real property
or (d) all or substantially all of the assets, or any Property, or part thereof,
owned by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof, or a division, line
of business or comparable business segment of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary thereof; provided that Asset Sales shall not include (i) sales,
leases, conveyances, transfers or other dispositions to the Company or to a
Restricted Subsidiary or to any other Person if after giving effect to such
sale, lease, conveyance, transfer or other disposition such other Person becomes
a Guarantor, (ii) the sale, lease, conveyance, disposition or other transfer of
all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries taken as a whole as permitted under Section 5.1(a), (iii) any
transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition of property or assets,
the gross proceeds of which (exclusive of indemnities) do not exceed $500,000,
(iv) any sales, leases, conveyances, transfers or other dispositions of Property
or equipment that has become worn out, obsolete or damaged or otherwise
unsuitable for use in connection with the business of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, (v) the incurrence of any Permitted
Liens, (vi) the making of any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 4.4, (vii)
transfers of cash and sales of Cash Equivalents and (viii) sales, leases,
conveyances, transfers or other dispositions of Property or equipment in the
ordinary course of business.


                                       2
<PAGE>

      "Asset Sale Proceeds" means, with respect to any Asset Sale, (i) cash or
Cash Equivalents received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from such
Asset Sale, after (a) provision for all income or other taxes measured by or
resulting from such Asset Sale, (b) payment of all brokerage commissions,
underwriting and other fees and expenses related to such Asset Sale, (c)
provision for minority interest holders in any Restricted Subsidiary as a result
of such Asset Sale and (d) deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by
the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP,
against any liabilities associated with the assets sold or disposed of in such
Asset Sale and retained by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary after such
Asset Sale, including, without limitation, pension and other post employment
benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against
any indemnification obligations associated with the assets sold or disposed of
in such Asset Sale, provided, however, that at such time as such amounts are no
longer reserved or such reserve is no longer necessary, any remaining amounts
shall become Asset Sale Proceeds to be allocated in accordance with Section 4.8,
and (ii) promissory notes and other noncash consideration received by the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from such Asset Sale or other disposition
upon the liquidation or conversion of such notes or noncash consideration into
cash.

      "Attributable Indebtedness" under this Indenture in respect of a Sale and
Lease-Back Transaction means, as at the time of determination, the present value
(discounted in accordance with GAAP at the cost of indebtedness implied in the
Sale and Lease-Back Transaction) of the total obligations of the lessee for
rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such Sale and
Lease-Back Transaction (including any period for which such lease has been
extended).

      "Available Asset Sale Proceeds" means, with respect to any Asset Sale, the
aggregate Asset Sale Proceeds from such Asset Sales that have not been applied
in accordance with clause (iii)(a), and which has not yet been the basis for an
Excess Proceeds Offer in accordance with clause (iii)(b), of the first paragraph
of Section 4.8.

      "Average Life" means, as of any date of determination, with respect to any
Indebtedness, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum of the products of
(x) the number of years from the date of determination to the dates of each
successive scheduled principal payment (including any sinking fund or mandatory
redemption payment requirements) of such Indebtedness multiplied by (y) the
amount of such principal payment by (ii) the sum of all such principal payments.

      "Blooma" means Morris Blooma Engineering Pte Ltd., a corporation organized
under the laws of Singapore.


                                       3
<PAGE>

      "Board of Directors" means (i) in the case of a Person that is a limited
partnership, the board of directors of its corporate general partner or any
committee authorized to act therefor (or, if the general partner is itself a
limited partnership, the board of directors of such general partner's corporate
general partner or any committee authorized to act therefor), (ii) in the case
of a Person that is a corporation, the board of directors of such Person or any
committee authorized to act therefor and (iii) in the case of any other Person,
the board of directors, management committee or similar governing body or any
authorized committee thereof responsible for the management of the business and
affairs of such Person.

      "Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified pursuant to an
Officers' Certificate to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the
Company or a Guarantor, as appropriate, and to be in full force and effect on
the date of such certificate, and delivered to the Trustee.

      "Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares or
other equivalents (however designated and whether or not voting) of capital
stock, partnership interests or any other participation, right or other interest
in the nature of an equity interest in such Person or any option, warrant or
other security convertible into any of the foregoing.

      "Capitalized Lease Obligations" means Indebtedness represented by
obligations under a lease that is required to be capitalized for financial
reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP, and the amount of such Indebtedness
shall be the capitalized amount of such obligations determined in accordance
with GAAP.

      "Cash Equivalents" means any of the following Investments: (i) marketable
direct obligations issued by, or unconditionally guaranteed by, the United
States Government or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith
and credit of the United States maturing within one year from the date of
acquisition thereof; (ii) marketable direct obligations issued by any state of
the United States of America or any foreign country recognized by the United
States or any political subdivision of any such state or foreign country, as the
case may be, or any public instrumentality thereof (including any taxing
authority) maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof and, at
the time of acquisition, having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from
either Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") or Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. ("Moody's"); (iii) commercial paper maturing no more than one year from the
date of creation thereof and, at the time of acquisition, having a rating of at
least A-1 from S&P or at least P-1 from Moody's; (iv) certificates of deposit,
time deposit accounts, operating accounts or bankers' acceptances maturing
within one year from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by any


                                       4
<PAGE>

commercial banking institution organized under the laws of any jurisdiction
recognized by the United States of America and in which the Company or its
Subsidiaries actively conduct business, having at the date of acquisition
thereof combined capital and surplus of not less than U.S.$250,000,000 or the
foreign currency equivalent thereof; (v) repurchase obligations with a term of
not more than 30 days for underlying securities of the types described in clause
(i) above entered into with any bank meeting the qualifications specified in
clause (iv) above; (vi) investments in money market funds which invest
substantially all their assets in securities of the types described in clauses
(i) through (v) above; and (vii) foreign bank deposits and cash equivalents in
jurisdictions where the Company or its Subsidiaries are then actively conducting
business; provided, that (a) all such deposits are required to be made in the
ordinary course of business, (b) such deposits do not exceed $1,000,000 in the
aggregate and (c) the funds so deposited do not remain in such bank for more
than 10 days.

      A "Change of Control" of the Company will be deemed to have occurred at
such time as (i) prior to any Public Equity Offering by the Company or Holdings
of its Common Stock, Holdings ceases to be, directly or indirectly, the
beneficial owner of 100% of the Voting Stock of the Company, (ii) any Person
(including a Person's Affiliates) or any Persons acting together that would
constitute a group (for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, or any
successor provision thereto) (a "Group"), other than a Permitted Holder, becomes
the beneficial owner (as defined under Rule l3d-3 or any successor rule or
regulation promulgated under the Exchange Act) of (a) 50% or more of the total
Voting Stock of the Company or Holdings or (b) 50% of all classes of Common
Stock (whether voting or non-voting), taken as a whole, of the Company or
Holdings, (iii) any Person (including a Person's Affiliates) or Group, other
than a Permitted Holder, becomes the beneficial owner of more than 30% of the
total Voting Stock of the Company or Holdings, and the Permitted Holders
beneficially own, in the aggregate, a lesser percentage of the total Voting
Stock of the Company or Holdings, as the case may be, than such other Person or
Group and the Permitted Holders do not have the right or ability by voting
power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for election a majority of
the Board of Directors of the Company or Holdings, as the case may be, (iv)
there shall be consummated any consolidation or merger of the Company or
Holdings in which the Company or Holdings, as the case may be, is not the
continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to which the Common Stock of the
Company or Holdings, as the case may be, would be converted into cash,
securities or other Property, other than a merger or consolidation of the
Company or Holdings, as the case may be, in which the holders of the Common
Stock of the Company or Holdings, as the case may be, outstanding immediately
prior to the consolidation or merger hold, directly or indirectly, at least a
majority of the Common Stock of the surviving corporation immediately after such
consolidation or 


                                       5
<PAGE>

merger, or (v) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at
the beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors of the Company
or Holdings (together with any new directors whose election by such Board of
Directors or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of the Company or
Holdings, as the case may be, has been approved by 66-2/3% of the directors then
still in office who either were directors at the beginning of such period or
whose election or recommendation for election was previously so approved) cease
to constitute a majority of the board of directors of the Company or Holdings,
as the case may be.

      "Chartwell" means Chartwell Investments Inc. and its Affiliates.

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

      "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

      "Common Stock" of any Person means all Capital Stock of such Person that
does not rank prior, as to payment of dividends or as to the distribution of
assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up
of such Person, to any other class of Capital Stock of such Person.

      "Company" means the party named as such in the first paragraph of this
Indenture until a successor replaces such party pursuant to Article 5 of this
Indenture and thereafter means the successor and any other obligor on the Notes.

      "Company Request" means any written request signed in the name of the
Company by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the
President, any Vice President, the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer of
the Company and attested to by the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the
Company.

      "Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio" of any Person means the ratio of
(i) EBITDA of such Person for the four most recent consecutive fiscal quarters
for which financial statements are available or, if the Company is not in
compliance with its obligations under Section 4.2 on the date of determination,
the four most recent consecutive quarters ending on or prior to the date of
determination (in either such case, the "Four Quarter Period") to (ii)
Consolidated Interest Expense of such Person for such Four Quarter Period. In
addition to and without limitation of the foregoing, for purposes of this
definition, "EBITDA" and "Consolidated Interest Expense" shall be calculated
after giving effect on a pro forma basis to (i)(a) the incurrence of any
Indebtedness of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (and the
application of the proceeds thereof) giving rise to the need to make such
calculation and (b) any incurrence or repayment of other Indebtedness (and the
application of the proceeds thereof), occurring on or after the first day of the
Four Quarter Period and on or prior to the date of determination, in each case
set forth in clauses (i)(a) and (b), as if such incurrence or repayment, as the
case may be (and the application of the proceeds 


                                       6
<PAGE>

thereof) occurred on the first day of the Four Quarter Period (except that
Indebtedness under any revolving credit facility shall be deemed to be the
average daily balance of such Indebtedness during such Four Quarter Period) and
(ii) any Asset Sales or any such Asset Acquisitions (including (x) any Person
who becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of the Asset Acquisition and
including any Asset Sale or any such Asset Acquisition during such Four Quarter
Period by any such Person determined as if such Person had been a Restricted
Subsidiary at the time of such transaction; provided that all Indebtedness of
such Person and any such Restricted Subsidiaries shall be deemed to have been
incurred on the first day of the Four Quarter Period and (y) the increase or
decrease, as the case may be, in EBITDA directly attributable to such Asset Sale
or Asset Acquisition, as the case may be) occurring on or after the first day of
the Four Quarter Period and on or prior to the date of determination, as if such
Asset Sale or Asset Acquisition, as the case may be (including the incurrence,
assumption or liability for any such Acquired Indebtedness), occurred on the
first day of the Four Quarter Period. For purposes of this definition, whenever
pro forma effect is to be given to an Asset Acquisition, the amount of income or
earnings relating thereto and the amount of Consolidated Interest Expense
associated with any Indebtedness incurred in connection therewith shall be
determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the
Company.

      "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, with respect to any Person, for any
period, without duplication, (i) the aggregate amount of interest charges
(excluding fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Transactions),
whether expensed or capitalized, incurred or accrued by such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in conformity with
GAAP for such period, plus (ii) to the extent not included in clause (i) above,
an amount equal to the sum of: (A) imputed interest included in Capitalized
Lease Obligations, (B) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges
owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance financing, (C)
the net costs associated with Interest Rate Agreements, Currency Agreements and
other hedging obligations, (D) the interest portion of any deferred payment
obligations, (E) amortization of discount or premium on Indebtedness, if any,
(F) all capitalized interest and all accrued interest, (G) all other non-cash
interest expense, (H) all interest incurred or paid under any guarantee of
Indebtedness (including a guarantee of principal, interest or any combination
thereof) of any Person, and (I) all dividends or distributions on Disqualified
Capital Stock if payable to a Person other than the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary (other than dividends paid or payable in 


                                       7
<PAGE>

shares of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) of the Company)
declared and payable in cash, minus (iii) to the extent included in clause (i)
or (ii) above, amortization or write-off of deferred financing costs (and
original issue discount to the extent it arises from the issuance of Capital
Stock (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) of the Company) during such period
and, without duplication, any charge related to any premium or penalty paid in
connection with redeeming or retiring any Indebtedness of the Company or its
Restricted Subsidiaries prior to the stated maturity thereof. If any
Indebtedness outstanding or to be incurred (x) bears a floating rate of
interest, the interest expense on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if
the rate in effect on the date of determination had been the applicable rate for
the entire Four Quarter Period (taking into account on a pro forma basis any
Interest Rate Agreement that has a remaining term as of the date of
determination in excess of 12 months) and/or (y) was incurred under a revolving
credit facility, the interest expense on such Indebtedness shall be computed
based upon the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the applicable
period. If any Indebtedness to be incurred bears, at the option of the Company
or a Restricted Subsidiary, a fixed or floating rate of interest, the interest
expense on such Indebtedness shall be computed by applying, at the option of the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, such fixed or floating rate.

      "Consolidated Net Income" means with respect to any Person, for any
period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance
with GAAP; provided, that (a) the Net Income of any Person that is not a
Restricted Subsidiary shall be included only to the extent of the amount of
dividends or other distributions representing the Company's proportionate share
of such Person's Net Income for such period actually paid in cash to the Company
or a Restricted Subsidiary (subject to clause (b) below) by such Person during
such period, (b) the Net Income of any Subsidiary of the Person in question that
is subject to any restriction or limitation on the payment of dividends or the
making of other distributions (other than pursuant to the Notes, the Indenture,
the New Credit Facility or any other Indebtedness of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company containing, in the good faith judgment of
the Board of Directors of the Company, substantially the same or less
restrictive limitations on the payment of dividends or the making of other
distributions than those contained in the Notes, the Indenture, or the New
Credit Facility) shall be excluded to the extent of such restriction or
limitation (regardless of any waiver thereof), (c) (i) the Net Income of any
Person acquired in a pooling of interests transaction for any period prior to
the date of such acquisition and (ii) any net after tax gain (but not loss)
resulting from an Asset Sale by the Person in question or any of its
Subsidiaries other than in the ordinary course of business shall be excluded,
(d) non-cash gains 


                                       8
<PAGE>

and losses due solely to fluctuations in currency values shall be excluded, (e)
in the case of a successor to the referent Person by consolidation or merger or
as a transferee of the referent Person's assets, any earnings (or losses) of the
successor corporation prior to such consolidation, merger or transfer of assets
shall be excluded, and (f) all items classified as extraordinary, unusual or
nonrecurring, including all items relating to the Transactions and the
pre-closing events relating thereto shall be excluded (including the fees and
expenses incurred in connection with the Transactions and write-offs or other
costs associated or arising in connection with the Transactions). In computing
Consolidated Net Income under clause (c) of the first paragraph of Section 4.4,
the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary (i) shall use audited financial
statements for the portion of the relevant period for which such statements are
available on the date of determination and unaudited financial statements and
other current financial data based on the books and records of the Company for
the remaining portion of such period and (ii) shall be permitted to rely in good
faith for the balance of the relevant period for which audited financial
statements are not available on the financial statements and other financial
data derived from the books and records of the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary that are available on the date of determination.

      "Consolidated Net Worth" of any Person means the consolidated
stockholders' equity of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries determined
on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, less (to the extent included)
amounts attributable to Disqualified Capital Stock of such Person.

      "Consolidated Tangible Assets" of any Person means the consolidated
tangible assets of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP as of the end of the most recent
fiscal quarter for which financial statements are available or, if the Company
is not in compliance with its obligations under Section 4.2(i) on the date of
determination, the end of the most recent quarter ending on or prior to the date
of determination.

      "Corporate Trust Office" means the office of the Trustee at which at any
particular time its corporate trust business shall be principally administered,
which office at the date of execution of this Indenture is located at 114 West
47th Street, New York, New York 10036.

      "Credit Facilities" means one or more senior secured or unsecured credit
facilities providing, inter alia, for revolving credit loans, term loans,
bankers' acceptances and/or letters of credit between the Company or its
Restricted Subsidiaries and one or more lenders, including, in each case, any
related notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements
executed in connection therewith, and in each case as amended, 


                                       9
<PAGE>

modified, renewed, refunded, replaced, restated or refinanced in whole or in
part from time to time.

      "Currency Agreement" means any foreign exchange contract, currency swap
agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company against fluctuations in
currency values.

      "Default" means any condition or event that is, or with the passing of
time or giving of any notice expressly required under Section 6.1 (or both)
would be, an Event of Default.

      "Depository" means, with respect to the Notes issued in the form of one or
more Global Notes, The Depository Trust Company or another Person designated as
Depository by the Company, which Person must be a "clearing agency" registered
under the Exchange Act.

      "Designation" shall have the meaning provided in the definition of
Restricted Payment contained in this Indenture.

      "Disqualified Capital Stock" means any Capital Stock of the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary thereof which, by its terms (or by the terms of any
security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable at the
option of the holder), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is
mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or
is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or
prior to the Maturity Date of the Notes, for any consideration other than
Capital Stock of the Company which is not Disqualified Capital Stock; provided,
that Preferred Stock of the Company that is issued with the benefit of
provisions requiring a change of control offer to be made for such Preferred
Stock in the event of a change of control of the Company, which provisions have
substantially the same effect as the provisions of Section 4.14 shall not be
deemed to be Disqualified Capital Stock solely by virtue of such provisions.
Without limitation of the foregoing, Disqualified Capital Stock shall be deemed
to include any Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company except
for Permitted Foreign Restricted Subsidiary Preferred Stock.

      "EBITDA" means, for any Person, for any period, an amount equal to (a) the
sum of (i) Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus (ii) the provision for
taxes for such period based on income or profits to the extent such income or
profits were included in computing Consolidated Net Income (minus any provision
for taxes utilized in computing net loss under clause (i) hereof to the extent
such provision reduced the net loss), plus (iii) Consolidated Interest Expense
for such period, plus (iv) depreciation for such period on a consolidated basis
to the 


                                       10
<PAGE>

extent reducing Consolidated Net Income, plus (v) amortization of intangibles
for such period on a consolidated basis to the extent reducing Consolidated Net
Income, plus (vi) amortization of original issue discount to the extent it
arises from the issuance of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Capital
Stock) of the Company to the extent reducing Consolidated Net Income, plus (vii)
any charge related to any premium or penalty paid in connection with redeeming
or retiring any Indebtedness prior to its stated maturity to the extent reducing
Consolidated Net Income, plus (viii) any other non-cash items reducing
Consolidated Net Income for such period, minus (b) all non-cash items increasing
Consolidated Net Income for such period, minus (c) all cash payments during such
period relating to non-cash charges that were added back in determining EBITDA
in any prior period (provided that payment of such cash amounts did not reduce
Consolidated Net Income), all for such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries
determined in accordance with GAAP.

      "Equity Investment" means the investment by MHE Investments, the purchase
by certain institutional investors of the Units being issued by Holdings and a
retained equity investment by HarnCo, in each case, in Holdings.

      "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

      "Exchange Notes" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 and more
particularly means any of the Notes authenticated and delivered under this
Indenture pursuant to the Exchange Offer.

      "Exchange Offer" means an offer that may be made by the Company pursuant
to the Registration Rights Agreement to exchange the Initial Notes for the
Exchange Notes.

      "Exempt Sale and Lease-Back Transaction" means the sale for less than
$500,000 of approximately five acres of undeveloped real property at the Oak
Creek, Wisconsin facility and the leasing back of such real property and a
building to be constructed thereon.

      "Fair Market Value" means, with respect to any asset or Property, the
price which could be negotiated in an arm's-length, free market transaction, for
cash, between a willing seller and a willing and able buyer, neither of whom is
under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction. Fair Market
Value shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the Company acting in
good faith and, in the case of determination involving assets or property in
excess of $2 million, shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution.


                                       11
<PAGE>

      "Financings" means, collectively, the offering by the Company of the
Notes, the borrowings by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries under the
New Credit Facility and the Equity Investment.

      "Five Percent Subsidiary" means, at any date of determination, any
Restricted Subsidiary that, together with its Subsidiaries that constitute
Restricted Subsidiaries, (i) for the most recent fiscal year of the Company
accounted for more than 5.0% of the consolidated revenues of the Company and the
Restricted Subsidiaries or (ii) as of the end of such fiscal year, owned more
than 5.0% of the Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, all as set forth on the consolidated financial statements of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such year prepared in conformity
with GAAP.

      "Foreign Restricted Subsidiary" of any specified Person means any
Restricted Subsidiary the jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or
formation of which is outside of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom
and South Africa.

      "Four Quarter Period" has the meaning provided such term in the definition
of "Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio" contained herein.

      "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied
as in effect in the United States from time to time.

      "Group" shall have the meaning provided in the definition of "Change of
Control".

      "Guarantee" means a guarantee of the Notes by a Guarantor under this
Indenture, as in effect from time to time.

      "guarantee" means, as applied to any obligation, (i) a guarantee (other
than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary
course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner, of any part or all of
such obligation and (ii) an agreement, direct or indirect, contingent or
otherwise, the practical effect of which is to assure in any way the performance
(or payment of damages in the event of non-performance) of all or any part of
such obligation, including, without limiting the foregoing, the payment of
amounts drawn down by letters of credit. A guarantee shall include, without
limitation, any agreement to preserve or maintain any other Person's financial
condition or to cause any other Person to achieve certain levels of operating
results.

      "Guarantors" means (i) each Restricted Subsidiary of the Company existing
on the Issue Date other than Blooma, Morris 


                                       12
<PAGE>

Mechanical Holding (Pty) Limited, and, until such time that it becomes a
Guarantor pursuant to Section 4.21, Birmingham Crane & Hoist, Inc. and those
Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries identified in clause (b)(y) of the
definition of Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries (to the extent therein
provided), (ii) each other One Percent Subsidiary of the Company formed, created
or acquired after the Issue Date other than Non-Guarantor Restricted
Subsidiaries, and (iii) each other Subsidiary required to become a Guarantor
pursuant to Section 10.2.

      "HarnCo" means Harnischfeger Corporation, a Delaware corporation.

      "Hercules" means Hercules S.A. de C.V., a corporation organized under the
laws of the Republic of Mexico.

      "Holder" or "Noteholder" means a Person in whose name a Note is registered
on the Registrar's books.

      "Holdings" means MMH Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation and owner of
all of the capital stock of the Company.

      "incur" means, with respect to any Indebtedness or other obligation of any
Person, to create, issue, incur (by conversion, exchange or otherwise), assume,
guarantee or otherwise become liable in respect of such Indebtedness or other
obligation or the recording, as required pursuant to GAAP or otherwise, of any
such Indebtedness or other obligation on the balance sheet of such Person (and
"incurrence," "incurred," "incurrable," and "incurring" shall have meanings
correlative to the foregoing); provided that a change in GAAP that results in an
obligation of such Person that exists at such time becoming Indebtedness shall
not be deemed an incurrence of such Indebtedness.

      "Indebtedness" means (without duplication), with respect to any Person,
any indebtedness at any time outstanding, secured or unsecured, contingent or
otherwise, which is for borrowed money (whether or not the recourse of the
lender is to the whole of the assets of such Person or only to a portion
thereof), or evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or
representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any
Property (excluding, without limitation, any balances that constitute accounts
payable or trade payables or liabilities arising from advance payments or
customer deposits for goods and services sold by such Person or its Restricted
Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, and other accrued liabilities,
in each case, arising in the ordinary course of business) if and to the extent
any of the foregoing indebtedness would appear as a liability upon a balance
sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP, and shall also include,
to the extent not otherwise included (i) any Capitalized Lease Obligations, (ii)
guarantees of items of other Persons 


                                       13
<PAGE>

which would be included within this definition for such other Persons (whether
or not such items would appear upon the balance sheet of the guarantor),
including, without limitation, guarantees of dividends for which such Person may
be liable directly or indirectly, (iii) all obligations for the reimbursement of
any obligor on any letter of credit, banker's acceptance or similar credit
transaction (provided that in the case of any such letters of credit, the items
for which such letters of credit provide credit support are those of other
Persons which would be included within this definition for such other Persons),
(iv) Disqualified Capital Stock of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
thereof, including, without limitation, any liquidation preference and mandatory
redemption payment obligations in respect thereof and (v) obligations of any
such Person under any Interest Rate Agreement or Currency Agreement applicable
to any of the foregoing (if and to the extent such Interest Rate Agreement or
Currency Agreement obligations would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet
of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP). The amount of Indebtedness of
any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such date of all
unconditional obligations as described above and, with respect to contingent
obligations included within the definition of Indebtedness, the maximum
liability upon the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligation;
provided that, (i) the amount outstanding at any time of any Indebtedness issued
with original issue discount is the principal amount of such Indebtedness less
the remaining unamortized portion of the original issue discount of such
Indebtedness at such time as determined in conformity with GAAP but such
Indebtedness shall only be deemed to have been incurred on the date of original
issuance thereof and, in the case of any securities constituting Indebtedness,
the payment of interest upon which is in such securities, such Indebtedness
shall only be deemed to have been incurred on the date of issuance of the
original securities constituting such Indebtedness, (ii) Indebtedness shall not
include any liability for federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes and
(iii) contingent obligations of the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries under any Surety Obligation will be deemed to be Indebtedness only
upon the earlier of (a) the Company's or any Restricted Subsidiary's obtaining
knowledge of any payment by or in respect of any provider in respect of any
Surety Obligation, (b) the demand by any provider for any reimbursement by the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any Surety Obligation or (c)
the time at which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries becomes
obligated to make payment in respect of any Surety Obligation as a result of the
provider having made a payment in respect of such Surety Obligation or as a
result of such payment being required to be made by such provider.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the foregoing definition, any trade or
accounts payable arising from the purchase of goods or materials or for services
obtained in the ordinary course of business shall not be deemed to be
"Indebtedness" of the Company or any 


                                       14
<PAGE>

Restricted Subsidiaries for purposes of this definition. Furthermore, guarantees
of (or obligations with respect to letters of credit supporting) Indebtedness
otherwise included in the determination of such amount shall not also be
included.

      "Indenture" means this Indenture as amended, restated or supplemented from
time to time.

      "Interest Payment Date" means the stated maturity of an installment of
interest on the Notes as specified in the Notes.

      "Interest Rate Agreement" means, for any Person, any interest rate swap
agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement or other
similar agreement designed to protect the party indicated therein against
fluctuations in interest rates.

      "Initial Notes" shall mean any of the Notes authenticated and delivered
under this Indenture other than the Exchange Notes or the Private Exchange
Notes.

      "Investments" means, directly or indirectly, any advance (or other
extension of credit), loan or capital contribution to (by means of transfers of
Property to others, payments for Property or services for the account or use of
others or otherwise), any guarantee of any obligations or Indebtedness of any
other Person, the purchase of any stock, bonds, notes, debentures, partnership
or joint venture interests or other securities of, the acquisition, by purchase
or otherwise, of any evidence of beneficial ownership of, or interest in, any
Person. Upon the Designation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted
Subsidiary or the acquisition by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of an
interest in any Person that, as a result thereof, becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to have made an Investment equal to the
Fair Market Value of all Investments owned by such new Restricted Subsidiary.
Investments shall exclude (i) accounts receivable and other extensions of trade
credit, in each case, on commercially reasonable terms in accordance with normal
trade practices, (ii) prepaid expenses and workers' compensation, utility, lease
and similar deposits, in the ordinary course of business and (iii) acquisitions
of Property or assets paid for solely by the issuance of Capital Stock (other
than Disqualified Capital Stock) of the Company.

      "Issue Date" means the date the Notes are first issued by the Company and
authenticated by the Trustee under this Indenture.

      "Joint Venture" of any specified Person means any corporation,
partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, association or other
business entity, whether now 


                                       15
<PAGE>

existing or hereafter organized or acquired, and (a) which is engaged in a
similar line of business as the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary at the date
of determination and (b)(i) in the case of a corporation, of which not more than
50% of the total voting power of the Capital Stock entitled (without regard to
the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors,
officers or trustees thereof is held by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, or (ii) in the case of a partnership, joint venture, limited
liability company, association or other business entity, with respect to which
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has not more than 50% of the
ownership and voting power relating to the policies, management and affairs
thereof.

      "Lien" means with respect to any Property or assets of any Person, any
mortgage or deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit
arrangement, security interest, lien, charge, easement, encumbrance, preference,
priority, or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or
nature whatsoever on or with respect to such Property or assets (including
without limitation, any Capitalized Lease Obligation, conditional sales, or
other title retention agreement having substantially the same economic effect as
any of the foregoing).

      "Maturity Date" means April 1, 2008.

      "MHE Investments" means MHE Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

      "Moody's" has the meaning provided such term in the definition of "Cash
Equivalents" contained herein.

      "Net Income" means, with respect to any Person for any period, the net
income (loss) of such Person determined in accordance with GAAP, plus the amount
of any decrease in the deferred tax asset for such period relating to the actual
cash tax benefit realized by such Person or the consolidated tax group of which
such Person is a member resulting from the election under Section 338(h)(10) of
the Code in respect of the Transactions.

      "Net Proceeds" means (a) in the case of any sale of Capital Stock by the
Company, the aggregate net proceeds received by the Company, after payment of
expenses, commissions and the like incurred in connection therewith, whether
such proceeds are in cash or in Property (valued at the Fair Market Value
thereof at the time of receipt) and (b) in the case of any exchange, exercise,
conversion or surrender of outstanding securities of any kind for or into shares
of Capital Stock of the Company which is not Disqualified Capital Stock, the net
book value of such outstanding securities on the date of such exchange,
exercise, conversion or surrender (plus any additional amount required to 


                                       16
<PAGE>

be paid by the holder to the Company upon such exchange, exercise, conversion or
surrender), less any and all payments made to the holders, e.g., on account of
fractional shares and less all expenses incurred by the Company in connection
therewith.

      "New Credit Facility" means the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 30,
1998, among the Company, Holdings, Material Handling LLC, Morris Material
Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC, Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial
Bank of Commerce, as Administrative Agent, Credit Agricole Indosuez, as
Syndication Agent, BankBoston, N.A., as Documentation Agent, and the lending
institutions listed therein.

      "Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary" means (a) any Foreign Restricted
Subsidiary for so long as the issuance of a guarantee by such Foreign Restricted
Subsidiary would (i) result in a material increase in the aggregate amount of
income tax in respect of the Foreign Restricted Subsidiary and its Subsidiaries
on a consolidated basis or (ii) be illegal under the laws of the jurisdiction in
which such Foreign Restricted Subsidiary is organized, provided, that, in either
case, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate
and an opinion of counsel so stating on the date of such acquisition or
creation, (b)(x) any other Foreign Restricted Subsidiary, which is not a One
Percent Subsidiary, but only for so long as it is not a One Percent Subsidiary,
provided, that the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate to such effect on the date of such acquisition or creation and (y)
Linear Motors Limited, U.K. Crane Services Limited, Vaughan Crane Company Ltd.,
Royce Ltd. and P&H Middle East, Ltd. but only for so long as they are not,
individually or collectively, a One Percent Subsidiary, and (c) Hercules and its
Subsidiaries, at such time as the Board of Directors of the Company shall
determine, provided that (i) all Investments in Hercules or its Restricted
Subsidiaries made by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after the
Issue Date and all Investments owned by Hercules or its Restricted Subsidiaries
and acquired after the Issue Date in excess of the amount thereof outstanding on
the Issue Date shall be deemed made as of such determination, (ii) all
Indebtedness of Hercules or its Restricted Subsidiaries that has been guaranteed
by the Company or any Guarantor after the Issue Date shall be deemed incurred as
of such determination, and (iii) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee
an Officer's Certificate to such effect on the date of such determination.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Restricted Subsidiary shall be permitted to be
a Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary if any of its Subsidiaries are Guarantors.

      "Non-U.S. Person" means a person who is not a U.S. person, as defined in
Regulation S.


                                       17
<PAGE>

      "Notes" means the Senior Notes due 2008 that are issued pursuant to the
terms of this Indenture.

      "October 1997 Drop Down" means the transfer in October 1997 by HarnCo of
the assets of its Material Handling Equipment Division to Material Handling,
LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings, or to one of its Affiliates and the
assumption by such entities of substantially all of the liabilities of HarnCo
and its affiliates attributable thereto.

      "Offering Memorandum" means the Offering Memorandum dated March 23, 1998,
as supplemented by the Supplement thereto dated March 30, 1998, relating to the
Company's offering and placement of the Notes.

      "Officer", with respect to any Person (other than the Trustee), means the
Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Vice
President and the Chief Financial officer, the Treasurer or the Secretary of
such Person, or any other officer designated by the Board of Directors of such
Person, as the case may be.

      "Officers' Certificate" means, with respect to any Person, a certificate
signed by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President
or any Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer or any Treasurer of such
Person that shall comply with applicable provisions of this Indenture.

      "One Percent Subsidiary" means, at any date of determination, any
Restricted Subsidiary that, together with its Subsidiaries that constitute
Restricted Subsidiaries, (i) for the most recent fiscal year of the Company
accounted for more than 1.0% of the consolidated revenues of the Company and the
Restricted Subsidiaries or (ii) as of the end of such fiscal year, owned more
than 1.0% of the Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, all as set forth on the consolidated financial statements of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such year prepared in conformity
with GAAP. For purposes of this definition, any Subsidiary which, when
aggregated with all other Subsidiaries that are not otherwise One Percent
Subsidiaries, would constitute a One Percent Subsidiary, shall be deemed to be a
One Percent Subsidiary.

      "Opinion of Counsel" means an opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably
acceptable to the Trustee, which opinion meets the requirements of Sections 11.4
and 11.5 hereof. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company,
any Subsidiary of the Company or the Trustee.

      "Permitted Affiliate Agreements" means the following agreements between or
among the Company and any of MHE 


                                       18
<PAGE>

Investments, Inc., Holdings, HarnCo, Chartwell or their respective Affiliates:

      (i) Recapitalization Agreement;

      (ii) Transition Services Agreement between HarnCo and the Company, dated
on or about March 30, 1998;

      (iii) Trademark License Agreement between Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
and the Company, dated on or about March 30, 1998;

      (iv) Separation Agreement between HarnCo and Morris Material Handling,
LLC, dated October 26, 1997;

      (v) Component and Manufactured Products Supply Agreement between HarnCo
and the Company, dated on or about March 30, 1998;

      (vi) Employment Agreement between the Company and Michael Erwin, dated on
or about March 30, 1998;

      (vii) Employment Agreement between the Company and David Smith, dated on
or about March 30, 1998;

      (viii) Employment Agreement between the Company and Richard Niespodziani,
dated on or about March 30, 1998;

      (ix) Employment Agreement between the Company and Peter Kerrick, dated on
or about March 30, 1998;

      (x) Employment Agreement between the Company and Edward Doolan, dated on
or about March 30, 1998;

      (xi) Employment Agreement between the Company and Michael Maddock, dated
on or about March 30, 1998;

      (xii) Employment Agreement between the Company and Bruce Norridge, dated
on or about March 30, 1998;

      (xiii) Management Consulting Agreement between the Company and Chartwell,
dated on or about March 30, 1998;

      (xiv) Financial Advisory Agreement between the Company and Chartwell,
dated on or about March 30, 1998;

      (xv) Tax Sharing Agreement between MHE Investments, Holdings and certain
of Holdings' subsidiaries, dated on or about March 30, 1998;

      (xvi) Shareholders Agreement between MHE Investments, Holdings and HarnCo,
dated on or about March 30, 1998;


                                       19
<PAGE>

      (xvii) Credit Indemnification Agreement between Harnischfeger Industries,
Inc. and the Company, dated on or about March 30, 1998;

      (xviii) Equity Purchase Agreements between Niles L.L.C. and certain
members of management;

      (xix) HK Agreement by and among Holdings, MHE Investments and the majority
stockholder of Holdings, dated on or about March 30, 1998; and

      (xx) Employee Loan Agreements between the Company and certain members of
management with respect to loans aggregating $600,000 by the Company to such
employees to acquire equity interests in Niles L.L.C.

      Each of the foregoing agreements is a Permitted Affiliated Agreement in
the form such agreement is in effect immediately after the initial issuance of
the Notes on the Issue Date, and as the same may be amended from time to time
subject to the provisions of Section 4.6; provided, that notwithstanding such
provisions, such agreements may be extended from time to time or otherwise
amended, to the extent that a majority of the disinterested members of the Board
of Directors of the Company has determined in good faith that no material
adverse effect on the creditworthiness of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, shall result as a consequence thereby.

      "Permitted Foreign Restricted Subsidiary Preferred Stock" means securities
of Foreign Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company denominated in Preferred Stock
that (a) otherwise have substantially the same characteristics of voting or
non-voting Common Stock of a Delaware corporation, (b) do not obligate the
issuer to pay current dividends or distributions in cash or otherwise and (c)
are not subject to any requirement of redemption or repurchase.

      "Permitted Holder" means Chartwell.

      "Permitted Indebtedness" means:

            (i) Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary arising
      under or in connection with the Credit Facilities or Acquired Indebtedness
      in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed
      the sum of (a) $55 million, less the aggregate amount of all Net Proceeds
      of Asset Sales applied to permanently reduce the outstanding amount of
      such Indebtedness, and (b) the greater of (1) $75 million, less the
      aggregate amount of all Net Proceeds of Asset Sales applied to permanently
      reduce the outstanding amount of such Indebtedness and (2) the sum 


                                       20
<PAGE>

      of (x) 80% of the book value of accounts receivable of the Company and its
      Restricted Subsidiaries and (y) 45% of the book value of consolidated
      inventory of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case,
      determined at the time of such incurrence, less the aggregate amount of
      all Net Proceeds of Asset Sales applied to permanently reduce the
      outstanding amount of such Indebtedness; provided that $15 million of the
      Indebtedness incurred under this clause (b) may be incurred solely to
      obtain letters of credit and to fund draws thereunder to provide credit
      support for the Surety Arrangement or other Surety Obligations or other
      letters of credit reasonably necessary in the ordinary course of business;

            (ii) Indebtedness under Surety Obligations and under the Surety
      Arrangement, in either case, that are due no later than 10 days after the
      earlier of (a) the Company's or any Restricted Subsidiary's obtaining
      knowledge of any payment by or in respect of any provider in respect of
      any Surety Obligation, (b) the demand by any provider for any
      reimbursement by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of any
      Surety Obligation or (c) the time at which the Company or any of its
      Restricted Subsidiaries becomes obligated to make payment in respect of
      any Surety Obligation as a result of the provider having made a payment in
      respect of such Surety Obligation or as a result of such payment being
      required to be made by such provider;

            (iii) Indebtedness under the Notes, the Indenture and the
      Guarantees;

            (iv) Indebtedness not covered by any other clause of this definition
      which is outstanding on the Issue Date other than under the South African
      Credit Facility;

            (v) Indebtedness of the Company to any Restricted Subsidiary and
      Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or another
      Restricted Subsidiary; provided, that Indebtedness of the Company or any
      Guarantor that is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary to any Restricted Subsidiary
      (other than a Guarantor that is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary) is unsecured
      Subordinated Indebtedness (or Disqualified Capital Stock) and is incurred
      for borrowed money; provided, further, that (a) any Indebtedness referred
      to in the immediately preceding proviso that is no longer held by a
      Wholly-Owned Subsidiary that is a Guarantor (whether (i) as a result of a
      sale or transfer of such Indebtedness, (ii) as a result of such Person no
      longer being a Guarantor that is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary or (iii)
      otherwise) or (b) any Indebtedness otherwise referred to in this clause
      (v) that is no longer held by a Restricted Subsidiary or the Company
      (whether (i) as a result of a sale or transfer of such Indebtedness, (ii)
      as a result of such Person no longer 


                                       21
<PAGE>

      being the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary or (iii) otherwise), shall,
      in each case, be deemed incurred at such time;

            (vi) Purchase Money Indebtedness and Capitalized Lease Obligations
      incurred to acquire Property in the ordinary course of business, which
      Indebtedness and Capitalized Lease Obligations, in the aggregate,
      outstanding on any date of incurrence (and any Refinancing Indebtedness in
      respect thereof), do not exceed 4% of the Consolidated Tangible Assets of
      the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

            (vii) Interest Rate Agreements and Currency Agreements;

            (viii) guarantees of obligations of the Company or its Restricted
      Subsidiaries;

            (ix) additional Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted
      Subsidiaries not to exceed an aggregate of $10 million in principal amount
      outstanding at any time; and

            (x) Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Indebtedness incurred
      under clauses (iii), (iv), (v) or (vii) above or incurred under Section
      4.3(a).

            1.1.1.(i) Investments received in settlement of obligations owed to
      the Corporation or any Restricted Subsidiary as a result of bankruptcy or
      insolvency proceedings or upon the foreclosure or enforcement of any Lien
      in favor of the Corporation or any Restricted Subsidiary;

            (ii) Investments required pursuant to the following agreements or
      obligations of the Corporation or a Restricted Subsidiary to make such
      Investments in effect on the Issue Date: (iii) Investments required to be
      made pursuant to the Transactions, as follows: All transactions
      contemplated in the Recapitalization Agreement; and

      "Permitted Investments" means, for any Person, Investments made on or
after the Issue Date consisting of:

            (i) Investments by the Company, or by a Restricted Subsidiary, in
      the Company or a Guarantor;

            (ii) Investments by the Company or by any Restricted Subsidiary in
      Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries not to exceed, in the aggregate, on
      the date of the making of any Investment pursuant to this clause (ii), 10%
      of the Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Company and its Restricted
      Subsidiaries;


                                       22
<PAGE>

            (iii) Cash Equivalents;

            (iv) Investments by the Company, or by a Guarantor, in a Person, if
      as a result of such Investment (a) such Person becomes a Guarantor of the
      Company or (b) such person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or
      into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets (including
      the proceeds of such Investment) to, or is liquidated into, the Company or
      a Guarantor thereof;

            (v) non-cash consideration received in conjunction with the
      consummation of an Asset Sale that is otherwise permitted under the
      covenant described in Section 4.8.

            (vi) Interest Rate Agreements and Currency Agreements;

            (vii) any Investment existing on the Issue Date;

            (viii) Investments received in settlement of obligations owed to the
      Company or any Restricted Subsidiary as a result of bankruptcy or
      insolvency proceedings or upon the foreclosure or enforcement of any Lien
      in favor of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary;

            (ix) Investments required pursuant to the following agreements or
      obligations of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to make such
      Investments in effect on the Issue Date:

                  (A) Shareholders Agreement among Penang Port SDN BHD., Morris
            Mechanical Handling Limited and the General Electric Company of
            Malaysia SDN BHD, dated November 8, 1995.

                  (B) Joint Venture Formation and Partners Agreement by and
            among P&H Middle East Ltd., Morris Mechanical Handling, Ltd., and
            Hamad Abdulla Al-Zamil and Brothers Company, dated 1997.

            (x) Investments required to be made pursuant to the Transactions, as
      contemplated by the Permitted Affiliate Agreements; and

            (xi) Investments by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary not
      otherwise permitted under this definition, in an aggregate amount not to
      exceed $15 million at any one time outstanding.

      For purposes of clauses (ii) and (xi) above, the amount of any Investment
outstanding, in respect of any Investment and the issuer thereof (and its
Subsidiaries), shall be equal to the excess of (a) the aggregate amount of all
Investments made therein by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary on or after


                                       23
<PAGE>

the Issue Date (including the Fair Market Value of all such Investments not made
in cash or Cash Equivalents, valued at the time of such Investment) over (b) the
aggregate amount returned in cash or Cash Equivalents on or with respect to
Investments in such Person (whenever such Investment was made) whether through
the sale or other disposition of the Investment in such Person (or portion
thereof) or through interest payments, principal payments, dividends or other
distributions or payments; provided, however, that such payments or
distributions shall not be (and have not been) included in clause (c)(3) of the
first paragraph of Section 4.4 or otherwise included in Consolidated Net Income.

      "Permitted Liens" means (i) Liens on any Property, Capital Stock or assets
of any Person existing at the time such assets are acquired by the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, whether by merger, consolidation, purchase
of assets or otherwise; provided, (a) that such Liens are not created, incurred
or assumed in connection with, or in contemplation of, such assets being
acquired by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries and (b) that any such
Lien does not extend to or cover any Property, Capital Stock or assets other
than the Property, Capital Stock or assets being acquired and the proceeds
thereof and accessions and additions thereto, (ii) Liens securing Refinancing
Indebtedness, provided that any such Lien does not extend to or cover any
Property, Capital Stock or assets other than the Property, Capital Stock or
assets securing the Indebtedness so refunded, refinanced or extended, (iii)
Liens in favor of the Company or any of the Guarantors, (iv) Liens to secure
Purchase Money Indebtedness or Capitalized Lease Obligations that is (or are)
otherwise permitted under this Indenture; provided that (a) any such Lien is
created solely for the purpose of securing Indebtedness representing, or
incurred to finance, refinance or refund, the cost (including sales and excise
taxes, installation and delivery charges and other direct costs of, and other
direct expenses paid or charged in connection with, such purchase or
construction) of such Property, (b) the principal amount of the Indebtedness
secured by such Lien does not exceed 100% of such costs and expenses, and (c)
such Lien does not extend to or cover any Property other than such item of
Property and any improvements on such item and the proceeds thereof, (v)
statutory liens or landlords', carriers', warehouseman's, mechanics',
suppliers', materialsmen's, repairmen's or other like Liens arising in the
ordinary course of business which do not secure any Indebtedness and with
respect to amounts not yet delinquent or being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings, if a reserve or other appropriate provision, if any, as
shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor, (vi)
other liens securing obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business
which obligations do not exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time
outstanding, (vii) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges that are
not yet due and payable (or which, 


                                       24
<PAGE>

if due and payable, are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings
and for which adequate reserves are being maintained, to the extent required by
GAAP), (viii) zoning restrictions, easements or minor defects or irregularities
in title and other similar charges or encumbrances on Property not interfering
in any material respect with the use of such Property by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary, (ix) customary deposit arrangements entered into in
connection with acquisitions, (x) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted to be
incurred under clauses (i) (other than Acquired Indebtedness), and (ix) of the
definition of "Permitted Indebtedness" and Liens securing additional
Indebtedness under the Credit Facilities or Liens to secure a Guarantor's
guarantee of additional Indebtedness under the Credit Facilities, in an
aggregate principal amount, with respect to all such additional Indebtedness
under such Credit Facilities or under such guarantees, at any one time
outstanding not to exceed $45 million, (xi) Liens securing only the Notes, the
Indenture or the Guarantees, (xii) Liens in favor of the Trustee as provided for
in this Indenture on money or property held or collected by the Trustee in its
capacity as Trustee, (xiii) Liens existing on the Issue Date securing
Indebtedness as in effect on the Issue Date (other than the South African Credit
Facility), (xiv) Liens securing obligations under any Interest Rate Agreement or
Currency Agreement, and (xv) Liens on Property or other assets (a) in connection
with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of statutory
obligations or the requirements of any official body, or (b) to secure the
performance of Surety Obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business
consistent with industry practice, including under the Surety Arrangement, or
(c) to obtain or secure obligations with respect to letters of credit,
guarantees, bonds or other sureties or assurances given in connection with the
activities described in clauses (a) and (b) above, in each case not incurred or
made in connection with the borrowing of money, the obtaining of advances or
credit or the payment of the deferred purchase price of Property or services or
imposed by ERISA or the Code in connection with a "plan" (as defined in ERISA)
(other than any Lien imposed in connection with the Company's 401(k) Plan), or
(d) arising in connection with any attachment or judgment unless such Liens
shall not be satisfied or discharged or stayed pending appeal within 60 days
after the entry thereof or the expiration of any such stay, or (e) Liens
securing performance of leases, construction, sales or servicing contracts and
similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business.

      "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or
government (including any agency or political subdivision thereof).

      "Physical Notes" means certificated Notes in registered form in
substantially the form set forth in Exhibit A.


                                       25
<PAGE>

      "Preferred Stock" means any Capital Stock of a Person, however designated,
which entitles the holder thereof to a preference with respect to dividends,
distributions or liquidation proceeds of such Person over the holders of other
Capital Stock issued by such Person.

      "Private Exchange" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1 and
means more particularly any of the Notes authenticated and delivered pursuant to
the Private Exchange in the Registration Rights Agreement.

      "Private Exchange Notes" shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the
Registration Rights Agreement.

      "Private Placement Legend" means the legend initially set forth on the
Rule 144A Notes and on any Physical Notes (other than Regulation S Notes)
delivered prior to the issuance of the Exchange Notes in the form set forth in
Exhibit B.

      "Property" of any Person means all types of real, personal, tangible,
intangible or mixed property owned by such Person whether or not included in the
most recent consolidated balance sheet of such Person and its Subsidiaries under
GAAP.

      "Public Equity Offering" means any underwritten public offering of shares
of Common Stock of the Company or Holdings (however designated and whether
voting or non-voting) and any and all rights, warrants or options to acquire
such Common Stock pursuant to an effective registration statement (other than a
registration statement on Form S-4 or S-8) filed with the Commission in
accordance with the Securities Act, provided that in the event of a Public
Equity Offering by Holdings, Holdings contributes the Net Proceeds of such
Public Equity Offering to the common equity of the Company.

      "Purchase Money Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness incurred in the
ordinary course of business by a Person to finance the cost (including sales and
excise taxes, installation and delivery charges and other direct costs of, and
other direct expenses paid or charged in connection with, such purchase or
construction) of an item of Property, the principal amount of which Indebtedness
does not exceed the sum of (i) 100% of such cost and (ii) reasonable fees and
expenses of such Person incurred in connection therewith.

      "Qualified Institutional Buyer" or "QIB" shall have the meaning specified
in Rule 144A.

      "Recapitalization" means the recapitalization of Holdings pursuant to the
Recapitalization Agreement.


                                       26
<PAGE>

      "Recapitalization Agreement" means the Recapitalization Agreement, dated
as of January 28, 1998, among HarnCo, the sellers named therein and MHE
Investments, Inc., together with Amendment No. 1 thereto, dated as of March 4,
1998, and Amendment No. 2 thereto dated as of March 23, 1998.

      "Record Date" means the record dates specified in the Notes

      "Redemption Date" when used with respect to any Note to be redeemed means
the date fixed for such redemption pursuant to the terms of the Notes.

      "Redemption Price" means, when used with respect to any Note or part
thereof to be redeemed hereunder, the price fixed for redemption of such Note
pursuant to the terms of the Notes and this Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid
interest thereon, if any, (including Additional Interest, if any) to the
Redemption Date.

      "Refinancing Indebtedness" means Indebtedness that refunds or refinances
any Indebtedness of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on
the Issue Date or other Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by the Company or
its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, but only to
the extent that (i) if the Indebtedness being refunded or refinanced is
Subordinated Indebtedness, the Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated to the
Notes and/or the Guarantees, as the case may be, to at least the same extent as
the Indebtedness being refunded or refinanced, (ii) the Refinancing Indebtedness
is scheduled to mature either (a) no earlier than the Indebtedness being
refunded or refinanced, or (b) at least 91 days after the final stated maturity
date of the Notes, (iii) the portion, if any, of the Refinancing Indebtedness
that is scheduled to mature on or prior to the final stated maturity date of the
Notes has a weighted average life to maturity at the time such Refinancing
Indebtedness is incurred that is equal to or greater than the weighted average
life to maturity of the portion of the Indebtedness being refunded or refinanced
that is scheduled to mature on or prior to the final stated maturity date of the
Notes, and, in the case of clause (ii) above and this clause (iii), such
Refinancing Indebtedness by its terms, or by the terms of any agreement or
instrument pursuant to which such Indebtedness is issued, does not permit
redemption or other retirement (including pursuant to any required offer to
purchase to be made by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) of such
Indebtedness at the option of the holder thereof prior to the final stated
maturity of the Indebtedness being refinanced, other than a redemption or other
retirement at the option of the holder of such Indebtedness (including pursuant
to a required offer to purchase made by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary)
which is conditioned on a change of control of the Company pursuant to
provisions substantially similar to those contained in this Indenture described
under Section 4.8, 4.14 or otherwise on terms substantially similar to those in
such Indebtedness being 


                                       27
<PAGE>

refinanced, (iv) such Refinancing Indebtedness is in an aggregate principal
amount that is equal to or less than the sum of (a) the aggregate principal
amount then outstanding under the Indebtedness being refunded or refinanced, (b)
the amount of accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and premiums owed, if any,
not in excess of pre-existing prepayment provisions on such Indebtedness being
refunded or refinanced and (c) the amount of customary fees, expenses and costs
related to the incurrence of such Refinancing Indebtedness, and (v) such
Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred by the same Person that initially incurred
the Indebtedness being refunded or refinanced, except that the Company may incur
Refinancing Indebtedness to refund or refinance Indebtedness of any Guarantor of
the Company and any Guarantor may incur Refinancing Indebtedness to refund or
refinance Indebtedness of any other Guarantor.

      "Registration Rights Agreement" means the Registration Rights Agreement
dated as of March 30, 1998 among the Company, the Guarantors named therein, CIBC
Oppenheimer Corp. and Goldman, Sachs & Co, as Initial Purchasers and Indosuez
Capital, as Financial Advisor.

      "Regulation S" means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

      "Replacement Assets" means (x) Properties or assets (other than cash or
Cash Equivalents or any Capital Stock or other security) that will be used in a
business of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries conducted on the Issue
Date or in a business reasonably related thereto or (y) Capital Stock of any
Person that will become on the date of acquisition thereof a Guarantor as a
result of such acquisition.

      "Responsible Officer," when used with respect to the Trustee, means an
officer or assistant officer assigned to the corporate trust department of the
Trustee (or any successor group of the Trustee) including any vice president,
assistant vice president, assistant secretary, treasurer or assistant treasurer
or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to
those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with
respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such
matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the
particular subject.

      "Restricted Note" shall have the meaning provided such term in the
Registration Rights Agreement.

      "Restricted Payment" means any of the following: (i) the declaration or
payment of any dividend or any other distribution or payment of any kind or
character (whether in cash, Property or securities) on Capital Stock of the
Company or any Restricted 


                                       28
<PAGE>

Subsidiary of the Company or any payment made to the direct or indirect holders
(in their capacities as such) of Capital Stock of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company (other than (x) dividends or distributions payable
solely in Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) of the Company
and (y) in the case of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company, dividends or
distributions payable to the Company or to a Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company and (z) dividends or distributions from a Non-Guarantor Restricted
Subsidiary that are paid ratably to all Persons holding the Capital Stock of
such Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary in proportion to the Capital Stock held
by such Persons), (ii) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition or
retirement for value of any Capital Stock of the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries or any options, warrants or rights to purchase or
acquire such shares or any securities convertible or exchangeable into such
shares (other than any such shares, options, warrants, rights or securities (a)
that are owned by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
provided that such options, warrants, rights or securities are purchased,
redeemed or otherwise acquired for value by the issuer thereof, or (b) the
issuer of which is a Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary that remains such
immediately after such purchase, redemption or other acquisition; provided that
for purposes of this clause (b), such purchase, redemption or other acquisition
or retirement for value is permitted under clauses (ii), (ix) or (xi) of the
definition of Permitted Investments), (iii) the making of any principal payment
on, or the purchase, defeasance, repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or
retirement for value, prior to any scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or
scheduled sinking fund payment, of any Subordinated Indebtedness (other than
Subordinated Indebtedness acquired in anticipation of satisfying a scheduled
sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case
due within one year of the date of acquisition), (iv) the making of any
Investment other than a Permitted Investment, (v) any designation (other than
pursuant to clause (xi) of the definition of Permitted Investments) of a
Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary (a "Designation"); provided
that the Designation of a Subsidiary of the Company as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary shall be deemed to include the Designation of all of the Subsidiaries
of such Subsidiary that were Restricted Subsidiaries, (vi) forgiveness of any
Indebtedness of an Affiliate of the Company to the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary and (vii) any advisory fee paid to an Affilaite with respect to a
specific transaction (other than fees payable on the Issue Date upon
consummation of the Transactions). For purposes of determining the amount
expended for Restricted Payments, (a) cash distributed or invested shall be
valued at the face amount thereof and property other than cash shall be valued
at its Fair Market Value, except that in determining the amount of any
Restricted Payment made under clause (v) above, the amount of such Restricted
Payment shall be equal to the greater of (i) the book value or (ii) the Fair
Market Value of the Company's 


                                       29
<PAGE>

direct and indirect proportionate interest in such Subsidiary on such date and
(b) upon the Designation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted
Subsidiary, or the acquisition by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of an
interest in any Person that, as a result thereof, becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to have made a Restricted Payment equal
to the Fair Market Value of the Capital Stock or Subordinated Indebtedness of
the Company or its Subsidiaries owned by such new Restricted Subsidiaries.

      "Restricted Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary of the Company other than an
Unrestricted Subsidiary and includes all of the Subsidiaries of the Company
existing as of the Issue Date. The Board of Directors of the Company may
designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Person that is to become a
Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary if immediately after giving effect to such
action (and treating any Acquired Indebtedness as having been incurred at the
time of such action), (i) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing, (ii) Indebtedness of such Person and its Subsidiaries and all
Liens on any asset of such Person and its Subsidiaries outstanding immediately
following such redesignation would, if incurred at such time, be permitted to be
incurred under this Indenture and (iii) the provisions referred to in clause (b)
of the last sentence of the definition of Restricted Payment is complied with
and any Investments pursuant to the second sentence of the definition of
Investments are permitted to be made pursuant to this Indenture.

      "Rule 144A" means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.

      "S&P" has the meaning provided to such term in the definition of Cash
Equivalents herein.

      "Sale and Lease-Back Transaction" means any arrangement with any Person
providing for the leasing by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company of any real or tangible personal property, which property has been or is
to be sold or transferred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary to such
Person in contemplation of such leasing.

      "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the
rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

      "Seller Note" means any Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary issued to a seller as a portion of the purchase price in any Asset
Acquisition by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from such seller.


                                       30
<PAGE>

      "Significant Subsidiary" has the meaning set forth in Rule 1-02 of
Regulation S-X under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, but shall not
include any Unrestricted Subsidiary.

      "South African Credit Facility" means a Credit Facility in an aggregate
principal amount or with aggregate commitments not to exceed $5 million to be
entered into by Morris Mechanical Handling (Pty) Ltd.

      "Subordinated Indebtedness" of the Company or any Guarantor means any
Indebtedness (whether outstanding on the date hereof or hereafter incurred)
which is by its terms expressly subordinate or junior in right of payment to the
Notes or the Guarantee of such Guarantor, as the case may be.

      "Subsidiary" of any specified Person means any corporation, partnership,
joint venture, limited liability company, association or other business entity,
whether now existing or hereafter organized or acquired, (i) in the case of a
corporation, of which more than 50% of the total Voting Stock is held by such
first-named Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) in the case of a
partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, association or other
business entity, with respect to which such first-named Person or any of its
Subsidiaries has at least a majority ownership and voting power relating to the
policies, management and affairs thereof.

      "Surety Arrangement" means one or more surety arrangements providing,
inter alia, for the issuance of Surety Obligations, between the Company or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries and one or more providers, provided to the
Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries including, in each case, any related
notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in
connection therewith, and in each case, as amended, modified, renewed, refunded,
replaced, restated or refinanced from time to time.

      "Surety Obligations" means any bonds, including bid bonds, advance bonds,
or performance bonds, letters of credit, warranties, and similar arrangements
between the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and one or more surety
providers, for the benefit of the Company's or any Restricted Subsidiary's
suppliers, vendors, insurers, or customers including, in each case, any related
notes, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in
connection therewith, and in each case, as amended, modified, renewed, refunded,
replaced, restated or refinanced from time to time.

      "Tax Allocation Agreement" means a tax allocation agreement among the
Company, Holdings and MHE Investments, as in effect on the Issue Date and as the
same may be amended from time to time subject to the provisions of Section 4.6;
and provided that no 


                                       31
<PAGE>

material adverse effect on the Company or on the holders of the Notes shall
result as a consequence thereby.

      "TIA" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S. Code Sections
77aaa-77bbbb), as amended, as in effect on the date of this Indenture, until
such time as this Indenture is qualified under the TIA, and thereafter as in
effect on the date on which this Indenture is qualified under the TIA (except as
provided in Section 8.3 hereof).

      "Transactions" means, collectively, the Recapitalization, the Financings
and the October 1997 Drop Down and the other related transactions described in
the section "The Transactions" contained in the Offering Memorandum.

      "Trustee" means the party named as such in this Indenture until a
successor replaces it pursuant to this Indenture, and thereafter means the
successor.

      "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means (a) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted
Subsidiary and (b) any Subsidiary of the Company which is classified (whether on
or after the Issue Date) as an Unrestricted Subsidiary by a resolution adopted
by the Board of Directors of the Company; provided that a Subsidiary may be so
classified as an Unrestricted Subsidiary only if (i) such classification is in
compliance with the covenant set forth in Section 4.4, (ii) such Subsidiary does
not own beneficially any Capital Stock of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary (other than any Restricted Subsidiary of such Subsidiary that is
being designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time of such
classification) and (iii) all Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary to such Subsidiary is deemed incurred at the time of such
classification or at the time such Capital Stock is no longer so owned. The
Trustee shall be given prompt notice by the Company of each resolution adopted
by the Board of Directors of the Company under this provision, together with a
copy of each such resolution adopted. This Indenture will provide that the
Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly
or indirectly, at any time, (a) be liable for any Indebtedness of any
Unrestricted Subsidiary or (b) be liable for any Indebtedness that provides that
the holder thereof may (upon notice, lapse of time or both) declare a default
thereon or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its
final maturity upon the occurrence of a default with respect to any Indebtedness
of any Unrestricted Subsidiary.

      "U.S. Government Obligations" means (a) securities that are direct
obligations of the United States of America for the payment of which its full
faith and credit are pledged or (b) obligations of a Person controlled or
supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of
America, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith 


                                       32
<PAGE>

and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case,
are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall
also include a depository receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section
3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any such U.S.
Government Obligation or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any
such U.S. Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the
holder of such depository receipt; provided that (except as required by law)
such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable
to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the
custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or a specific payment of
principal or interest on any such U.S. Government Obligation held by such
custodian for the account of the holder of such depository receipt.

      "Voting Stock" of any Person means the Capital Stock of such Person which
ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors (or persons performing
similar functions) of such Person, whether at all times or only so long as no
senior class of securities has such voting power by reason of any contingency.

      "Wholly-Owned Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary, all of the
outstanding Voting Stock (other than directors' qualifying shares) of which are
owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company.

Section 1.2. Other Definitionss.

      The definitions of the following terms may be found in the sections
indicated as follows:

      Term                                              Defined in Section
      ----                                              ------------------

      "Additional Excess Proceeds Offer"........................... 4.8(c)
      "Affiliate Transaction"...................................... 4.6(a)
      "Agent Members".............................................. 2.16(a)
      "Bankruptcy Law"............................................. 6.1
      "Business Day"............................................... 11.7
      "CEDEL"...................................................... 2.16(a)
      "Change of Control Offer".................................... 4.14
      "Change of Control Payment Date"............................. 4.14(b)
      "Change of Control Purchase Price"........................... 4.14
      "Covenant Defeasance"........................................ 9.3
      "Custodian".................................................. 6.1
      "Discharge".................................................. 9.1
      "Euroclear".................................................. 2.16(a)
      "Event of Default"........................................... 6.1
      "Excess Proceeds Offer"...................................... 4.8(a)
      "Excess Proceeds Offer Amount"............................... 4.8(d)
      "Excess Proceeds Offer Period"............................... 4.8(d)
      "Excess Proceeds Purchase Date".............................. 4.8(d)
      "Global Notes"............................................... 2.16(a


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<PAGE>

      "Legal Defeasance"........................................... 9.2
      "Legal Holiday".............................................. 11.7
      "Other Notes"................................................ 2.2
      "Paying Agent"............................................... 2.4
      "Registrar".................................................. 2.4
      "Regulation S Global Note"................................... 2.16(a)
      "Regulation S Notes"......................................... 2.2
      "Reinvestment Date".......................................... 4.8(a)
      "Restricted Global Note"..................................... 2.16(a)
      "Restricted Period".......................................... 2.16(f)
      "Rule 144A Notes"............................................ 2.2
      "Surviving Entity"........................................... 5.1

Section 1.3. Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.

      Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the portion of
such provision required to be incorporated herein in order for this Indenture to
be qualified under the TIA is incorporated by reference in and made a part of
this Indenture. The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the
following meanings:

      "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

      "indenture securities" means the Notes.

      "indenture securityholder" means a Holder or a Noteholder.

      "indenture to be qualified" means this Indenture.

      "indenture trustee" or "institutional trustee" means the Trustee.

      "obligor on the indenture securities" means the Company, the Guarantors or
any other obligor on the Notes.

All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined in
the TIA by reference to another statute or defined by Commission rule have the
meanings therein assigned to them.

Section 1.4. Rules of Construction.

            Unless the context otherwise requires:

            (i) a term has the meaning assigned to it herein, whether defined
      expressly or by reference;

            (ii) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning
      assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;

            (iii) "or" is not exclusive;


                                       34
<PAGE>

            (iv) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural
      include the singular;

            (v) words used herein implying any gender shall apply to every
      gender;

            (vi) whenever in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context,
      principal, interest or any other amount payable under or with respect to
      any Note, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment
      of Additional Interest to the extent that, in such context, Additional
      Interest is, was or would be payable in respect thereof;

            (vii) references to sections of or rules under the Securities Act
      shall be deemed to include substitute, replacement or successor sections
      or rules adopted by the Commission from time to time;

            (viii) the principal amount of any non-interest bearing or other
      discount security at any date shall be the principal amount that would be
      shown on a balance sheet of the issuer thereof dated such date in
      accordance with GAAP; and

            (ix) all references to $ means U.S. Dollars.

                                   ARTICLE 2.

                                    THE NOTES

Section 2.1. Amount of Notes.

      The Trustee shall authenticate Notes for original issue on the Issue Date
in the aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000, upon a written order of the
Company signed by two Officers of the Company. Such written order shall specify
the amount of Notes to be authenticated and the date on which the Notes are to
be authenticated.

      Upon receipt of a Company Request and an Officers' Certificate certifying
that a registration statement relating to an exchange offer specified in the
Registration Rights Agreement is effective and that the conditions precedent to
a private exchange thereunder have been met, the Trustee shall authenticate an
additional series of Notes in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed
$200,000,000 for issuance in exchange for the Notes tendered for exchange
pursuant to such exchange offer registered under the Securities Act not bearing
the Private Placement Legend (the "Exchange Notes") or pursuant to a Private
Exchange (the "Private Exchange Notes"). Exchange Notes or Private Exchange
Notes may have such distinctive series designations and such 


                                       35
<PAGE>

changes in the form thereof as are specified in the Company Request referred to
in the preceding sentence.

Section 2.2. Form and Dating.

      The Notes and the Trustee's certificate of authentication with respect
thereto shall be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A, which is
incorporated in and forms a part of this Indenture. The Notes may have
notations, legends or endorsements required by law, rule or usage to which the
Company is subject. Any such notations, legends or endorsements shall be
furnished to the Trustee in writing. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, Notes offered and sold to Qualified Institutional Buyers in reliance
on Rule 144A ("Rule 144A Notes") shall bear the legend and include the form of
assignment set forth in Exhibit B, Notes offered and sold in offshore
transactions in reliance on Regulation S ("Regulation S Notes") shall bear the
legend and include the form of assignment set forth in Exhibit C, and Notes
offered and sold to institutional Accredited Investors in transactions exempt
from registration under the Securities Act not made in reliance on Rule 144A or
Regulation S ("Other Notes") shall be represented by Physical Notes bearing the
Private Placement Legend. Each Note shall be dated the date of its
authentication.

      The terms and provisions contained in the Notes shall constitute, and are
expressly made, a part of this Indenture and, to the extent applicable, the
Company and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture,
expressly agree to such terms and provisions and agree to be bound thereby.

      The Notes may be presented for registration of transfer and exchange at
the offices of the Registrar in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York,
State of New York.

Section 2.3. Execution and Authentication.

      One Officer shall sign the Notes for the Company by manual or facsimile
signature.

      If an Officer whose signature is on a Note was an Officer at the time of
such execution but no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee
authenticates the Note, the Note shall be valid nevertheless.

      No Note shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid
or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Note a certificate of
authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by the
Trustee by manual signature, and such certificate upon any Note shall be
conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Note has been duly
authenticated and delivered hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any
Note shall have been 


                                       36
<PAGE>

authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company,
and the Company shall deliver such Note to the Trustee for cancellation as
provided in Section 2.12, for all purposes of this Indenture such Note shall be
deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall not be
entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.

      The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent reasonably acceptable to
the Company to authenticate the Notes. Unless otherwise provided in the
appointment, an authenticating agent may authenticate the Notes whenever the
Trustee may do so. Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the
Trustee includes authentication by such agent. An authenticating agent has the
same rights as an Agent to deal with the Company and Affiliates of the Company.
Each Paying Agent is designated as an authenticating agent for purposes of this
Indenture.

      The Notes shall be issuable only in registered form without coupons in
denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.

Section 2.4. Registrar and Paying Agent.

      The Company shall maintain an office or agency (which shall be located in
the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York, State of New York) where Notes
may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (the "Registrar"),
and an office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment (the "Paying
Agent") and an office or agency where notices and demands to or upon the
Company, if any, in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The
Company hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office. The Registrar shall keep a
register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange. The Company may have
one or more additional Paying Agents. The term "Paying Agent" includes any
additional Paying Agent. Neither the Company nor any Affiliate thereof may act
as Paying Agent. The Company may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without
notice to any Noteholder.

      The Company shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any
Agent not a party to this Indenture, which shall incorporate the provisions of
the TIA. The agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that
relate to such Agent. The Company shall notify the Trustee of the name and
address of any such Agent. If the Company fails to maintain a Registrar or
Paying Agent, or fails to give the foregoing notice, the Trustee shall act as
such and shall be entitled to compensation in accordance with Section 7.7.

      The Company initially designates the Trustee as Registrar, Paying Agent
and agent for service of notices and demands in connection with the Notes and
this Indenture.


                                       37
<PAGE>

Section 2.5. Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.

      Each Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of the Noteholders
or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal
of or premium or interest on the Notes (whether such money has been paid to it
by the Company or any other obligor on the Notes), and the Company and the
Paying Agent shall notify the Trustee of any Default by the Company (or any
other obligor on the Notes) in making any such payment. Money held in trust by
the Paying Agent need not be segregated except as required by law and in no
event shall the Paying Agent be liable for any interest on any money received by
it hereunder. The Company at any time may require the Paying Agent to pay all
money held by it to the Trustee and account for any funds disbursed and the
Trustee may at any time during the continuance of any Event of Default specified
in Section 6.1(i) or (ii), upon written request to the Paying Agent, require
such Paying Agent to pay forthwith all money so held by it to the Trustee and to
account for any funds disbursed. Upon making such payment, the Paying Agent
shall have no further liability for the money delivered to the Trustee.

Section 2.6. Noteholder Lists.

      The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably
practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of
the Noteholders. If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Company shall furnish
to the Trustee at least five Business Days before each Interest Payment Date,
and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such
form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and
addresses of the Noteholders.

Section 2.7. Transfer and Exchange.

      Subject to Sections 2.16 and 2.17, when Notes are presented to the
Registrar with a request from the Holder of such Notes to register a transfer or
to exchange them for an equal principal amount of Notes of other authorized
denominations, the Registrar shall register the transfer or make the exchange as
requested; provided that every Note presented or surrendered for registration of
transfer or exchange shall be duly endorsed or be accompanied by a written
instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Registrar,
duly executed by the Holder thereof or his attorneys duly authorized in writing.
To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Company shall issue and
execute and the Trustee shall authenticate new Notes evidencing such transfer or
exchange at the Registrar's request. No service charge shall be made to the
Noteholder for any registration of transfer or exchange. The Company may require
from the Noteholder payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer taxes or
other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation to a transfer or
exchange, but this provision 


                                       38
<PAGE>

shall not apply to any exchange pursuant to Section 2.11, 3.6, 4.8, 4.14 or 8.5
(in which events the Company shall be responsible for the payment of such
taxes). The Trustee shall not be required to exchange or register a transfer of
any Note for a period of 15 days immediately preceding the selection of Notes to
be redeemed or any Note selected for redemption (or portion thereof selected for
redemption).

      Any Holder of the Global Note shall, by acceptance of such Global Note,
agree that transfers of the beneficial interests in such Global Note may be
effected only through a book-entry system maintained by the Holder of such
Global Note (or its agent), and that ownership of a beneficial interest in the
Global Note shall be required to be reflected in a book entry.

      Each Holder of a Note agrees to indemnify the Company and the Trustee
against any liability that may result from the transfer, exchange or assignment
of such Holder's Note in violation of any provision of this Indenture and/or
applicable U.S. federal or state securities law.

      Except as expressly provided herein, neither the Trustee nor the Registrar
shall have any duty to monitor the Company's compliance with or have any
responsibility with respect to the Company's compliance with any federal or
state securities laws.

Section 2.8. Replacement Notes.

      If a mutilated Note is surrendered to the Registrar or the Trustee, or if
the Holder of a Note claims that the Note has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully
taken, the Company shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a replacement
Note if the Holder of such Note furnishes to the Company and the Trustee
evidence reasonably acceptable to them of the ownership and the destruction,
loss or theft of such Note and if the requirements of Section 8-405 of the New
York Uniform Commercial Code as in effect on the date of this Indenture are met.
If required by the Trustee or the Company, an indemnity bond shall be posted,
sufficient in the judgment of both to protect the Company, the Trustee or any
Paying Agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if such Note is replaced.
The Company and the Trustee may each charge such Holder for its respective
expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and
disbursements) in replacing such Note. Every replacement Note shall constitute
an additional contractual obligation of the Company.

Section 2.9. Outstanding Notes.

      The Notes outstanding at any time are all Notes that have been
authenticated by the Trustee except for (a) those canceled by it, (b) those
delivered to it for cancellation, (c) to the extent set forth in Sections 9.1
and 9.2, on or after the date on which the conditions set forth in Section 9.1
or 9.2 have been 


                                       39
<PAGE>

satisfied, those Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered by the Trustee
hereunder and (d) those described in this Section 2.9 as not outstanding.
Subject to Section 2.10, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the
Company or one of its Affiliates holds the Note.

      If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.8, it ceases to be outstanding
unless the Trustee receives written notice that the replaced Note is held by a
bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Note is a legal, valid and binding
obligation of the Company.

      If the Paying Agent holds, in its capacity as such, on any Redemption
Date, any Change of Control Payment Date, any Excess Proceeds Purchase Date or
on the Maturity Date, money sufficient to pay all accrued interest and principal
with respect to the Notes payable on that date, then on and after that date such
Notes cease to be outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue.

Section 2.10. Treasury Notes.

      In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of
Notes have concurred in any declaration of acceleration or notice of Default or
direction, waiver or consent or any amendment, modification or other change to
this Indenture, Notes owned by the Company or any Affiliate of the Company shall
be disregarded as though they were not outstanding, except that for the purposes
of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such
declaration, notice, direction, waiver or consent or any amendment, modification
or other change to this Indenture, only Notes as to which a Responsible Officer
of the Trustee has received an Officers' Certificate stating that such Notes are
so owned shall be so disregarded. Notes so owned which have been pledged in good
faith shall not be disregarded if the pledgee establishes the pledgee's right so
to act with respect to the Notes and that the pledgee is not the Company, any
other obligor or guarantor on the Notes or any of their respective Affiliates.

Section 2.11. Temporary Notes.

      Until definitive Notes are prepared and ready for delivery, the Company
may prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary Notes
shall be substantially in the form of definitive Notes but may have variations
that the Company consider appropriate for temporary Notes. Without unreasonable
delay, the Company shall prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate definitive
Notes in exchange for temporary Notes. Until such exchange, temporary Notes
shall be entitled to the same rights, benefits and privileges as definitive
Notes.


                                       40
<PAGE>

Section 2.12. Cancellation.

      The Company at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation.
The Registrar and the Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes
surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment. The
Trustee shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer,
exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall (subject to the
record-retention requirements of the Exchange Act) destroy canceled Notes and
deliver a certificate of destruction thereof to the Company. The Company may not
reissue or resell, or issue new Notes to replace, Notes that the Company has
redeemed or paid, or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

Section 2.13. Defaulted Interest.

      If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes, such
interest shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered Holder on the
relevant Record Date and the Company shall pay the defaulted interest, plus (to
the extent permitted by law) any interest payable on the defaulted interest,
pursuant to Section 4.1 hereof, to the Persons who are Noteholders on a
subsequent special Record Date, which date shall be at least five Business Days
prior to the payment date. The Company shall fix such special Record Date and
payment date and provide the Trustee at least 20 days' notice of the proposed
amount of defaulted interest to be paid and the special payment date and at the
same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee the aggregate amount
proposed to be paid in respect of such defaulted interest. At least 15 days
before such special Record Date, the Company shall mail to each Noteholder a
notice that states the special Record Date, the payment date and the amount of
defaulted interest, and interest payable on defaulted interest, if any, to be
paid. The Company may make payment of any defaulted interest in any other lawful
manner not inconsistent with the requirements (if applicable) of any securities
exchange on which the Notes may be listed and, upon such notice as may be
required by such exchange, if, after written notice given by the Company to the
Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this sentence, such manner of
payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.

Section 2.14. CUSIP Number.

      The Company in issuing the Notes may use a "CUSIP" number, and if so, such
CUSIP number shall be included in notices of redemption or exchange as a
convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no
representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number
printed in the notice or on the Notes, and that reliance may be placed only on
the other identification numbers printed on the Notes. The Company shall
promptly notify the Trustee of any such CUSIP 


                                       41
<PAGE>

number used by the Company in connection with the issuance of the Notes and of
any change in the CUSIP number.

Section 2.15. Deposit of Moneys.

      Prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on each Interest Payment Date and
the Maturity Date, the Company shall have deposited with the Paying Agent in
immediately available funds money sufficient to make cash payments, if any, due
on such Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be, in a
timely manner which permits the Trustee to remit payment to the Holders on such
Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be. The principal
and interest on Global Notes shall be payable to the Depository or its nominee,
as the case may be, as the sole registered owner and the sole holder of the
Global Notes represented thereby. The principal and interest on Physical Notes
shall be payable at the office of the Paying Agent.

Section 2.16. Book-Entry Provisions for Global Notes.

      (a) Rule 144A Notes initially shall be represented by one or more notes in
registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively, the "Restricted
Global Note"). Regulation S Notes initially shall be represented by one or more
notes in registered, global form without interest coupons (collectively, the
"Regulation S Global Note," and, together with the Restricted Global Note and
any other global notes representing Notes, the "Global Notes"). The Global Notes
shall bear legends as set forth in Exhibit D. The Global Notes initially shall
(i) be registered in the name of the Depository or the nominee of such
Depository, in each case for credit to an account of an Agent Member (or, in the
case of the Regulation S Global Notes, Agent Members of the Depository holding
for Euroclear System ("Euroclear") and Cedel Bank, societe anonyme. ("CEDEL")),
(ii) be delivered to the Trustee as custodian for such Depository and (iii) bear
legends as set forth in Exhibit B with respect to Restricted Global Notes and
Exhibit C with respect to Regulation S Global Notes.

      Members of, or direct or indirect participants in, the Depository ("Agent
Members") shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global
Note held on their behalf by the Depository, or the Trustee as its custodian, or
under the Global Notes, and the Depository may be treated by the Company, the
Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the absolute owner of the
Global Note for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing
herein shall prevent the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee from
giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization
furnished by the Depository or impair, as between the Depository and its Agent
Members, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the
rights of a Holder of any Note.


                                       42
<PAGE>

      (b) Transfers of Global Notes shall be limited to transfer in whole, but
not in part, to the Depository, its successors or their respective nominees.
Interests of beneficial owners in the Global Notes may be transferred or
exchanged for Physical Notes in accordance with the rules and procedures of the
Depository and the provisions of Section 2.17. In addition, a Global Note shall
be exchangeable for Physical Notes if (i) the Depository (x) notifies the
Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository for such Global
Note and the Company thereupon fails to appoint a successor depository within 90
days of such notice or (y) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under
the Exchange Act and the Company thereupon fails to appoint a successor
depository within 90 days of such notice, (ii) the Company, at its option,
notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of such
Physical Notes or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing a Default or
an Event of Default with respect to the Notes and the Registrar has received a
written notice from the Depository to issue Physical Notes. In all cases,
Physical Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests
therein shall be registered in the names, and issued in any approved
denominations, requested by or on behalf of the Depository (in accordance with
its customary procedures).

      (c) In connection with any transfer or exchange of a portion of the
beneficial interest in any Global Note to beneficial owners pursuant to
paragraph (b), the Registrar shall (if one or more Physical Notes are to be
issued) reflect on its books and records the date and a decrease in the
principal amount of the Global Note in an amount equal to the principal amount
of the beneficial interest in the Global Note to be transferred, and the Company
shall execute, and the Trustee shall upon receipt of a written order from the
Company authenticate and make available for delivery, one or more Physical Notes
of like tenor and amount.

      (d) In connection with the transfer of Global Notes as an entirety to
beneficial owners pursuant to paragraph (b), the Global Notes shall be deemed to
be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Company shall execute,
and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, to each beneficial owner
identified by the Depository in writing in exchange for its beneficial interest
in the Global Notes, an equal aggregate principal amount of Physical Notes of
authorized denominations.

      (e) Any Physical Note constituting a Restricted Note delivered in exchange
for an interest in a Global Note pursuant to paragraphs (b), (c) or (d) shall,
except as otherwise provided by paragraphs (a)(i)(x) and (c) of Section 2.17,
bear the Private Placement Legend or, in the case of the Regulation S Global
Note, the legend set forth in Exhibit B and Exhibit C, in each case, unless the
Company determines otherwise in compliance with applicable law.


                                       43
<PAGE>

      (f) On or prior to the 40th day after the later of the commencement of the
offering of the Notes represented by a Regulation S Global Note and the original
issue date of such Notes (such period through and including such 40th day, the
"Restricted Period"), a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note may
be held only through Euroclear or CEDEL, as indirect participants in the
Depository, unless transferred to a Person who takes delivery in the form of an
interest in the corresponding Restricted Global Note, only upon receipt by the
Trustee of a written certification from the transferor to the effect that such
transfer is being made (i)(a) to a Person whom the transferor reasonably
believes is a Qualified Institutional Buyer in a transaction meeting the
requirements of Rule 144A or (b) pursuant to another exemption from the
registration requirements under the Securities Act which is accompanied by an
Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably acceptable to the Company and the
Registrar regarding the availability of such exemption and (ii) in accordance
with all applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or any
other jurisdiction.

      (g) Beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Note may be transferred
to a Person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in the Regulation S
Global Note, whether before or after the expiration of the Restricted Period,
only if the transferor first delivers to the Trustee a written certificate to
the effect that such transfer is being made in accordance with Rule 903 or 904
of Regulation S or Rule 144 (if available) and that, if such transfer occurs
prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, the interest transferred will
be held immediately thereafter through Euroclear or CEDEL.

      (h) Any beneficial interest in one of the Global Notes that is transferred
to a Person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in another Global Note
shall, upon transfer, cease to be an interest in such Global Note and become an
interest in such other Global Note and, accordingly, shall thereafter be subject
to all transfer restrictions and other procedures applicable to beneficial
interests in such other Global Note for as long as it remains such an interest.

      (i) The Holder of any Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise
authorize any Person, including Agent Members and Persons that may hold
interests through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder is entitled
to take under this Indenture or the Notes.

Section 2.17. Special Transfer Provisions.

      (a) Transfers to Non-QIB Institutional Accredited Investors and Non-U.S.
Persons. The following provisions shall apply with respect to the registration
of any proposed transfer of a Note constituting a Restricted Note to any
Institutional Accredited Investor which is not a QIB or to any Non-U.S. Person:


                                       44
<PAGE>

            (i) the Registrar shall register the transfer of any Note
      constituting a Restricted Note, whether or not such Note bears the Private
      Placement Legend, if (x) the requested transfer is after March 30, 2000 or
      such other date as such Note shall be freely transferable under Rule 144
      as certified in an Officers' Certificate or (y) (1) in the case of a
      transfer to an Institutional Accredited Investor which is not a QIB
      (excluding Non-U.S. Persons), the proposed transferee has delivered to the
      Registrar a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit E hereto or
      (2) in the case of a transfer to a Non-U.S. Person (including a QIB), the
      proposed transferor has delivered to the Registrar a certificate
      substantially in the form of Exhibit F hereto; provided that in the case
      of a transfer of a Note bearing the Private Placement Legend for a Note
      not bearing the Private Placement Legend, the Registrar has received an
      Officers' Certificate authorizing such transfer; and an Opinion of Counsel
      in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Company and the
      Registrar stating that the transfer restrictions contained in the legend
      are no longer applicable; and

            (ii) if the proposed transferor is an Agent Member holding a
      beneficial interest in a Global Note, upon receipt by the Registrar of (x)
      the certificate, if any, required by paragraph (i) above and
      (y)instructions given in accordance with the Depository's and the
      Registrar's procedures, whereupon: (a) the Registrar shall reflect on its
      books and records the date and (if the transfer does not involve a
      transfer of outstanding Physical Notes) a decrease in the principal amount
      of a Global Note in an amount equal to the principal amount of the
      beneficial interest in a Global Note to be transferred, and (b) the
      Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the date and an increase
      in the principal amount of a Global Note in an amount equal to the
      principal amount of the beneficial interest in the Global Note transferred
      or the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and make
      available for delivery one or more Physical Notes of like tenor and
      amount.

      (b) Transfers to QIBs. The following provisions shall apply with respect
to the registration of any proposed registration of transfer of a Note
constituting a Restricted Note to a QIB (excluding transfers to Non-U.S.
Persons):

            (i) the Registrar shall register the transfer if such transfer is
      being made by a proposed transferor who has checked the box provided for
      on such Holder's Note stating, or has otherwise advised the Company and
      the Registrar in writing, that the sale has been made in compliance with
      the provisions of Rule 144A to a transferee who has signed the
      certification provided for on such Holder's Note stating, or has otherwise
      advised the Company and the Registrar in 


                                       45
<PAGE>

      writing, that it is purchasing the Note for its own account or an account
      with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it
      and any such account is a QIB within the meaning of Rule 144A, and is
      aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and
      acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Company
      as it has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request
      such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon
      its foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from
      registration provided by Rule 144A; and

            (ii) if the proposed transferee is an Agent Member, and the Notes to
      be transferred consist of Physical Notes which after transfer are to be
      evidenced by an interest in the Restricted Global Note, upon receipt by
      the Registrar of instructions given in accordance with the Depository's
      and the Registrar's procedures, the Registrar shall reflect on its books
      and records the date and an increase in the principal amount of the
      Restricted Global Note in an amount equal to the principal amount of the
      Physical Notes to be transferred, and the Trustee shall cancel the
      Physical Notes so transferred.

      (c) Private Placement Legend. Upon the registration of transfer, exchange
or replacement of Notes not bearing the Private Placement Legend, the Registrar
shall deliver Notes that do not bear the Private Placement Legend. Upon the
registration of transfer, exchange or replacement of Notes bearing the Private
Placement Legend, the Registrar shall deliver only Notes that bear the Private
Placement Legend unless (i) it has received the Officers' Certificate required
by paragraph (a)(i)(x) of this Section 2.17, (ii) there is delivered to the
Registrar an Opinion of Counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company and the
Registrar to the effect that neither such legend nor the related restrictions on
transfer are required in order to maintain compliance with the provisions of the
Securities Act or (iii) such Note has been sold pursuant to an effective
registration statement under the Securities Act and the Registrar has received
an Officers' Certificate from the Issuers to such effect.

      (d) General. By its acceptance of any Note bearing the Private Placement
Legend, each Holder of such Note acknowledges the restrictions on transfer of
such Note set forth in this Indenture and in the Private Placement Legend and
agrees that it will transfer such Note only as provided in this Indenture.

      The Registrar shall retain for a period of two years copies of all
letters, notices and other written communications received pursuant to Section
2.16 or this Section 2.17. The Company shall have the right to inspect and make
copies of all such letters, notices or other written communications at any
reasonable time upon the giving of reasonable notice to the Registrar.


                                       46
<PAGE>

Section 2.18. Computation of Interest.

      Interest on the Notes shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of
twelve 30-day months.

                                   ARTICLE 3.

                                   REDEMPTION

Section 3.1. Notices to Trustee.

      If the Company elects to redeem Notes pursuant to paragraph 5 of the
Notes, at least 45 days but not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date
or such other period as the Trustee may agree to (which agreement shall not
unreasonably be withheld) the Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the
Redemption Date, the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and the Redemption
Price, and deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that such
redemption will comply with the conditions for optional redemption contained in
paragraph 5 of the Notes, as appropriate.

Section 3.2. Selection by Trustee of Notes to Be Redeemed.

      In the event that fewer than all of the Notes are to be redeemed, the
Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed, if the Notes are listed on a
national securities exchange, in accordance with the rules of such exchange or,
if the Notes are not so listed, either on a pro rata basis or by lot, or such
other method as it shall deem fair and equitable; provided, however, that the
Company shall have previously notified the Trustee in writing of any such
exchange on which the Notes are listed; and provided, further, that if a partial
redemption is made with the proceeds of a Public Equity Offering, selection of
the Notes or portion thereof for redemption shall be made by the Trustee on a
pro rata basis, unless such a method is prohibited. The Trustee shall promptly
notify the Company of the Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any
Notes selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be
redeemed. For all purposes of this Indenture unless the context otherwise
requires, provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption
also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption.

Section 3.3. Notice of Redemption.

      At least 30 days, and no more than 60 days, before a Redemption Date, the
Company shall mail, or cause to be mailed, a notice of redemption by first-class
mail to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at his or her last address as
the same 


                                       47
<PAGE>

appears on the registry books maintained by the Registrar pursuant to Section
2.3 hereof.

      Each notice for redemption shall identify the Notes to be redeemed
(including the CUSIP numbers thereof) and shall state:

            (i) the Redemption Date;

            (ii) the Redemption Price and the amount of premium and accrued
      interest, if any, to be paid;

            (iii) if any Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the
      principal amount of such Note to be redeemed and that, after the
      Redemption Date and upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in
      aggregate principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be
      issued;

            (iv) the name and address of the Paying Agent;

            (v) that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the
      Paying Agent to collect the Redemption Price plus accrued interest, if
      any;

            (vi) that unless the Company defaults in making the redemption
      payment, interest on Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and
      after the Redemption Date;

            (vii) the provision of paragraph 5 of the Notes pursuant to which
      the Notes called for redemption are being redeemed; and

            (viii) the aggregate principal amount of Notes that are being
      redeemed.

      At the Company's written request made at least 10 Business Days prior to
the date on which notice is to be given, the Trustee shall give the notice of
redemption in the Company's name and at the Company's sole expense.

Section 3.4. Effect of Notice of Redemption.

      Once the notice of redemption described in Section 3.3 is mailed, Notes
called for redemption become due and payable on the Redemption Date and at the
Redemption Price, including any premium, plus interest accrued to the Redemption
Date, if any. Upon surrender to the Paying Agent, Notes called for redemption
shall be paid at the Redemption Price, including any premium, plus interest
accrued thereon to the Redemption Date, provided that if the Redemption Date is
after a regular Record Date and on or prior to the Interest Payment Date, the
accrued interest shall be payable to the Holder of the redeemed Notes registered
on the relevant Record Date, and provided, further, that if a Redemption Date is
a Legal Holiday, payment shall be made on the next 


                                       48
<PAGE>

succeeding Business Day and no interest shall accrue for the period from such
Redemption Date to such succeeding Business Day.

Section 3.5. Deposit of Redemption Price.

      On or prior to 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on each Redemption Date,
the Company shall deposit with the Paying Agent in immediately available funds
money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of and accrued interest on all
Notes to be redeemed on that date other than Notes or portions thereof called
for redemption on that date which have been delivered by the Company to the
Trustee for cancellation. The Paying Agent shall promptly return to the Company
any money deposited with the Paying Agent by the Company in excess of the
amounts necessary to pay the Redemption Price of, and accrued interest
(including Additional Interest, if any) on all Notes to be redeemed.

      On and after any Redemption Date, if money sufficient to pay the
redemption price of and accrued interest on Notes called for redemption shall
have been made available in accordance with the preceding paragraph and the
payment thereof is not prohibited pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, the
Notes called for redemption will cease to accrue interest and the only right of
the Holders of such Notes will be to receive payment of the redemption price of
and, subject to the first proviso in Section 3.4, accrued and unpaid interest on
such Notes to the Redemption Date. If any Note surrendered for redemption shall
not be so paid, interest will be paid, from the Redemption Date until such
redemption payment is made, on the unpaid principal of the Note and any interest
not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case, at the rate and in the manner
provided in the Notes.

Section 3.6. Notes Redeemed in Part.

      Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed in part, the Trustee shall
authenticate for a Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed
portion of the Note surrendered. The Company shall pay all Additional Interest,
if any, in the same manner on the dates and in the amounts specified in the
Registration Rights Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE 4.

                                    COVENANTS

Section 4.1. Payment of Notes.

      The Company shall pay the principal of and interest (including all
Additional Interest as provided in the Registration Rights Agreement) on the
Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes and this Indenture.
An 


                                       49
<PAGE>

installment of principal or interest (and Additional Interest), and the Change
of Control Purchase Price and Excess Proceeds Offer Purchase Price, shall be
considered paid on the date it is due if the Trustee or Paying Agent holds on
that date money designated for and sufficient to pay such amount.

      The Company shall pay interest on overdue principal (including
post-petition interest in a proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law), and overdue
interest, to the extent lawful, at the rate specified in the Notes.

Section 4.2. Reports to Commission and Holders.

      Whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the Commission, so
long as any Notes are outstanding, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee and
to the holders of the Notes within 10 days after it is or would have been
required to file them with the Commission, (i) all annual and quarterly
financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with
the Commission on Forms 10-K and 10-Q (without exhibits) if the Company were
required to file such forms, including a section entitled "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and,
with respect to the annual information only, a report thereon by the Company's
certified independent accountants and (ii) all current reports that would be
required to be filed with the Commission on Form 8 -K (without exhibits) if the
Company were required to file such reports. In addition, whether or not required
by the rules and regulations of the Commission, the Company will file a copy of
all such information and reports with the Commission for public availability
(unless the Commission will not accept such a filing). In addition, the Company
shall furnish to the Trustee, the holders of the Notes and to securities
analysts and prospective investors, upon their request, the information required
to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144(d)(4) under the Securities Act and the
exhibits omitted from the information furnished pursuant to the preceding
sentence, for so long as the Notes are not freely transferable under the
Securities Act. The Company will also comply with the other provisions of ss.
314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 4.3. Limitation on Additional Indebtedness

      (a) The Company will not, and will not cause or permit any Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company to, directly or indirectly, incur any Indebtedness
(including any Acquired Indebtedness); provided that if no Default or Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time or as a consequence of
the incurrence of such Indebtedness, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
may incur Indebtedness (including any Acquired Indebtedness) if the Company's
Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio is greater than 2.0 to 1.


                                       50
<PAGE>

      (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries may incur Permitted Indebtedness.

Section 4.4. Limitation on Restricted Payments

      The Company will not make, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make, any Restricted Payment after the
Issue Date, unless:

      (a) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing
at the time of or immediately after giving effect to such Restricted Payment;

      (b) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such Restricted Payment,
the Company could incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted
Indebtedness) under Section 4.3(a); and

      (c) immediately after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, the
aggregate of all Restricted Payments declared or made after the Issue Date does
not exceed the sum (without duplication) of (1) 50% of the cumulative
Consolidated Net Income of the Company (or minus 100% of any cumulative deficit
in Consolidated Net Income) for the period (treated as one accounting period)
from the first day of the fiscal quarter in which the Issue Date occurs through
the last day of the fiscal quarter immediately preceding such Restricted
Payment, (2) 100% of the aggregate Net Proceeds in cash received by the Company
from the issuance or sale, after the Issue Date (other than to a Restricted
Subsidiary), of (A) Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) of the
Company or (B) any Indebtedness or other securities of the Company that are
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Capital Stock (other than
Disqualified Capital Stock) of the Company which have been so converted or
exercised or exchanged (other than by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company),
excluding, in the case of clause (c)(2), any Net Proceeds from a Public Equity
Offering to the extent used to redeem the Notes in accordance with the second
paragraph of paragraph 5 of the Notes and (3) 100% of the net reduction in
Investments (other than Permitted Investments), subsequent to the Issue Date, in
any Person, resulting from payments of interest on Indebtedness, dividends,
repayments of loans or advances or other transfers or distributions of Property
or return of capital (but only to the extent such interest, dividends or
repayments or other transfers or distributions of Property or return of capital
are not included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income), in each case to
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from any Person (including Unrestricted
Subsidiaries) or from redesignations (the designation of which did not
constitute a Permitted Investment) of Unrestricted Subsidiaries as Restricted
Subsidiaries in accordance with this Indenture, not to exceed in the case of any
Person the amount of Investments (other than Permitted Investments) previously
made by 


                                       51
<PAGE>

the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in such Person. For purposes of
determining the amount expended for Restricted Payments under this clause (c),
Property other than cash (including a distribution of assets) shall be valued at
its Fair Market Value.

      The provisions of this Section 4.4 shall not prohibit:

            (i) the payment of any distribution within 60 days after the date of
      declaration thereof, if at such date of declaration such payment would
      comply with the provisions of this Indenture;

            (ii) the retirement of any shares of Capital Stock of the Company or
      Subordinated Indebtedness by conversion into, or by or in exchange for,
      shares of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Capital Stock) of the
      Company, or out of, the Net Proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale
      (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) of other shares of
      Capital Stock of the Company (other than Disqualified Capital Stock),
      provided that any such Net Proceeds are excluded from clause (c)(2) of the
      immediately preceding paragraph for the purposes of this calculation (and
      were not included therein at any time);

            (iii) the redemption, repayment or retirement of Subordinated
      Indebtedness in exchange for, by conversion into, or out of the Net
      Proceeds of, (x) a substantially concurrent sale or incurrence of
      Subordinated Indebtedness (other than any Indebtedness owed to a
      Restricted Subsidiary) or (y) a substantially concurrent sale (other than
      to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) of shares of Capital Stock of
      the Company, provided that any such Net Proceeds are excluded from clause
      (c)(2) of the immediately preceding paragraph (and were not included
      therein at any time);

            (iv) the retirement of any shares of Disqualified Capital Stock by
      conversion into, or by exchange for, shares of Disqualified Capital Stock
      of the Company, or out of the Net Proceeds of the substantially concurrent
      sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) of other
      shares of Disqualified Capital Stock of the Company;

            (v) payments to Holdings or any other Person in respect of which
      Holdings or such other Person is a member of the consolidated tax group of
      the Company, for so long as Holdings or such other Person owns such amount
      of the Capital Stock of the Company as will permit it or a member of the
      consolidated tax group of Holdings or such other Person to be entitled to
      file consolidated federal tax returns with the Company, for income taxes
      pursuant to the Tax Allocation Agreement or for the purpose of enabling


                                       52
<PAGE>

      Holdings or such other Person or any such members to pay taxes other than
      income taxes, to the extent actually owed and attributable to the
      operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries or to Holdings' or such
      other Person's ownership thereof;

            (vi) payments to Holdings, for so long as it owns not less than a
      majority of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company, in amounts
      sufficient to pay the ordinary operating and administrative expenses of
      Holdings (including all reasonable professional fees and expenses),
      including in connection with its complying with its reporting obligations
      (including filings with the Commission and any exchange on which Holdings'
      securities are traded) and obligations to prepare and distribute business
      records in the ordinary course of business and Holdings' costs and
      expenses relating to taxes, other than those referred to in clause (v)
      (which taxes are attributable to the operations of the Company and its
      Restricted Subsidiaries or to Holdings' ownership thereof); provided,
      however, that the aggregate payments paid in each fiscal year pursuant to
      this clause (vi) will not exceed 0.20% of the consolidated net sales of
      the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such fiscal year;

            (vii) the purchase, redemption, retirement or other acquisition for
      value of Capital Stock of the Company, Holdings or of any Person that
      directly or indirectly controls (as defined in the definition of
      Affiliate) Holdings held by employees or former employees of the Company
      or any Restricted Subsidiary (or their estates or beneficiaries under
      their estates) upon death, disability, retirement, termination of
      employment and pursuant to the terms of any agreement under which such
      Capital Stock was issued; provided that the aggregate Fair Market Value of
      the consideration paid for such purchase, redemption, retirement or other
      acquisition of such Capital Stock does not exceed $500,000 in any fiscal
      year;

            (viii) payments due under the Permitted Affiliate Agreements (other
      than payments pursuant to clause (v) above) that would otherwise
      constitute Restricted Payments; and

            (ix) payments that would otherwise constitute Restricted Payments,
      not to exceed $750,000 in the aggregate;

provided, however, that in calculating the aggregate amount of Restricted
Payments made subsequent to the Issue Date for purposes of clause (c) of the
immediately preceding paragraph, amounts expended pursuant to clause (i) (but
only if the declaration thereof has not been counted in a prior period), (vi)


                                       53
<PAGE>

(other than to the extent otherwise reducing Consolidated Net Income), (vii) and
(ix) shall be included, without duplication, in such calculation and (ii),
(iii), (iv), (v) and (viii) shall not be included in such calculation. Nothing
in the immediately preceding proviso is meant to affect whether any amount
expended pursuant to clause (v) should be reflected in Consolidated Net Income.

      If the Company makes a Restricted Payment which, at the time of the making
of such Restricted Payment, in the good faith determination of the Board of
Directors of the Company, would be permitted under the requirements of this
Indenture, such Restricted Payment shall be deemed to have been made in
compliance with this Indenture, notwithstanding any subsequent adjustment made
in good faith to the Company's financial statements affecting the calculation of
Consolidated Net Income.

Section 4.5. Limitations on Liens

      The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, to create, incur or otherwise cause or
suffer to exist or become effective any Liens of any kind (other than Permitted
Liens) on or with respect to any Property or assets of the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries owned on the Issue Date or thereafter acquired or
designated, or on the income or profits thereof, unless (i) if such Lien secures
Indebtedness which is ranked pari passu with the Notes or any Guarantee, then
the Notes or such Guarantee, as the case may be, are secured on an equal and
ratable basis with the obligations so secured until such time as such
obligations are no longer secured by a Lien or (ii) if such Lien secures
Subordinated Indebtedness, then the Notes or such Guarantee, as the case may be,
are secured and the Lien securing such other Indebtedness shall be subordinated
to the Lien granted to the holders of the Notes or such Guarantee, as the case
may be, at least to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the
Notes or such Guarantee, as the case may be.

Section 4.6. Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates

      (a) The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into or suffer to exist any
transaction or series of related transactions (including, without limitation,
the sale, purchase, exchange or lease of assets, Property or services) with any
Affiliate (each, an "Affiliate Transaction") or extend, renew, waive or
otherwise modify the terms of any Affiliate Transaction entered into prior to
the Issue Date, unless (i) such Affiliate Transaction is between or among the
Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries or between or among Restricted
Subsidiaries; or (ii) the terms of such Affiliate Transaction are fair to the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, and the terms of such
Affiliate Transaction are at least as favorable as the terms 


                                       54
<PAGE>

which could be obtained by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the
case may be, in a comparable transaction made on an arm's-length basis between
unaffiliated parties. In any Affiliate Transaction (or any series of related
Affiliate Transactions) involving an amount or having a Fair Market Value in
excess of $2 million which is not permitted under clause (i) of the immediately
preceding sentence, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee a resolution of a
majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Company
which reflects the approval of such Affiliate Transaction and a determination
that such Affiliate Transaction complies with clause (ii) of the immediately
preceding sentence. In any Affiliate Transaction (or series of related Affiliate
Transactions) which includes the payment of fees of $1 million or more to
Chartwell, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee a resolution of a majority
of the disinterested members of its Board of Directors which reflects the
approval of such Affiliate Transaction. In addition, in any Affiliate
Transaction (or any series of related Affiliate Transactions) involving an
amount or having a Fair Market Value in excess of $10 million which is not
permitted under clause (i) of the immediately preceding sentence, the Company
must deliver to the Trustee, prior to the consummation of the transaction or
transactions, a written opinion from a nationally recognized investment banking
firm or other expert stating that such transaction or transactions are fair to
the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, from a financial
point of view; provided, however, that no such opinion shall be required in
respect of the provision of services or sales of inventory or products by the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to a Joint Venture in the ordinary
course of business.

      (b) The provisions in clause (a) above will not apply to: (i) any
transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to the terms of the
Permitted Affiliate Agreements; (ii) reasonable fees and compensation paid to
and indemnity provided on behalf of officers, directors or employees of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as determined in good faith
by the Company's Board of Directors or senior management; (iii) any payment that
would be permitted under the first paragraph or clauses (v) or (vi) of the
second paragraph of Section 4.4; (iv) any Permitted Investment (other than
Permitted Investments made pursuant to clause (xi) of the definition of
Permitted Investments); or (v) loans or advances to employees and officers of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business to
provide for the payment of reasonable expenses incurred by such persons in the
performance of their responsibilities to the Company or such Subsidiary or in
connection with any relocation. The aggregate management, consulting and similar
fees paid by the Company or its Subsidiaries (excluding expenses and amounts
paid pursuant to the last sentence of this Section 4.6(b) or pursuant to clause
(iii) of this paragraph) to Chartwell shall not exceed $1 million 


                                       55
<PAGE>

during any fiscal year; provided that any such fees may accrue but shall not be
paid by the Company at any time after the occurrence and during the continuance
of a Default or Event of Default until such Default or Event of Default is
cured, whereupon such accrued and unpaid fees may be paid in addition to other
permitted fees. In addition, the Company may pay advisory fees to an Affiliate
of the Company (including Chartwell) with respect to specific transactions,
provided that such payments would be permitted under the first paragraph of
Section 4.4. In addition, for purposes of this Section 4.6(b), any transaction
or series of related transactions between the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary and an Affiliate of the Company that is approved by a majority of the
disinterested members of the Board of Directors shall be deemed to comply with
clause (ii) of the first sentence of the preceding paragraph. Notwithstanding
the provisions of this Section 4.6, the Company may pay fees and expenses to
Affiliates of the Company on the Issue Date in connection with the consummation
of the Transactions.

Section 4.7. Limitation on Creation of Subsidiaries

      The Company shall not create or acquire, nor permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to create or acquire, any Subsidiary other than (i) a Restricted
Subsidiary existing as of the date of this Indenture, (ii) a Restricted
Subsidiary that is acquired or created after the date of this Indenture, or
(iii) an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that each Restricted
Subsidiary that is required to be a Guarantor pursuant to Article 10, and is
acquired or created pursuant to clause (ii) shall have executed a Guarantee,
satisfactory in form and substance to the Trustee (and with such documentation
relating thereto as the Trustee shall require, including, without limitation a
supplement or amendment to this Indenture and opinions of counsel as to the
enforceability of such Guarantee), pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary
shall become a Guarantor.

Section 4.8. Limitation on Certain Asset Sales

      The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless

      (i) the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be,
receives consideration at the time of such sale or other disposition equal to
the Fair Market Value thereof;

      (ii) not less than 85% of the consideration received by the Company or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, is in the form of (A) cash
or Cash Equivalents; provided that the amount of any liabilities (as shown on
the Company's or such Restricted Subsidiary's most recent balance sheet) of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities or
liabilities (including Subordinated Indebtedness) subordinated 


                                       56
<PAGE>

to the Notes or the Guarantees or Indebtedness without general recourse to the
obligor thereof) that are assumed or forgiven by the transferee of any such
assets will be deemed to be cash for the purposes of this clause (ii) if the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is released from any liability for such
liabilities and (B) Replacement Assets; and

      (iii) the Asset Sale Proceeds received by the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiaries are applied (A) either (x) to the extent the Company elects, or is
required, to the prepayment, repayment or purchase of Indebtedness outstanding
under the Credit Facility or any other secured Indebtedness of the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary within 360 days following the receipt of the Asset
Sale Proceeds from any Asset Sale; provided that any such repayment shall result
in a permanent reduction of the commitments thereunder in an amount equal to the
principal amount so repaid; or (y) to the extent the Company elects, to
acquisitions of assets (and Investments otherwise permitted to be made in
accordance with the terms of this Indenture) used or useful in businesses
similar or reasonably related to the business of the Company or its Restricted
Subsidiaries as conducted at the time of such Asset Sale; provided, further,
that such acquisitions or Investments occur on or prior to the 365th day
following receipt of such Asset Sale Proceeds (the "Reinvestment Date"); and (B)
if on the Reinvestment Date with respect to any Asset Sale, the Available Asset
Sale Proceeds exceed $10 million, the Company shall apply an amount equal to
such Available Asset Sale Proceeds to an offer to repurchase the Notes (and at
its option, to an offer to repurchase other pari passu Indebtedness; provided
that the stated maturity date of such Indebtedness is not later than the stated
maturity date of the Notes), at a purchase price in cash equal to 100% of the
principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date
of repurchase (an "Excess Proceeds Offer"). To the extent that any amount of
Available Asset Sale Proceeds remains after the completion of such Excess
Proceeds Offer, the Company may use such remaining amount in any manner
permitted by this Indenture and the amount of Available Asset Sale Proceeds then
required to be otherwise applied in accordance with this Section 4.8 shall be
reset to zero. 

      The Company will comply with the following provisions in connection with
any Excess Proceeds Offer required to be made pursuant to this Section 4.8(iii):

      (a)(i) The Excess Proceeds Offer will remain open for a period of at least
30 days following its commencement but not longer than 60 days, except to the
extent that a longer period is required by applicable law (the "Excess Proceeds
Offer Period"). On the Business Day following the termination of the Excess
Proceeds Offer Period (the "Excess Proceeds Purchase Date"), the Company will
purchase the principal amount of Notes required to be purchased to this Section
4.8 (the "Excess Proceeds Offer 


                                       57
<PAGE>

Amount") or, if less than the Excess Proceeds Offer Amount has been so validly
tendered and not properly withdrawn, all Notes validly tendered and not properly
withdrawn in response to the Excess Proceeds Offer. Payment for any Notes so
purchased will be made in the same manner as interest payments are made on the
Notes. If the Excess Proceeds Purchase Date is on or after a Record Date and on
or before the related Interest Payment Date, any accrued and unpaid interest and
Additional Interest, if any, shall be paid to the Person in whose name a Note is
registered at the close of business on such Record Date, and no additional
interest (or Additional Interest (to the extent involving interest that is due
and payable on such Interest Payment Date), if any) shall be payable to Holders
who tender Notes pursuant to the Excess Proceeds Offer.

      (b) Upon the commencement of an Excess Proceeds Offer, the Company shall
send, by first class mail within 30 days following the Reinvestment Date, a
notice to the Trustee and each of the Holders. The notice shall contain all
instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes
pursuant to the Excess Proceeds Offer. The Excess Proceeds Offer shall be made
to all Holders. The notice, which shall govern the terms of the Excess Proceeds
Offer, shall state:

            (i) that the Excess Proceeds Offer is being made pursuant to this
      Section 4.8 and the Excess Proceedds Offer Period during which the Excess
      Proceeds Offer shall remain open and whether the Company has elected to
      offer to repurchase other pari passu Indebtedness;

            (ii) the Excess Proceeds Offer Amount (including the calculations
      used in determining the amount of Available Asset Sale Proceeds), the
      Exceeds Proceeds Offer Purchase Price and the Excess Proceeds Purchase
      Date;

            (iii) that any Notes which are not validly tendered or are not
      otherwise accepted for payment shall continue to accrue interest and
      Additional Interest, if applicable;

            (iv) that, unless the Company defaults in making such payment, any
      Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Excess Proceeds Offer shall
      cease to accrue interest and Additional Interest, if applicable, after the
      Excess Proceeds Purchase Date;

            (v) that any Holder electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to
      any Excess Proceeds Offer shall be required to surrender the Note, with
      the form entitled "Option of Holder to Elect Purchase" on the reverse of
      the Note completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Company, a
      depository, if appointed by the Company, or a Paying Agent at the address
      specified in the notice at least three days before the Excess Proceeds
      Purchase Date;


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<PAGE>

            (vi) that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if
      the Company, the Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be,
      receives, no later than the expiration of the Excess Proceeds Offer
      Period, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the
      name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Note the Holder delivered
      for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election
      to have such Note purchased;

            (vii) that, if the aggregate principal amount of Notes surrendered
      by Holders exceeds the Excess Proceeds Offer Amount, the Company shall
      select the Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis (with such
      adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Company so that only Notes
      in denominations of $1,000, or integral multiples thereof, shall be
      purchased); and

            (viii) that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part shall be
      issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of
      the Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry transfer).

      (c) On or before the Excess Proceeds Purchase Date, the Company shall, to
the extent lawful, (1) accept for payment, on a pro rata basis to the extent
necessary, the Excess Proceeds Offer Amount of Notes or portions thereof so
validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to the Excess Proceeds
Offer, or if less than the Excess Proceeds Offer Amount has been so validly
tendered and not properly withdrawn, all Notes validly tendered and not properly
withdrawn, (2) deposit by 11:00 A.M. New York City time, on such date with the
Paying Agent an amount equal to Exceeds Proceeds Offer Amount, plus accrued and
unpaid interest, and Additional Interest, if any, in respect of all Notes, or
portions thereof, so accepted and (3) shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate stating that such Notes or portions thereof were accepted for
payment by the Company in accordance with the terms of this Section 4.8. The
Company, the depository or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall promptly
(but in any case not later than five days after the Excess Proceeds Purchase
Date) mail or deliver to each tendering Holder an amount equal to the Excess
Proceeds Offer Purchase Price of the Notes validly tendered and not properly
withdrawn by such Holder and accepted by the Company for purchase. Upon
surrender and cancellation of a certificated Note that is purchased in part, the
Company shall promptly issue and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to
the surrendering Holder of such Physical Note a new Physical Note equal in
principal amount to the unpurchased portion of such surrendered Physical Note;
provided that each such new certificated Note shall be in a principal amount at
the Maturity Date of $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. Upon surrender of a
Global Note that is purchased in part pursuant to an Excess Proceeds Offer, the
Paying Agent shall forward such Global Note to the Trustee who 


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<PAGE>

shall make a notation on Schedule A thereof to reduce the principal amount of
such Global Note to an amount equal to the unpurchased portion of such Global
Note, as provided in the Notes. Any Note not so accepted shall be promptly
mailed or delivered by the Company to the Holder thereof. The Company shall
publicly announce the results of the Excess Proceeds Offer on the Excess
Proceeds Purchase Date. For purposes of this Section 4.8, the Trustee shall act
as the Paying Agent.

      (d) If at any time the Company is required to make an Excess Proceeds
Offer, the Company is also required to make one or more offers (each, an
"Additional Excess Proceeds Offer") for any of its securities or those of any of
its Affiliates, the Company shall be entitled to make any such Additional Excess
Proceeds Offers simultaneously with such Excess Proceeds Offer; provided, that,
to the extent the Company is required to purchase any such other securities
pursuant to such Additional Excess Proceeds Offers, the Available Asset Sale
Proceeds shall be reduced by an amount equal to the aggregate purchase price of
all such other securities purchased pursuant to such Additional Excess Proceeds
Offers.

      (e) The Company shall comply with any applicable tender offer rules
(including, without limitation, any applicable requirements of Rule 14e-1 under
the Exchange Act) in the event that an Asset Sale Offer is required under the
circumstances described herein.

Section 4.9. Limitation on Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries

      The Company will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue
any Preferred Stock (other than to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary),
other than Permitted Foreign Restricted Subsidiary Preferred Stock, or permit
any Person (other than the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary) to hold any
such Preferred Stock unless the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary would be
entitled to incur or assume Indebtedness under Section 4.3 in the aggregate
principal amount equal to the aggregate liquidation value of the Preferred Stock
to be issued or so held.

Section 4.10. Limitation on Capital Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries

      The Company will not (i) sell, pledge or hypothecate (other than Permitted
Liens) or otherwise convey or dispose of any Capital Stock of a Restricted
Subsidiary other than to a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, (ii) permit any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to sell, pledge or hypothecate (other than Permitted
Liens) or otherwise convey or dispose of any Capital Stock of a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company other than to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary
or (iii) permit any of its Restricted 


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<PAGE>

Subsidiaries to issue any Capital Stock, other than to the Company or a
Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Company. The foregoing restrictions shall not
apply to (a) an Asset Sale consisting of not less than 85% of the Capital Stock
of a Restricted Subsidiary owned by the Company made in compliance with Section
4.8, (b) the issuance of Preferred Stock in compliance with Section 4.9, (c) the
issuance of director's qualifying shares if required by applicable law or (d)
the issuance of Capital Stock of a Foreign Restricted Subsidiary to third
parties; provided, that immediately after such transaction, such Foreign
Restricted Subsidiary remains a Foreign Restricted Subsidiary.

Section 4.11. Limitation on Sale and Lease-Back Transactions

      The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, enter into any Sale and Lease-Back Transaction unless (i) the
consideration received in such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction is at least equal
to the Fair Market Value of the property sold and (ii) the Company could incur
the Attributable Indebtedness in respect of such Sale and Lease-Back Transaction
in compliance with Section 4.3. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to
the Exempt Sale and Lease-Back Transaction.

Section 4.12. Limitation on Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting
              Subsidiaries

      The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to
exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any
Restricted Subsidiary to (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions to
the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (A) on its Capital Stock or
(B) with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its
profits, (ii) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, (iii) make loans or advances or capital contributions to the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a stockholder of such
Person or (iv) transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a stockholder of such Person, except for
such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

            (i) encumbrances or restrictions as in effect on the Issue Date;

            (ii) any Credit Facility (existing on the Issue Date), this
      Indenture, the Notes, the Guarantees and any Surety Arrangement (existing
      on the Issue Date) or any Surety Arrangement arising after the Issue Date
      which, in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the
      Company, 


                                       61
<PAGE>

      contains substantially the same or less restrictive encumbrances or
      restrictions than those contained in any Surety Arrangements existing on
      the Issue Date and any permitted amendment, modification or supplement
      thereto and any permitted renewal, refinancing, replacement or refunding
      thereof; provided, that in the good faith judgment of the Board of
      Directors of the Company, such encumbrances or restrictions are in the
      aggregate no more restrictive than those contained in the agreements
      governing the Indebtedness being amended, modified, supplemented,
      extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded;

            (iii) applicable law;

            (iv) any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a
      Person acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or of
      any Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as in effect at the time
      of such acquisition or such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary
      (except to the extent such Indebtedness was incurred in connection with or
      in contemplation of such acquisition of such Person becoming a Restricted
      Subsidiary), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any
      Person, or the Properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person,
      or the Property or assets of the Person (including any Subsidiary of the
      Person), so acquired;

            (v) customary non-assignment provisions in leases, licenses or other
      agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent
      with past practices;

            (vi) Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that, in the good faith
      judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company, such encumbrances or
      restrictions are in the aggregate no more restrictive than those contained
      in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced,
      renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded;

            (vii) Indebtedness having restrictions and encumbrances no more
      restrictive than those contained in this Indenture, the Notes and the
      Guarantees; provided that the Company is the primary obligor under such
      Indebtedness;

            (viii) customary restrictions in security agreements or mortgages or
      Permitted Liens securing Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted
      Subsidiary to the extent such restrictions restrict the transfer of the
      property subject to such security agreements and mortgages or Permitted
      Liens;

            (ix) customary restrictions in stock or asset purchase agreements to
      the extent such restrictions apply to the Person selling stock or assets
      (and/or such Person's 


                                       62
<PAGE>

      Subsidiaries) solely during the period prior to the closing under such
      agreements; or

            (x) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement relating
      to an acquisition of Property, so long as the encumbrances or restrictions
      in any such agreement relate solely to the Property so acquired (and are
      not or were not created in anticipation of or in connection with the
      acquisition thereof).

      Nothing contained in this Section 4.12 shall prevent the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary from (i) creating, incurring, assuming or suffering to
exist any Liens otherwise permitted in the Section 4.5 or (ii) restricting the
sale or other disposition of property or assets of the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries that secure Indebtedness of the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in accordance with this Indenture.

Section 4.13. Payments for Consent

      Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, directly or
indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of
interest, fee or otherwise, to any Noteholder for or as an inducement to any
consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture
or the Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid or agreed to be
paid to all Noteholders which so consent, waive or agree to amend in the time
frame set forth in solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or
agreement.

Section 4.14. Change of Control Offer

      Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company shall be obligated
to make an offer to purchase (the "Change of Control Offer") the outstanding
Notes at a purchase price (the "Change of Control Purchase Price") equal to 101%
of the principal amount thereof plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon to
the Change of Control Payment Date in accordance with the procedures set forth
in this Section 4.14.

      Within 30 days of the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company shall
(i) cause a notice of the Change of Control Offer to be sent at least once to
the Dow Jones News Service or similar business news service in the United States
and (ii) send by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the Trustee and to each
Holder of the Notes, at the address appearing in the register maintained by the
Registrar of the Notes, a notice stating:

      (a) that a Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this covenant
and that all Notes validly tendered will be accepted for payment;


                                       63
<PAGE>

      (b) the Change of Control Purchase Price and the purchase date (which
shall be a Business Day not earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the
date such notice is mailed (the "Change of Control Payment Date"));

      (c) that any Note not validly tendered will continue to accrue interest;

      (d) that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Change of
Control Purchase Price, any Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of
Control Offer shall cease to accrue interest after the Change of Control Payment
Date;

      (e) that Holders accepting the offer to have their Notes purchased
pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender the Notes to
the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of
business on the Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date;

      (f) that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their acceptance if the
Paying Agent receives, not later than the close of business on the third
Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date, a telegram, telex,
facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the
principal amount of the Notes delivered for purchase, and a statement that such
holder is withdrawing his election to have such Notes purchased;

      (g) that Holders whose Notes are being purchased only in part will be
issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the
Notes surrendered, provided, that each Note purchased and each such new Note
issued shall be in an original principal amount in denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof;

      (h) any other procedures that a Holder must follow to accept a Change of
Control Offer or effect withdrawal of such acceptance; and

      (i) the name and address of the Paying Agent.

      On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company shall, to the extent
lawful, (i) accept for payment Notes or portions thereof validly tendered
pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, (ii) deposit with the Paying Agent
money sufficient to pay the purchase price of all Notes or portions thereof so
tendered and (iii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee Notes so
accepted together with an Officers' Certificate stating the Notes or portions
thereof tendered to the Company. The Paying Agent shall promptly mail to each
Holder of Notes so accepted payment in an amount equal to the purchase price for
such Notes, and the Company shall execute and issue, and the Trustee shall
promptly authenticate and mail to such Holder, a new Note equal in 


                                       64
<PAGE>

principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered; provided
that each such new Note shall be issued in an original principal amount in
denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.

      If any of the Credit Facilities are in effect or any amounts are owing
thereunder or in respect thereof, at the time of the occurrence of a Change of
Control, prior to the mailing of the notice to Holders described in the second
preceding paragraph, but in any event within 30 days following any Change of
Control, the Company shall be required to (i) repay in full all obligations
under or in respect of such Credit Facility or offer to repay in full all
obligations under or in respect of such Credit Facility and repay within such
30-day period the obligations under or in respect of such Credit Facility of
each lender who has then irrevocably accepted such offer or (ii) obtain the
requisite consent under such Credit Facility to permit the purchase of the Notes
as described above. The Company must first comply with the provisions of the
preceding sentence before it shall be required to purchase Notes in the event of
a Change of Control; provided that the Company's failure to comply with the
provisions of the preceding sentence constitutes an Event of Default described
in clause (iii) of Section 6.1 below.

      If the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof has issued any
outstanding (i) Subordinated Indebtedness or (ii) Preferred Stock, and the
Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is required to make a Change of Control
Offer or to make a distribution with respect to such Subordinated Indebtedness
or Preferred Stock in the event of a Change of Control, the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary shall not consummate any such offer or distribution with
respect to such Subordinated Indebtedness or Preferred Stock until such time as
the Company shall have paid the Change of Control Purchase Price in full to the
Noteholders that have validly accepted the Company's Change of Control Offer and
shall otherwise have consummated the Change of Control Offer made to
Noteholders. The Company will not issue Subordinated Indebtedness or Preferred
Stock with change of control provisions requiring the payment of such
Indebtedness or Preferred Stock prior to the payment hereunder.

      The Company will comply with the requirements of Section 14(e) of, and
Rule 14e-1 under, the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations
thereunder to the extent such laws and regulations are applicable in connection
with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer. To the
extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with
this Section 4.14, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws
and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under
this Section 4.14 by virtue thereof.


                                       65
<PAGE>

      The Company will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a
Change of Control if a third party makes such Change of Control Offer
contemporaneously with or upon a Change of Control in the manner, at the times
and otherwise in compliance with the requirements of this Indenture and
purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of
Control Offer.

Section 4.15. Waiver of Stay, Extension or Usury Laws.

      The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it
shall not at any time insist upon, or plead (as a defense or otherwise) or in
any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or
extension law or any usury law which would prohibit or forgive the Company from
paying all or any portion of the principal of, premium, if any, and/or interest
on the Notes as contemplated herein, wherever enacted, now or at any time
hereafter in force, or which may affect the covenants or the performance of this
Indenture; and (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) the Company hereby
expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenants that it
will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to
the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as
though no such law had been enacted.

Section 4.16. Compliance Certificate.

      The Company will deliver to the Trustee on or before 90 days after the end
of the Company's fiscal year and on or before 45 days after the end of each of
the first, second and third fiscal quarters in each year an Officers'
Certificate stating whether or not the signers know of any Default or Event of
Default that has occurred during such fiscal quarter or such fiscal year. If
they do, the certificate shall describe all such Defaults or Events of Default,
their status and the intended method of cure, if any.

Section 4.17. Taxes.

      The Company shall, and shall cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to,
pay prior to delinquency all material taxes, assessments, and governmental
levies except as contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings.

Section 4.18. Legal Existence.

      Subject to Article 5 hereof, the Company shall do or cause to be done all
things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its legal
existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence of each Restricted
Subsidiary, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the
same may be amended from time to time) of each Restricted Subsidiary and the
rights (charter and statutory), licenses and 


                                       66
<PAGE>

franchises of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however,
that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right, license or
franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other existence of any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries if the Board of Directors of the Company shall determine
that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the
business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and
that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Noteholders.

Section 4.19. Maintenance of Office or Agency.

      The Company shall maintain an office or agency where Notes may be
surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange or for presentation for
payment and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the
Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Company shall give prompt written
notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such
office or agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such
required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address
thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or
served at the address of the Trustee as set forth in Section 11.2.

      The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other offices
or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such
purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations. The Company shall
give prompt written notice to the Trustee of such designation or rescission and
of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

      The Company hereby initially designates the address of the Trustee as such
office of the Company.

Section 4.20. Maintenance of Properties; Insurance; Books and Records;
              Compliance with Law.

      (a) The Company shall, and shall cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries
at all times to cause, all material properties used in and necessary to the
conduct of its and their business to be maintained and kept in good condition,
repair and working order (reasonable wear and tear excepted) and shall cause to
be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and
improvements thereto; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 4.20 shall
prevent the Company or any of its Subsidiaries from discontinuing the use,
operation or maintenance of any such Properties, or disposing of any of them, if
such discontinuance or disposal is, in the judgment of the Board of Directors of
the Company or the Subsidiary of the Company so concerned, or of an Officer (or
other agent employed by the Company or of the Restricted Subsidiary so
concerned) or of Company or a Restricted Subsidiary having managerial


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responsibility for any such Property, desirable in the conduct of ther business
of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, and if such
disocntinuance or disposal is not adverse in any material respect to the
Holders.

      (b) To the extent available at commercially reasonable rates, the Company
shall maintain, and shall cause its Restricted Subsidiaries, to the extent such
Restricted Subsidiaries maintain operations, to maintain insurance with
responsible carriers against such risks and in such amounts, and with such
deductibles, retentions, self-insured amounts and co-insurance provisions, as
are customarily carried by similar businesses, of similar size.

      (c) The Company shall, and shall cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries
to, keep proper books of record and account, in which full and correct entries
shall be made of all financial transactions and the assets and business of the
Company and each Subsidiary of the Company, in accordance with GAAP consistently
applied to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

      (d) The Company shall and shall cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries
to comply with all applicable statutes, laws, ordinances or government rules and
regulations to which they are subject, non-compliance with which would
materially adversely affect the business, earnings, assets or financial
condition of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

Section 4.21. Additional Guarantor.

      The Company shall cause Birmingham Crane & Hoist, Inc. to become a
Guarantor pursuant to Article 10 hereof, including the terms and provisions of
Section 10.2 hereof, not later than July 31, 1998.

                                   ARTICLE 5.

                              SUCCESSOR CORPORATION

Section 5.1. Limitation on Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets.

      The Company will not consolidate or merge with or into any Person, or
sell, assign, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of (or cause or permit any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to sell, assign, lease, convey or otherwise dispose
of (however effected, including, without limitation, by merger or
consolidation)) all or substantially all of the Company's assets (determined on
a consolidated basis for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries), whether
as an entirety or substantially an 


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<PAGE>

entirety in one transaction or a series of related transactions, including by
way of liquidation or dissolution, to any Person unless, in each such case:
(i)(x) the Company shall be the continuing Person, or (y) the Person (if other
than the Company) formed by such consolidation or into which the Company or the
Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is merged or to which the Properties
and assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, are
transferred (such Person, the "Surviving Entity") (1) shall be a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the United States or any State thereof
or the District of Columbia and (2) shall expressly assume, by a supplemental
indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the
Trustee, all of the obligations of the Company under the Notes, this Indenture,
the Guarantees and the Registration Rights Agreement, as the case may be (upon
which assumption the Company and such Guarantor shall be discharged of any and
all obligations on the Notes, this Indenture, the Guarantees and the
Registration Rights Agreement), and the obligations under this Indenture and the
Guarantees of the Guarantors (other than such Guarantors) shall remain in full
force and effect; (ii) immediately before and immediately after giving effect to
such transaction (including, without limitation, giving effect to any
Indebtedness and Acquired Indebtedness incurred or anticipated to be incurred
and any Lien granted in connection with or in respect of the transaction), no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and (iii)
immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis
(including, without limitation, any Indebtedness incurred or anticipated to be
incurred in connection with or in respect of such transaction or series of
transactions) the Company (or the Surviving Entity if the Company is not
continuing) (A) shall have a Consolidated Net Worth equal to or greater than the
Consolidated Net Worth of the Company immediately prior to such transaction and
(B) could incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness (other than Permitted
Indebtedness) under Section 4.3; provided that a Restricted Subsidiary may merge
with and into the Company without complying with this clause (iii)(B).

      In connection with any consolidation, merger or transfer of assets
contemplated by this Section 5.1, the Company shall deliver, or cause to be
delivered, to the Trustee, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Trustee, an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that
such consolidation, merger or transfer and the supplemental indenture in respect
thereto comply with this provision and that all conditions precedent herein
provided for relating to such transaction or transactions have been complied
with.

      For purposes of the foregoing, the transfer (by lease, assignment, sale or
otherwise, in a single transaction or series of transactions) of all or
substantially all of the Properties or assets of one or more Subsidiaries of the
Company, the Capital 


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<PAGE>

Stock of which constitutes all or substantially all of the properties and assets
of the Company, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all
of the assets of the Company.

      For all purposes of this Indenture and the Notes, Subsidiaries of any
Surviving Entity will, upon such transaction or series of transactions, become
Guarantors, Restricted Subsidiaries or Unrestricted Subsidiaries, to the extent
and as provided pursuant to this Indenture, and all Liens on Property or assets,
of the Surviving Entity and its Subsidiaries that were not Liens on Property or
assets, of the Company and its Subsidiaries immediately prior to such
transaction or series of transactions shall be deemed to have been incurred upon
such transaction or series of transactions.

Section 5.2. Successor Person Substituted.

      (a) Upon any transaction or series of transactions that are of the type
described in Section 5.1, and are effected in accordance with, conditions
described in the immediately preceding paragraphs, the Surviving Entity shall
succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of,
the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such Surviving
Entity had been named as the Company therein; and when a Surviving Entity duly
assumes all of the obligations and covenants of the Company pursuant to this
Indenture and the Notes, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor Person
shall be relieved of all such obligations.

      (b) For all purposes of this Indenture and the Notes, Subsidiaries of any
Surviving Entity will, upon such transaction or series of transactions, become
Guarantors, Restricted Subsidiaries or Unrestricted Subsidiaries, to the extent
and as provided pursuant to this Indenture, and all Liens on property or assets,
of the Surviving Entity and its Subsidiaries that were not Liens on property or
assets, of the Company and its Subsidiaries immediately prior to such
transaction or series of transactions shall be deemed to have been incurred upon
such transaction or series of transactions.

      (c) If the successor corporation shall have succeeded to and been
substituted for the Company, such successor corporation may cause to be signed,
and may issue either in its own name or in the name of the Company prior to such
succession any or all of the Notes issuable hereunder which theretofore shall
not have been signed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee; and, upon the
order of such successor corporation, instead of the Company, and subject to all
the terms, conditions and limitations in this Indenture prescribed, the Trustee
shall authenticate and shall deliver any Notes which previously shall have been
signed and delivered by the Officers of the Company to the Trustee for
authentication, and any Notes which such successor corporation 


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<PAGE>

thereafter shall cause to be signed and delivered to the Trustee for that
purpose (in each instance with notations of Guarantees thereon by the
Guarantors). All of the Notes so issued and so endorsed shall in all respects
have the same legal rank and benefit under this Indenture as the Notes
theretofore or thereafter issued and endorsed in accordance with the terms of
this Indenture and the Guarantees as though all such Notes had been issued and
endorsed at the date of the execution hereof.

                                   ARTICLE 6.

                              DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

Section 6.1. Events of Default.

      An "Event of Default" occurs if

      (i) there is a default in the payment of any principal of, or premium, if
      any, on the Notes when the same becomes due and payable whether at
      maturity, upon acceleration, redemption or otherwise;

      (ii) there is a default in the payment of any interest, including
      Additional Interest, on any Notes when the same becomes due and payable
      which default continues for a period of 30 days or more;

      (iii) the Company or any Guarantor defaults in the observance or
      performance of any other covenant in the Notes or this Indenture for 60
      days after written notice from the Trustee or the Holders of not less than
      25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (except in
      the case of a Default with respect to Section 4.8, 4.14 or 5.1, which
      shall constitute an Event of Default with such notice requirement but
      without such passage of time requirement;

      (iv) there is a default in the payment when due (within any applicable
      grace period) of principal, interest or premium in an aggregate principal
      amount of $5,000,000 or more with respect to any Indebtedness of either
      the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof, or there is an
      acceleration of any such Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount of
      $5,000,000 or more, which Default shall not be cured or waived;

      (v) the entry of a final judgment or judgments which can no longer be
      appealed for the payment of money in excess of $5,000,000 against the
      Company or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof (in excess of amounts covered
      by insurance and as to which the insurance company which has executed the
      relevant policy has acknowledged coverage) by a court of competent


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<PAGE>

      jurisdiction, and shall not be bonded (such that a judgment creditor
      cannot proceed against assets of the Company or any Subsidiary), vacated,
      discharged or satisfied for any period of 60 consecutive days during which
      a stay of enforcement of such judgment shall not be in effect;

      (vi) the Company or any Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the
      meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

            (a)   commences a voluntary case,

            (b)   consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an
                  involuntary case,

            (c)   consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for all or
                  substantially all of its property,

            (d)   makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors,
                  or

            (e)   generally is not paying its debts as they become due;

      (vii) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under
      any Bankruptcy Law that:

            (a)   is for relief against either of the Company or any Significant
                  Subsidiary in an involuntary case,

            (b)   appoints a Custodian of the Company or any Significant
                  Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property of
                  either of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, or

            (c)   orders the liquidation of the Company or any Significant
                  Subsidiary,

      and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 days; or

      (viii) any of the Guarantees of a Five Percent Subsidiary ceases to be in
      force and effect or any of the Guarantees of a Five Percent Subsidiary is
      declared to be null and void and unenforceable or any of the Guarantees of
      a Five Percent Subsidiary is found to be invalid or any of the Guarantors
      denies its liability under its Guarantee (other than by reason of release
      of a Guarantor in accordance with the terms of this Indenture).

      The term "Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal
or state law or law or applicable rule or regulation of a foreign jurisdiction
for the relief of debtors. The term "Custodian" means any receiver, trustee,
assignee, liquidator or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.


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<PAGE>

      For purposes of clause (vi) and (vii) above, any Restricted Subsidiary
which, when aggregated with all other Restricted Subsidiaries that are not
otherwise Significant Subsidiaries and as to which any event described in clause
(vi) or (vii) above has occurred, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary. For
purposes of clause (viii) above, any Guarantor which, when aggregated with all
other Guarantors that are not otherwise Five Percent Subsidiaries and as to
which any event described in clause (viii) above has occurred, would constitute
a Five Percent Subsidiary.

Section 6.2. Acceleration.

      If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default arising under
Section 6.1(vi) or (vii)) shall have occurred and be continuing, then the
Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
Notes then outstanding may declare to be immediately due and payable the entire
principal amount of all the Notes then outstanding, premium, if any, and accrued
and unpaid interest to the date of acceleration and such amounts shall become
immediately due and payable; provided, however, that after such acceleration but
before a judgment or decree based on acceleration is obtained by the Trustee,
the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes may
rescind and annul such acceleration if (i) all Events of Default, other than
nonpayment of principal, premium or interest, that has become due solely because
of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in this Indenture (ii) to
the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue
installments of interest and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise
than by such declaration of acceleration, has been paid, (iii) if the Company
has paid the Trustee its reasonable compensation and reimbursed the Trustee for
its expenses, disbursements and advances and (iv) in the event of the cure or
waiver of an Event of Default of the type described in clause (vi) and (vii) of
Section 6.1, the Trustee shall have received an Officers' Certificate and an
Opinion of Counsel that such Event of Default has been cured or waived.

      In case an Event of Default arising under Section 6.1 (vi) or (vii) shall
occur, the principal, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest with
respect to all of the Notes shall be due and payable immediately without any
declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or the Holders of the Notes.
If, after the delivery of any such notice of acceleration with respect to an
Event of Default under Section 6.1 (iv) any such payment default or acceleration
relating to such other Indebtedness shall have been cured or rescinded or such
Indebtedness shall have been discharged within 30 days of such default or
acceleration in respect of such Indebtedness, then such Event of Default
specified in Section 6.1 (iv) shall be deemed cured for all purposes of this
Indenture.


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<PAGE>

Section 6.3. Other Remedies.

      If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue
any available remedy by proceeding at law or in equity to collect the payment of
principal of, or premium, if any, and any interest on the Notes or to enforce
the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture and may take any
necessary action requested of it as Trustee to settle, compromise, adjust or
otherwise conclude any proceedings to which it is a party.

      The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of
the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission
by the Trustee or any Noteholder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon
an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver
of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. No remedy is exclusive of any other
remedy. All available remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.

Section 6.4. Waiver of Past Defaults and Events of Default.

      Subject to Section 6.7, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding have the right to waive any existing
Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of this Indenture
and its consequences hereunder, except (i) an existing Default or Event of
Default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, on, or interest on,
the Notes (including in connection with an offer to purchase) or (ii) an
existing Default or Event of Default in respect of a provision that under
Section 8.2 cannot be amended without the consent of each Holder affected
thereby. Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event
of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every
purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or
other Default or impair any right consequent thereon. The Company shall deliver
to the Trustee an Officer's Certificate stating that the requisite percentage of
Holders have consented to such waiver and attaching copies of such consents. In
case of any such waiver, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be
restored to their former positions and rights hereunder and under the Notes,
respectively.

Section 6.5. Control by Majority.

      The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power
conferred on the Trustee by this Indenture and the TIA. The Trustee, however,
may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or,
subject to Section 7.1, that the Trustee determines may be 


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<PAGE>

unduly prejudicial to the rights of another Noteholder not taking part in such
direction, and the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such
direction if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that the action
so directed may not lawfully be taken or if the Trustee in good faith shall, by
a Responsible Officer, determine that the proceedings so directed may involve it
in personal liability; provided that the Trustee may take any other action
deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.
Prior to taking any action hereunder, the Trustee shall be entitled to
indemnification satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against all losses and
expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.

Section 6.6. Limitation on Suits.

      No Holder of any Note shall have the right to institute any proceeding,
judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, the Guarantees or the
Notes, or for the appointment of a receiver or a trustee, or for any other
remedy, unless:

      (a) the Holder of a Note has given to the Trustee written notice of a
continuing Event of Default;

      (b) a Holder or Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of
the then outstanding Notes make a written request to the Trustee to pursue the
remedy;

      (c) such Holder of a Note or Holders of Notes offer and, if requested,
provide to the Trustee indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss,
liability or expense;

      (d) the Trustee does not comply with the request within 60 days after
receipt of the request and the offer and, if requested, the provision of
indemnity, and

      (e) during such 60-day period the Holders of a majority in principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding do not give the Trustee a direction
inconsistent with the request.

      Notwithstanding the foregoing, such limitations shall not apply to a suit
instituted on such Notes on or after the due dates expressed in such Notes. A
Holder of a Note may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another
Holder of a Note or to obtain preference or priority over another Holder of a
Note.

Section 6.7. Rights of Holders to Receive Payment

      Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any
Holder of a Note to receive payment of principal of, or premium, if any, and
interest on the Note (including Additional Interest) on or after the respective
due dates expressed in the Note, or to bring suit for the enforcement of 


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<PAGE>

any such payment on or after such respective dates, is absolute and
unconditional and shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of the
Holder.

Section 6.8. Collection Suit by Trustee.

      If an Event of Default in payment of principal, premium or interest
specified in Section 6.1(i) or (ii) hereof occurs and is continuing, the Trustee
may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against
the Company or the Guarantors (or any other obligor on the Notes) for the whole
amount of unpaid principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest remaining
unpaid, together with interest on overdue principal and, to the extent that
payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of
interest, in each case at the rate set forth in the Notes, and such further
amounts as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection,
including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of
the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

Section 6.9. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

      The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as
may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee
(including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements
and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the Noteholders allowed
in any judicial proceedings relative to the Company or the Guarantors (or any
other obligor upon the Notes), its creditors or its Property and shall be
entitled and empowered to collect and receive any monies or other Property
payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same after
deduction of its charges and expenses to the extent that any such charges and
expenses are not paid out of the estate in any such proceedings and any
custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each
Noteholder to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the
Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the
Noteholders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable
compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents
and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.7 hereof.

      Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to
authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Noteholder any plan
or reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or
the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect
of the claim of any Noteholder in any such proceedings.


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<PAGE>

Section 6.10. Priorities.

      If the Trustee collects any money pursuant to this Article 6, it shall pay
out the money in the following order:

      FIRST: to the Trustee for amounts due under Section 7.7 hereof;

      SECOND: to Noteholders for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for
principal, premium, if any, and interest (including Additional Interest, if any)
as to each, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to
the amounts due and payable on the Notes; and

      THIRD: to the Company or, to the extent the Trustee collects any amount
from any Guarantor, to such Guarantor.

      The Trustee may fix a Record Date and payment date for any payment to
Noteholders pursuant to this Section 6.10.

Section 6.11. Undertaking for Costs.

      In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this
Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by
it as Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party
litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the
court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable
attorneys' fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to
the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant.
This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder
pursuant to Section 6.7 hereof or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in
aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.


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<PAGE>

Section 6.12. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.

      If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any
right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued
or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or
to such Holder, then and in every case, subject to any determination in such
proceeding, the Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders shall be
restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and
thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue
as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

                                   ARTICLE 7.

                                     TRUSTEE

Section 7.1. Duties of Trustee.

      (a) If an Event of Default actually known to a Responsible Officer of the
Trustee has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the
rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care
and skill in their exercise as a prudent man would exercise or use under the
same circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

      (b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:

            (i) The Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically
      set forth in this Indenture and no others and no implied covenants or
      obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

            (ii) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may
      conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness
      of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished
      to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture but,
      in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision
      hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the
      Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or
      not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not
      confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other
      facts stated therein).

      (c) The Trustee may not be relieved from liability for its own negligent
action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except
that:

            (i) This paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of
      this Section 7.1.


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<PAGE>

            (ii) The Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made
      in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is proved that the
      Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts.

            (iii) The Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it
      takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction
      received by it pursuant to Sections 6.2, 6.5 or 6.6 hereof.

      (d) No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or
risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance
of any of its rights, powers or duties or to take or omit to take any action
under this Indenture or take any action at the request or direction of Holders
if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds
is not assured to it or it does not receive an indemnity satisfactory to it in
its sole discretion against such risk, liability, loss, fee or expense which may
be incurred by it in connection with such performance.

      (e) Whether or not therein expressly so provided, paragraphs (a), (b),
(c), (d) and (f) of this Section 7.1 shall govern every provision of this
Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee.

      (f) The Trustee may refuse to perform any duty or exercise any right or
power unless it receives indemnity satisfactory to it in its sole discretion
against any loss, liability, expense or fee.

      (g) The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by
it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Company or any Guarantor.
Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds
except to the extent required by the law.

Section 7.2. Rights of Trustee.

      Subject to Section 7.1 hereof:

            (i) The Trustee may rely on any document reasonably believed by it
      to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper person.
      The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the
      document. 

            (ii) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may consult
      with counsel, require an Officers' Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel,
      or both, which shall conform to the provisions of Section 11.4 and 11.5
      hereof. The Trustee shall be protected and shall not be liable for any
      action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such
      certificate or opinion.


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<PAGE>

            (iii) The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and shall
      not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent appointed
      by it with due care.

            (iv) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or
      omits to take in good faith which it reasonably believes to be authorized
      or within its rights or powers.

            (v) The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection, and the
      written advice or opinion of such counsel as to matters of law shall be
      full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect
      of any action taken, omitted or suffered by it hereunder in good faith and
      in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel.

Section 7.3. Individual Rights of Trustee.

      The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner
or pledgee of Notes and may make loans to, accept deposits from, perform
services for or otherwise deal with either of the Company or any Guarantor, or
any Affiliates thereof, with the same rights it would have if it were not
Trustee. Any Agent may do the same with like rights. The Trustee, however, shall
be subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11 hereof.

Section 7.4. Trustee's Disclaimer.

      The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to
the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes or any Guarantee, it
shall not be accountable for the Company's or any Guarantor's use of the
proceeds from the sale of Notes or any money paid to the Company or any
Guarantor pursuant to the terms of this Indenture and it shall not be
responsible for any statement in the Notes, Guarantee or this Indenture other
than its certificate of authentication.

Section 7.5. Notice of Defaults.

      If a Default occurs and is continuing and if it is known to the Trustee,
the Trustee shall mail to each Noteholder notice of the Default within 90 days
after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default in payment of the principal of,
or premium, if any, or interest on any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice
if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a committee
of its Responsible Officers in good faith determines that withholding the notice
is in the interests of the Noteholders.


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<PAGE>

Section 7.6. Reports by Trustee to Holders.

      If required by TIA Section 313(a), within 60 days after May 15 of any
year, commencing May 15, 1999, the Trustee shall mail to each Noteholder a brief
report dated as of such May 15 that complies with TIA Section 313(a). The
Trustee also shall comply with TIA Section 313(b)(2). The Trustee shall also
transmit by mail all reports as required by TIA Section 313(c) and TIA Section
313(d).

      Reports pursuant to this Section 7.6 shall be transmitted by mail:

            (i) to all registered Holders of Notes, as the names and addresses
      of such Holders appear on the Registrar's books; and

            (ii) to such Holder of Notes as have, within the two years preceding
      such transmission, filed their names and addresses with the Trustee for
      that purpose.

      A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Noteholders shall be
filed with the Commission and each stock exchange on which the Notes are listed.
The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee when the Notes are listed on any
securities exchange or of any delisting thereof.

Section 7.7. Compensation and Indemnity.

      The Company and the Guarantors shall pay to the Trustee and Agents from
time to time such compensation as shall be agreed in writing between the Company
and the Trustee for its services hereunder (which compensation shall not be
limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an
express trust). The Company and the Guarantors shall reimburse the Trustee and
Agents upon request for all reasonable disbursements, expenses and advances
incurred or made by it in connection with its duties under this Indenture,
including the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the
Trustee's agents and counsel.

      The Company and the Guarantors shall indemnify each of the Trustee, any
predecessor Trustee and their agents for, and hold each of them harmless
against, any and all loss, damage, claim, liability or expense, including
without limitation taxes (other than taxes based on the income of the Trustee or
such Agent) and reasonable attorneys', fees and expenses incurred by each of
them in connection with the acceptance or performance of its duties under this
Indenture, including the reasonable costs and expenses of defending itself
against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of
any of its powers or duties hereunder (including, without limitation, reasonable
costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Company and the


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Guarantors (including this Section 7.7) and settlement costs). The Trustee or
Agent shall notify the Company and the Guarantors in writing promptly of any
claim asserted against the Trustee or Agent for which it may seek indemnity.
However, the failure by the Trustee or Agent to so notify the Company and the
Guarantors shall not relieve the Company and Guarantors of their obligations
hereunder except to the extent the Company and the Guarantors are prejudiced
thereby.

      Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and the Guarantors need not
reimburse the Trustee for any expense or indemnify it against any loss or
liability incurred by the Trustee through its negligence or bad faith. To secure
the payment obligations of the Company and the Guarantors in this Section 7.7,
the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Notes on all money or Property held
or collected by the Trustee except such money or Property held in trust to pay
principal of and interest on particular Notes. The Trustee's right to receive
payment of any amounts due under this Section 7.7 shall not be subordinate in
right of payment to any other liability or Indebtedness of the Company or the
Guarantors. The obligations of the Company and the Guarantors under this Section
7.7 to compensate, reimburse and indemnify the Trustee, Agents and each
predecessor Trustee and to pay or reimburse the Trustee, Agents and each
predecessor Trustee for expenses, disbursements and advances shall be joint and
several liabilities of the Company and each of the Guarantors and shall survive
the satisfaction, discharge and termination of this Indenture, including any
termination or rejection hereof under any bankruptcy law or the resignation or
removal of the Trustee.

      When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of
Default specified in Section 6.1(vi) or (vii) hereof occurs, the expenses and
the compensation (including the reasonable fees and expenses of its agents and
counsel) for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration
under any Bankruptcy Law.

      The Trustee shall comply with the provisions of TIA Section 313 (b)(2) to
the extent applicable.

Section 7.8. Replacement of Trustee.

      The Trustee may resign by so notifying the Company and the Guarantors in
writing. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee by notifying the Trustee and the
Company in writing and may appoint a successor Trustee with the Company's
written consent which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Company
may remove the Trustee at its election if:

            (i) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof;


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            (ii) the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent under any
      Bankruptcy Law;

            (iii) a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee
      or its property;

            (iv) the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting; or

            (v) a successor corporation becomes successor Trustee pursuant to
      Section 7.9 below.

      If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office
of Trustee for any reason, the Company shall notify the Holders of such event
and promptly appoint a successor Trustee. Within one year after the successor
Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes
may appoint a successor Trustee to replace the successor Trustee appointed by
the Company.

      If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the
retiring Trustee notifies the Company of its resignation or is removed, the
retiring Trustee, the Company or the Holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding Notes may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

      If the Trustee, after written request of a Noteholder who has been a
Noteholder for at lease six months, fails to comply with Section 7.10 hereof,
such Noteholder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal
of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

      A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment
to the retiring Trustee and to the Company. Immediately following such delivery,
the retiring Trustee shall, subject to its rights under Section 7.7 hereof,
transfer all Property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, the
resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the
successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee
under this Indenture. A successor Trustee shall mail notice of its succession to
each Noteholder. Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this
Section 7.8, the Company's obligations under Section 7.7 hereof shall continue
for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

Section 7.9. Successor Trustee by Consolidation, Merger, Etc.

      If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers
all or substantially all of its corporate trust assets to, another corporation,
subject to Section 7.10 hereof, the successor corporation without any further
act shall be the successor Trustee.


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      In case at the time such successor or successors by merger, conversion or
consolidation to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this
Indenture any of the Notes shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any
such successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any
predecessor trustee, and deliver such Notes so authenticated; and in case at
that time any of the Notes shall not have been authenticated, any successor to
the Trustee may authenticate such Notes either in the name of any predecessor
hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; and in all such cases
such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Notes or
in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.

Section 7.10. Eligibility; Disqualification.

      This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements
of TIA Section 310(a)(1) and (2) and (5) in every respect. The Trustee shall
have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its
most recent published annual report of condition.

      The Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 310(b), provided, however, that
there shall be excluded from the operation of TIA Section 310(b)(1) any
indenture or indentures under which other securities or certificates of interest
or participation in other securities of the Company are outstanding if the
requirements for such exclusion set forth in TIA Section 310(b)(1) are met.

Section 7.11. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.

      The Trustee shall comply with TIA Section 311(a), excluding any creditor
relationship listed in TIA Section 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been
removed shall be subject to TIA Section 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.

Section 7.12. Paying Agents.

      The Company shall cause each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to
execute and deliver to it and the Trustee an instrument in which such agent
shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 7.12:

      (a) that it will hold all sums held by it as agent for the payment of
principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the Notes (whether such sums
have been paid to it by the Company or by any obligor on the Notes) in trust for
the benefit of Holders of the Notes or the Trustee;

      (b) that it will at any time during the continuance of any Event of
Default, upon written request from the Trustee, deliver to the Trustee all sums
so held in trust by it together with a full accounting thereof;


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<PAGE>

      and

      (c) that it will give the Trustee written notice within three (3) Business
Days of any failure of the Company (or by any obligor on the Notes) in the
payment of any installment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on,
the Notes when the same shall be due and payable.

                                   ARTICLE 8.

                       AMENDMENTS, SUPPLEMENTS AND WAIVERS

Section 8.1. Without Consent of Holders.

      Without the consent of any Holders of the Notes, the Company, the
Guarantors and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into
one or more indentures supplemental to this Indenture for any of the following
purposes:

      (1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the
assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company in this
Indenture and in the Notes;

      (2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the holders
of the Notes, or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the
Company;

      (3) to add additional Events of Default;

      (4) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of
certificated Notes;

      (5) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment under this
Indenture by a successor Trustee;

      (6) to secure the Notes;

      (7) to add a Guarantor or to release a Guarantor in accordance with this
Indenture;

      (8) to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision in this
Indenture which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision in
this Indenture, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or
questions arising under this Indenture; provided that such actions pursuant to
this clause shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of the Notes
in any material respect; or

      (9) to comply with any requirements of the Commission in order to effect
and maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA.


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<PAGE>

Section 8.2. With Consent of Holders.

      With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding Notes, the Company, the Guarantors and the
Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental to this Indenture
for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or
eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of modifying, in any
manner the rights of the Holders of the Notes under this Indenture including the
definitions herein; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture
shall, without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Note affected
thereby:

      (1) change the stated maturity of any Note or of any installment of
interest on any Note, or reduce the amount payable in respect of the principal
thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable thereon, or
reduce the amount that would be due and payable on acceleration of the maturity
thereof, or change the place of payment where, or the coin or currency in which,
any Note or any premium or interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to
institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the stated
maturity thereof;

      (2) reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding
Notes, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental
indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver (of
compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults
thereunder and their consequences) provided for in this Indenture;

      (3) modify in any material respect the obligations of the Company to make
Change of Control Offers upon a Change of Control or Excess Proceeds Offers from
the Available Asset Sale Proceeds;

      (4) subordinate the Notes or the Guarantees, as appropriate, in right of
payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company or the applicable Guarantor;

      (5) make any change in Section 6.4 or 6.7 or modify any of the provisions
of this Section 8.2, except to increase any such percentage required for such
actions or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be
modified or waived without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Note
affected thereby; or

      (6) release any Guarantees required to be maintained under this Indenture.

      The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding Notes may on behalf of all of the Notes waive any past Default
under this Indenture and its consequences, except a Default (1) in any payment
in respect of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on any Notes


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<PAGE>

(including any Note which is required to have been purchased pursuant to a
Change of Control Offer or an Excess Proceeds Offer which has been made by the
Company), or (2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under this
Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of
each outstanding Note affected thereby.

      It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders of Notes under
this Section 8.2 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or
waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance
thereof.

Section 8.3. Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.

      Every amendment to or supplement of this Indenture or the Notes shall
comply with the TIA as then in effect.

Section 8.4. Revocation and Effect of Consents.

      Until an amendment, supplement, waiver or other action becomes effective,
a consent to it by a Holder of a Note is a continuing consent conclusive and
binding upon such Holder and every subsequent Holder of the same Note or portion
thereof, and of any Note issued upon the transfer thereof or in exchange
therefor or in place thereof, even if notation of the consent is not made on any
such Note. Any such Holder or subsequent Holder, however, may revoke the consent
as to his Note or portion of a Note, if the Trustee receives the written notice
of revocation before the date the amendment, supplement, waiver or other action
becomes effective.

      The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a Record Date for the
purpose of determining the Holders entitled to consent to any amendment,
supplement, or waiver. If a Record Date is fixed, then, notwithstanding the
preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders at such Record Date (or
their duly designated proxies), and only such Persons, shall be entitled to
consent to such amendment, supplement, or waiver or to revoke any consent
previously given, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such
Record Date. No such consent shall be valid or effective for more than 120 days
after such Record Date unless the consent of the requisite number of Holders has
been obtained.

      After an amendment, supplement, waiver or other action becomes effective,
it shall bind every Noteholder, unless it makes a change described in any of
clauses (1) through (6) of Section 8.2 hereof. In that case the amendment,
supplement, waiver or other action shall bind each Holder of a Note who has
consented to it and every subsequent Holder of a Note or portion of a Note that
evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder's Note.


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<PAGE>

Section 8.5. Notation on or Exchange of Notes.

      If an amendment, supplement or waiver changes the terms of a Note, the
Trustee (in accordance with the specific written direction of the Company) shall
request the Holder of the Note (in accordance with the specific written
direction of the Company) to deliver it to the Trustee. In such case, the
Trustee shall place an appropriate notation on the Note about the changed terms
and return it to the Holder. Alternatively, if the Company or the Trustee so
determines, the Company in exchange for the Note shall issue, the Guarantors
shall endorse, and the Trustee shall authenticate a new Note that reflects the
changed terms. Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note
shall not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or
waiver.

Section 8.6. Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.

      Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a Board Resolution
authorizing the execution of any such amended or supplemental Indenture, and
upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence satisfactory to the Trustee of the
consent of the Holders of Notes as aforesaid, the Trustee shall sign any
amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article 8 if the
amendment, supplement or waiver does not adversely affect the rights, duties,
liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. If it does, the Trustee may, but need
not, sign it. In signing or refusing to sign such amendment, supplement or
waiver the Trustee shall be entitled to receive and, subject to Section 7.1
hereof, shall be fully protected in relying upon an Officers' Certificate and an
Opinion of Counsel stating that such amendment, supplement or waiver is
authorized or permitted by this Indenture and is a legal, valid and binding
obligation of the Company and the Guarantors, enforceable against the Company
and the Guarantors in accordance with its terms (subject to customary
exceptions). The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, execute any such
amendment, supplement or waiver which affects the Trustee's own rights, duties
or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise. In signing any amendment,
supplement or waiver, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive an indemnity
reasonably satisfactory to it.

                                   ARTICLE 9.

                       DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE

Section 9.1. Discharge of Indenture.

      The Company and the Guarantors may terminate their obligations under this
Indenture, when (1) either: (A) all Notes theretofore authenticated and
delivered have been delivered to 


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the Trustee for cancellation, or (B) all such Notes not theretofore delivered to
the Trustee for cancellation (i) have become due and payable, or (ii) will
become due and payable within 60 days or are to be called for redemption within
60 days (a "Discharge") under irrevocable arrangements satisfactory to the
Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and
at the expense, of the Company, and the Company has irrevocably deposited or
caused to be deposited with the Trustee funds in an amount sufficient to pay and
discharge the entire indebtedness on the Notes, not theretofore delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation, for principal of, premium, if any, on and interest to
the date of deposit or stated maturity or date of redemption, whichever is
later; (2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums then due and
payable hereunder by the Company; and (3) the Company has delivered to the
Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that
all conditions precedent under this Indenture relating to the satisfaction and
discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.

      After such delivery the Trustee upon Company request shall acknowledge in
writing the discharge of the Company's and the Guarantors' obligations under the
Notes, the Guarantees and this Indenture except for those surviving obligations
specified below.

      Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the
obligations of the Company in Sections 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 4.19,
7.7, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7 and 9.8, and the Company's optional redemption rights and the
rights, trusts, powers, duties and immunities of the Trustee shall survive until
the Notes are no longer outstanding. Thereafter, only the Company's obligations
in Sections 7.7, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7 and 9.8 hereof shall survive.

      The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall promptly pay to the Company upon
written request any excess money or securities held by them at any time.

Section 9.2. Legal Defeasance.

      The Company may at its option, by Board Resolution of the Board of
Directors of the Company, be discharged from its obligations with respect to the
Notes, and the Guarantors discharged from their obligations under the Guarantees
on the date the conditions set forth in Section 9.4 below are satisfied
(hereinafter, "Legal Defeasance"). For this purpose, such Legal Defeasance means
that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire
indebtedness represented by the Notes and to have satisfied all its other
obligations under such Notes and this Indenture insofar as such Notes are
concerned, and the Guarantors shall have satisfied all of the obligations under
the Guarantees and the Indenture (and the Trustee, at the expense of the
Company, shall, subject to Section 9.6 hereof, execute 


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<PAGE>

instruments in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee and the
Company acknowledging the same), except for the following which shall survive
until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (A) the rights of Holders of
outstanding Notes to receive solely from the trust funds described in Section
9.4 hereof and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of
the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on such Notes when such payments
are due, (B) the Company's obligations with respect to such Notes under Sections
2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 and 4.19 hereof, (C) the rights, powers,
trusts, duties, and immunities of the Trustee hereunder (including claims of, or
payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 7.7 hereof), and (D) the
Company's rights of optional redemption and (E) this Article 9. Subject to
compliance with this Article 9, the Company may exercise its option under this
Section 9.2 with respect to the Notes notwithstanding the prior exercise of its
option under Section 9.3 below with respect to the Notes.

Section 9.3. Covenant Defeasance.

      At the option of the Company, pursuant to a Board Resolution of the Board
of Directors of the Company, the Company and the Guarantors shall be released
from their respective obligations under Sections 4.2 through 4.18 and Sections
4.20 through 4.21 hereof, inclusive, clauses (ii), (iii)(A) and (B) of Section
5.1 hereof with respect to the outstanding Notes and any covenant added to this
Indenture subject to the Issue Date pursuant to Section 8.1, on and after the
date the conditions set forth in Section 9.4 hereof are satisfied (hereinafter,
"Covenant Defeasance"). For this purpose, such Covenant Defeasance means that
the Company and the Guarantors may omit to comply with and shall have no
liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such
specified Section or portion thereof, whether directly or indirectly, by reason
of any reference elsewhere herein to any such specified Section or portion
thereof or by reason of any reference in any such specified Section or portion
thereof to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission
to comply shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default under Section 6.1,
but the remainder of this Indenture and the Notes shall be unaffected thereby.

Section 9.4. Conditions to Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

      The following shall be the conditions to application of Section 9.2 or
Section 9.3 hereof to the outstanding Notes:

      (1) the Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited
with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 7.10
hereof who shall agree to comply with the provisions of this Article 9
applicable to it) as funds in trust for the purpose of making the following
payments, 


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<PAGE>

specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of
the Holders of the Notes, (A) money in an amount, or (B) U.S. Government
Obligations which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in
respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than the
due date of any payment, money in an amount, or (C) a combination thereof, in
each case sufficient without reinvestment, in the opinion of a
nationally-recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a
written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee to pay and discharge, and
which shall be applied by the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) to pay and
discharge, the entire indebtedness in respect of the principal of any premium,
if any, and accrued interest on, the outstanding Notes at the stated maturity
thereof of such principal, premium, if any, or interest on such Notes on the
stated maturity thereof, or (if the Company has made irrevocable arrangements
satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the
Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company) the Redemption Date
thereof, as the case may be, in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and
such Notes;

      (2) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered to
the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (A) the Company has received
from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or
(B) since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable
federal income tax law, in either case (A) or (B) to the effect that, and based
thereon such opinion shall confirm that, the Holders of such Notes will not
recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the
deposit, defeasance and discharge to be effected with respect to such Notes and
will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in the same manner and
at the same times as would be the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge
were not to occur;

      (3) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered
to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the Holders of such
outstanding Notes will not recognize gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes as a result of the deposit and Covenant Defeasance to be effected with
respect to such Notes and will be subject to federal income tax on the same
amount, in the same manner and at the same times as would be the case if such
deposit and Covenant Defeasance were not to occur;

      (4) no Default or Event of Default with respect to the outstanding Notes
shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of such deposit after giving
effect thereto or, in the case of Legal Defeasance, either: (A) the Company
shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that,
based upon existing precedents, if the matter were properly briefed, a court
should hold that the deposit of moneys and/or U.S. Government Obligations as
provided in clause (1) would not constitute a preference voidable under Section
547 or 548 of the federal Bankruptcy Laws; or (B) no Default or Event of Default


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<PAGE>

relating to bankruptcy or insolvency shall have occurred and be continuing at
any time on or prior to the 91st day after the date of such deposit (it being
understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until after such
91st day);

      (5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not cause the
Trustee to have a conflicting interest within the meaning of the TIA (assuming
all Notes are in default within the meaning of the TIA); and

      (6) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in a
breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other agreement or
instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound;

      (7) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall not result in the
trust arising from such deposit constituting an investment company within the
meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, unless such trust
shall be registered under such Act or exempt from registration thereunder; and

      (8) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
precedent with respect to such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance have been
complied with.

Section 9.5. Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in
             Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.

      All money and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof)
deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 9.4 hereof in respect of the
outstanding Notes shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in
accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment,
either directly or through any Paying Agent, to the Holders of such Notes, of
all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any,
and accrued interest, but such money need not be segregated from other funds
except to the extent required by law.

      The Company and the Guarantors shall (on a joint and several basis) pay
and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or
assessed against the U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section
9.4 hereof or the principal, premium, if any, and interest received in respect
thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the
account of the Holders of the outstanding Notes.

      Anything in this Article 9 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee
shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon a Company Request any
money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 9.4
hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally-recognized firm of independent
public 


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<PAGE>

accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the
Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be
deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

Section 9.6. Reinstatement.

      If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or U.S.
Government Obligations in accordance with Section 9.1, 9.2 or 9.3 hereof by
reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any
court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting
such application, the Company's and each Guarantor's obligations under this
Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees shall be revived and reinstated as
though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article 9 until such time as the
Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. Government
Obligations in accordance with Section 9.1 hereof; provided, however, that if
the Company or the Guarantors have made any payment of principal of, premium, if
any, or accrued interest on any Notes because of the reinstatement of their
obligations, the Company or the Guarantors, as the case may be, shall be
subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment
from the money or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or Paying
Agent.

Section 9.7. Moneys Held by Paying Agent.

      In connection with the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, all
moneys then held by any Paying Agent under the provisions of this Indenture
shall, upon written demand of the Company, be paid to the Trustee, or if
sufficient moneys have been deposited pursuant to Section 9.1 hereof, to the
Company upon a Company Request (or, if such moneys had been deposited by the
Guarantors, to such Guarantors), and thereupon such Paying Agent shall be
released from all further liability with respect to such moneys.

Section 9.8. Moneys Held by Trustee.

      Any moneys deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent or then held by
the Company or the Guarantors in trust for the payment of the principal of, or
premium, if any, or interest on any Note that are not applied but remain
unclaimed by the Holder of such Note for two years after the date upon which the
principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on such Note shall have
respectively become due and payable shall be repaid to the Company (or, if
appropriate, the Guarantors) upon a Company Request, or if such moneys are then
held by the Company or the Guarantors in trust, such moneys shall be released
from such trust; and the Holder of such Note entitled to receive such payment
shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company and
the Guarantors for the payment thereof, 


                                       93
<PAGE>

and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust
money shall thereupon cease; provided, however, that the Trustee or any such
Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may, at the
expense of the Company and the Guarantors, either mail to each Noteholder
affected, at the address shown in the register of the Notes maintained by the
Registrar pursuant to Section 2.4 hereof, or cause to be published once a week
for two successive weeks, in a newspaper published in the English language,
customarily published each Business Day and of general circulation in The City
of New York, New York, a notice that such money remains unclaimed and that,
after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the
date of such mailing or publication, any unclaimed balance of such moneys then
remaining will be repaid to the Company. After payment to the Company or the
Guarantors or the release of any money held in trust by the Company or any
Guarantors, as the case may be, Noteholders entitled to the money must look only
to the Company and the Guarantors for payment as general creditors unless
applicable abandoned property law designates another person.

                                   ARTICLE 10.

                               GUARANTEE OF NOTES

Section 10.1. Guarantee.

      Subject to the provisions of this Article 10, each Guarantor, by execution
of a Guarantee substantially in the form of Exhibit G hereto, will jointly and
severally unconditionally guarantee to each Holder and to the Trustee, (i) the
due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest
on each Note, when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at
maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, the due and punctual payment of interest
on the overdue principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the Notes, to
the extent lawful, and the due and punctual performance of all other obligations
of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee (including without limitation
amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.7) all in accordance with the terms of
such Note and this Indenture, and (ii) in the case of any extension of time of
payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that the same
will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms
of the extension or renewal, at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise.
Each Guarantor, by execution of the Guarantee, will agree that its obligations
thereunder and hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional, irrespective of,
and shall be unaffected by, any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability of
any such Note or this Indenture, any failure to enforce the provisions of any
such Note or this Indenture, any waiver, modification or indulgence granted to
the Company with respect thereto by the Holder of such Note or 


                                       94
<PAGE>

the Trustee, or any other circumstances which may otherwise constitute a legal
or equitable discharge of a surety or such Guarantor.

      The Company will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to
guarantee or otherwise become contingently liable for any Indebtedness of the
Company or any Guarantor without causing such Restricted Subsidiary to issue a
Guarantee that ranks in right of payment in relation to the guarantee of such
other Indebtedness the same as the ranking in right of payment of the Notes or
the Guarantees, as the case may be, in relation to such other Indebtedness.

      Each Guarantor, by execution of the Guarantee, will waive diligence,
presentment, demand for payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of
merger or bankruptcy of the Company, any right to require a proceeding first
against the Company, protest or notice with respect to any such Note or the
Indebtedness evidenced thereby and all demands whatsoever, and will covenant
that this Guarantee will not be discharged as to any such Note except by payment
in full of the principal thereof, premium if any, and interest thereon and as
provided in Section 9.1 and Section 9.2 or this Article 10. Each Guarantor, by
execution of the Guarantee, will further agree that, as between such Guarantor,
on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (i) the
maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in
Article 6 hereof for the purposes of this Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay,
injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the
obligations guaranteed hereby, and (ii) in the event of any declaration of
acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article 6 hereof, such
obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and
payable by each Guarantor for the purpose of this Guarantee. In addition,
without limiting the foregoing provisions, upon the effectiveness of an
acceleration under Article 6 hereof, the Trustee shall promptly make a demand
for payment on the Notes under the Guarantee provided for in this Article 10 and
not discharged.

      A Guarantee shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose with
respect to a Note until the certificate of authentication on such Note shall
have been signed by or on behalf of the Trustee.

Section 10.2. Execution and Delivery of Guarantees.

      A Guarantee shall be executed on behalf of a Guarantor by the manual or
facsimile signature of an Officer of such Guarantor.

      If an Officer of a Guarantor whose signature is on this Indenture or the
Guarantee no longer holds that office, such Guarantee shall be valid
nevertheless.


                                       95
<PAGE>

      Each Person becoming a Guarantor after the Issue Date shall issue a
Guarantee, satisfactory in form and substance to the Trustee (and with such
other documentation relating thereto as the Trustee shall reasonably require,
including, without limitation, a supplement or amendment to this Indenture and
an Opinion of Counsel as to the enforceability of such Guarantee).

Section 10.3. Limitation of Guarantee.

      The obligations of each Guarantor are limited to the maximum amount as
will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such
Guarantor and after giving effect to any collections from or payments made by or
on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other
Guarantor under its Guarantee or pursuant to its contribution obligations under
this Indenture, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under the Guarantee
not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal,
state or applied foreign law. Each Guarantor that makes a payment or
distribution under a Guarantee shall be entitled to a contribution from each
other Guarantor in a pro rata amount based on the Adjusted Net Assets of each
Guarantor.

Section 10.4. Release of Guarantor.

      A Guarantor shall be released from all of its obligations under its
Guarantee if:

      (a) all of its Capital Stock is sold in a transaction in compliance with
Section 4.8;

      (b) all or substantially all of its assets are sold in a transaction in
compliance with Section 4.8; provided that such Guarantor merges with and into
or is liquidated into another Guarantor or the Company; or

      (c) in the case of a Guarantee by a Restricted Subsidiary (other than a
Five Percent Subsidiary), the guarantee which resulted in the creation of such
Restricted Subsidiary's Guarantee is released or discharged, except a discharge
or release by, or as a result of, payment under such guarantee.

In the case of clauses (a), (b) or (c), such Guarantor has delivered to the
Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that
all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have
been complied with.

      Each Guarantor that is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in
accordance with this Indenture shall be released from its Guarantee and the
related obligations set forth in this Indenture so long as it remains an
Unrestricted Subsidiary.


                                       96
<PAGE>

      Any Guarantees of Hercules and its Subsidiaries shall be unconditionally
released and discharged upon the satisfaction of the conditions contained in the
second proviso contained in the definition of "Non-Guarantor Restricted
Subsidiary", such release to be evidenced by a supplemental indenture executed
by the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee.

Section 10.5. Payment Over of Proceeds upon Dissolution, etc., of a Guarantor.

      In the event of (a) any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or
any receivership, liquidation, arrangement, reorganization or other similar case
or proceeding in connection therewith, relative to any Guarantor or to its
creditors, as such, or to its assets, whether voluntary or involuntary, or (b)
any liquidation, dissolution or other winding-up of any Guarantor, whether
voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy
or (c) any general assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other
marshaling of assets or liabilities of any Guarantor, then and in any such
event, the consolidation of a Guarantor with, or the merger of a Guarantor with
or into, another Person or the liquidation or dissolution of a Guarantor
following the conveyance, transfer or lease of its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety to another Person upon the terms and conditions set
forth in Article 5 hereof shall not be deemed a dissolution, winding-up,
liquidation, reorganization, assignment for the benefit of creditors or
marshaling of assets and liabilities of such Guarantor for the purposes of this
Article 10 if the Person formed by such consolidation or the surviving entity of
such merger or the Person which acquires by conveyance, transfer or lease such
properties and assets substantially as an entirety, as the case may be, shall,
as a part of such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease, comply
with the conditions set forth in such Article 5 hereof.

                                   ARTICLE 11.

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

Section 11.1. Trust Indenture Act Controls.

      This Indenture is subject to the provisions of the TIA that are required
to be a part of this Indenture, and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed
by such provisions. If any provision of this Indenture modifies any TIA
provision that may be so modified, such TIA provision shall be deemed to apply
to this Indenture as so modified. If any provision of this Indenture excludes
any TIA provision that may be so excluded, such TIA provision shall be excluded
from this Indenture.


                                       97
<PAGE>

      The provisions of TIA Sections 310 through 317 that impose duties on any
Person (including the provisions automatically deemed included unless expressly
excluded by this Indenture) are a part of and govern this Indenture, whether or
not physically contained herein.

Section 11.2. Notices.

      Except for notice or communications to Holders any notice or communication
shall be given in writing and delivered in person, sent by facsimile, delivered
by commercial courier service or mailed by first-class mail, postage prepaid,
addressed as follows:

      If to the Company or any Guarantor:

            Morris Material Handling, Inc.
            315 West Forest Hill Avenue
            Oak Creek, Wisconsin  53154
            Attention:  General Counsel
            Fax Number: (414) 764-8596

      Copy to:

            Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
            1333 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
            Suite 400
            Washington, D.C.  20036
            Attention:  Russell W. Parks, Jr.
            Fax Number: (202) 887-4288

      If to the Trustee:

            United States Trust Company of New York
            114 West 47th Street
            New York, New York  10036
            Attention:  Corporate Trust Department
            Fax Number: (212) 852-1626 or 1627

      Copy to:

            Olshan Grundman Frome & Rosenzweig LLP
            505 Park Avenue
            New York, New York  10022
            Attention:  Aaron Cahn, Esq.
            Fax Number: (212) 755-1467

      Such notices or communications (other than those sent to Holders) shall be
effective when received and shall be sufficiently given if so given within the
time prescribed in this Indenture.


                                       98
<PAGE>

      The Company, the Guarantors or the Trustee by written notice to the others
may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or
communications.

      Any notice or communication mailed to a Noteholder shall be mailed to him
by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at his address shown on the register kept
by the Registrar and shall be given if so sent within the time prescribed. Any
notice or communication shall also be so mailed to any person described in TIA
Section 313(c), to the extent required by the TIA. Failure to mail a notice or
communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency
with respect to other Holders.

      Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Noteholder or any defect in
it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Noteholders. If a
notice or communication to a Noteholder is mailed in the manner provided above,
it shall be deemed duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

      In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service, or by reason
of any other cause, it shall be impossible to mail any notice as required by
this Indenture, then such method of notification as shall be made with the
approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient mailing of such notice.

Section 11.3. Communications by Holders with Other Holders.

      Noteholders may communicate pursuant to TIA Section 312(b) with other
Noteholders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes. The
Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have
the protection of TIA Section 312(c).

Section 11.4. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.

      Upon any request or application by the Company or any Guarantor to the
Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Company or such Guarantor
shall furnish to the Trustee:

            (i) an Officers' Certificate (which shall include the statements set
      forth in Section 11.5 below) stating that, in the opinion of the signers,
      all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating
      to the proposed action have been complied with; and

            (ii) an opinion of counsel (which shall include the statements set
      forth in Section 11.5 below) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel,
      all such conditions precedent have been complied with.

      In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or
covered by an opinion of any specified Person, 


                                       99
<PAGE>

it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the
opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by
only one document, but once such Person may certify or give an opinion with
respect to some matters and one or more such Persons as to other matters, and
any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or
several documents.

      Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company or any Guarantor
may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or
opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the
exercise of reasonable care should know, that the opinion is based are
erroneous. Any such certificate or opinion of counsel may be based, and may
state that it is so based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a
certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an Officer or Officers of the
Company or such Guarantor stating that the information with respect to factual
matters respect to such financial matters is in the possession of the Company or
such Guarantor, unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care
should know, that the certificate of opinion or representations with respect to
such matters are erroneous.

      When any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more
applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other
instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and
form one instrument.

Section 11.5. Statements Required in Certificate and Opinion.

      Each certificate and opinion with respect to compliance with a condition
or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include:

            (i) a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion
      has read such covenant or condition;

            (ii) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination
      or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such
      certificate or opinion are based;

            (iii) a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, it or he has
      made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable it or him
      to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or
      condition has been complied with; and

            (iv) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such
      Person, such covenant or condition has been complied with.


                                      100
<PAGE>

Section 11.6. Rules by Trustee and Agents.

      The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or meetings of
Noteholders. The Registrar and Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their
functions.

Section 11.7. Business Days; Legal Holidays.

      A "Business Day" is a day that is not a Legal Holiday. A "Legal Holiday"
is a Saturday, a Sunday, a federally-recognized holiday or a day on which
banking institutions are not required to be open in the State of New York. If a
payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at
that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no
interest shall accrue for the intervening period.

Section 11.8. Governing Law.

      THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE GUARANTEES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AS APPLIED TO
CONTRACTS MADE AND PERFORMED WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO
PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGREES TO SUBMIT TO
THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION OR
PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, OR THE NOTES OR THE
GUARANTEES. THE COMPANY AND EACH GUARANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY DESIGNATES AND
APPOINTS LEXIS DOCUMENT SERVICES, INC. WITH OFFICES ON THE DATE HEREOF AT LEXIS
DOCUMENT SERVICES, INC., 150 EAST 58TH STREET, 25TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW YORK,
10155, AS ITS DESIGNEE, APPOINTEE AND AGENT TO RECEIVE, ACCEPT AND ACKNOWLEDGE
FOR AND ON THEIR BEHALF SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL LEGAL PROCESS, SUMMONS, NOTICES
AND DOCUMENTS WHICH MAY BE SERVED IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDINGS.

Section 11.9. No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.

      This Indenture may not be used to interpret another indenture, loan,
security or debt agreement of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof. No such
indenture, loan, security or debt agreement may be used to interpret this
Indenture.

Section 11.10. No Recourse Against Others.

      No recourse for the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or
interest on any of the Notes, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in
respect thereof, and no recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or
agreement of the Company or any Guarantor in this Indenture or in any
supplemental indenture, or in any of the Notes, or because of the creation of
any Indebtedness represented thereby, shall be had against any incorporator,
stockholder, officer, employee or director, as such, past, present or future, of
the Company or any Guarantor or of any successor corporation or against the
property or assets of 


                                      101
<PAGE>

any such incorporator, stockholder, officer, employee or director, either
directly or through the Company or any Guarantor, or any successor corporation
thereof, whether by virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or by
the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being expressly
understood that this Indenture, the Guarantees and the Notes are solely
obligations of the Company and the Guarantors, and that no such personal
liability whatever shall attach to, or is or shall be incurred by, any
incorporator, stockholder, officer, employee or director of the Company or any
Guarantor, or any successor corporation thereof, because of the creation of the
indebtedness hereby authorized, or under or by reason of the obligations,
covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes
or implied therefrom, and that any and all such personal liability of, and any
and all claims against every incorporator, stockholder, officer, employee and
director, are hereby expressly waived and released as a condition of, and as a
consideration for, the execution of this Indenture and the issuance of the
Notes. It is understood that this limitation on recourse is made expressly for
the benefit of any such incorporator, stockholder, officer, employee or director
and may be enforced by any of them.

Section 11.11. Successors.

      All agreements of the Company and the Guarantors in this Indenture and the
Notes shall bind their respective successors. All agreements of the Trustee, any
additional trustee and any Paying Agents in this Indenture shall bind its
successor.

Section 11.12. Multiple Counterparts.

      The parties may sign multiple counterparts of this Indenture. Each signed
counterpart shall be deemed an original, but all of them together represent one
and the same agreement.

Section 11.13. Table of Contents, Headings, etc.

      The table of contents, cross-reference sheet and headings of the Articles
and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference
only, are not to be considered a part hereof, and shall in no way modify or
restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

Section 11.14. Separability.

      Each provision of this Indenture shall be considered separable and if for
any reason any provision which is not essential to the effectuation of the basic
purpose of this Indenture or the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining
provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.


                                      102
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Indenture to be duly
executed all as of the date and year first written above.

      MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.


      By: /s/ David D. Smith
         -----------------------

      CMH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC
      EPH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC
      HARNISCHFEGER DISTRIBUTION & SERVICE, LLC
      HPH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC
      MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC
      MHE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
      MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING, INC.
      MPH CRANE, INC.
      NPH MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.
      PHME SERVICE, INC.
      PHMH HOLDING COMPANY
      HERCULES S.A. de C.V.
      HYDRAMACH ULC
      KAVERIT STEEL AND CRANE ULC
      MONDEL ULC
      LOWFILE LIMITED
      INVERCOE ENGINEERING LIMITED
      BUTTERS ENGINEERING LIMITED
      MMH (HOLDINGS) LIMITED
      MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING LIMITED
      MMH INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
      REDCROWN, ULC
      SPH CRANE & HOIST, INC.
      MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, LTD.
      MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT NEVADA CORPORATION
      MHE CANADA, ULC
      MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC
      3016117 NOVA SCOTIA ULC


      By: /s/ David D. Smith
         -----------------------

      UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK


      By: /s/ James Logan
         -----------------------
<PAGE>

                             [FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]

                                                                    CUSIP Number

                         MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

                           9 1/2% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2008

      Morris Material Handling, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company",
which term includes any successor corporation), for value received promises to
pay to [              ] or registered assigns the principal sum [of ____________
($_______________)] [indicated on Schedule A hereof]* on April 1, 2008.

      Interest Payment Dates: April 1 and October 1, commencing October 1, 1998

      Record Dates: March 15 and September 15.

      Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note contained herein,
which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

      Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been duly executed by
the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Note
shall not be entitled to any benefit of this Indenture or be valid or obligatory
for any purpose.

      ----------
      * Include for Global Notes.
<PAGE>

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Note to be signed manually or by
facsimile by their duly authorized officers.

                                          MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.


                                          By:
                                             ----------------------------
                                             Name:
                                             Title:

Certificate of Authentication:
This is one of the 9 1/2% Senior
Notes due 2008 referred to in
the within-mentioned Indenture

Dated: March 30, 1998

United States Trust Company of
  New York, as Trustee


By:
   ------------------------------
   Authorized Signatory
<PAGE>

                         MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

                           9 1/2% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2008

      1. INTEREST.

      MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC., a Delaware corporation (the Company"),
promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note semi-annually on
April 1 and October 1 of each year (each an "Interest Payment Date"), commencing
on October 1, 1998, at the rate of 9 1/2% per annum. Interest will be computed
on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. Interest on the Notes
will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no
interest has been paid, from the date of the original issuance of the Notes.

      The Issuers shall pay interest on overdue principal, and on overdue
premium, if any, and overdue interest, to the extent lawful, at the rate equal
to 1% per annum in excess of the rate borne by the Notes.

      2. METHOD OF PAYMENT.

      The Company will pay interest on this Note provided for in Paragraph 1
above (except defaulted interest) to the person who is the registered Holder of
this Note at the close of business on the March 15 or September 15 preceding the
Interest Payment Date (whether or not such day is a Business Day). The Holder
must surrender this Note to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. The
Company will pay principal, premium, if any, and interest in money of the United
States that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and
private debts; provided, however, that the Company may pay principal, premium,
if any, and interest by check payable in such money. The Company may mail an
interest check to the Holder's registered address.

      3. PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR.

      Initially, United States Trust Company of New York (the "Trustee") will
act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or
Registrar without notice to the Holders of the Notes. Neither the Company nor
any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates may act as Paying Agent but may act as
Registrar.

      4. INDENTURE; RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS.

      The Company issued this Note under an Indenture dated as of March 30, 1998
(the "Indenture") among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee. The terms
of this Note include those stated in this Indenture and those made part of this
Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S. Code Section
77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date of this Indenture. 

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

This Note is subjectto all such terms, and the Holder of this Note is referred
to this Indenture and said Trust Indenture Act for a statement of them. All
capitalized terms in this Note, unless otherwise defined, have the meanings
assigned to them by the Indenture.

      The Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company limited to
$200,000,000 aggregate principal amount, except as provided in Section 2.8 of
the Indenture. The Indenture imposes certain restrictions on, among other
things, the incurrence of indebtedness, the incurrence of liens and the issuance
of capital stock by Subsidiaries of the Company, mergers and sale of assets, the
payments of dividends on, or the repurchase of, capital stock of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries, certain other restricted payments by the Company
and its Restricted Subsidiaries, certain transactions with, and investments in,
its affiliates, certain sale and lease-back transactions and a provision
regarding change-of-control transactions.

      5. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.

      The Company, at its option, may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at
any time or from time to time on or after April 1, 2003, at the following
Redemption Prices expressed as a percentage of principal amount), together, in
each case, with accrued and unpaid interest to the Redemption Date, if redeemed
during the twelve month period beginning on April 1 of each year listed below:

Year                                                          Redemption Price
- ----                                                          ----------------

2003 .............................................................. 104.750%
2004 .............................................................. 103.167%
2005 .............................................................. 101.583%
2006 and thereafter ............................................... 100.000%

      Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may redeem in the aggregate up
to 35% of the original principal amount of Notes at any time and from time to
time prior to April 1, 2001 at a redemption price equal to 109.500% of the
aggregate principal amount so redeemed, plus accrued interest to the Redemption
Date out of the Net Proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings; provided
that at least $130.0 million of the principal amount of Notes originally issued
remain outstanding immediately after the occurrence of any such redemption and
that any such redemption occurs within 90 days following the closing of any such
Public Equity Offering.

      6. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION.

      Notice of redemption will be mailed by first class mail at least 30 days
but not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date to each Holder of Notes
to be redeemed at its last address 


                                      A-2
<PAGE>

as it shall appear on the register maintained by the Registrar of the Notes. On
and after any Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or
portions thereof called for redemption unless the Issuers shall fail to redeem
any such Note.

      7. OFFERS TO PURCHASE.

      The Indenture requires that certain proceeds from Asset Sales be used,
subject to further limitations contained therein, to make an offer to purchase
certain amounts of Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in the
Indenture. The Company is also required to make an offer to purchase the Notes
upon the occurrence of a Change of Control in accordance with procedures set
forth in the Indenture.

      8. REGISTRATION RIGHTS.

      Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement among the Company, the
Guarantors and CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. and Goldman, Sachs & Co., as initial
purchasers of the Notes, and Indosuez Capital, as Financial Advisor, the Company
will be obligated to consummate an exchange offer pursuant to which the Holder
of this Note shall have the right to exchange this Note for Notes issued under
the Indenture (or a trust indenture substantially identical to the Indenture in
accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement) which have been
registered under the Securities Act, in like principal amount and having
substantially identical terms as the Notes. The Holders shall be entitled to
receive certain additional interest payments in the event such exchange offer is
not consummated and upon certain other conditions, all pursuant to and in
accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

      9. DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE.

      The Notes are in registered form in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof. A Holder may register the transfer or exchange of Notes in
accordance with the Indenture. The Registrar may require a Holder, among other
things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay
any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Registrar
need not register the transfer of or exchange any Note selected for redemption
or register the transfer of or exchange of any Note for a period of 15 days
before the mailing of notice of redemption of Notes to be redeemed or any Note
after it is called for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed
portion of any Note being redeemed in part.

      [10. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS

      The registered Holder of this Note may be treated as the owner of it for
all purposes.]


                                      A-3
<PAGE>

      [11. THE GLOBAL NOTE

      So long as this Global Note is registered in the name of the Depository or
its nominee, members of, or participants in, the Depository ("Agent Members")
shall have no rights under the Indenture with respect to this Global Note held
on their behalf by the Depository or the Trustee as its custodian, and the
Depository may be treated by the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the
Company or the Trustee as the absolute owner of this Global Note for all
purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall (i) prevent the
Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee, from giving
effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by
the Depository or (ii) impair, as between the Depository and its Agent Members,
the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of a
Holder of Notes.

      The Holder of this Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize
any Person, including Agent Members and Persons that may hold interests in this
Global Note through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder of Notes is
entitled to take under the Indenture or the Notes.

      Whenever, as a result of optional redemption by the Company, a Change of
Control Offer, an Excess Proceeds Offer, an Exchange Offer or an exchange for
Physical Notes, this Global Note is redeemed, repurchased or exchanged in part,
this Global Note shall be surrendered by the Holder thereof to the Trustee who
shall cause an adjustment to be made to Schedule A hereof so that the principal
amount at Maturity of this Global Note will be equal to the portion not
redeemed, repurchased or exchanged and shall thereafter return this Global Note
to such Holder; provided that this Global Note shall be in a principal amount at
Maturity of $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000.]*

      12. UNCLAIMED MONEY.

      If money for the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on
any Note remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee or Paying Agent will pay
the money back to the Company or the Guarantors at its written request. After
such payment, Holders entitled to money must look only to the Company and the
Guarantors for payment as general creditors unless applicable abandoned property
law designates another person.

      13. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER.

      Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the Notes may be modified,
amended or supplemented by the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee with the
consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the Notes then outstanding and any existing Default or compliance with any

- ----------
* Include for Global Notes.


                                      A-4
<PAGE>

provision may be waived in a particular instance with the consent of the Holders
of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.
Without the consent of Holders, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee may
amend the Indenture or the Notes or supplement the Indenture for certain
specified purposes including providing for uncertificated Notes in addition to
certificated Notes, and curing any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, or making
any other change that does not adversely affect the interests of the Holders in
any material respect.

      14. SUCCESSOR ENTITY.

      When a successor corporation assumes all the obligations of its
predecessor under the Notes and the Indenture and immediately before and
thereafter no Default exists and certain other conditions are satisfied, the
predecessor corporation will be released from those obligations.

      15. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES.

      Events of Default are set forth in the Indenture. If an Event of Default
(other than an Event of Default pursuant to Section 6.1(vi) or (vii) of the
Indenture with respect to the Company) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or
the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding, by notice to the Company, may declare to be immediately due and
payable, the entire principal amount of all the Notes then outstanding plus
accrued interest to the date of acceleration and such amounts shall become
immediately due and payable; provided, however, that after such acceleration but
before a judgment or decree based on such acceleration is obtained by the
Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such
acceleration if (i) all Events of Default, other than nonpayment of principal,
premium or interest, that has become due solely because of acceleration, have
been cured or waived as provided in the Indenture, (ii) to the extent the
payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest
and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration
of acceleration, has been paid, (iii) if the Company has paid the Trustee its
reasonable compensation and reimbursed the Trustee for its expenses,
disbursements and advances and (iv) in the event of the cure or waiver of an
Event of Default of the type described in Section 6.1(vi) or (vii) of the
Indenture, the Trustee shall have received an Officers' Certificate and an
Opinion of Counsel that such Event of Default has been cured or waived. In case
an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(vi) or (vii) of the Indenture with
respect to the Company or any Significant Subsidiary occurs, the principal,
premium, if any, and interest with respect to all of the Notes, shall be due and
payable immediately without any declaration or other act on the part of the
Trustee or the Holders of the Notes.


                                      A-5
<PAGE>

      16. TRUSTEE DEALINGS WITH THE COMPANY.

      The Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity,
may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may make loans to, accept deposits
from, and perform services or otherwise deal with the Company, any Guarantor or
their Affiliates, as if it were not the Trustee.

      17. NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS.

      As more fully described in the Indenture, a stockholder, officer,
employee, director or incorporator, as such, of the Company or any Guarantor
shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Guarantor
under the Notes or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect or by
reason of, such obligations or their creation. The Holder of this Note by
accepting this Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and
release are part of the consideration for the issuance of this Note.

      18. DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE.

      The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance of the entire
indebtedness on this Note and for defeasance of certain covenants in the
Indenture upon compliance by the Company with certain conditions set forth in
the Indenture.

      19. ABBREVIATIONS.

      Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder of a Note or
an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the
entireties), JT TEN (joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants
in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).

      20. CUSIP NUMBERS.

      Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform
Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused CUSIP Numbers to be
printed on the Notes and has directed the Trustee to use CUSIP numbers in
notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders of the Notes. No
representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on
the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed
only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

      21. GOVERNING LAW.

      THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AS APPLIED TO CONTRACTS MADE AND PERFORMED WITHIN THE
STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW. EACH OF THE
PARTIES HERETO AGREES TO SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE


                                      A-6
<PAGE>

OF NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS NOTE.

      THE COMPANY WILL FURNISH TO ANY HOLDER OF A NOTE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST AND
WITHOUT CHARGE A COPY OF THE INDENTURE. REQUESTS MAY BE MADE TO: MORRIS MATERIAL
HANDLING, INC., 315 West Forest Hill Avenue, Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154,
Attention: Secretary.

      22. GUARANTEES BY SUBSIDIARIES.

      The Notes are guaranteed by certain Subsidiaries for the benefit of the
Holders. Reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the
respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and obligations thereunder of
the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders.


                                      A-7
<PAGE>

                                   [SCHEDULE A

                          SCHEDULE OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT

The initial principal amount at Maturity of this Global Note shall be
____________ ($_____________). The following decreases/increases in the
principal amount at Maturity of this Global Note have been made:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Decrease in    Increase in     Total Principal Amount  Notation Made
Date of     Principal      Principal       at Maturity Following   by or on
Decrease/   Amount at      Amount at       such Decrease/          Behalf of
Increase    Maturity       Maturity        Increase                Trustee
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>         <C>            <C>             <C>                     <C>    

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

================================================================================
                                                                              ]*
</TABLE>

- ----------
* Include for Global Notes.


                                      A-8
<PAGE>

                                   ASSIGNMENT

I or we assign and transfer this Note to:

             (Insert assignee's social security or tax I.D. number)

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
             (Print or type name, address and zip code of assignee)

and irrevocably appoint:

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The Agent may
substitute another to act for him.

Date:_________    Your Signature:_______________________________________________
                                       (Sign exactly as your name appears on
                                        the other side of this Note)

      Signature Guarantee:______________________________________________________


                                      A-9
<PAGE>

                       OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

      If you want to elect to have all or any part of this Note purchased by the
Company pursuant to Section 4.8 or Section 4.14 of the Indenture, check the
appropriate box:

            [  ]  Section 4.8       [  ]  Section 4.14

If you want to have only part of the Note purchased by the Company pursuant to
Section 4.8 or Section 4.14 of the Indenture, state the amount (in an integral
multiple of $1,000) you elect to have purchased: $______________

Date:_______________________

Your Signature:_________________________________________________________________
                           (Sign exactly as your name appears on the other
                            side of this Note)


_______________________________
Signature Guaranteed


                                      A-10
<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT B

                         [FORM OF LEGEND FOR 144A NOTE]

      THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933,
AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), AND, ACCORDINGLY, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD
WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, U.S. PERSONS,
EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW. BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER (1) REPRESENTS
THAT (A) IT IS A "QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER" (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT) OR (B) IT IS AN "ACCREDITED INVESTOR" AS DEFINED IN RULE
501(A)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) (AN "ACCREDITED INVESTOR")
OR (C) IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THIS NOTE IN AN "OFFSHORE
TRANSACTION" PURSUANT TO REGULATION S (WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 903(C)(2) OF
REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) AND (2) AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT, PRIOR TO
THE DATE (THE "RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE") THAT IS TWO YEARS (OR SUCH
SHORTER PERIOD AS MAY BE PRESCRIBED BY RULE 144(K) (OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION
THEREOF) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE
AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY AFFILIATE THEREOF WAS THE OWNER OF
THIS NOTE (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH NOTE), RESELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS
NOTE EXCEPT (A) TO THE COMPANY OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) PURSUANT TO AN
EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) INSIDE THE UNITED
STATES TO A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144A UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT, (D) INSIDE THE UNITED STATES TO AN ACCREDITED INVESTOR THAT,
PRIOR TO SUCH TRANSFER, FURNISHES (OR HAS FURNISHED ON ITS BEHALF BY A U.S.
BROKER-DEALER) TO THE TRUSTEE A LETTER SIGNED BY SUCH INVESTOR CONTAINING
CERTAIN REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER
OF THIS NOTE (THE FORM OF WHICH LETTER CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRUSTEE), (E)
OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 904
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (F) PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER EXEMPTION FROM
REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (IF AVAILABLE) AND (3) AGREES THAT IT WILL
GIVE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS NOTE IS TRANSFERRED PRIOR TO THE RESALE
RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS
LEGEND. PRIOR TO ANY OFFER, SALE OR OTHER TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE PRIOR TO THE
RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE PURSUANT TO CLAUSES (D) AND (F) ABOVE, THE
HOLDER WILL BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER TO THE TRUSTEE AND THE COMPANY SUCH
CERTIFICATIONS, LEGAL OPINIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION AS EITHER OF THEM MAY
REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH TRANSFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN
EXEMPTION FROM OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
OF THE SECURITIES ACT. AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS "OFFSHORE TRANSACTION," "UNITED
STATES" AND "U.S. PERSON" HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT.


                                      B-1
<PAGE>

                       [FORM OF ASSIGNMENT FOR 144A NOTE]

I or we assign and transfer this Note to:

(Insert assignee's social security or tax I.D. number)

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
             (Print or type name, address and zip code of assignee)

and irrevocably appoint:

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The Agent may
substitute another to act for him.

[Check One]

      [ ] (a) this Note is being transferred in compliance with the exemption
from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 144A thereunder.

      or

      [ ] (b) this Note is being transferred other than in accordance with (a)
above and documents are being furnished which comply with the conditions of
transfer set forth in this Note and the Indenture.

If none of the foregoing boxes is checked, the Trustee or Registrar shall not be
obligated to register this Note in the name of any person other than the Holder
hereof unless and until the conditions to any such transfer of registration set
forth herein and in Sections 2.16 and 2.17 of the Indenture shall have been
satisfied.

Date:_________    Your Signature:_______________________________________________
                                       (Sign exactly as your name appears on
                                        the other side of this Note)


      Signature Guarantee:______________________________________________________


                                      B-2
<PAGE>

              TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (a) ABOVE IS CHECKED

      The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Note
for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole
investment discretion and that it and any such account is a "qualified
institutional buyer" within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act
and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and
acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Company as the
undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request
such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the
undersigned's foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from
registration provided by Rule 144A.


Dated:__________  ______________________________________________________________
                  NOTICE: To be executed by an executive officer


                                      B-3
<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT C

                     [FORM OF LEGEND FOR REGULATION S NOTE]

      THE NOTES EVIDENCED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S.
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), AND, UNLESS SO
REGISTERED, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR
THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, U.S. PERSONS UNLESS REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT OR EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO,
THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT.


                                      C-1
<PAGE>

                   [FORM OF ASSIGNMENT FOR REGULATION S NOTE]

I or we assign and transfer this Note to:

(Insert assignee's social security or tax I.D. number)

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
             (Print or type name, address and zip code of assignee)

and irrevocably appoint:

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The Agent may
substitute another to act for him.

                                   [Check One]

      [ ] (a) this Note is being transferred in compliance with the exemption
from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 144A thereunder.

      or

      [ ] (b) this Note is being transferred other than in accordance with (a)
above and documents are being furnished which comply with the conditions of
transfer set forth in this Note and the Indenture.

If none of the foregoing boxes is checked, the Trustee or Registrar shall not be
obligated to register this Note in the name of any person other than the Holder
hereof unless and until the conditions to any such transfer of registration set
forth herein and in Sections 2.16 and 2.17 of the Indenture shall have been
satisfied.

Date:___________  Your Signature:_______________________________________________
                                       (Sign exactly as your name appears on
                                        the other side of this Note)


      Signature Guarantee:______________________________________________________


                                      C-2
<PAGE>

              TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (a) ABOVE IS CHECKED

      The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Note
for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole
investment discretion and that it and any such account is a "qualified
institutional buyer" within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act
and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and
acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuers as the
undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request
such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the
undersigned's foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from
registration provided by Rule 144A.


Dated:_________   ______________________________________________________________
                  NOTICE: To be executed by an executive officer


                                      C-3
<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT D

                        [FORM OF LEGEND FOR GLOBAL NOTE]

      Any Global Note authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a legend
(which would be in addition to any other legends required in the case of a
Restricted Note or Regulation S Note) in substantially the following form:

      THIS NOTE IS A GLOBAL NOTE WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER
REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITORY OR A NOMINEE OF A
DEPOSITORY. THIS NOTE IS NOT EXCHANGEABLE FOR NOTES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A
PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEPOSITORY OR ITS NOMINEE EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED
CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE (OTHER
THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE AS A WHOLE BY THE DEPOSITORY TO A NOMINEE OF THE
DEPOSITORY OR BY A NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY TO THE DEPOSITORY OR ANOTHER
NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES
DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE.

      UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF
THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (A NEW YORK CORPORATION) ("DTC") TO THE COMPANY OR
ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY
CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME
AS IT REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE
TO CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR
OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER
HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.


                                      D-1
<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT E

                            Form of Certificate to Be
                          Delivered in Connection with
                    Transfers to Non-QIB Accredited Investors

                                                            ____________,  _____

Attention:

            Re:   MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC. ( the "Company") 9 1/2% Senior
                  Notes due 2008 (the "Notes")

Ladies and Gentlemen:

      In connection with our proposed purchase of 9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2008
(the "Notes") of Morris Material Handling, Inc. (the "Company"), we confirm
that:

                  1. We understand that any subsequent transfer of the Notes is
      subject to certain restrictions and conditions set forth in the Indenture
      relating to the Notes, and the undersigned agrees to be bound by, and not
      to resell, pledge or otherwise transfer the Notes except in compliance
      with, such restrictions and conditions and the Securities Act of 1933, as
      amended (the "Securities Act").

                  2. We understand that the Notes have not been registered under
      the Securities Act, the Notes have not been and will not be qualified for
      sale under the securities laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction, and the Notes
      may not be offered, sold, pledged or otherwise transferred except as
      permitted in the following sentence. We agree, on our own behalf and on
      behalf of any accounts for which we are acting as hereinafter stated, that
      if we should sell or otherwise transfer any Notes prior to the date (the
      "Resale Restriction Termination Date") which is two years (or such shorter
      period as may be required by Rule 144(k) (or any successor provision)
      under the Securities Act), after the later of the original issuance of the
      Notes or the last date on which the Company or any affiliate (within the
      meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act) of the Company was the owner
      of such securities (or any predecessor thereto), we will do so only (a) to
      the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (b) pursuant to an effective
      registration statement under the Securities Act, and we further agree to
      provide to any person purchasing any of the Notes from us a notice
      advising such purchaser that resales of the Notes are restricted as stated
      herein, (c) for so long as such securities are eligible for resale
      pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act ("Rule 144A"), in
      accordance with Rule 144A to a "qualified institutional buyer" (as defined
      in Rule 144A), (d) to an institutional "accredited investor" (as defined
      below) that, prior to such transfer, furnishes 


                                      E-1
<PAGE>

      (or has furnished on its behalf by a U.S. broker-dealer) to the Trustee
      (as defined in the Indenture relating to the Notes), a signed letter
      containing certain representations and agreements relating to the
      restrictions on transfer of the Notes (the form of which letter can be
      obtained from the Trustee), (e) to non-U.S. Persons outside the United
      States in an offshore transaction in accordance with Regulation S under
      the Securities Act, or (f) pursuant to any other available exemption from
      the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

                  3. We understand that, on any proposed resale of any Notes
      prior to the Resale Restriction Termination Date pursuant to clauses (d)
      or (f) in paragraph 2 above, we will be required to deliver to the Trustee
      and the Company such certifications, legal opinions and other information
      as either of them may reasonably require to confirm that such transaction
      is being made pursuant to an exemption from or in a transaction not
      subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. We further
      understand that the Notes purchased by us will bear a legend to the
      foregoing effect. We acknowledge that the Trustee and the Company will
      rely upon the truth and accuracy of such information, and we agree that if
      any such information is no longer accurate, we shall promptly notify the
      Trustee and the Company.

                  4. We are an institutional "accredited investor" (as defined
      in Rule 501 (a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) of Regulation D under the Securities
      Act) and have such knowledge and experience in financial and business
      matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of our
      investment in the Notes, and we and any accounts for which we are acting
      are each able to bear the economic risk of our or their investment, as the
      case may be.

                  5. We are acquiring the Notes purchased by us for our account
      or for one or more accounts (each of which is an institutional "accredited
      investor") as to each of which we exercise sole investment discretion.

                  6. We are not acquiring the Notes with a view toward the
      distribution thereof in a transaction that would violate the Securities
      Act or the securities laws of any state of the United States or any other
      applicable jurisdiction.


                                      E-2
<PAGE>

      You, the Company and others are entitled to rely upon this letter and are
irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested
party in any administrative or legal proceeding or official inquiry with respect
to the matters covered hereby.

                              Very truly yours,

                              [Name of Transferee]


                              By:
                                 -------------------------
                                 Authorized Signature


                                      E-3
<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT F

                       Form of Certificate to Be Delivered
                          in Connection with Transfers
                            Pursuant to Regulation S

Attention:

            Re:   MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC. ( the "Company") 9 1/2% Senior
                  Notes due 2008 (the "Notes")

Dear Sirs:

      In connection with our proposed sale of $______________ aggregate
principal amount of the Notes, we confirm that such sale has been effected
pursuant to and in accordance with Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and, accordingly, we represent that:

      1. the offer of the Notes was not made to a U.S. person or to a person in
the United States;

      2. either (a) at the time the buy offer was originated, the transferee was
outside the United States or we and any person acting on our behalf reasonably
believed that the transferee was outside the United States, or (b) the
transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated
offshore securities market and neither we nor any person acting on our behalf
knows that the transaction has been prearranged with a buyer in the United
States;

      3. no directed selling efforts have been made in the United States in
contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S,
as applicable;

      4. the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the
registration requirements of the Securities Act; and

      5. we have advised the transferee of the transfer restrictions applicable
to the Notes.


                                      F-1
<PAGE>

      You and the Company are entitled to rely upon this letter and are
irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested
party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with
respect to the matters covered hereby. Terms used in this certificate have the
meanings set forth in Regulation S.

                              Very truly yours,

                              [Name of Transferee]


                              By:
                                 -------------------------
                                 Authorized Signature


                                      F-2
<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT G

                               [FORM OF GUARANTEE]

      The undersigned (the "Guarantor") hereby unconditionally guarantees,
jointly and severally with all other guarantors under the Indenture dated as of
March 30, 1998 by and among Morris Material Handling, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, and United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee (as
amended, restated or supplemented from time to time, the "Indenture"), to the
extent set forth in the Indenture and subject to the provisions of the
Indenture, (a) the due and punctual payment of the principal of and premium, if
any, and interest on the Notes, whether at maturity, by acceleration or
otherwise, the due and punctual payment of interest on overdue principal of, and
premium, if any, and interest on the Notes, to the extent lawful, and the due
and punctual performance of all other obligations of the Company to the
Noteholders or the Trustee, all in accordance with the terms set forth in
Article 10 of the Indenture, and (b) in the case of any extension of time of
payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that the same
will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms
of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or
otherwise.

      The obligations of the Guarantor to the Noteholders and to the Trustee
pursuant to this Guarantee and the Indenture are expressly set forth in Article
10 of the Indenture and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for the
precise terms and limitations of this Guarantee.

                              Guarantor


                              By:
                                 ----------------------------
                                 Name:
                                 Title:


                                      G-1



<PAGE>

                             [FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]

                                                                    CUSIP Number

                         MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

                           9 1/2% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2008

      Morris Material Handling, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company",
which term includes any successor corporation), for value received promises to
pay to [              ] or registered assigns the principal sum [of ____________
($_______________)] [indicated on Schedule A hereof]* on April 1, 2008.

      Interest Payment Dates: April 1 and October 1, commencing October 1, 1998

      Record Dates: March 15 and September 15.

      Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note contained herein,
which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

      Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been duly executed by
the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Note
shall not be entitled to any benefit of this Indenture or be valid or obligatory
for any purpose.

      ----------
      * Include for Global Notes.
<PAGE>

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Note to be signed manually or by
facsimile by their duly authorized officers.

                                          MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.


                                          By:
                                             ----------------------------
                                             Name:
                                             Title:

Certificate of Authentication:
This is one of the 9 1/2% Senior
Notes due 2008 referred to in
the within-mentioned Indenture

Dated: March 30, 1998

United States Trust Company of
  New York, as Trustee


By:
   ------------------------------
   Authorized Signatory
<PAGE>

                         MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

                           9 1/2% SENIOR NOTE DUE 2008

      1. INTEREST.

      MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC., a Delaware corporation (the Company"),
promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note semi-annually on
April 1 and October 1 of each year (each an "Interest Payment Date"), commencing
on October 1, 1998, at the rate of 9 1/2% per annum. Interest will be computed
on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. Interest on the Notes
will accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no
interest has been paid, from the date of the original issuance of the Notes.

      The Issuers shall pay interest on overdue principal, and on overdue
premium, if any, and overdue interest, to the extent lawful, at the rate equal
to 1% per annum in excess of the rate borne by the Notes.

      2. METHOD OF PAYMENT.

      The Company will pay interest on this Note provided for in Paragraph 1
above (except defaulted interest) to the person who is the registered Holder of
this Note at the close of business on the March 15 or September 15 preceding the
Interest Payment Date (whether or not such day is a Business Day). The Holder
must surrender this Note to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. The
Company will pay principal, premium, if any, and interest in money of the United
States that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and
private debts; provided, however, that the Company may pay principal, premium,
if any, and interest by check payable in such money. The Company may mail an
interest check to the Holder's registered address.

      3. PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR.

      Initially, United States Trust Company of New York (the "Trustee") will
act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent or
Registrar without notice to the Holders of the Notes. Neither the Company nor
any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates may act as Paying Agent but may act as
Registrar.

      4. INDENTURE; RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS.

      The Company issued this Note under an Indenture dated as of March 30, 1998
(the "Indenture") among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee. The terms
of this Note include those stated in this Indenture and those made part of this
Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S. Code Section
77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the date of this Indenture. 

                                      A-1
<PAGE>

This Note is subjectto all such terms, and the Holder of this Note is referred
to this Indenture and said Trust Indenture Act for a statement of them. All
capitalized terms in this Note, unless otherwise defined, have the meanings
assigned to them by the Indenture.

      The Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company limited to
$200,000,000 aggregate principal amount, except as provided in Section 2.8 of
the Indenture. The Indenture imposes certain restrictions on, among other
things, the incurrence of indebtedness, the incurrence of liens and the issuance
of capital stock by Subsidiaries of the Company, mergers and sale of assets, the
payments of dividends on, or the repurchase of, capital stock of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries, certain other restricted payments by the Company
and its Restricted Subsidiaries, certain transactions with, and investments in,
its affiliates, certain sale and lease-back transactions and a provision
regarding change-of-control transactions.

      5. OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.

      The Company, at its option, may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at
any time or from time to time on or after April 1, 2003, at the following
Redemption Prices expressed as a percentage of principal amount), together, in
each case, with accrued and unpaid interest to the Redemption Date, if redeemed
during the twelve month period beginning on April 1 of each year listed below:

Year                                                          Redemption Price
- ----                                                          ----------------

2003 .............................................................. 104.750%
2004 .............................................................. 103.167%
2005 .............................................................. 101.583%
2006 and thereafter ............................................... 100.000%

      Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may redeem in the aggregate up
to 35% of the original principal amount of Notes at any time and from time to
time prior to April 1, 2001 at a redemption price equal to 109.500% of the
aggregate principal amount so redeemed, plus accrued interest to the Redemption
Date out of the Net Proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings; provided
that at least $130.0 million of the principal amount of Notes originally issued
remain outstanding immediately after the occurrence of any such redemption and
that any such redemption occurs within 90 days following the closing of any such
Public Equity Offering.

      6. NOTICE OF REDEMPTION.

      Notice of redemption will be mailed by first class mail at least 30 days
but not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date to each Holder of Notes
to be redeemed at its last address 


                                      A-2
<PAGE>

as it shall appear on the register maintained by the Registrar of the Notes. On
and after any Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or
portions thereof called for redemption unless the Issuers shall fail to redeem
any such Note.

      7. OFFERS TO PURCHASE.

      The Indenture requires that certain proceeds from Asset Sales be used,
subject to further limitations contained therein, to make an offer to purchase
certain amounts of Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in the
Indenture. The Company is also required to make an offer to purchase the Notes
upon the occurrence of a Change of Control in accordance with procedures set
forth in the Indenture.

      8. REGISTRATION RIGHTS.

      Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement among the Company, the
Guarantors and CIBC Oppenheimer Corp. and Goldman, Sachs & Co., as initial
purchasers of the Notes, and Indosuez Capital, as Financial Advisor, the Company
will be obligated to consummate an exchange offer pursuant to which the Holder
of this Note shall have the right to exchange this Note for Notes issued under
the Indenture (or a trust indenture substantially identical to the Indenture in
accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement) which have been
registered under the Securities Act, in like principal amount and having
substantially identical terms as the Notes. The Holders shall be entitled to
receive certain additional interest payments in the event such exchange offer is
not consummated and upon certain other conditions, all pursuant to and in
accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

      9. DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE.

      The Notes are in registered form in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof. A Holder may register the transfer or exchange of Notes in
accordance with the Indenture. The Registrar may require a Holder, among other
things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay
any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Registrar
need not register the transfer of or exchange any Note selected for redemption
or register the transfer of or exchange of any Note for a period of 15 days
before the mailing of notice of redemption of Notes to be redeemed or any Note
after it is called for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed
portion of any Note being redeemed in part.

      [10. PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS

      The registered Holder of this Note may be treated as the owner of it for
all purposes.]


                                      A-3
<PAGE>

      [11. THE GLOBAL NOTE

      So long as this Global Note is registered in the name of the Depository or
its nominee, members of, or participants in, the Depository ("Agent Members")
shall have no rights under the Indenture with respect to this Global Note held
on their behalf by the Depository or the Trustee as its custodian, and the
Depository may be treated by the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the
Company or the Trustee as the absolute owner of this Global Note for all
purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall (i) prevent the
Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee, from giving
effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by
the Depository or (ii) impair, as between the Depository and its Agent Members,
the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of a
Holder of Notes.

      The Holder of this Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize
any Person, including Agent Members and Persons that may hold interests in this
Global Note through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder of Notes is
entitled to take under the Indenture or the Notes.

      Whenever, as a result of optional redemption by the Company, a Change of
Control Offer, an Excess Proceeds Offer, an Exchange Offer or an exchange for
Physical Notes, this Global Note is redeemed, repurchased or exchanged in part,
this Global Note shall be surrendered by the Holder thereof to the Trustee who
shall cause an adjustment to be made to Schedule A hereof so that the principal
amount at Maturity of this Global Note will be equal to the portion not
redeemed, repurchased or exchanged and shall thereafter return this Global Note
to such Holder; provided that this Global Note shall be in a principal amount at
Maturity of $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000.]*

      12. UNCLAIMED MONEY.

      If money for the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on
any Note remains unclaimed for two years, the Trustee or Paying Agent will pay
the money back to the Company or the Guarantors at its written request. After
such payment, Holders entitled to money must look only to the Company and the
Guarantors for payment as general creditors unless applicable abandoned property
law designates another person.

      13. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER.

      Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the Notes may be modified,
amended or supplemented by the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee with the
consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the Notes then outstanding and any existing Default or compliance with any

- ----------
* Include for Global Notes.


                                      A-4
<PAGE>

provision may be waived in a particular instance with the consent of the Holders
of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.
Without the consent of Holders, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee may
amend the Indenture or the Notes or supplement the Indenture for certain
specified purposes including providing for uncertificated Notes in addition to
certificated Notes, and curing any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, or making
any other change that does not adversely affect the interests of the Holders in
any material respect.

      14. SUCCESSOR ENTITY.

      When a successor corporation assumes all the obligations of its
predecessor under the Notes and the Indenture and immediately before and
thereafter no Default exists and certain other conditions are satisfied, the
predecessor corporation will be released from those obligations.

      15. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES.

      Events of Default are set forth in the Indenture. If an Event of Default
(other than an Event of Default pursuant to Section 6.1(vi) or (vii) of the
Indenture with respect to the Company) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or
the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding, by notice to the Company, may declare to be immediately due and
payable, the entire principal amount of all the Notes then outstanding plus
accrued interest to the date of acceleration and such amounts shall become
immediately due and payable; provided, however, that after such acceleration but
before a judgment or decree based on such acceleration is obtained by the
Trustee, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such
acceleration if (i) all Events of Default, other than nonpayment of principal,
premium or interest, that has become due solely because of acceleration, have
been cured or waived as provided in the Indenture, (ii) to the extent the
payment of such interest is lawful, interest on overdue installments of interest
and overdue principal, which has become due otherwise than by such declaration
of acceleration, has been paid, (iii) if the Company has paid the Trustee its
reasonable compensation and reimbursed the Trustee for its expenses,
disbursements and advances and (iv) in the event of the cure or waiver of an
Event of Default of the type described in Section 6.1(vi) or (vii) of the
Indenture, the Trustee shall have received an Officers' Certificate and an
Opinion of Counsel that such Event of Default has been cured or waived. In case
an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(vi) or (vii) of the Indenture with
respect to the Company or any Significant Subsidiary occurs, the principal,
premium, if any, and interest with respect to all of the Notes, shall be due and
payable immediately without any declaration or other act on the part of the
Trustee or the Holders of the Notes.


                                      A-5
<PAGE>

      16. TRUSTEE DEALINGS WITH THE COMPANY.

      The Trustee under the Indenture, in its individual or any other capacity,
may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may make loans to, accept deposits
from, and perform services or otherwise deal with the Company, any Guarantor or
their Affiliates, as if it were not the Trustee.

      17. NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS.

      As more fully described in the Indenture, a stockholder, officer,
employee, director or incorporator, as such, of the Company or any Guarantor
shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company or any Guarantor
under the Notes or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect or by
reason of, such obligations or their creation. The Holder of this Note by
accepting this Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and
release are part of the consideration for the issuance of this Note.

      18. DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE.

      The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance of the entire
indebtedness on this Note and for defeasance of certain covenants in the
Indenture upon compliance by the Company with certain conditions set forth in
the Indenture.

      19. ABBREVIATIONS.

      Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder of a Note or
an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the
entireties), JT TEN (joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants
in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).

      20. CUSIP NUMBERS.

      Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform
Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused CUSIP Numbers to be
printed on the Notes and has directed the Trustee to use CUSIP numbers in
notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders of the Notes. No
representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on
the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed
only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

      21. GOVERNING LAW.

      THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AS APPLIED TO CONTRACTS MADE AND PERFORMED WITHIN THE
STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAW. EACH OF THE
PARTIES HERETO AGREES TO SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF THE STATE


                                      A-6
<PAGE>

OF NEW YORK IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS NOTE.

      THE COMPANY WILL FURNISH TO ANY HOLDER OF A NOTE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST AND
WITHOUT CHARGE A COPY OF THE INDENTURE. REQUESTS MAY BE MADE TO: MORRIS MATERIAL
HANDLING, INC., 315 West Forest Hill Avenue, Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154,
Attention: Secretary.

      22. GUARANTEES BY SUBSIDIARIES.

      The Notes are guaranteed by certain Subsidiaries for the benefit of the
Holders. Reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the
respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and obligations thereunder of
the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders.


                                      A-7
<PAGE>

                                   [SCHEDULE A

                          SCHEDULE OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT

The initial principal amount at Maturity of this Global Note shall be
____________ ($_____________). The following decreases/increases in the
principal amount at Maturity of this Global Note have been made:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Decrease in    Increase in     Total Principal Amount  Notation Made
Date of     Principal      Principal       at Maturity Following   by or on
Decrease/   Amount at      Amount at       such Decrease/          Behalf of
Increase    Maturity       Maturity        Increase                Trustee
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

================================================================================
                                                                              ]*

- ----------
* Include for Global Notes.


                                      A-8
<PAGE>

                                   ASSIGNMENT

I or we assign and transfer this Note to:

             (Insert assignee's social security or tax I.D. number)

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
             (Print or type name, address and zip code of assignee)

and irrevocably appoint:

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

Agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The Agent may
substitute another to act for him.

Date:_________    Your Signature:_______________________________________________
                                       (Sign exactly as your name appears on
                                        the other side of this Note)

      Signature Guarantee:______________________________________________________


                                      A-9
<PAGE>

                       OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

      If you want to elect to have all or any part of this Note purchased by the
Company pursuant to Section 4.8 or Section 4.14 of the Indenture, check the
appropriate box:

            [  ]  Section 4.8       [  ]  Section 4.14

If you want to have only part of the Note purchased by the Company pursuant to
Section 4.8 or Section 4.14 of the Indenture, state the amount (in an integral
multiple of $1,000) you elect to have purchased: $______________

Date:_______________________

Your Signature:_________________________________________________________________
                           (Sign exactly as your name appears on the other
                            side of this Note)


_______________________________
Signature Guaranteed


                                      A-10



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

                                CREDIT AGREEMENT

                                      among

                               MMH HOLDINGS, INC.,

                         MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.,

                             MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC,

                         MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, LTD.,

                                   MONDEL ULC,

                           KAVERIT STEEL AND CRANE ULC

                                       and

                       CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE,
                            as Administrative Agent,

                            CREDIT AGRICOLE INDOSUEZ,
                              as Syndication Agent,

                                BANKBOSTON, N.A.,
                             as Documentation Agent,

                                       and

                     THE LENDING INSTITUTIONS LISTED HEREIN

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

                           Dated as of March 30, 1998

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

                                  $155,000,000

================================================================================
<PAGE>

                             TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                          Page
                                                                          ----

SECTION 1. Amount and Terms of Credit......................................2

      1.01.  Commitments...................................................2
      1.02.  Minimum Amount of Each Borrowing; Maximum Number 
                  of Borrowings............................................7
      1.03.  Notice of Borrowings..........................................8
      1.04.  Disbursement of Funds........................................11
      1.05.  Notes........................................................12
      1.06.  Continuations and Conversions................................16
      1.07.  Pro Rata Borrowings..........................................17
      1.08.  Interest.....................................................18
      1.09.  Interest Periods.............................................19
      1.10.  Special Provisions Governing Reserve Adjusted
                  Eurodollar Loans and Acceptances........................20
      1.11.  Capital Requirements.........................................25
      1.12.  Total Loan Commitments; Limitations on
                  Outstanding Loan Amounts................................27
      1.13.  Letters of Credit............................................27
      1.14.  Computation of Dollar Equivalent Amount of Pounds
                  Sterling and Canadian Dollars...........................38
      1.15.  European Monetary Union......................................38
      1.16.  Acceptances Provisions.......................................39
      1.17.  Replacement of Banks.........................................40

SECTION 2. Commitments....................................................41

      2.01.  Voluntary Reduction of Commitments...........................41
      2.02.  Mandatory Adjustments of Commitments, etc....................41
      2.03.  Commitment Commission........................................42
      2.04.  Currency Equivalents Generally...............................43
      2.05.  Principle of Deemed Reinvestment.............................43
      2.06.  Maximum Rate of Return.......................................43

SECTION 3. Payments.......................................................44

      3.01.  Voluntary Prepayments........................................44
      3.02.  Mandatory Prepayments........................................45
      3.03.  Method and Place of Payment..................................50
      3.04.  Net Payments.................................................52
      3.05.  Currency Exchange Fluctuations...............................56

<PAGE>
                                      -2-


      3.06.  Authorizations...............................................57

SECTION 4. Conditions Precedent...........................................57

      4.01.  Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans........................57
      4.02.  Conditions Precedent to All Loans............................68
      4.03.  Additional Conditions Precedent to Acquisition
                  Term Loans..............................................70
      4.04.  Conditions Precedent to All Letters of Credit................74

SECTION 5. Representations, Warranties and Agreements.....................75

      5.01.  Status.......................................................75
      5.02.  Corporate Power and Authority; Business......................75
      5.03.  No Violation.................................................76
      5.04.  Litigation...................................................76
      5.05.  Use of Proceeds..............................................77
      5.06.  Governmental Approvals, etc..................................77
      5.07.  Investment Company Act.......................................78
      5.08.  Public Utility Holding Company Act...........................78
      5.09.  True and Complete Disclosure.................................78
      5.10.  Transaction..................................................79
      5.11.  Financial Condition; Financial Statements;
                  Projections.............................................79
      5.12.  Security Interests...........................................82
      5.13.  Tax Returns and Payments.....................................82
      5.14.  ERISA........................................................83
      5.15.  Subsidiaries.................................................83
      5.16.  Patents, etc.................................................83
      5.17.  Compliance with Laws, etc....................................84
      5.18.  Properties...................................................84
      5.19.  Securities...................................................85
      5.20.  Collective Bargaining Agreements.............................85
      5.21.  Indebtedness Outstanding; Prior Liens........................85
      5.22.  Environmental Protection.....................................86
      5.23.  Environmental Investigations.................................88
      5.24.  Representations and Warranties in the
                  Recapitalization Agreement..............................88

SECTION 6. Affirmative Covenants.........................................88

      6.01.  Information Covenants........................................88
      6.02.  Books, Records and Inspections...............................94
      6.03.  Maintenance of Property; Insurance...........................94
      6.04.  Payment of Taxes.............................................95
      6.05.  Corporate Franchises.........................................95
      6.06.  Compliance with Statutes, etc................................96

<PAGE>
                                      -3-


      6.07.  ERISA........................................................96
      6.08.  Performance of Obligations...................................96
      6.09.  End of Fiscal Years; Fiscal Quarters.........................96
      6.10.  Use of Proceeds..............................................97
      6.11.  Landlord Lien Waivers........................................97
      6.12.  Equal Security for Loans and Notes; No Further
                  Negative Pledges........................................97
      6.13.  Bank Meeting.................................................98
      6.14.  Pledge of Additional Collateral..............................98
      6.15.  Security Interests...........................................99
      6.16.  Subsidiary Guarantees........................................99
      6.17.  Environmental Events........................................100
      6.18.  Use of Cash on Hand to Effect Designated
                  Acquisition............................................100
      6.19.  Year 2000...................................................101
      6.20.  Certain Post-Closing Matters................................101

SECTION 7. Negative Covenants............................................102

      7.01.  Conduct of Business.........................................102
      7.02.  Amendments or Waivers of Certain Documents..................102
      7.03.  Liens.......................................................102
      7.04.  Indebtedness................................................106
      7.05.  Capital Expenditures........................................107
      7.06.  Advances, Investments and Loans.............................108
      7.07.  Prepayments of Indebtedness, etc............................110
      7.08.  Dividends, etc..............................................111
      7.09.  Transaction with Affiliates.................................112
      7.10.  Total Interest Coverage Ratio...............................113
      7.11.  Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.................................114
      7.12.  Leverage Ratio..............................................115
      7.13.  Minimum Consolidated EBITDA.................................116
      7.14.  Holdings Equity Sales and Net Financing Proceeds............117
      7.15.  Sale or Discount of Receivables.............................117
      7.16.  Issuance of Subsidiary Stock................................118
      7.17.  Disposition of Assets.......................................118
      7.18.  Contingent Obligations......................................120
      7.19.  Merger and Consolidations...................................121
      7.20.  Sale and Lease-Backs........................................122

SECTION 8. Events of Default............................................122

      8.01.  Payments....................................................122
      8.02.  Representations, etc........................................122
      8.03.  Covenants...................................................122
      8.04.  Default Under Other Agreements..............................123

<PAGE>
                                      -4-


      8.05.  Bankruptcy, etc.............................................123
      8.06.  ERISA.......................................................124
      8.07.  Security Documents..........................................124
      8.08.  Guarantees..................................................124
      8.09.  Judgments...................................................125
      8.10.  Ownership...................................................125

SECTION 9. Definitions...................................................126

SECTION 10. The Agents...................................................173

      10.01.  Appointment................................................173
      10.02.  Delegation of Duties.......................................174
      10.03.  Exculpatory Provisions.....................................174
      10.04.  Reliance by the Agents.....................................175
      10.05.  Notice of Default..........................................175
      10.06.  Non-Reliance on Agents and Other Banks.....................176
      10.07.  Indemnification............................................176
      10.08.  The Agents in Its Individual Capacity......................177
      10.09.  Successor Administrative Agent.............................177
      10.10.  Resignation by Administrative Agent........................177
      10.11.  Syndication Agent and Documentation Agent..................178

SECTION 11. Miscellaneous................................................178

      11.01.  Payment of Expenses, etc...................................178
      11.02.  Right of Setoff............................................179
      11.03.  Notices....................................................180
      11.04.  Benefit of Agreement.......................................181
      11.05.  No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative.............................183
      11.06.  Payments Pro Rata..........................................184
      11.07.  Calculations; Computations.................................184
      11.08.  Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Venue...........185
      11.09.  Counterparts...............................................185
      11.10.  Effectiveness..............................................186
      11.11.  Headings Descriptive.......................................186
      11.12.  Amendment or Waiver........................................186
      11.13.  Survival...................................................187
      11.14.  Domicile of Loans..........................................187
      11.15.  Waiver of Jury Trial.......................................187
      11.16.  Independence of Covenants..................................187
      11.17.  Currency Indemnity.........................................187

Annex I - List of Banks
Annex II - Bank Addresses
Annex III - Agreement relating to U.K. Swingline Loans

<PAGE>
                                      -5-


Schedule 1.08(b)        -  Calculation of MLA Cost
Schedule 1.16           -  Acceptances Provisions
Schedule 4.01(u)(i)     -  List of Mortgaged Real Property
Schedule 5.04           -  Litigation
Schedule 5.06           -  Governmental Approvals
Schedule 5.13           -  Tax Returns
Schedule 5.15           -  Subsidiaries
Schedule 5.19           -  Securities
Schedule 5.20           -  Schedule of Collective Bargaining Agreements
Schedule 5.21(a)        -  Schedule of Existing Debt
Schedule 5.21(b)        -  Prior Liens
Schedule 5.22           -  Environmental
Schedule 6.01(i)        -  Summary of Corporate Insurance Policies
Schedule 7.06(j)        -  Joint Venture Commitments
Schedule 7.18(viii)     -  Schedule of Existing Guarantees and Letters of
                              Credit

Exhibit A-1    -    Form of A Term Note
Exhibit A-2    -    Form of B Term Note
Exhibit A-3    -    Form of Acquisition Term Note
Exhibit B-1    -    Form of Revolving Note
Exhibit B-2    -    Form of U.S. Swingline Note
Exhibit B-3    -    Form of U.K. Swingline Note
Exhibit B-4    -    Form of Canadian Swingline Note
Exhibit C-1    -    Form of Opinion of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
Exhibit C-2    -    Form of Opinion of Linklater & Paines 
Exhibit C-3(a) -    Form of Opinion of McCarthy Tetrault 
Exhibit C-3(b) -    Form of Opinion of Patterson, Palmer, Hunt, Murphy 
Exhibit C-4    -    Form of Local Counsel Opinions 
Exhibit D      -    Form of Mortgage 
Exhibit E-1    -    Form of Holdings Guarantee                         
Exhibit E-2    -    Form of U.S. Subsidiary Guarantee                  
Exhibit E-3    -    Form of Canadian Guarantee                         
Exhibit F-1    -    Form of U.S. Security Agreement                    
Exhibit G-1    -    Form of U.K. Security Document and Guarantee       
Exhibit G-2    -    Form of Canadian Security Agreement                
Exhibit G-3    -    Form of Scotland Instrument of Change and Guarantee
Exhibit H-1    -    Form of Canadian Securities Pledge Agreement       
Exhibit H-2    -    Form of Mexican Stock Pledge Agreement             
Exhibit H-3    -    Form of U.K. Deed of Pledge                        
Exhibit I-1    -    Form of Notice of Assignment                       
Exhibit I-2    -    Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement        
Exhibit J      -    Form of Notice of Borrowing                                 
Exhibit K      -    Form of Notice of Continuation/Conversion                   

<PAGE>
                                      -6-


Exhibit L      -    Form of Borrowing Base Certificate                          
Exhibit M      -    Form of Officers' Certificate Regarding Environmental Review
Exhibit N      -    Form of Officers' Solvency Certificate                      
Exhibit O      -    Form of Officers' Certificate Regarding Satisfaction of 
                       Conditions Precedent                                     
Exhibit P      -    Form of Section 3.04 Certificate                            
Exhibit Q      -    Form of Intercreditor Agreement                             

<PAGE>

            CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of March 30, 1998, among MMH HOLDINGS,
INC., a Delaware corporation ("Holdings"), MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company") as a U.S. Borrower, MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company ("Material Handling") as a U.S. Borrower,
MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, LTD., a company organized under the laws of England
and Wales ("MHE-U.K.") as the U.K. Borrower, MONDEL ULC, an unlimited liability
company organized under the laws of Nova Scotia ("Mondel") as a Canadian
Borrower, and KAVERIT STEEL AND CRANE ULC, an unlimited liability company
organized under the laws of Nova Scotia ("Kaverit") as a Canadian Borrower, the
lending institutions listed in Annex I (each, a "Bank" and, collectively, the
"Banks") and the New York branch of CREDIT AGRICOLE INDOSUEZ ("Indosuez"), as
syndication agent for the Banks (in such capacity, the "Syndication Agent"),
BANKBOSTON, N.A., as documentation agent for the Banks (in such capacity, the
"Documentation Agent"), and CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE ("CIBC"), as
administrative agent and as collateral agent for the Banks (in such capacities,
the "Administrative Agent" and, together with the Syndication Agent and the
Documentation Agent, the "Agents"). Unless otherwise defined herein, all
capitalized terms used herein and defined in Section 9 are used herein as so
defined.

                           W I T N E S S E T H :

            WHEREAS, pursuant to a Recapitalization Agreement dated as of
January 28, 1998, as amended on March 4, 1998 and March 23, 1998 (the
"Recapitalization Agreement"), among Harnischfeger Corporation ("HarnCo"), the
sellers named therein and MHE Investments, Inc., the Company will acquire the
outstanding interests and capital stock of certain subsidiaries of HarnCo
related to the MHE Business (the "Recapitalization");

            WHEREAS, (i) the Company desires to incur Initial Loans from the
Banks, the proceeds of which will be applied, to the extent necessary, to
finance the Recapitalization, to retire certain Indebtedness, to redeem a
portion of its Common Stock owned by Holdings and to pay certain fees and
expenses incurred in connection with the Transaction, and (ii) the Borrowers
desire to incur further Loans from the Banks, the proceeds of which will be used
(a) to provide working capital to the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries and for
general corporate purposes of the Borrowers after the Transaction and (b) with
respect to the Acquisition Term Loans, to provide financing for 

<PAGE>
                                      -2-


acquisitions and to pay related fees and expenses, subject to the conditions set
forth herein;

            WHEREAS, the Guarantors, in accordance with the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth, have agreed to guarantee the obligations of the Borrowers
hereunder; and

            WHEREAS, the Banks are willing to make available the credit
facilities provided for herein.

            NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

            SECTION 1. Amount and Terms of Credit.

            1.01. Commitments. Subject to and upon the terms and conditions
herein set forth, each Bank having a Commitment under the relevant Portion
severally agrees (i) in the case of any Borrowing under the A Term Loan Facility
or the B Term Loan Facility, in each case, on the Closing Date, (ii) in the case
of any Borrowing under the Acquisition Portion after the Closing Date and prior
to the Acquisition Term Loan Commitment Termination Date in connection with
Designated Acquisitions, (iii) in the case of any Borrowing under the Revolving
Portion, at any time and from time to time on or after the Closing Date and
prior to the Revolving Loan Commitment Termination Date, and (iv) in the case of
any Borrowing of Swingline Loans, at any time and from time to time on or after
the Closing Date and prior to the Swingline Expiry Date, to make a Loan or Loans
to the Applicable Borrower, which Loans shall be drawn under the Loan Facility
(including the Term Portion, the Acquisition Portion and Revolving Portion
thereof or which shall be made as Swingline Loans), as set forth below.

            (a) Loans under the Term Portion of the Loan Facility (each, a "Term
      Loan" and, collectively, the "Term Loans") may be made under the A Term
      Loan Facility (each, an "A Term Loan" and, collectively, the "A Term
      Loans") and the B Term Loan Facility (each, a "B Term Loan" and,
      collectively, the "B Term Loans") to the Company. Once repaid, Term Loans
      may not be reborrowed.

            (i) Each A Term Loan under the A Term Loan Facility (A) shall be
      made as a single drawing on the Closing Date in an amount not to exceed
      the Total A Term Loan Commitment, (B) except as hereinafter provided,
      shall initially be made as a Base Rate Loan and thereafter shall, at the
      Company's option and subject to the terms hereof, be a Base Rate Loan or a
      Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loan; pro-

<PAGE>
                                      -3-


      vided that all Term Loans made by all Banks having an A Term Loan
      Commitment pursuant to the same Borrowing shall, unless otherwise
      specifically provided herein, consist entirely of Loans of the same Type
      (provided that partial conversions are permitted in accordance with
      Section 1.06) and (C) shall not exceed for any Bank at any time
      outstanding that aggregate principal amount which equals the A Term Loan
      Commitment of such Bank.

            (ii) Each B Term Loan under the B Term Loan Facility (A) shall be
      made as a single drawing on the Closing Date in an amount not to exceed
      the Total B Term Loan Commitment, (B) except as hereinafter provided,
      shall initially be made as a Base Rate Loan and thereafter shall, at the
      Company's option and subject to the terms hereof, be a Base Rate Loan or a
      Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loan; provided that all Term Loans made by all
      Banks having a B Term Loan Commitment pursuant to the same Borrowing
      shall, unless otherwise specifically provided herein, consist entirely of
      Loans of the same Type (provided that partial conversions are permitted in
      accordance with Section 1.06) and (C) shall not exceed for any Bank at any
      time outstanding that aggregate principal amount which equals the B Term
      Loan Commitment of such Bank.

            (b) Loans under the Acquisition Portion of the Loan Facility (each
      an "Acquisition Term Loan") (i) shall be made to a U.S. Borrower after the
      Closing Date and prior to the Acquisition Term Loan Commitment Termination
      Date (the date of such Borrowing of an Acquisition Term Loan, the
      "Acquisition Term Loan Closing Date") to effect Designated Acquisitions,
      (ii) shall, at the option of the Applicable Borrower, be Base Rate Loans
      or Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans; provided that all Acquisition Term
      Loans made by all Banks having an Acquisition Term Loan Commitment
      pursuant to the same Borrowing shall, unless otherwise specifically
      provided herein, consist entirely of Loans of the same Type (provided that
      partial conversions are permitted in accordance with Section 1.06), (iii)
      shall not exceed for any Bank at any time outstanding the Acquisition Term
      Loan Commitment of such Bank at such time, and (iv) shall not be made
      pursuant to a particular Notice of Borrowing if the aggregate principal
      amount of Acquisition Term Loans then outstanding, after giving effect to
      the Acquisition Term Loan requested by such Notice of Borrowing, would
      exceed the Total Acquisition Term Loan Commitment. Once repaid,
      Acquisition Term Loans may not be reborrowed.

<PAGE>
                                      -4-


            (c) Loans under the Revolving Portion of the Loan Facility (each, a
      "Revolving Loan" and, collectively, the "Revolving Loans") (i) shall be
      made at any time and from time to time to the U.S. Borrowers after the
      Closing Date and prior to the Revolving Loan Commitment Termination Date
      in Dollars, (ii) except as hereinafter provided, shall initially be made
      as a Base Rate Loan and thereafter shall, at the Applicable Borrower's
      option and subject to the terms hereof, be a Base Rate Loan or a Reserve
      Adjusted Eurodollar Loan; provided that all Revolving Loans made by all
      Banks pursuant to the same Borrowing shall, unless otherwise specifically
      provided herein, consist entirely of Loans of the same Type (provided that
      partial conversions are permitted in accordance with Section 1.06), (iii)
      may be repaid and reborrowed in accordance with the provisions hereof,
      (iv) shall not exceed for any Bank at any time outstanding the Revolving
      Loan Commitment of such Bank at such time and (v) shall not in any case be
      made if the aggregate Dollar Equivalent amount of Revolving Loans and
      Swingline Loans then outstanding, after giving effect to the Revolving
      Loan requested by the relevant Notice of Borrowing and any Swingline Loans
      subject to outstanding Notices of Borrowing, plus the Dollar Equivalent
      amount of Letter of Credit Usage, after giving effect to the issuance of
      all Letters of Credit subject to outstanding requests for issuance, would
      exceed the lesser of (y) the Total Revolving Loan Commitment or (z) the
      Borrowing Base as shown in the Borrowing Base Certificate that was last
      delivered pursuant to Section 6.01; provided such Borrowing Base
      Certificate was required to be delivered pursuant to and was in compliance
      with Section 6.01 or was delivered after the Borrowing Base Certificate
      last required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01.

            (d) Swingline Loans (each, a "Swingline Loan" and, collectively, the
      "Swingline Loans") (i) shall be made at any time and from time to time on
      and after the Closing Date and prior to the Swingline Expiry Date (x) to
      the U.S. Borrowers by the U.S. Swingline Banks in Dollars; (y) to each
      Canadian Borrower by the Canadian Swingline Banks in Canadian Dollars; and
      (z) to the U.K. Borrower by the U.K. Swingline Banks in Pounds Sterling,
      (ii) shall be made (x) to the U.S. Borrowers as Base Rate Loans; (y) to
      each Canadian Borrower, at its option and subject to the terms hereof, in
      the form of an Acceptance (on the terms and conditions provided for herein
      and in Schedule 1.16) or a Prime Rate Loan; provided that all Canadian
      Swingline Loans made by all Canadian Swingline Banks pursuant to the

<PAGE>
                                      -5-


      same Borrowing shall, unless otherwise specifically provided for herein,
      consist entirely of Loans of the same Type; and (z) to the U.K. Borrower,
      at its option and subject to the terms hereof, as U.K. Base Rate Loans or
      Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans, (iii) may be repaid and reborrowed in
      accordance with the provisions hereof, (iv) shall not exceed the
      applicable Maximum Swingline Amount or the Total Revolving Loan
      Commitment, (v) shall not in any case be made if the aggregate Dollar
      Equivalent amount of Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans then outstanding,
      after giving effect to the Dollar Equivalent amount of Swingline Loans
      being requested and any Revolving Loans subject to outstanding Notices of
      Borrowing, plus the Dollar Equivalent amount of Letter of Credit Usage,
      after giving effect to the issuance of all Letters of Credit subject to
      outstanding requests for issuance, would exceed the lesser of (y) the
      Total Revolving Loan Commitment or (z) the Borrowing Base as shown in the
      Borrowing Base Certificate that was last delivered pursuant to Section
      6.01; provided such Borrowing Base Certificate was required to be
      delivered pursuant to and in compliance with Section 6.01 or was delivered
      after the Borrowing Base Certificate last required to be delivered
      pursuant to Section 6.01, and (vi) in the case of U.S. Swingline Loans
      shall constitute the joint and several obligations of the U.S. Borrowers.
      No Swingline Bank shall be obligated to make any Swingline Loans at a time
      when a Bank Default exists unless such Swingline Bank has entered into
      arrangements satisfactory to it to eliminate such Swingline Bank's risk
      with respect to the Defaulting Bank's or Banks' participation in such
      Swingline Loans, including by cash collateralizing such Defaulting Bank's
      or Banks' Dollar Percentage of the outstanding Swingline Loans.
      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section
      1.01(d), no Swingline Bank shall make any Swingline Loan after it has
      received written notice from any Borrower, the Administrative Agent or the
      Required Banks stating that a Default or an Event of Default exists and is
      continuing until such time as such Swingline Bank shall have received
      written notice (i) of rescission of all such notices from the party or
      parties originally delivering such notice, (ii) of the waiver of such
      Default or Event of Default by the Required Banks or (iii) that the
      Administrative Agent, in good faith, believes such Default or Event of
      Default has ceased to exist. The Canadian Swingline Loans shall be deemed
      to include the face amount of all issued but unmatured Acceptances in
      connection with the amount of the utilization thereof by the Canadian
      Bor-

<PAGE>
                                      -6-


      rowers, but the Canadian Swingline Loans shall not include the face amount
      of all issued but unmatured Acceptances in determining the principal
      amount of such Loans on which the Canadian Borrowers shall pay interest.

            (e) Notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall give notice to
      all Revolving Facility Banks) (i) may be given on any Business Day, in the
      sole discretion of the U.S. Swingline Bank with respect to the U.S.
      Swingline Loans, (ii) may be given by any Swingline Bank upon the
      occurrence of an Event of Default under Section 8.01, and (iii) shall be
      deemed to be automatically given by each Swingline Bank with respect to
      all Swingline Loans upon the occurrence of an Event of Default under
      Section 8.05 (with respect to Holdings or the Company or any of its
      Significant Subsidiaries) or upon the exercise of any of the remedies
      provided in the last paragraph of Section 8, that the Dollar Equivalent of
      such Swingline Bank's outstanding Swingline Loans to the Applicable
      Borrower shall be funded with a Borrowing in Dollars of Revolving Loans.
      In such case, Revolving Loans in Dollars, for the benefit of the U.S.
      Borrowers, constituting Base Rate Loans (each such Borrowing, a "Mandatory
      Borrowing") shall be made on the immediately succeeding Business Day by
      all Revolving Facility Banks (without giving effect to any reductions
      thereto pursuant to the last paragraph of Section 8) pro rata based on
      each Bank's Dollar Percentage and the proceeds thereof shall be applied
      directly to the Applicable Swingline Bank to repay such Swingline Bank for
      such outstanding Swingline Loans. Each Revolving Facility Bank hereby
      irrevocably agrees to make Revolving Loans upon one Business Day's notice
      pursuant to each Mandatory Borrowing in the amount and in the manner
      specified in the preceding sentence and on the date specified in writing
      by the Applicable Swingline Bank notwithstanding (i) that the amount of
      any Mandatory Borrowing may not comply with the Minimum Borrowing Amount
      otherwise required hereunder, (ii) whether any conditions specified in
      Section 4 are then satisfied, (iii) whether a Default or an Event of
      Default then exists, (iv) the date of such Mandatory Borrowing and (v) the
      amount of the Total Revolving Loan Commitment at such time. In the event
      that any Mandatory Borrowing cannot for any reason be made on the date
      otherwise required above (including, without limitation, as a result of
      the commencement of a proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code with respect to
      any of the Borrowers), then each such Revolving Facility Bank hereby
      agrees that it shall forthwith purchase (as of the date the Mandatory
      Borrowing 

<PAGE>
                                      -7-


      would otherwise have occurred, but adjusted for the Dollar Equivalent of
      any payments received from the Applicable Borrower (or Borrowers) on or
      after such date and prior to such purchase) from the Swingline Bank such
      participations in the outstanding Swingline Loans as shall be necessary to
      cause such Revolving Facility Banks to share in the Dollar Equivalent of
      such Swingline Loans ratably based upon their Dollar Percentage; provided
      that (x) all interest payable on the Swingline Loans shall be for the
      account of the applicable Swingline Bank until the date as of which the
      respective participation is required to be purchased and, to the extent
      attributable to the purchased participation, shall be payable to the
      participant from and after such date and (y) at the time any purchase of
      participations pursuant to this sentence is actually made, the purchasing
      Revolving Facility Bank shall be required to pay the applicable Swingline
      Bank interest on the principal amount of the participation purchased for
      each day from and including the day upon which the Mandatory Borrowing
      would otherwise have occurred to but excluding the date of payment for
      such participation, and at the rate otherwise applicable to Revolving
      Loans maintained as Base Rate Loans hereunder.

            1.02. Minimum Amount of Each Borrowing; Maximum Number of
Borrowings. (a) The minimum aggregate principal amount of a Borrowing of Term
Loans consisting of Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans or Base Rate Loans shall
be the Minimum Borrowing Amount and, if greater, shall be in integral multiples
of $100,000; provided, however, that the Borrowing of the A Term Portion and the
B Term Portion of the Initial Loans shall be in an aggregate principal amount of
$20,000,000 and $35,000,000, respectively.

            (b) The minimum aggregate principal amount of a Borrowing of
Acquisition Term Loans consisting of Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans or Base
Rate Loans shall be the Minimum Borrowing Amount and, if greater, shall be in
integral multiples of $100,000; provided, however, that the Banks' Acquisition
Term Loan Commitment shall terminate, on a pro rata basis, with respect to any
portion of the Total Acquisition Term Loan Commitments not utilized by the U.S.
Borrowers prior to the Acquisition Term Loan Commitment Termination Date.

            (c) The minimum aggregate principal amount of a Borrowing of
Revolving Loans consisting of Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans or Base Rate
Loans shall be the Minimum Borrowing Amount (other than a Borrowing of Base Rate
Loans such that the 

<PAGE>
                                      -8-


total amount of Revolving Loans to be outstanding after giving effect to such
Borrowing shall be equal to the Total Revolving Loan Commitment) and, if
greater, shall be in integral multiples of $100,000.

            (d) More than one Borrowing may be incurred on any date; provided
that at no time shall there be outstanding more than twenty-four Borrowings of
Dollar Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans or such higher number of Borrowings as
the Administrative Agent may agree.

            (e) The minimum aggregate principal amount of a Borrowing of
Swingline Loans shall be the Borrowing Amount for Acceptances or the applicable
currency equivalent (determined in accordance with Section 2.04) of amounts as
agreed between the Applicable Borrower and the applicable Swingline Bank. More
than one Borrowing may be incurred on any date; provided that at no time shall
there be outstanding more than the number of Borrowings of U.K. Swingline Loans
as agreed between the U.K. Borrower and the U.K. Swingline Bank or the number of
outstanding Acceptances as agreed between the Canadian Borrowers and the
Canadian Swingline Banks.

            1.03. Notice of Borrowings. (a) Each notice to be given pursuant to
this Section 1.03, which shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit J hereto
(each, a "Notice of Borrowing"), shall be irrevocable, shall be deemed a
representation by the Applicable Borrower that all conditions precedent to such
Borrowing set forth in Section 4.02 and, in the case of a Loan under the
Acquisition Portion, that all additional conditions under Section 4.03 have been
satisfied and shall specify (i) whether such Borrowing is a Swingline Loan or is
to be made from the A Term Loan Facility, the B Term Loan Facility, the
Acquisition Portion or the Revolving Portion, (ii) the aggregate principal
amount in Dollars, Canadian Dollars or Pounds Sterling of the Loans to be made
pursuant to such Borrowing, all of which shall be specified in such manner as is
necessary to comply with all limitations on Swingline Loans, Term Loans,
Acquisition Loans and Revolving Loans, as the case may be, outstanding
hereunder, including without limitation, availability under the Borrowing Base
and the applicable Maximum Swingline Amount limitations, (iii) the date of
Borrowing (which shall be a Business Day) and (iv) for notices delivered after
the Closing Date, whether the respective Borrowing shall consist of Base Rate
Loans, U.K. Base Rate Loans, Prime Rate Loans or Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar
Loans (or Acceptances) and, if Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans, whether such
Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans are U.S. Dollar Loans or Pounds Sterling

<PAGE>
                                      -9-


Loans, the Interest Period to be initially applicable thereto and, if
Acceptances, the term applicable thereto. The Administrative Agent shall as
promptly as practicable give each Bank written notice (or telephonic notice
promptly confirmed in writing) of each proposed Borrowing, of such Bank's
proportionate share thereof and of the other matters covered by the Notice of
Borrowing.

            (b) The provisions of this Section 1.03(b) shall not apply to any
Borrowings of Swingline Loans. Whenever the Company desires that the Banks make
the Initial Loans, an Authorized Officer of the Company shall give the
Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent's Office prior to Noon (New
York time) at least one Business Day's prior written notice (or telephonic
notice promptly confirmed in writing) of such Borrowing. Whenever a U.S.
Borrower desires that the Banks make U.S. Dollar Loans which are Reserve
Adjusted Eurodollar Loans under the Loan Facility after the Closing Date, an
Authorized Officer of the Applicable Borrower shall give the Administrative
Agent at the Administrative Agent's Office prior to Noon (New York time) at
least three Business Days' prior written notice (or telephonic notice promptly
confirmed in writing) of each such Borrowing of Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar
Loans. Whenever a U.S. Borrower desires that the Banks make Base Rate Loans
(other than Swingline Loans or Borrowings of Revolving Loans incurred pursuant
to a Mandatory Borrowing) under the Loan Facility after the Closing Date, which
shall only be made in U.S. Dollars, an Authorized Officer of the Applicable
Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent's
Office prior to 11:00 A.M. (New York time) on the date of the requested
Borrowing prior written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in
writing) of each such Borrowing of Base Rate Loans.

            (c) Whenever a U.S. Borrower desires to incur U.S. Swingline Loans
hereunder, it shall give the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent's
Office and the U.S. Swingline Bank at the office designated by the U.S.
Swingline Bank not later than the time agreed between the U.S. Borrowers and the
U.S. Swingline Banks on the date that a U.S. Swingline Loan is to be incurred,
written notice or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing of each
Swingline Loan to be incurred hereunder.

            (d) Whenever the U.K. Borrower desires to incur U.K. Swingline Loans
hereunder, it shall give the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent's
Office and the U.K. Swingline Bank at the office designated by the U.K.
Swingline Bank 

<PAGE>
                                      -10-


not later than 1:00 P.M. (London time) in the case of U.K. Base Rate Loans and
10:00 A.M. (London time) in the case of Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans on the
date that a U.K. Swingline Loan is to be incurred written notice (or telephonic
notice promptly confirmed in writing) of each such Borrowing of U.K. Swingline
Loans.

            (e) Whenever a Canadian Borrower desires that the Canadian Swingline
Banks make Canadian Swingline Loans which are in the form of Acceptances after
the Closing Date, an Authorized Officer of such Canadian Borrower shall give the
Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent's Office prior notice (or
telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) at such time as the
Administrative Agent may designate from time to time of each such Borrowing in
the form of Acceptances and shall otherwise comply with Schedule 1.16. Whenever
a Canadian Borrower desires that the Canadian Swingline Banks make Canadian
Swingline Loans which are Prime Rate Loans after the Closing Date, an Authorized
Officer of such Canadian Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent at the
Administrative Agent's Office and the Canadian Swingline Banks at the office
designated by the Canadian Swingline Banks prior written notice (or telephonic
notice promptly confirmed in writing) at such time as the Administrative Agent
may designate from time to time of each such Borrowing of Prime Rate Loans.

            (f) The Dollar Equivalent amount of any Borrowing of Swingline Loans
in an Applicable Currency will be determined by the Administrative Agent for
such Borrowing on the Computation Date therefor in accordance with Section 1.14.

            (g) Mandatory Borrowings shall be made upon the notice specified in
Section 1.01(e), with each U.S. Borrower irrevocably agreeing to the making of
the Mandatory Borrowings by it as set forth in Section 1.01(e).

            (h) Without in any way limiting the obligation of any Borrower to
confirm in writing any telephonic notice permitted to be given hereunder, the
Administrative Agent or any Swingline Bank may act without liability upon the
basis of such telephonic notice, believed by the Administrative Agent or such
Swingline Bank in good faith to be from an Authorized Officer of such Borrower
prior to receipt of written confirmation. In each such case, each Borrower
hereby waives the right to dispute the Administrative Agent's or such Swingline
Bank's record of the terms of such telephonic notice.

<PAGE>
                                      -11-


            1.04. Disbursement of Funds. (a) No later than 1:00 P.M. (New York
time) on the date specified in each Notice of Borrowing of Loans (other than
U.S. Swingline Loans) in U.S. Dollars (or in the case of Mandatory Borrowings,
not later than Noon (New York time) on the date specified in Section 1.01(e)),
each Bank will make available its pro rata portion of each Borrowing requested
to be made on such date in the manner provided below (x) with respect to Loans
denominated in Dollars, to the Administrative Agent at the Administrative
Agent's Office, (y) with respect to Loans denominated in Pounds Sterling, as
agreed between the U.K. Swingline Bank and the U.K. Borrower, and (z) with
respect to Prime Rate Loans denominated in Canadian Dollars, or Acceptances, in
accordance with Schedule 1.16, in each case as agreed between the Canadian
Swingline Banks and the Canadian Borrowers. The proceeds of such Borrowings of
Dollar Loans will be made available, as provided in Section 1.04(b), to the
Applicable Borrower in the amounts made available to the Administrative Agent
and in like funds received by the Administrative Agent by 2:00 P.M. (New York
time) on the date specified in the Notice of Borrowing. The proceeds of other
Loans will be made available to the Applicable Borrower as agreed with the
applicable Swingline Bank.

            (b) Each Bank shall make available all amounts it is to fund under
any Borrowing of Term Loans, Acquisition Term Loans or Revolving Loans on or
after the Closing Date in immediately available funds to the Administrative
Agent to the account specified therefor by the Administrative Agent or if no
account is so specified at the Administrative Agent's Office and the
Administrative Agent will make such funds available to the Applicable Borrower
by depositing to the account specified therefor by the Applicable Borrower or if
no account is so specified to its account at the Administrative Agent's Office
the aggregate of the amounts so made available in the type of funds received.
Unless the Administrative Agent shall have been notified by any Bank prior to
the date of any such Borrowing that such Bank does not intend to make available
to the Administrative Agent its portion of the Borrowing or Borrowings to be
made on such date, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Bank has made
such amount available to the Administrative Agent on such date of Borrowing, and
the Administrative Agent, in reliance upon such assumption, may (in its sole
discretion and without any obligation to do so) make available to the Applicable
Borrower a corresponding amount. If such corresponding amount is not in fact
made available to the Administrative Agent by such Bank and the Administrative
Agent has made such corresponding amount available to the Applicable Borrower,
the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to recover 

<PAGE>
                                      -12-


such amount from such Bank. If such Bank does not pay such corresponding amount
forthwith upon the Administrative Agent's demand therefor, the Administrative
Agent shall promptly notify the Applicable Borrower, and the Applicable Borrower
shall immediately pay such corresponding amount to the Administrative Agent (it
being understood that if the Applicable Borrower makes a request for a Revolving
Loan to reimburse the Administrative Agent, such Revolving Loan, if made, shall
be an immediate repayment). The Administrative Agent shall also be entitled to
recover from such Bank or the Applicable Borrower, as the case may be, interest
on such corresponding amount in respect of each day from the date such
corresponding amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to the
Applicable Borrower to the date such amount is recovered by the Administrative
Agent, at a rate per annum equal to (x) if paid by such Bank, the Federal Funds
Rate for payments in U.S. Dollars, or (y) if paid by the Applicable Borrower
(and/or one or more other Credit Parties), the then applicable rate of interest,
calculated in accordance with Section 1.08, for the respective Loans. The
Administrative Agent shall also be entitled to recover from any Bank an amount
equal to any other losses incurred by the Administrative Agent as a result of
the failure of such Bank to provide such amount as provided in this Agreement.

            (c) Nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve any Bank from its
obligation to fulfill its Commitment hereunder or to prejudice any rights which
any Borrower or any other Credit Party may have against any Bank as a result of
any default by such Bank hereunder.

            1.05. Notes. (a) Each Borrower's obligation to pay the principal of
and interest on all the Loans made to it by each Bank shall be evidenced: (i) if
A Term Loans, by a promissory note (each, an "A Term Note" and, collectively,
the "A Term Notes") duly executed and delivered by the U.S. Borrowers,
substantially in the form of Exhibit A-1 hereto, each with blanks appropriately
completed in conformity herewith; (ii) if B Term Loans, by a promissory note
(each, a "B Term Note" and, collectively, the "B Term Notes") duly executed and
delivered by the U.S. Borrowers, substantially in the form of Exhibit A-2
hereto, each with blanks appropriately completed in conformity herewith; (iii)
if Acquisition Term Loans, by a promissory note (each, an "Acquisition Term
Note" and, collectively, the "Acquisition Term Notes") duly executed and
delivered by the U.S. Borrowers, substantially in the form of Exhibit A-3
hereto, each with blanks appropriately completed in conformity herewith; (iv) if
Revolving Loans, by a promissory note (each, 

<PAGE>
                                      -13-


a "Revolving Note" and, collectively, the "Revolving Notes") duly executed and
delivered by the U.S. Borrowers substantially in the form of Exhibit B-1 hereto,
with blanks appropriately completed in conformity herewith; (v) if U.S.
Swingline Loans, by a promissory note (each, a "U.S. Swingline Note" and,
collectively, the "U.S. Swingline Notes") duly executed and delivered by the
U.S. Borrowers substantially in the form of Exhibit B-2 hereto, with blanks
appropriately completed in conformity herewith; (vi) if U.K. Swingline Loans, by
a promissory note (each, a "U.K. Swingline Note" and, collectively, the "U.K.
Swingline Notes") duly executed and delivered by the U.K. Borrower substantially
in the form of Exhibit B-3 hereto, with blanks appropriately completed in
conformity herewith; and (vii) if Canadian Swingline Loans, by a promissory note
(each, a "Canadian Swingline Note" and, collectively, the "Canadian Swingline
Notes") duly executed and delivered by each Canadian Borrower substantially in
the form of Exhibit B-4 hereto, with blanks appropriately completed in
conformity herewith.

            (b) The A Term Note of the U.S. Borrowers issued to each Bank with
an A Term Loan Commitment shall (i) be executed by the U.S. Borrowers (and shall
constitute the joint and several obligations of the U.S. Borrowers), (ii) be
payable to the order of such Bank and be dated the Effective Date, (iii) be in a
stated principal amount equal to the A Term Loan Commitment of such Bank and be
payable in Dollars in the aggregate principal amount of the A Term Loans
evidenced thereby, (iv) mature, with respect to each Loan evidenced thereby, on
the Final A Term Loan Maturity Date, (v) be subject to mandatory prepayment as
provided in Section 3.02, (vi) bear interest as provided in the appropriate
clause of Section 1.08 in respect of the Base Rate Loans and Reserve Adjusted
Eurodollar Loans, as the case may be, evidenced thereby and (vii) be entitled to
the benefits of this Agreement and the other applicable Credit Documents.

            (c) The B Term Note of the U.S. Borrowers issued to each Bank with a
B Term Loan Commitment shall (i) be executed by the U.S. Borrowers (and shall
constitute the joint and several obligations of the U.S. Borrowers), (ii) be
payable to the order of such Bank and be dated the Effective Date, (iii) be in a
stated principal amount equal to the B Term Loan Commitment of such Bank and be
payable in Dollars in the aggregate principal amount of the B Term Loans
evidenced thereby, (iv) mature, with respect to each Loan evidenced thereby, on
the Final B Term Loan Maturity Date, (v) be subject to mandatory prepayment as
provided in Section 3.02, (vi) bear interest as provided in the appropriate
clause of Section 1.08 in respect of 

<PAGE>
                                      -14-


the Base Rate Loans and Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans, as the case may be,
evidenced thereby and (vii) be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement and
the other applicable Credit Documents.

            (d) The Acquisition Term Note of the U.S. Borrowers issued to each
Bank with an Acquisition Term Loan Commitment shall (i) be executed by the U.S.
Borrowers (and shall constitute the joint and several obligations of the U.S.
Borrowers), (ii) be payable to the order of such Bank and be dated the Closing
Date, (iii) be in a stated principal amount equal to the Acquisition Term Loan
Commitment of such Bank and be payable in Dollars in the aggregate principal
amount of the Acquisition Term Loan evidenced thereby, (iv) mature, with respect
to each Loan evidenced thereby, on the Final Acquisition Term Loan Maturity
Date, (v) be subject to mandatory prepayment as provided in Section 3.02, (vi)
bear interest as provided in the appropriate clause of Section 1.08 in respect
of the Base Rate Loans and Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans, as the case may
be, evidenced thereby and (vii) be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement
and the other applicable Credit Documents.

            (e) The Revolving Note of the U.S. Borrowers issued to each Bank
with a Revolving Loan Commitment shall (i) be executed by the U.S. Borrowers
(and shall constitute the joint and several obligations of the U.S. Borrowers),
(ii) be payable in Dollars to the order of such Bank and be dated the Effective
Date, (iii) be in a stated principal amount equal to the Revolving Loan
Commitment of such Bank and be payable in Dollars in the aggregate principal
amount of the Revolving Loans evidenced thereby, (iv) mature, with respect to
each Loan evidenced thereby, on the Revolving Maturity Date, (v) be subject to
mandatory prepayment as provided in Section 3.02, (vi) bear interest as provided
in the appropriate clause of Section 1.08 in respect of the Base Rate Loans and
Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans, as the case may be, evidenced thereby and
(vii) be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement and the other applicable
Credit Documents.

            (f) The U.S. Swingline Note of the U.S. Borrowers issued to each
U.S. Swingline Bank shall (i) be executed by the U.S. Borrowers (and shall
constitute the joint and several obligations of the U.S. Borrowers), (ii) be
payable to the order of such U.S. Swingline Bank and be dated the Effective
Date, (iii) be in a stated principal amount equal to the U.S. Swingline Loan
Commitment of such Bank and be payable in Dollars in the principal amount of the
outstanding U.S. Swingline Loans evidenced thereby, (iv) mature, with respect to
each U.S. Swin-

<PAGE>
                                      -15-


gline Loan evidenced thereby, on the Swingline Expiry Date, (v) be subject to
mandatory prepayment as provided in Section 3.02, (vi) bear interest as provided
in the appropriate clause of Section 1.08 in respect of the Base Rate Loans
evidenced thereby and (vii) be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement and
the other applicable Credit Documents.

            (g) The U.K. Swingline Note of the U.K. Borrower issued to each U.K.
Swingline Bank shall (i) be executed by the U.K. Borrower, (ii) be payable to
the order of such U.K. Swing-line Bank and be dated the Effective Date, (iii) be
in a stated principal amount equal to the U.K. Swingline Loan Commitment of such
Bank (expressed in Dollars) and be payable in Pounds Sterling in the principal
amount of the outstanding U.K. Swingline Loans evidenced thereby, (iv) mature,
with respect to each U.K. Swingline Loan evidenced thereby, on the Swingline
Expiry Date, (v) be subject to mandatory prepayment as provided in Section 3.02,
(vi) bear interest as provided in the appropriate clause of Section 1.08 in
respect of the U.K. Base Rate and Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans evidenced
thereby and (vii) be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement and the other
applicable Credit Documents.

            (h) The Canadian Swingline Note of each Canadian Borrower issued to
each Canadian Swingline Bank shall (i) be executed by such Canadian Borrower,
(ii) be payable to the order of such Canadian Swingline Bank and be dated the
Effective Date, (iii) be in a stated principal amount equal to the Canadian
Swingline Loan Commitment of such Bank expressed in U.S. Dollars and be payable
in Canadian Dollars in the aggregate principal amount of the Canadian Swingline
Loans evidenced thereby, (iv) mature, with respect to each Loan evidenced
thereby, on the Swingline Expiry Date, (v) be subject to mandatory prepayment as
provided in Section 3.02, (vi) bear interest as provided in the appropriate
clause of Section 1.08 in respect of the Prime Rate Loans evidenced thereby and
(vii) be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement and the other applicable
Credit Documents.

            (i) Each Borrower hereby authorizes each Bank to note on its
internal records the date and amount of each Loan made by it, the date and
amount of each payment in respect thereof, the interest rates payable by the
Applicable Borrower in respect of each Loan and any Interest Period applicable
thereto, Acceptances issued under the Canadian Swingline Loan facility and the
amount of the Obligations which remain payable to such Bank in respect of such
Loan and will, prior to any transfer of any of its Notes, endorse on the reverse
side 

<PAGE>
                                      -16-


thereof the outstanding principal amount of Loans evidenced thereby. Failure to
make any such notation shall not affect any Borrower's or any Credit Party's
obligations hereunder or under the other applicable Credit Documents in respect
of such Loans. All amounts and other information so recorded shall be prima
facie evidence thereof and binding on the Borrowers in the absence of manifest
error.

            (j) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained above or
elsewhere in this Agreement, A Term Notes, B Term Notes, Acquisition Term Notes,
Revolving Notes and Swingline Notes shall only be delivered to Banks with Loans
of the respective kind which at any time specifically request the delivery of
such Notes. No failure of any Bank to request or obtain a Note evidencing its
Loans of any kind or to any Borrower shall affect or in any manner impair the
obligations of the respective Borrower or Borrowers to pay the Loans (and all
related Obligations) which would otherwise be evidenced thereby in accordance
with the requirements of this Agreement, and shall not in any way affect the
security or guarantees therefor provided pursuant to the various Credit
Documents. Any Bank which does not have a Note evidencing its outstanding Loans
shall in no event be required to make the notations on a Note otherwise
described in the preceding clause (i) but shall make notations on its internal
records. At any time when any Bank requests the delivery of a Note to evidence
its Loans of any kind, the respective Borrower or Borrowers shall promptly
execute and deliver to the respective Bank the requested Note or Notes in the
appropriate amount or amounts to evidence such Loans.

            1.06. Continuations and Conversions. The provisions of this Section
1.06 shall not apply to (i) any continuations or conversions of Canadian
Swingline Loans and (ii) U.S. Swingline Loans, which at all times shall be
maintained as Base Rate Loans. The Applicable Borrower shall have the option to
convert on any Business Day all or a portion (which portion shall not be less
than the Minimum Borrowing Amount) of the outstanding principal amount of the
Loans owing by the Applicable Borrower pursuant to a single Portion of the Loan
Facility into a Borrowing or Borrowings pursuant to such Portion of another Type
of Loan; provided that (i) except as otherwise provided in Section 1.10(b),
Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans may be converted into Base Rate Loans or U.K.
Base Rate Loans, as the case may be, or continued as Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar
Loans only on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto, (ii) no
such partial conversion of Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans shall reduce the
outstanding principal amount 

<PAGE>
                                      -17-


of Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans under the Loan Facility (or Portion
thereof) made pursuant to a single Borrowing to less than the Minimum Borrowing
Amount and (iii) Revolving Loans and U.K. Swingline Loans may only be continued
as or converted into Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans if no Default or Event of
Default is in existence on the date of the conversion and (iv) U.K. Swingline
Loans may only be continued as U.K. Swingline Loans and shall otherwise be
subject to the provisions of Section 1.01(e). Each such conversion (or
continuation) of Revolving Loans shall be effected by the Applicable Borrower by
giving the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent's Office prior to
Noon (New York time) at least three Business Days' (or the same Business Day in
the case of a conversion into Base Rate Loans) prior written notice (or
telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing) (each, a "Notice of
Continuance/Conversion"), substantially in the form of Exhibit K hereto,
specifying the Loans to be so converted or continued, the Type of Loans to be
converted into and, if to be converted into or continued as Reserve Adjusted
Eurodollar Loans, the Interest Period to be initially applicable thereto. The
Administrative Agent shall give each Bank notice as promptly as practicable of
any such proposed conversion affecting any of its Loans. Each such continuation
of U.K. Swingline Loans shall be effected by giving the Administrative Agent at
the Administrative Agent's Office, and the U.K. Swingline Bank at the U.K.
Swingline Bank's Agent's Office prior to 10:00 A.M. (London time), a Notice of
Continuation/Conversion on the Business Day thereof specifying the Loans to be
continued and the Interest Period applicable thereto. If no Notice of
Continuance/Conversion has been duly delivered (i) on or before the third
Business Day prior to the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto
with respect to a Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loan denominated in Dollars, such
Dollar Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loan shall be automatically converted into a
Base Rate Loan, and (ii) on the Business Day on which the Interest Period
applicable thereto with respect to a U.K. Swingline Loan, such U.K. Swingline
Loan shall be automatically converted into a U.K. Base Rate Loan.

            1.07. Pro Rata Borrowings. All Borrowings under this Agreement
(including Mandatory Borrowings) shall be loaned by the Banks pro rata on the
basis of their A Term Loan Commitments, B Term Loan Commitments, Acquisition
Term Loan Commitments, Swingline Loan Commitments (except for Acceptances, which
may be rounded to multiples of $100,000 at the discretion of the Administrative
Agent) or Revolving Loan Commitments, as the case may be. No Bank shall be
responsible for any default by any other Bank in its obligation to make Loans
hereunder and 

<PAGE>
                                      -18-


each Bank shall be obligated to make the Loans provided to be made by it
hereunder, regardless of the failure of any other Bank to fulfill its
commitments hereunder.

            1.08. Interest. (a) Subject to Section 1.08(d) hereof, the unpaid
principal amount of each Base Rate Loan (for Dollar Loans) or U.K. Base Rate
Loan (for Pound Sterling Loans), as the case may be, shall bear interest from
the date of the Borrowing thereof until maturity (whether by acceleration or
otherwise) (or unless sooner converted into a Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loan)
at a rate per annum which shall at all times be equal to the sum of (i) the Base
Rate or U.K. Base Rate, as the case may be, in effect from time to time and (ii)
the applicable Interest Margin.

            (b) Subject to Section 1.08(d) hereof, the unpaid principal amount
of each Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loan shall bear interest from the date of
the Borrowing thereof until maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise) (or
unless sooner converted to a Base Rate Loan) at a rate per annum which shall at
all times be equal to the sum of (i) the relevant Eurodollar Rate, (ii) the
applicable Interest Margin and (iii) in the case of Loans made in Pounds
Sterling, the MLA Cost.

            (c) Subject to Section 1.08(d) hereof, the unpaid principal amount
of each Prime Rate Loan shall bear interest from the date of the Borrowing
thereof until maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise) or until repaid at
a rate per annum which shall at all times be equal to the sum of (i) the Prime
Rate in effect from time to time and (ii) the applicable Interest Margin. With
respect to Acceptances, stamping fees shall be payable in connection therewith
as provided in clause 1.04 of Schedule 1.16. Until maturity of the respective
Acceptances, interest shall not otherwise be payable with respect thereto.

            (d) The unpaid principal amount of each Loan, upon the occurrence
and during the continuance of a Default, overdue principal and, to the extent
permitted by law, overdue interest in respect of each Loan shall bear interest
at a rate per annum equal to 2% plus the rate (including any applicable Interest
Margin) in effect from time to time, both before and after demand, maturity and
judgment.

            (e) Interest shall accrue from and including the date of any
Borrowing to but excluding the date of any repayment thereof and shall be
payable (i) in respect of each Base Rate Loan, U.K. Base Rate Loan or Prime Rate
Loan, quarterly in 

<PAGE>
                                      -19-


arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December
beginning June 30, 1998; (ii) in respect of each Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar
Loan, in arrears on the last day of each Interest Period applicable thereto and,
in the case of an Interest Period in excess of three months, on each date
occurring at three-month intervals after the first date of such Interest Period;
and (iii) in respect of each Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loan, on any prepayment
(on the amount prepaid), at maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise) and,
after such maturity, on demand. Notwithstanding the foregoing, interest payable
at the rate provided in Section 1.08(d) shall be payable on demand.

            (f) All computations of interest hereunder shall be made in
accordance with Section 11.07(b).

            (g) The Administrative Agent, upon determining the interest rate for
any Borrowing of Dollar Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans for any Interest
Period, shall promptly notify the Applicable Borrower and the Banks thereof.
Such determination shall, absent manifest error, be final, conclusive and
binding upon all parties hereto.

            (h) The U.K. Swingline Bank, upon determining the interest rate for
any Borrowing of Pounds Sterling Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loan for any
Interest Period, shall promptly notify the U.K. Borrower and the Administrative
Agent thereof. Such determination shall, absent manifest error, be final,
conclusive and binding upon all parties thereto.

            1.09. Interest Periods. At the time the Applicable Borrower gives a
Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Continuance/Conversion in respect of the making
of, continuance of, or conversion into, a Borrowing of Reserve Adjusted
Eurodollar Loans, it shall have the right to elect, by giving the Administrative
Agent (and, in the case of U.K. Swingline Loans, the U.K. Swingline Bank)
written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing), the
Interest Period for Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans applicable to such
Borrowing, which Interest Period shall, at the option of the Applicable
Borrower, be a one, two, three, six or, if available by all the Banks and only
with respect to Dollar Loans, twelve month period. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary contained above:

            (a) the initial Interest Period for any Borrowing of Reserve
      Adjusted Eurodollar Loans shall commence on the date of such Borrowing
      (including the date of any conver-

<PAGE>
                                      -20-


      sion from a Borrowing of Base Rate Loans or U.K. Base Rate Loans, as
      applicable) and each Interest Period occurring thereafter in respect of
      such Borrowing shall commence on the date on which the next preceding
      Interest Period expires;

            (b) if any Interest Period relating to a Borrowing of Reserve
      Adjusted Eurodollar Loans begins on a date for which there is no
      numerically corresponding date in the calendar month in which such
      Interest Period ends, such Interest Period shall end on the last Business
      Day of such calendar month;

            (c) if any Interest Period would otherwise expire on a day which is
      not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall expire on the next
      succeeding Business Day; provided that if any Interest Period in respect
      of a Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loan would otherwise expire on a day
      which is not a Business Day but is a day of the month after which no
      further Business Day occurs in such month, such Interest Period shall
      expire on the next preceding Business Day;

            (d) no Interest Period shall extend with respect to A Term Loans,
      beyond the Final A Term Loan Maturity Date, with respect to B Term Loans,
      beyond the Final B Term Loan Maturity Date, with respect to Acquisition
      Term Loans, beyond the Final Acquisition Term Loan Maturity Date, with
      respect to Revolving Loans, beyond the Revolving Loan Maturity Date and
      with respect to U.K. Swingline Loans, beyond the Swingline Expiry Date;
      and

            (e) no Interest Period with respect to any Borrowing of Dollar
      Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans shall extend beyond any date upon which
      a U.S. Borrower is required to make a scheduled payment of principal with
      respect to the Term Loans or Acquisition Term Loans if, after giving
      effect to the selection of such Interest Period, the aggregate principal
      amount of Term Loans or Acquisition Term Loans maintained as Reserve
      Adjusted Eurodollar Loans with Interest Periods ending after such date of
      scheduled payment of principal would exceed the amount of Term Loans or
      Acquisition Term Loans permitted to be outstanding after such scheduled
      payment of principal.

            1.10. Special Provisions Governing Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans
and Acceptances. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the
following provisions shall

<PAGE>
                                      -21-


govern with respect to Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans and Acceptances as to
the matters covered:

            (a) On an Interest Rate Determination Date, the Administrative Agent
      (or the U.K. Swingline Bank, with respect to U.K. Swingline Loans) shall
      determine (which determination shall, absent manifest error, be final,
      conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto) the interest rate which
      shall apply to the Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans for which an interest
      rate is then being determined for the applicable Interest Period and shall
      promptly give notice thereof (in writing or by telephone confirmed in
      writing) to the Applicable Borrower and to each Bank.

            (b) In the event that (x) in the case of clause (i) below, the
      Administrative Agent, (y) in the case of clause (ii) below, the U.K.
      Swingline Bank, or (z) in the case of clause (iii) or (iv) below, any
      Bank, shall have determined (which determination shall, absent manifest
      error, be final, conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto):

                  (i) on any date for determining the Eurodollar Rate for any
            Interest Period that, by reason of any changes arising on or after
            the Effective Date affecting the interbank eurodollar market,
            adequate and fair means do not exist for ascertaining the applicable
            interest rate on the basis provided for in the definition of
            Eurodollar Rate;

                 (ii) on any date for determining the Sterling Eurodollar Rate
            for any Interest Period that, by reason of any changes arising on or
            after the Effective Date affecting the interbank eurodollar market,
            adequate and fair means do not exist for ascertaining the applicable
            interest rate on the basis provided for in the definition of
            Sterling Eurodollar Rate;

                (iii) at any time that such Bank shall incur increased costs or
            reductions in the amounts received or receivable hereunder with
            respect to any Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans or its obligation
            to make Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans because of (x) any change
            since the Effective Date (including changes proposed or published
            prior to the Effective Date but taking effect thereafter) in any
            applicable law, governmental rule, regulation, guideline or order,
            whether or not having the force of law, or in the interpretation or
            administration thereof by any court 

<PAGE>
                                      -22-


            or governmental or monetary authority charged with the
            interpretation or administration thereof and including the
            introduction of any new law or governmental rule, regulation,
            guideline or order such as, for example, but not limited to: (A) a
            change in the basis of taxation of payments to any Bank of the
            principal of or interest on the Notes or any other amounts payable
            hereunder (except for changes in the rate of tax on the net income
            or profits of such Bank or any tax on or measured by the capital of
            a Bank or any franchise tax based on the net income or net profits
            of such Bank, in any case pursuant to the laws of the jurisdiction
            in which its principal office or applicable lending office is
            located) or (B) a change in official reserve requirements, but, in
            all events, excluding reserves required under Regulation D to the
            extent included in the computation of the Eurodollar Rate and/or (y)
            other circumstances affecting such Bank, the interbank eurodollar
            market, or the position of such Bank in either such market; or

                 (iv) at any time that the making or continuance of any Reserve
            Adjusted Eurodollar Loan has become unlawful by compliance by such
            Bank in good faith with any law, governmental rule, regulation,
            guideline or order (or would conflict with any such governmental
            rule, regulation, guideline or order not having the force of law
            even though the failure to comply therewith would not be unlawful);

      then, and in any such event, the Administrative Agent in the case of
      clause (i) above, the U.K. Swingline Bank in the case of clause (ii)
      above, or such Bank in the case of clause (iii) or (iv) above shall on
      such date give notice (by telephone confirmed in writing) to the
      Applicable Borrower and, in the case of clause (iii) or (iv), to the
      Administrative Agent, of such determination (which notice the
      Administrative Agent shall promptly transmit to each of the other Banks).
      Thereafter (x) in the case of clauses (i) and (ii) above, Reserve Adjusted
      Eurodollar Loans shall no longer be available until such time as the
      Administrative Agent or the U.K. Swingline Bank, as the case may be,
      notifies the Applicable Borrower and the Banks that the circumstances
      giving rise to such notice by the Administrative Agent or the U.K.
      Swingline Bank, as the case may be, no longer exist, and any Notice of
      Borrowing or Notice of Continuance/Conversion given by the 

<PAGE>
                                      -23-


      Applicable Borrower with respect to the borrowing of or conversion into
      (including continuance of) Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans which have
      not yet been incurred shall be deemed rescinded by the Applicable
      Borrower, (y) in the case of clause (iii) above, the Applicable Borrower
      shall pay to such Bank, upon written demand therefor, such additional
      amounts (in the form of an increased rate of, or a different method of
      calculating, interest or otherwise as such Bank in its reasonable
      discretion shall determine) as shall be required to compensate such Bank
      for such increased costs or reductions in amounts receivable hereunder (a
      written notice as to the additional amounts owed to such Bank, showing the
      basis for the calculation thereof, submitted to the Applicable Borrower
      shall, absent manifest error, be final, conclusive and binding upon all
      parties hereto) and (z) in the case of clause (iv) above, the Applicable
      Borrower shall take one of the actions specified in Section 1.10(c) as
      promptly as possible and, in any event, within the time period required by
      law. Each Bank shall notify the Applicable Borrower of any event occurring
      after the date hereof entitling such Bank to compensation under this
      Section 1.10(b) as promptly as practicable, but in any event within 90
      days, after such Bank obtains actual knowledge thereof; provided that if
      any Bank fails to give such notice within 90 days after it obtains actual
      knowledge of such an event, such Bank shall, with respect to compensation
      payable pursuant to this Section 1.10(b) in respect of any costs or other
      amounts resulting from or relating to such event, only be entitled to
      payment under this Section 1.10(b) for such costs or other amounts from
      and after the date 90 days prior to the date that such Bank does give such
      notice.

            (c) At any time that any Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loan is
      affected by the circumstances described in Section 1.10(b)(iii) or (iv),
      the Applicable Borrower may (and in the case of a Loan affected pursuant
      to Section 1.10(b)(iv) shall) either (i) if a Notice of Borrowing or
      Notice of Continuance/Conversion has been given with respect to the
      affected Loan cancel said Notice of Borrowing or Notice of
      Continuance/Conversion by giving the Administrative Agent or the U.K.
      Swingline Bank, as applicable, telephonic notice (confirmed promptly in
      writing) thereof on the same date that Applicable Borrower was notified by
      a Bank pursuant to Section 1.10(b)(iii) or (iv), or (ii) if the affected
      Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loan is then outstanding, upon at least three
      Business Days' notice to 

<PAGE>
                                      -24-


      the Administrative Agent or the U.K. Swingline Bank, as the case may be,
      require the affected Bank to convert each such Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar
      Loan into a Base Rate Loan or U.K. Base Rate Loan, as the case may be;
      provided that if more than one Bank is affected at any time, then all
      affected Banks must be treated the same pursuant to this Section 1.10(c);
      and provided, further, that the Applicable Borrower shall compensate any
      such affected Banks as set forth in Section 1.10(f).

            (d) Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if on any
      Interest Rate Determination Date no Eurodollar Rate is available by reason
      of the inability of the Administrative Agent or U.K. Swingline Bank, as
      the case may be, to determine such interest rate in accordance with the
      definition thereof, the Administrative Agent or U.K. Swingline Bank, as
      the case may be, shall give the Applicable Borrower and each Bank prompt
      notice thereof and the Loans requested to be made as Reserve Adjusted
      Eurodollar Loans shall, subject to the applicable notice requirements, be
      made as Base Rate Loans or U.K. Base Rate Loans, as the case may be.

            (e) Each Bank agrees that, as promptly as practicable after it
      becomes aware of the occurrence of any event or the existence of a
      condition that would cause it to be an affected Bank under Section
      1.10(b)(iii) or (iv), it will, to the extent not inconsistent with such
      Bank's internal policies, use reasonable efforts to make, fund or maintain
      the affected Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans of such Bank through
      another lending office of such Bank if as a result thereof the additional
      moneys which would otherwise be required to be paid in respect of such
      Loans pursuant to Section 1.10(b)(iii) would be materially reduced or the
      illegality or other adverse circumstances which would otherwise require
      prepayment of such Loans pursuant to Section 1.10(b)(iv) would cease to
      exist, and if, as determined by such Bank, in its reasonable discretion,
      the making, funding or maintaining of such Loans through such other
      lending office would not otherwise adversely affect such Loans or such
      Bank. The Applicable Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable expenses
      incurred by any Bank in transferring the Loans to another lending office
      of such Bank pursuant to this Section 1.10(e).

            (f) The Applicable Borrower shall compensate each Bank, upon written
      request by that Bank, for all reason-

<PAGE>
                                      -25-


      able losses, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation, such
      factors as any interest paid by that Bank to Banks of funds borrowed by it
      to make or carry its Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans and any loss
      sustained by that Bank in connection with re-employment of such funds
      (based upon the difference between the amount earned in connection with
      re-employment of such funds and the amount payable by the Applicable
      Borrower if such funds had been borrowed or remained outstanding) which
      that Bank may sustain with respect to the Applicable Borrower's Reserve
      Adjusted Eurodollar Loans: (i) if for any reason (other than a default or
      error by that Bank) a Borrowing of any such Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar
      Loan does not occur on a date specified therefor in a Notice of Borrowing
      or Notice of Continuance/Conversion or in a telephonic request for
      borrowing or conversion, or a successive Interest Period in respect of any
      such Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loan does not commence after notice
      therefor is given pursuant to Section 1.06, (ii) if any prepayment (as
      required by Sections 3.01 and 3.02, by acceleration or otherwise) or
      conversion of any of such Bank's Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans to the
      Applicable Borrower occurs on a date which is not the last day of the
      Interest Period applicable to that Loan, (iii) if any prepayment of any
      such Bank's Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans to the Applicable Borrower
      is not made on any date specified in a notice of prepayment given by the
      Applicable Borrower, or (iv) as a consequence of any other failure by the
      Applicable Borrower to repay such Bank's Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans
      to the Applicable Borrower when required by the terms of this Agreement.

            (g) If at any time prior to the acceptance of Acceptances by the
      Canadian Swingline Bank, such Bank shall have determined in good faith
      (which determination shall be conclusive) that, by reason of circumstances
      affecting the market for bankers' acceptances, adequate and fair means do
      not exist for determining discount rates on bankers' acceptances, neither
      Canadian Borrower shall have the right to obtain a Credit Extension by
      means of Acceptances.

            1.11. Capital Requirements. If any Bank shall have determined that
the adoption or effectiveness after the Effective Date of any applicable law,
rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy, or any change therein, or any
change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental
authority, central bank or comparable agency charged with the 

<PAGE>
                                      -26-


interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by such Bank or such
Bank's parent with any request or directive regarding capital adequacy (whether
or not having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or
comparable agency (including in each case any such change proposed or published
prior to the date hereof but taking effect thereafter), has or would have the
effect of reducing the rate of return on such Bank's or such Bank's parent's
capital or assets as a consequence of such Bank's obligations hereunder to a
level below that which such Bank or such Bank's parent could have achieved but
for such adoption, effectiveness or change or as a consequence of an increase in
the amount of capital required to be maintained by such Bank (including in each
case, without limitation, with respect to any Bank's Commitment or any Loan),
then from time to time, within 15 days after demand by such Bank (with a copy to
the Administrative Agent), the Applicable Borrower shall pay to such Bank such
additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Bank or such Bank's parent,
as the case may be, for such reduction. Each Bank, upon determining in good
faith that any additional amounts will be payable pursuant to this Section 1.11,
will give written notice thereof to the Applicable Borrower, which notice shall
set forth in reasonable detail the basis of the calculation of such additional
amounts. Each Bank shall notify the Applicable Borrower of any event occurring
after the date hereof entitling such Bank to compensation under this Section
1.11 as promptly as practicable, but in any event within 90 days, after such
Bank obtains actual knowledge thereof; provided that if any Bank fails to give
such notice within 90 days after it obtains actual knowledge of such an event,
such Bank shall, with respect to compensation payable pursuant to this Section
1.11 in respect of any costs or other amounts resulting from or relating to such
event, only be entitled to payment under this Section 1.11 for such costs or
other amounts from and after the date 90 days prior to the date that such Bank
does give such notice.

            Each Bank agrees that, as promptly as practicable after it becomes
aware of the occurrence of any event or the existence of a condition that would
cause it to be an affected Bank under this Section 1.11, it will, to the extent
not inconsistent with such Bank's internal policies, use reasonable efforts to
make, fund or maintain the affected Loans of such Bank through another lending
office of such Bank if, as a result thereof, the additional moneys which would
otherwise be required to be paid in respect of such Loans pursuant to this
Section 1.11 would be materially reduced and if, as determined by such Bank, in
its reasonable discretion, the making, funding or maintaining of such Loans
through such other lending office

<PAGE>
                                      -27-


would not otherwise materially adversely affect such Loans or such Bank. The
Applicable Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable expenses incurred by any
Bank in transferring the Loans to another lending office of such Bank pursuant
to this Section 1.11.

            1.12. Total Loan Commitments; Limitations on Outstanding Loan
Amounts. The original amount of the (i) Total Commitments is $155,000,000, (ii)
Total A Term Loan Commitment is $20,000,000, (iii) Total B Term Loan Commitment
is $35,000,000, (iv) Total Acquisition Term Loan Commitment is $30,000,000, (v)
Total Revolving Loan Commitment is $70,000,000, including up to $20,000,000 of
Letters of Credit, (vi) Total U.S. Swingline Commitment is $10,000,000, (vii)
Total U.K. Swingline Commitment is $15,000,000 and (viii) Total Canadian
Swingline Commitment is $5,000,000. Anything contained in this Agreement to the
contrary notwithstanding, (a) in no event shall the sum of the aggregate
principal amount of all Term Loans, Acquisition Term Loans and Revolving Loans
of any Bank at any time exceed such Bank's portion of the Total Commitments, (b)
in no event shall the sum of the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans,
Acquisition Term Loans, Revolving Loans and the Dollar Equivalent of Swingline
Loans from all Banks at any time exceed the Total Commitments, (c) in no event
shall the aggregate principal amount of all Acquisition Term Loans exceed the
Total Acquisition Term Loan Commitment, (d) in no event shall the Revolving
Loans, the Dollar Equivalent of Swingline Loans and the Dollar Equivalent of
Letter of Credit Usage, after giving effect to all Revolving Loans, Swingline
Loans and Letters of Credit then requested, exceed the Total Revolving Loan
Commitments, (e) in no event shall the aggregate principal amount of all
Revolving Loans, the Dollar Equivalent of Swingline Loans and the Dollar
Equivalent of Letter of Credit Usage, after giving effect to all Revolving
Loans, Swingline Loans and Letters of Credit then requested, exceed the
Borrowing Base and (f) in no event shall the aggregate principal Dollar
Equivalent of Swingline Loans exceed the applicable Maximum Swingline Amount.

            1.13. Letters of Credit.

            (a) Letters of Credit. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement and in reliance upon the representations and warranties of the
Borrowers set forth herein and in the other Credit Documents, in addition to
requesting that the Banks make Revolving Loans pursuant to Section 1.03, the
U.S. Borrowers may request, in accordance with the provisions of this Section
1.13, that one or more Issuing Banks issue Letters 

<PAGE>
                                      -28-


of Credit for the account of the Borrowers; provided that (i) no Borrower shall
request that any Bank issue any Letter of Credit and a Bank shall not issue any
Letter of Credit, if after giving effect to such issuance the sum of (A) the
Dollar Equivalent amount of Letter of Credit Usage on the date of such issuance,
after giving effect to the issuance of all Letters of Credit subject to
outstanding requests for issuance, plus (B) the Dollar Equivalent amount of
Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans then outstanding, after giving effect to the
making of all Revolving Loans and Swingline Loans then requested by all
outstanding but unfunded Notices of Borrowing, would exceed the Total Revolving
Loan Commitment then in effect, (ii) no Borrower shall request that any Bank
issue any Letter of Credit and a Bank shall not issue any Letter of Credit if
after giving effect to such issuance, the sum of the amounts described in clause
(i) above would exceed the Borrowing Base as would be shown in the Borrowing
Base Certificate that was last delivered pursuant to Section 6.01; provided such
Borrowing Base Certificate was required to be delivered pursuant to and was in
compliance with Section 6.01 or was delivered after the Borrowing Base
Certificate last required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01, (iii) in no
event shall any Issuing Bank issue (A) any Letter of Credit having an expiration
date later than thirty (30) Business Days prior to the Revolving Maturity Date,
as applicable, after giving effect to any possible renewal of such Letter of
Credit pursuant to the proviso to the following clause (iii)(B), (B) subject to
the foregoing clause (iii)(A), any Letter of Credit having an expiration date
more than one year after its date of issuance; provided that, subject to the
foregoing clause (iii)(A), this clause (B) shall not prevent any Issuing Bank
from issuing a Letter of Credit containing a provision to the effect that such
Letter of Credit will automatically be renewed annually for a period not to
exceed one year, so long as such renewable Letter of Credit provides that it
shall not at any time be renewed for an additional year if (I) the Applicable
Borrower notifies the Issuing Bank in writing at least one Business Day prior to
the applicable renewal date that the Applicable Borrower elects to allow the
Letter of Credit to expire without being renewed, or (II) the Issuing Bank or
the Required Banks notify the Applicable Borrower in writing, prior to the date
set forth in such Letter of Credit as the date by which the beneficiary thereof
is to be notified whether such Letter of Credit is to be renewed, that such
Letter of Credit shall not be so renewed, in which case such Letter of Credit
shall not be so renewed, or (C) any Letter of Credit the initial stated amount
of which is less than $10,000 or the Dollar Equivalent thereof and (iv) the U.S.
Borrowers shall not request that any Issuing Bank issue and no Issuing 

<PAGE>
                                      -29-


Bank shall issue any Letter of Credit if, after giving effect to such issuance
and the issuance of all other requested Letters of Credit, the then outstanding
Letter of Credit Usage in respect of the Dollar Equivalent of all Letters of
Credit would exceed $20,000,000.

            The issuance of any Letter of Credit in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 1.13 shall be given effect in the calculation of the
aggregate principal amount of Revolving Loans outstanding and the Dollar
Equivalent of Letter of Credit Usage (except as provided in the definition of
Letter of Credit Usage) and shall require the satisfaction of each condition set
forth in Section 4.04.

            Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Bank
with a Revolving Loan Commitment other than the Issuing Bank or Banks shall be
deemed to, and hereby agrees to, have irrevocably purchased from the Issuing
Bank a participation (such participation of each Bank in each Letter of Credit
being hereinafter referred to as its "Letter of Credit Participation") in the
Dollar Equivalent of such Letter of Credit and each drawing thereunder in an
amount equal to such Bank's pro rata share (determined on the basis of such
Bank's Revolving Loan Commitment) of the maximum amount which is or at any time
may become available to be drawn thereunder.

            Each Letter of Credit may provide that the Issuing Bank may (but
shall not be required to) pay the beneficiary thereof upon the occurrence of an
Event of Default and the acceleration of the maturity of the Revolving Loans or,
if payment is not then due to the beneficiary, provide for the deposit of funds
in an account to secure payment to the beneficiary and that any funds so
deposited shall be paid to the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit if conditions
to such payment are satisfied or returned to the Issuing Bank for distribution
to the Banks (or, if all Obligations shall have been paid in full, to the
Applicable Borrower) if no payment to the beneficiary has been made and the
final date available for drawings under the Letter of Credit has passed. Each
payment or deposit of funds by an Issuing Bank as provided in this paragraph
shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as a drawing duly honored by
such Issuing Bank under the related Letter of Credit.

            (b) Request for Issuance. Whenever a U.S. Borrower desires the
issuance of a Letter of Credit, it shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a
request for issuance of a Letter of Credit no later than Noon (New York time) at
least three Busi-


                                      -30-

<PAGE>

ness Days, or such shorter period as may be agreed to by any Issuing Bank in
any particular instance, in advance of the proposed date of issuance; provided
that a Letter of Credit denominated in a currency other than U.S. Dollars,
Canadian Dollars or Pounds Sterling will be issued as soon as available, which
may be more than three Business Days after the request therefor. The request for
issuance with respect to any Letter of Credit shall specify (i) the proposed
date of issuance (which shall be a business day under the laws of the
jurisdiction of the Issuing Bank) of such Letter of Credit, (ii) the face amount
and currency of such Letter of Credit, (iii) the expiration date of such Letter
of Credit and (iv) the name and address of the beneficiary of such Letter of
Credit. As soon as practicable after delivery of such request for issuance of a
Letter of Credit, the Issuing Bank for such Letter of Credit shall be determined
as provided in Section 1.13(c). Prior to the date of issuance, the Applicable
Borrower shall specify a precise description of the documents and the verbatim
text of any certificate to be presented by the beneficiary of such Letter of
Credit which, if presented by such beneficiary prior to the expiration date of
the Letter of Credit, would require the Issuing Bank to make payment under the
Letter of Credit; provided that the Issuing Bank, in its sole judgment, may
require changes in any such documents and certificates; and provided, further,
that no Letter of Credit shall require payment against a conforming draft to be
made thereunder earlier than Noon in the time zone of the Issuing Bank on the
Business Day (which shall be a business day under the laws of the jurisdiction
of the Issuing Bank) next succeeding the Business Day (which shall be a Business
Day under the laws of the jurisdiction of the Issuing Bank) that such draft is
presented. In determining whether to pay under any Letter of Credit, the Issuing
Bank shall be responsible only to determine that the documents and certificates
required to be delivered under that Letter of Credit have been delivered and
that they comply on their face with the requirements of that Letter of Credit.
Promptly after receipt of a request for issuance of a Letter of Credit and the
determination of the Issuing Bank thereof, the Administrative Agent shall notify
each Bank having a Revolving Loan Commitment of the proposed issuance, the
identity of the Issuing Bank and the amount of each other Bank's respective
participation therein, determined in accordance with Section 1.13(a).

            (c) Determination of Issuing Bank.

            (1) Upon receipt by the Administrative Agent of a request for
issuance pursuant to Section 1.13(b) with respect to a Letter of Credit, in the
event the Administrative Agent 

<PAGE>
                                      -31-


elects to issue such Letter of Credit, the Administrative Agent shall so notify
the Applicable Borrower, and the Administrative Agent shall be the Issuing Bank
with respect thereto. In the event that the Administrative Agent, in its sole
discretion, elects not to issue such Letter of Credit, the Administrative Agent
shall promptly so notify the Applicable Borrower, and the Applicable Borrower
may request any other Bank having a Revolving Loan Commitment to issue such
Letter of Credit. Each such Bank so requested to issue such Letter of Credit
shall promptly notify the Applicable Borrower and the Administrative Agent
whether or not, in its sole discretion, it has elected to issue such Letter of
Credit, and any such Bank that so elects to issue such Letter of Credit shall be
the Issuing Bank with respect thereto. In the event that each other Bank elects
not to issue such Letter of Credit, the Administrative Agent agrees to issue
such Letter of Credit and to be the Issuing Bank with respect thereto.

            (2) Each Issuing Bank that elects to issue a Letter of Credit shall
promptly give written notice to the Administrative Agent and each other Bank of
the information required under Section 1.13(b)(i)-(iv) relating to the Letter of
Credit.

            (d) Payment of Amounts Drawn Under Letters of Credit. In the event
of any request for drawing under any Letter of Credit by the beneficiary
thereof, the Issuing Bank shall notify the Applicable Borrower and the
Administrative Agent on or before the date on which such Issuing Bank intends to
honor such drawing, and the Applicable Borrower shall reimburse such Issuing
Bank on the day on which such drawing is honored in an amount in same day funds
equal to the amount of and in the same currency as such drawing; provided that,
anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, (i) unless
the Applicable Borrower shall have notified the Administrative Agent and such
Issuing Bank prior to Noon (New York time) on the Business Day of the date of
such drawing that the Applicable Borrower intends to reimburse such Issuing Bank
for the amount of such drawing with funds other than the proceeds of Revolving
Loans, the Applicable Borrower shall be deemed to have timely given a Notice of
Borrowing to the Administrative Agent requesting the Banks having Revolving Loan
Commitments to make Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans on the Business Day
following the date on which such drawing is honored in an amount equal to the
Dollar Equivalent amount of such drawing, and (ii) the Banks shall, on the date
of such drawing, make Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans in the amount of
such drawing, the proceeds of which shall be applied directly by the
Administrative Agent to reimburse such Issuing 

<PAGE>
                                      -32-


Bank for the Dollar Equivalent amount of such drawing; and further provided that
if, for any reason, proceeds of Revolving Loans are not received by such Issuing
Bank on such date in an amount equal to the amount of such drawing, such Issuing
Bank shall be entitled to reimbursement in accordance with Section 1.04, on the
Business Day (which shall be a business day under the laws of the jurisdiction
of such Issuing Bank) immediately following the date of such drawing, in an
amount in same day funds equal to the excess of the amount of such drawing over
the amount of such Revolving Loans, if any, that are so received, plus accrued
interest on such amount at the rate set forth in Section 1.13(f)(1)(i).

            (e) Payment by Banks. In the event that the Applicable Borrower
shall fail to reimburse an Issuing Bank as provided in Section 1.13(d) in an
amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent amount of any drawing honored by such
Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit issued by it, such Issuing Bank shall
promptly notify each Bank having a Revolving Loan Commitment of the unreimbursed
Dollar Equivalent amount of such drawing and of such Bank's respective
participation therein. Each Bank having a Revolving Loan Commitment shall make
available to such Issuing Bank an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent amount
of its respective participation in same day funds at the office of such Issuing
Bank specified in such notice, not later than 1:00 P.M. (New York time) on the
Business Day (which shall be a business day under the laws of the jurisdiction
of such Issuing Bank) after the date notified by such Issuing Bank. In the event
that any Bank having a Revolving Loan Commitment fails to make available to such
Issuing Bank the Dollar Equivalent amount of such Bank's participation in such
Letter of Credit as provided in this Section 1.13(e), such Issuing Bank shall be
entitled to recover such amount on demand from such Bank together with interest
at the customary rate set by the Administrative Agent for the correction of
errors among banks for three Business Days and thereafter at the Base Rate. Each
Issuing Bank shall distribute to each other Bank having a Revolving Loan
Commitment which has paid all amounts payable by it under this Section 1.13(e)
with respect to any Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank such other
Bank's pro rata share of all payments received by such Issuing Bank from the
Applicable Borrower in reimbursement of drawings honored by such Issuing Bank
under such Letter of Credit when such payments are received. Nothing in this
Section 1.13(e) shall be deemed to relieve any Bank from its obligation to pay
all amounts payable by it under this Section 1.13(e) with respect to any Letter
of Credit issued by an Issuing Bank or to prejudice any rights 

<PAGE>
                                      -33-


that the Applicable Borrower or any other Bank may have against a Bank as a
result of any default by such Bank hereunder.

            (f) Compensation.

            (1) The Applicable Borrower agrees to pay the following amounts with
respect to all Letters of Credit:

            (i) with respect to drawings made under any Letter of Credit,
      interest, payable on demand, on the amount paid by such Issuing Bank in
      respect of each such drawing from and including the date of the drawing
      through the date such amount is reimbursed by the Applicable Borrower
      (including any such reimbursement out of the proceeds of Revolving Loans
      pursuant to Section 1.13(d)) at a rate which is equal to the interest rate
      then applicable to Base Rate Loans for the period from the date of such
      drawing to and including the first Business Day after the date of such
      drawing and thereafter at a rate equal to 2% per annum in excess of the
      rate of interest otherwise payable under this Agreement for Base Rate
      Loans during such period; provided that amounts reimbursed after 2:00 p.m.
      (New York time) on any date shall be deemed to be reimbursed on the next
      succeeding Business Day;

           (ii) with respect to the issuance, amendment or transfer of each
      Letter of Credit and each drawing made thereunder, documentary and
      processing charges (it being understood that such charges are without
      duplication of the fees set forth in clause (3) below) in accordance with
      such Issuing Bank's standard schedule for such charges in effect at the
      time of such amendment, transfer or drawing, as the case may be.

            (2) The Applicable Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative
Agent for distribution to each Bank having a Revolving Loan Commitment in
respect of each Letter of Credit outstanding such Bank's pro rata share of a
commission equal to 2.25% per annum of the maximum amount available from time to
time to be drawn under such outstanding Letters of Credit, payable in arrears on
and through the last day of each fiscal quarter of the Applicable Borrower and
calculated on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed.
Upon the happening and during the continuance of an Event of Default described
in Section 8.01, the commission referred to in the preceding sentence shall be
4.25% per annum.

<PAGE>
                                      -34-


            (3) The Applicable Borrower agrees to pay to each Issuing Bank in
respect of each Letter of Credit a commission equal to .125% per annum of the
maximum amount available at any time to be drawn under such Letter of Credit
issued by such Issuing Bank, payable in arrears on and through the last day of
each fiscal quarter of the Applicable Borrower and calculated on the basis of a
360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed or, if the maximum amount
available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit is the Dollar Equivalent of
$40,000 or less, $500 per annum, payable in arrears on the last day of each
fiscal quarter.

            Amounts payable under clauses (1)(i) and (2) of this Section 1.13(f)
shall be paid to the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Banks having a
Revolving Loan Commitment. The Administrative Agent shall distribute promptly to
each Bank having a Revolving Loan Commitment its pro rata share of such amount.
Amounts payable under clauses (1)(ii) and (3) of this Section 1.13(f) shall be
paid directly to the Issuing Bank.

            (g) Obligations Absolute. The obligation of the Applicable Borrower
to reimburse each Issuing Bank for drawings made under the Letters of Credit
issued by it and the obligations of the Banks under Section 1.13(e) shall be
unconditional and irrevocable and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement under all circumstances including, without limitation,
the following circumstances:

            (1) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit;

            (2) the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right that
      the Applicable Borrower or any Affiliate of the Applicable Borrower or any
      other Person may have at any time against a beneficiary or any transferee
      of any Letter of Credit (or any persons or entities for whom any such
      beneficiary or transferee may be acting), such Issuing Bank, any Bank or
      any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the
      Transaction contemplated herein or any unrelated transaction;

            (3) any draft, demand, certificate or any other document presented
      under any Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or
      insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or
      inaccurate in any respect;

<PAGE>
                                      -35-


            (4) payment by such Issuing Bank under any Letter of Credit against
      presentation of a demand, draft or certificate or other document that does
      not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit;

            (5) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever that is similar
      to any of the foregoing; or

            (6) the fact that a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
      and be continuing;

provided, in each case, that payment by the applicable Issuing Bank under the
applicable Letter of Credit shall not have constituted gross negligence or
willful misconduct of such Issuing Bank under the circumstances in question (as
determined by a court of competent jurisdiction).

            (h) Additional Payments. If by reason of (a) any change after the
Effective Date in applicable law, regulation, rule, decree or regulatory
requirement or any change in the interpretation or application by any judicial
or regulatory authority of any law, regulation, rule, decree or regulatory
requirement or (b) compliance by any Issuing Bank or any Bank with any
direction, request or requirement (whether or not having the force of law) of
any governmental or monetary authority including, without limitation, Regulation
D:

            (i) such Issuing Bank or any Bank shall be subject to any tax, levy,
      charge or withholding of any nature or to any variation thereof (except
      for changes in the rate of tax imposed on the net income or net profits of
      such Bank or any tax on or measured by the capital of a Bank or any
      franchise tax based on the net income or net profits of such Bank, in any
      case pursuant to the laws of the jurisdiction in which its principal
      office or applicable lending office is located) or to any penalty with
      respect to the maintenance or fulfillment of its obligations under this
      Section 1.13, whether directly or by such being imposed on or suffered by
      such Issuing Bank or any Bank;

           (ii) any reserve, deposit or similar requirement is or shall be
      applicable, imposed or modified in respect of any Letter of Credit issued
      by such Issuing Bank or participations therein purchased by any Bank; or

          (iii) there shall be imposed on such Issuing Bank or any Bank any
      other condition regarding this Section 1.13, any Letter of Credit or any
      participation therein;

<PAGE>
                                      -36-


and the result of the foregoing is to directly or indirectly increase the cost
to such Issuing Bank or any Bank of issuing, making or maintaining any Letter of
Credit or of purchasing or maintaining any participation therein, or to reduce
the amount receivable in respect thereof by such Issuing Bank or any Bank, then
and in any such case such Issuing Bank or such Bank shall, as promptly as
practical, but in any event within 90 days, after such Bank obtains actual
knowledge that the additional cost is incurred or the amount received is
reduced, notify the Applicable Borrower and the Applicable Borrower shall pay on
demand such amounts as such Issuing Bank or such Bank may specify to be
necessary to compensate such Issuing Bank or such Bank for such additional cost
or reduced receipt, together with interest on such amount from the date demanded
until payment in full thereof at a rate per annum equal at all times to the rate
applicable to Base Rate Loans then in effect; provided, however, that if any
Bank fails to give such notice within 90 days after it obtains actual knowledge
of such an event, such Bank shall, with respect to compensation payable pursuant
to this Section 1.13(h), only be entitled to payment under this Section 1.13(h)
for such costs or other amounts from and after the date 90 days prior to the
date that such Bank does give such notice. A certificate in reasonable detail as
to the amount of such increased cost or reduced receipt, submitted to the
Applicable Borrower and the Administrative Agent by that Issuing Bank or any
Bank, as the case may be, shall, absent manifest error, be final, conclusive and
binding for all purposes.

            (i) Indemnification; Nature of Issuing Bank's Duties. In addition to
amounts payable as elsewhere provided in this Section 1.13, without duplication,
the U.S. Borrowers hereby agree, jointly and severally, to protect, indemnify,
pay and save each Issuing Bank (and if the other Banks have been requested to
participate pursuant to Section 1.13(e), the Banks) harmless from and against
any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, charges and
expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and allocated costs of internal
counsel) which such Bank may incur or be subject to as a consequence, direct or
indirect, of (i) the issuance of the Letters of Credit or (ii) the failure of
such Issuing Bank to honor a drawing under any Letter of Credit as a result of
any act or omission, whether rightful or wrongful, of any present or future de
jure or de facto government or Governmental Authority (all such acts or
omissions herein called "Government Acts").

            As between the U.S. Borrowers and each Issuing Bank, the U.S.
Borrowers assume all risks of the acts and omissions 

<PAGE>
                                      -37-


of, or misuse of the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank at any U.S.
Borrower's request by, the respective beneficiaries of such Letters of Credit.
In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, such Issuing Bank shall
not be responsible: (i) for the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy,
genuineness or legal effects of any document submitted by any party in
connection with the application for and issuance of such Letters of Credit, even
if it should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient,
inaccurate, fraudulent or forged; (ii) for the validity or sufficiency of any
instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign any
such Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof,
in whole or in part, that may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason;
(iii) for failure of the beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit to comply
fully with conditions required in order to draw upon such Letter of Credit; (iv)
for errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of
any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex or otherwise, whether or not they
are in cipher; (v) for errors in interpretation of technical terms; (vi) for any
loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order
to make a drawing under any such Letter of Credit or of the proceeds thereof;
(vii) for the misapplication by the beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit of
the proceeds of any drawing under such Letter of Credit; and (viii) for any
consequences arising from causes beyond the control of such Issuing Bank,
including, without limitation, any Government Acts. None of the above shall
affect, impair, or prevent the vesting of any of such Issuing Bank's rights or
powers hereunder.

            In furtherance and extension and not in limitation of the specific
provisions hereinabove set forth, any action taken or omitted by any Issuing
Bank in connection with the Letters of Credit issued by it or the related
certificates, if taken or omitted in good faith, shall not put such Issuing Bank
under any resulting liability to the Borrowers.

            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section
1.13, the U.S. Borrowers shall have no obligation to indemnify any Issuing Bank
in respect of any liability incurred by such Issuing Bank arising solely out of
and to the extent of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Issuing
Bank or out of the wrongful dishonor by such Issuing Bank of a proper demand for
payment under the Letters of Credit issued by it.

<PAGE>
                                      -38-


            1.14. Computation of Dollar Equivalent Amount of Pounds Sterling and
Canadian Dollars. The Administrative Agent (or, with respect to Pounds Sterling
loans referred to in paragraph (a), the U.K. Swingline Bank) will determine the
Dollar Equivalent amount with respect to:

            (a) any Borrowing comprised of U.K. Swingline Loans or Canadian
      Swingline Loans, the day of the requested Borrowing with respect to Pounds
      Sterling Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans and U.K. Base Rate Loans, one
      Business Day prior to the requested date of Borrowing with respect to
      Acceptances, and the date of the requested Borrowing with respect to Prime
      Rate Loans,

            (b) any issuance of a Letter of Credit in a currency other than
      Dollars as of the requested date of issuance thereof,

            (c) all outstanding U.K. Swingline Loans and Canadian Swingline
      Loans, plus the Letter of Credit Usage under Letters of Credit issued in a
      currency other than Dollars as of the last Business Day of each month and
      as of any other date selected by the Administrative Agent,

            (d) the aggregate sum of the amount of all U.K. Swingline Loans and
      Canadian Swingline Loans, plus all Letter of Credit Usage, immediately
      prior to and after giving effect to any Revolving Loan made under Section
      1.13(d) as of the proposed date of the making of any such Revolving Loan,

            (e) all outstanding U.K. Swingline Loans or Canadian Swingline Loans
      on the date notice (or deemed notice) is given of a Mandatory Borrowing as
      provided in Section 1.01(e), and

            (f) all U.K. Swingline Loans and Canadian Swingline Loans, plus all
      Letter of Credit Usage on any date on which the Total Revolving
      Commitments are reduced pursuant to Section 2.01 or 2.02.

            1.15. European Monetary Union. (a) If, as a result of the
implementation of European monetary union, (i) Pounds Sterling cease to be
lawful currency of the United Kingdom and are replaced by a European single
currency or (ii) Pounds Sterling and a European single currency are at the same
time recognized by the central bank or comparable authority of the United
Kingdom as lawful currency of such nation and the U.K. Swin-

<PAGE>
                                      -39-


gline Bank shall so request in a notice delivered to the U.K. Borrower, then any
amount payable hereunder by the U.K. Swingline Bank to the U.K. Borrower, or by
the U.K. Borrower to the U.K. Swingline Bank, in such currency shall instead be
payable in the European single currency and the amount so payable shall be
determined by translating the amount payable in such currency to such European
single currency at the exchange rate recognized by the European Central Bank for
the purpose of implementing European monetary union.

            (b) The U.K. Borrower agrees, at the request of the U.K. Swingline
Bank, to compensate such U.K. Swingline Bank for any reasonable loss, cost,
expense or reduction in return that shall be incurred or sustained by such U.K.
Swingline Bank (other than as a result of such U.K. Swingline Bank's gross
negligence or willful misconduct) as a result of the implementation of European
monetary union, that would not have been incurred or sustained but for the
transactions provided for herein and that, to the extent that such loss, cost,
expense or reduction is of a type generally applicable to extensions of credit
similar to the extensions of credit hereunder, is generally being requested from
borrowers subject to similar provisions. A certificate of the U.K. Swingline
Bank (x) setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such U.K.
Swingline Bank, (y) describing the nature of the loss or expense sustained or
incurred by such U.K. Swingline Bank as a consequence thereof and (z) setting
forth a reasonably detailed explanation of the calculation thereof shall be
delivered to the U.K. Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
The U.K. Borrower shall pay to such U.K. Swingline Bank the amount shown as due
on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

            (c) The U.K. Borrower agrees, at the request of the U.K. Swingline
Bank or the Required Revolving Banks, at the time of or at any time following
the implementation of European monetary union, to enter into an agreement
amending this Agreement (subject to obtaining the approval of the U.K. Swingline
Bank and the Required Banks) in such manner as the U.K. Swingline Bank and the
Required Revolving Banks shall specify in order to reflect the implementation of
such monetary union to place the parties hereto in the position they would have
been in had such monetary union not been implemented.

            1.16. Acceptances Provisions. The parties hereto agree that the
provisions of Schedule 1.16 shall apply to all Acceptances created hereunder,
and that the provisions of Schedule 1.16 shall be deemed incorporated by
reference into 

<PAGE>
                                      -40-


this Agreement as if such provisions were set forth in their entirety herein.

            1.17. Replacement of Banks. (a) If at any time the Obligations of
the Borrowers shall have increased, or will increase, as the result of
occurrences, as to any one or more Banks, as described in Sections 1.10 (other
than Section 1.10(f)), 1.11, 1.13(h) or 3.04 and such increase can be avoided or
minimized if such Banks were no longer Banks hereunder, the Company shall have
the right to replace such Banks with another Person; provided that (a) no Event
of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; (b) such increased costs shall
not be generally charged by the other Banks hereunder; (c) such new Person is of
one of the types discussed in Section 11.04(b)(A) (other than the requirement
therein that consents be given) and such new Person shall execute an Assignment
and Assumption Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit I-2; and (d)
neither the Administrative Agent nor any Bank shall have any obligation to find
such other Person.

            (b) If at any time the U.K. Swingline Bank notifies the U.K.
Borrower that the Swingline Expiry Date for the U.K. Swingline Loans will not be
extended (as provided in the definition of Swingline Expiry Date), the Company
and the U.K. Borrower shall have the right to replace the U.K. Swingline Bank
with another Person; provided that (a) no Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing; (b) such new Person is of one of the types discussed in
Section 11.04(b)(A) (other than the requirement therein that consents be given)
and such new Person shall execute an Assignment and Assumption Agreement
substantially in the form of Exhibit I-2; and (c) neither the Administrative
Agent nor any Bank shall have any obligation to find such other Person.

            (c) Each Bank agrees to its replacement at the option of the Company
pursuant to Section 1.17(a) or (b), as the case may be, and in accordance with
Section 11.04(b)(A) (except to the extent inconsistent with this Section 1.17);
provided that the successor Bank shall purchase without recourse (except as to
matters of title) such replaced Bank's interest in the Obligations of the
Borrowers and shall assume such replaced Bank's Commitments hereunder for cash
in an aggregate amount equal to the aggregate unpaid principal of such
Obligations, all unpaid interest accrued thereon, all unpaid commitment and
other fees accrued for the account of such replaced Bank, any breakage costs
incurred by the replaced Bank because of the repayment of Reserve Adjusted
Eurodollar Loans and all other 

<PAGE>
                                      -41-


amounts then owing to such replaced Bank under this Agreement or any other
Credit Document.

            SECTION 2. Commitments.

            2.01. Voluntary Reduction of Commitments. Upon at least one Business
Day's prior written notice (or telephonic notice promptly confirmed in writing)
to the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent's Office (which notice
the Administrative Agent shall promptly transmit to each of the Banks), the
Applicable Borrower or Borrowers shall have the right, without premium or
penalty, to terminate in whole or in part the unutilized portion of any or all
of (i) the Total Revolving Loan Commitments and (ii) the Total Acquisition Term
Loan Commitments, in each case, in part or in whole; provided that (x) any such
termination shall proportionately and permanently reduce the Revolving Loan
Commitment or Acquisition Term Loan Commitment, as applicable, of each of the
Banks and (y) any partial reduction of the Total Revolving Loan Commitments or
the Total Acquisition Term Loan Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.01 shall,
in each case, be in the amount of at least $100,000 and integral multiples of
$100,000 in excess of that amount; provided, further, that (A) the Total
Revolving Loan Commitments shall not be reduced to an amount less than the
aggregate Revolving Loans and the Dollar Equivalent amount of Swingline Loans
and Letter of Credit Usage then outstanding and (B) the Total Acquisition Term
Loan Commitments shall not be reduced to an amount less than the aggregate
Acquisition Term Loans then outstanding. The Applicable Borrower or Borrowers
shall have the right, without premium or penalty, to terminate the unutilized
portion, in whole or in part, of the U.S. Swingline Commitment, the U.K.
Swingline Commitment or the Canadian Swingline Commitment.

            2.02. Mandatory Adjustments of Commitments, etc. (a) The Total
Revolving Loan Commitment shall terminate on the Revolving Loan Commitment
Termination Date.

            (b) The Total A Term Loan Commitment shall be reduced (i) on the
Closing Date to the amount of A Term Loans then outstanding and (ii) on the date
on which any payments of principal on the A Term Loans are made (other than
pursuant to Section 3.02(A)(a)) in an aggregate amount equal to such payments.

            (c) The Total B Term Loan Commitment shall be reduced (i) on the
Closing Date to the amount of B Term Loans then outstanding and (ii) on the date
on which any payments of 

<PAGE>
                                      -42-


principal on the B Term Loans are made (other than pursuant to Section
3.02(A)(a)) in an aggregate amount equal to such payments.

            (d) The Total Acquisition Term Loan Commitment shall be reduced (i)
on the Acquisition Term Loan Commitment Termination Date to the amount of
Acquisition Term Loans then outstanding and (ii) on the date on which any
payments of principal on the Acquisition Term Loans are made (other then
pursuant to Section 3.02(A)(a)) in an aggregate amount equal to such payment.

            (e) The Total Revolving Loan Commitment and the Maximum Swingline
Amount shall be permanently reduced, in each case, in the amount and at the time
of any payment on the Loans required to be applied to the Revolving Loans,
Swingline Loans, Revolving Loan Commitments or Maximum Swingline Amount or to
cash collateralize Letters of Credit or Acceptances pursuant to Section
3.02(B)(a).

            (f) Each reduction or termination of the A Term Loan Commitment, the
B Term Loan Commitment, Acquisition Term Loan Commitment or the Total Revolving
Loan Commitment pursuant to this Section 2.02 shall apply proportionately to the
A Term Loan Commitment, the B Term Loan Commitment, Acquisition Term Loan
Commitment or the Revolving Loan Commitment, as the case may be, of each Bank.

            2.03. Commitment Commission. (a) The Company agrees to pay the
Administrative Agent a commitment commission ("Commitment Commission") for the
account of each Bank for the period from and including the Closing Date to but
not including the date the Total Commitments have been terminated, computed at a
rate equal to 1/2% per annum on the daily average Unutilized Commitment of such
Bank. Accrued Commitment Commission shall be due and payable quarterly in
arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December,
commencing with June 30, 1998 and on the Revolving Loan Commitment Termination
Date, based on the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 360 days.

            (b) The Company agrees to pay ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Chicago Branch,
the commitment and other fees at the times required by, and pursuant to, the
letter agreement between the Company and ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Chicago Branch,
dated March 30, 1998, in respect of the U.K. Swingline Loan.

<PAGE>
                                      -43-


            2.04. Currency Equivalents Generally. For all purposes of any Loan
or other Credit Extension pursuant to this Agreement (but not for purposes of
the preparation of any financial statements delivered pursuant hereto), the
equivalent in Pounds Sterling or Canadian Dollars of an amount in U.S. Dollars,
and the equivalent in U.S. Dollars of an amount in Pounds Sterling or Canadian
Dollars, shall be determined at the Spot Rate. For purposes of determining
compliance with any restriction limited to a Dollar Equivalent amount in this
Agreement, the Dollar Equivalent amount of any transaction occurring prior to
the date of determination shall be calculated based on the Spot Rate on the date
of determination; provided, however, that if such Dollar Equivalent amount shall
be exceeded, such restriction shall nonetheless be deemed not violated if such
Dollar Equivalent amount of such transaction was calculated based on the
relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of each such transaction;
provided, further, that the Borrowers shall comply with Section 3.02(A).

            2.05. Principle of Deemed Reinvestment. Except to the extent
permitted under applicable law, all calculations of interest and fees hereunder
are to be made on the basis of the nominal interest rate set forth herein and
not using the effective rate method of calculation or on any basis which gives
effect to the principle of deemed reinvestment. For the purposes of disclosure
under the Interest Act (Canada), if and to the extent applicable, whenever
interest is to be paid hereunder and such interest is to be calculated on the
basis of a period of less than a calendar year, the yearly rate of interest to
which the rate determined pursuant to such calculation is equivalent is the rate
so determined multiplied by the actual number of days in the calendar year in
which the same is to be ascertained and divided by the number of days in such
period.

            2.06. Maximum Rate of Return. Notwithstanding any provision to the
contrary contained in this Agreement, in no event shall the aggregate "interest"
(as defined in section 347 of the Criminal Code, Revised Statutes of Canada,
1985, c. 46 as the same may be amended, replaced or re-enacted from time to
time) payable under this Agreement by either Canadian Borrower or the Credit
Documents to which such Canadian Borrower is a party exceed the effective annual
rate of interest on the "credit advanced" (as defined in that section) to such
Canadian Borrower under this Agreement lawfully permitted under that section
and, if any payment, collection or demand pursuant to this Agreement or any
other Credit Document relating to such Canadian Borrower in respect of
"interest" (as defined in that section) is determined to be contrary to the
provisions of that 

<PAGE>
                                      -44-


section, such payment, collection or demand shall be deemed to have been made by
mutual mistake of such Canadian Borrower and the Banks and the amount of such
payment or collection shall be refunded to such Canadian Borrower. For purposes
of this Agreement the effective annual rate of interest shall be determined in
accordance with generally accepted actuarial practices and principles over the
term of the Canadian Swingline Loan facility on the basis of annual compounding
of the lawfully permitted rate of interest and, in the event of dispute, a
certificate of a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries appointed by the
Administrative Agent will be conclusive for the purposes of such determination.
If it is not determinable which particular payment or collection is contrary to
the provisions of the section of the Criminal Code referred to hereinabove, the
Canadian Swingline Banks will, in consultation with the applicable Canadian
Borrower, determine the payments or collections to be refunded.

            SECTION 3. Payments.

            3.01. Voluntary Prepayments. Each Borrower shall have the right to
prepay Term Loans, Acquisition Term Loans, Swingline Loans and Revolving Loans
incurred by it in whole or in part from time to time, without premium or penalty
(except for breakage costs, if any) on the following terms and conditions: (i)
the Applicable Borrower shall give the Administrative Agent at the
Administrative Agent's Office (with respect to U.K. Swingline Loans, notice
shall also be given to the U.K. Swingline Bank) written notice (or telephonic
notice promptly confirmed in writing) of its intent to prepay the Loans, the
amount of such prepayment and the Types of Loans and the specific Borrowing or
Borrowings which are to be prepaid, which notice shall be given by the
Applicable Borrower at least one Business Day prior to the date of such
prepayment (or in the case of a Swingline Loan, the date of such prepayment) and
which notice shall promptly be transmitted by the Administrative Agent to each
of the Banks; (ii) each partial prepayment of any Borrowing (other than
Borrowings of Swingline Loans) shall be in an aggregate principal amount of the
Borrowing Amount or at least $100,000 and integral multiples of $100,000 in
excess of that amount (or the Dollar Equivalent); provided that no partial
prepayment of Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans made pursuant to a single
Borrowing under the Loan Facility (or Portion thereof) shall reduce the
outstanding Loans made pursuant to such Borrowing to an amount less than the
Minimum Borrowing Amount or Borrowing Amount, as the case may be; provided,
further, that the minimum prepayment amount for a Swingline Loan shall be an
amount as agreed between the Applicable 

<PAGE>
                                      -45-


Borrower and the applicable Swingline Bank; (iii) Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar
Loans may only be prepaid pursuant to this Section 3.01 on the last day of an
Interest Period applicable thereto unless any breakage costs set forth in
Section 1.10(f) accompany such prepayment; and (iv) each prepayment in respect
of any Term Loans made pursuant to a Borrowing shall be applied pro rata to the
A Term Loans, B Term Loans and Acquisition Term Loans then outstanding.
Voluntary prepayments of Term Loans or Acquisition Term Loans shall be applied
to the prepayment of the outstanding principal amount of Loans relating to such
Portion pro rata such that each principal payment then remaining with respect to
such Portion shall be reduced by an amount equal to the product of (A) such
payment and (B) a fraction of which the numerator is equal to the amount of such
principal payments then remaining with respect to such Portion and the
denominator is equal to the amount of all principal payments remaining with
respect to such Portion. In the absence of a designation by the Borrowers, the
Administrative Agent shall apply such prepayments first to Base Rate Loans and
thereafter to Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans.

            3.02. Mandatory Prepayments.

            (A) Requirements:

            (a) Subject to Section 3.05(b), the Applicable Borrowers shall
      prepay the outstanding principal amount of the A Term Loans, the B Term
      Loans, the Acquisition Term Loans, the Revolving Loans or Swingline Loans
      made to them on any date on which the aggregate outstanding principal
      amount of such Loans (after giving effect to any other repayments or
      prepayments on such day and together with the outstanding principal amount
      of Letter of Credit Usage) exceeds the Total A Term Loan Commitment, the
      Total B Term Loan Commitment, the Total Acquisition Term Loan Commitment,
      the Total Revolving Loan Commitments or the applicable Maximum Swingline
      Amount, as the case may be, in the amount of such excess, the Applicable
      Borrowers to determine among themselves the amount of such excess to be
      prepaid by each.

            (b) Subject to Section 3.05(b), if the aggregate principal amount of
      outstanding Revolving Loans, and the Dollar Equivalent amount of Swingline
      Loans and Letter of Credit Usage exceeds the lesser of (i) the Total
      Revolving Loan Commitment and (ii) the Borrowing Base as set forth in the
      most recent Borrowing Base Certificate last delivered pursuant to Section
      6.01 (provided such Borrowing 

<PAGE>
                                      -46-


      Base Certificate was required to be delivered pursuant to and was in
      compliance with Section 6.01 or was delivered after the Borrowing Base
      Certificate last required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 of this
      Agreement), then the Applicable Borrowers shall prepay Revolving Loans or
      Swingline Loans made to them in a principal amount equal to such excess no
      later than two (2) Business Days after the determination of such excess,
      the Applicable Borrowers to determine among themselves the amount to be
      prepaid by each; provided they comply with the limits set forth herein.

            (c) The U.S. Borrowers shall cause to be paid Scheduled A Term Loans
      Principal Payments on the A Term Loans until the A Term Loans are paid in
      full in the amounts and at the times specified in the definition of
      Scheduled A Term Loans Principal Payments to the extent that prepayments
      have not previously been applied to such Scheduled A Term Loans Principal
      Payments (and such Scheduled A Term Loans Principal Payments have not
      otherwise been reduced) pursuant to the terms hereof.

            (d) The U.S. Borrowers shall cause to be paid each Scheduled B Term
      Loans Principal Payment on the B Term Loans until all B Term Loans are
      paid in full in the amounts and at the times specified in the definition
      of Scheduled B Term Loans Principal Payments to the extent that
      prepayments have not previously been applied to such Scheduled B Term
      Loans Principal Payments (and such Scheduled B Term Loans Principal
      Payments have not otherwise been reduced) pursuant to the terms hereof.

            (e) The U.S. Borrowers shall cause to be paid Scheduled Acquisition
      Term Loans Principal Payments on the Acquisition Term Loans until the
      Acquisition Term Loans are paid in full in the amounts and at the times
      specified in the definition of Scheduled Acquisition Term Loans Principal
      Payments to the extent that prepayments have not previously been applied
      to such Scheduled Acquisition Term Loans Principal Payments (and such
      Scheduled Acquisition Term Loans Principal Payments have not otherwise
      been reduced) pursuant to the terms hereof.

            (f) After the Closing Date, on the Business Day after the date of
      receipt thereof by the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries of Net Cash
      Proceeds (after giving effect to the ability to reinvest any such Net Cash
      Proceeds pursuant to Section 7.17) or Net Financing Proceeds 

<PAGE>
                                      -47-


      (including the receipt of Net Financing Proceeds by Holdings, the proceeds
      of which are required to be contributed to the Company in accordance with
      the provisions of Section 7.14) (without duplication of prepayments
      required by clause (h) of this Section 3.02(A) and other than the proceeds
      of Indebtedness permitted by Section 7.04), the Company shall apply or
      cause to be applied an amount equal to 100% of such Net Cash Proceeds or
      Net Financing Proceeds as provided in Section 3.02(B)(a).

            (g) On the date which is 90 days after the last day of the Company's
      fiscal year, commencing with the fiscal year ending October 31, 1999, the
      Company shall apply or cause to be applied an amount equal to 75% of the
      Company's Excess Cash Flow for such fiscal year as provided in Section
      3.02(B)(a); provided that (i) such amount shall be 50% with respect to the
      fiscal year ending October 31, 1999 and (ii) such amount shall be 50% for
      subsequent years if the ratio of Indebtedness for borrowed money of the
      Company and its Subsidiaries on the last day of such fiscal year to
      Consolidated EBITDA of the Company for the Test Period ending at the end
      of such fiscal year, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to any
      Designated Acquisitions made during such year, shall be less than 3.5:1.0;
      provided further that any funds used for any Designated Acquisition made
      subsequent to the end of such fiscal year and prior to the date of payment
      shall reduce Excess Cash Flow (before applying the prepayment percentage)
      for purposes of this Section 3.02(A)(g) except to the extent funded with
      Acquisition Term Loans or from the $12,500,000 Revolving Loan basket set
      forth in Section 6.18.

            (h) On the Business Day after the date of the receipt thereof by the
      Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries, the Company shall apply or cause
      to be applied an amount equal to 100% of the proceeds received by such
      Person (net of underwriting discounts and commissions and other reasonably
      incurred costs and expenses directly associated therewith) of the sale
      after the Closing Date of equity (including the sale of equity by
      Holdings, the proceeds of which are required to be contributed to the
      Company in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.14 but excluding
      sales to directors constituting directors qualifying shares, where
      required by law) as provided in Section 3.02(B)(a).

<PAGE>
                                      -48-


            (i) At the Administrative Agent's discretion, on the Business Day
      after the date of receipt thereof by the Company and/or any of its
      Subsidiaries, the Company shall apply or cause to be applied an amount
      equal to (x) 100% of any insurance proceeds other than Net Proceeds or
      insurance proceeds of the type referred to in clause (y) below (less
      reasonably incurred costs to recover) received less any portion of such
      proceeds not in excess of $10,000,000 attributable to a casualty, so long
      as there exists no Event of Default, that is applied or committed to be
      applied within a reasonable period of time to repair or replace the
      damaged property; provided that any insurance proceeds received in respect
      of an inventory loss shall not be counted towards the $10,000,000 limit
      and shall not be required to be applied as a mandatory prepayment pursuant
      to this Section 3.02(A)(i), and (y) 100% of any business interruption
      insurance proceeds (less reasonably incurred costs to recover) over
      $5,000,000 attributable to a casualty, in each case as provided in Section
      3.02(B)(a).

            (j) If any of the Mortgaged Real Property is the subject of a Taking
      or Destruction and either the Company or its applicable Subsidiary has
      elected not to effect a Restoration or neither the Collateral Agent nor
      the Company or its applicable Subsidiary, as the case may be, has elected
      to effect a Restoration, in each case, in accordance with the provisions
      of the applicable Mortgage, then on the first Business Day following the
      last day the Company or its applicable Subsidiary can elect to effect a
      Restoration (in the event that the Company or its applicable Subsidiary
      has the right to make such an election) or, in the event that the Net
      Award or Net Proceeds, as the case may be, are in excess of $10,000,000
      and the Company or its applicable Subsidiary does not otherwise have the
      right to make an election to effect a Restoration, the day the Collateral
      Agent has notified the Company or its applicable Subsidiary that a
      Restoration will not be required in the case of any of the Mortgaged Real
      Property being the subject of a Taking or Destruction, the Company shall
      apply or cause to be applied an amount equal to the applicable Net Award
      or Net Proceeds, as the case may be, as a result of such Taking or
      Destruction, as provided in Section 3.02(B)(a).

            (k) On the date of the receipt thereof by the Company and/or any of
      its Subsidiaries, the Company shall apply or cause to be applied an amount
      equal to 75% of any 

<PAGE>
                                      -49-


      surplus assets of any Pension Plan returned to the Company or such
      Subsidiary as provided in Section 3.02(B)(a).

            (l) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no
      Acceptance may be prepaid prior to the maturity date thereof.

            (B) Application:

            (a) Prepayments to be applied pursuant to this Section 3.02(B)(a)
      shall be applied as follows: (i) first, on a pro rata basis among the A
      Term Loans, the B Term Loans and any outstanding Acquisition Term Loans,
      in each case, in inverse order of maturity with respect to the remaining
      Scheduled A Term Loans Principal Payments, the remaining Scheduled B Term
      Loans Principal Payments and the remaining Scheduled Acquisition Term Loan
      Principal Payments; provided that each holder of B Term Loans may, upon
      reasonable notice to the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent, decline
      such prepayment, in which case such prepayment shall be applied to
      Scheduled A Term Loans Principal Payments and Scheduled Acquisition Term
      Loan Principal Payments as aforesaid; (ii) second, to permanently reduce
      the Revolving Loan Commitment (and (y) to the extent such Total Revolving
      Loan Commitment exceeds the Maximum Swingline Amount, the Maximum
      Swingline Amount on a pro rata basis and (z) if required as a result of
      such reduction, to prepay Swingline Loans or Revolving Loans, or, if no
      such Loans are outstanding, to cash collateralize Letters of Credit and
      Acceptances on a pro rata basis in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the
      Administrative Agent); and (iii) third, the Acquisition Term Loan
      Commitment, if any, will be permanently reduced in an amount equal to the
      amount otherwise required to be prepaid. Amounts applied pursuant to this
      Section 3.02(B)(a) may not be reborrowed; and

            (b) With respect to each prepayment of Loans required by Section
      3.02(A), the Borrowers shall give the Administrative Agent two Business
      Days notice and may designate the Types of Loans and the specific
      Borrowing or Borrowings which are to be prepaid; provided that (i)(x)
      Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans may be designated for prepayment
      pursuant to this Section 3.02 only on the last day of an Interest Period
      applicable thereto unless all Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans with
      Interest Periods ending on such date of required prepayment and all Base
      Rate Loans and Prime Rate Loans have been or are con-

<PAGE>
                                      -50-


      currently being paid in full and (y) if any prepayment of Reserve Adjusted
      Eurodollar Loans made pursuant to a single Borrowing shall reduce the
      outstanding Loans made pursuant to such Borrowing to an amount less than
      the Minimum Borrowing Amount, such Borrowing shall immediately be
      converted into Base Rate Loans; and (ii) in the case a Reserve Adjusted
      Eurodollar Loan is required to be prepaid pursuant to this Section 3.02
      prior to the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, the
      Borrowers may in order to avoid paying any amount pursuant to Section
      1.10(f) deposit such prepayment in escrow with the Administrative Agent
      (or U.K. Swingline Bank in the case of Pounds Sterling Reserve Adjusted
      Eurodollar Loans), which escrow shall be satisfactory to the
      Administrative Agent (or U.K. Swingline Bank in the case of Pounds
      Sterling Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans), and which amount in escrow
      shall be applied as of the last day of the applicable Interest Period to
      the repayment of the applicable Loan. In the absence of a designation by
      the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent shall, subject to the above, apply
      prepayments first to Base Rate Loans and thereafter to Reserve Adjusted
      Eurodollar Loans. All prepayments shall include payment of accrued
      interest on the principal amount so prepaid, shall be applied to the
      payment of interest before application to principal and shall include
      amounts payable, if any, under Section 1.10(f).

            (c) Any proceeds received by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
      as discussed in Section 3.02(A)(i) or (j) shall be deposited, on the date
      of receipt thereof by the Company or any such Subsidiary, with the
      Administrative Agent in escrow (or pursuant to other arrangements
      satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) until such funds are used in
      accordance with either such Section.

            3.03. Method and Place of Payment. (a) Except as otherwise
specifically provided herein, all payments under this Agreement shall be made to
the Administrative Agent (or U.K. Swingline Bank in the case of Pounds Sterling
Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans), for the ratable account of the Banks
entitled thereto, not later than 2:00 P.M. (New York time) in the case of Loans
in U.S. Dollars or Canadian Dollars and no later than the time specified by the
U.K. Swingline Bank in the case of Loans in Pounds Sterling on the date when due
and shall be made in immediately available funds (i) with respect to principal
of, interest on, and any other amount relating to any U.K. Swingline Loan, shall
be made in Pounds Sterling, (ii) with respect to principal of, interest on and
any other amount relat-

<PAGE>
                                      -51-


ing to any Canadian Swingline Loan, shall be made in Canadian Dollars and (iii)
with respect to all other amounts payable hereunder, shall be made in U.S.
Dollars to the account specified therefor by the Administrative Agent or if no
account has been so specified at the Administrative Agent's Office, it being
understood that written notice by the Borrowers to the Administrative Agent or
U.K. Swingline Bank, as the case may be, to make a payment from the funds in the
Borrowers' account at the Administrative Agent's Office or the office designated
by the U.K. Swingline Bank, as the case may be, shall constitute the making of
such payment to the extent of such funds held in such account. The
Administrative Agent or U.K. Swingline Bank, as the case may be, will thereafter
cause to be distributed on the same day (if payment is actually received by the
Administrative Agent in New York prior to 2:00 P.M. (New York time) or by the
U.K. Swingline Bank in London prior to 2:00 P.M. (London time), as the case may
be, on such day) funds relating to the payment of principal or interest or fees
ratably to the Banks entitled to receive any such payment in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement. If and to the extent that any such distribution shall
not be so made by the Administrative Agent or U.K. Swingline Bank, as the case
may be, in full on the same day (if payment is actually received by the
Administrative Agent prior to 2:00 P.M. (New York time) or by the U.K. Swingline
Bank prior to 2:00 P.M. (London time) in the case of Loans in Pounds Sterling on
such day), the Administrative Agent or U.K. Swingline Bank, as the case may be,
shall pay to each Bank its ratable amount thereof and each such Bank shall be
entitled to receive from the Administrative Agent or U.K. Swingline Bank, as the
case may be, upon demand, interest on such amount at (i) the Federal Funds Rate
(according to the U.S. Council on International Banking Interbank Compensation
Rules) in the case of a payment in U.S. Dollars, (ii) the Canadian Federal Funds
Rate in the case of a payment in Canadian Dollars and (iii) the Overnight Rate
in the case of a payment in Pounds Sterling for each day from the date such
amount is paid to the Administrative Agent or U.K. Swingline Bank, as the case
may be, until the date the Administrative Agent or U.K. Swingline Bank, as the
case may be, pays such amount to such Bank.

            (b) Any payments under this Agreement which are made by the
Borrowers on the date required but later than 2:00 P.M. (New York time) (or 2:00
P.M. (London time) in the case of Loans in Pounds Sterling) shall, solely for
purposes of the calculation of interest and not for purposes of Section 8.01, be
deemed to have been made on the next succeeding Business Day. Whenever any
payment to be made hereunder shall be stated to be due on a day which is not a
Business Day, the due date 

<PAGE>
                                      -52-


thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day and, with respect
to payments of principal, interest shall be payable during such extension at the
applicable rate in effect immediately prior to such extension, except that with
respect to Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans, if such next succeeding applicable
Business Day is not in the same month as the date on which such payment would
otherwise be due hereunder or under any Note, the due date with respect thereto
shall be the next preceding applicable Business Day.

            3.04. Net Payments. (a) All payments by each Borrower under this
Agreement and/or under any Credit Document shall be made without setoff or
counterclaim and in such amounts as may be necessary in order that all such
payments (after deduction or withholding for or on account of any present or
future taxes, levies, imposts, duties or other charges of whatsoever nature
imposed by any Governmental Authority, other than any tax (including any
franchise tax) imposed on or measured by the net income or net profits of a
Bank, or any tax on or measured by the capital of a Bank, pursuant to the income
tax laws of the jurisdictions where such Bank's principal or applicable lending
office is located (collectively, "Taxes")) shall not be less than the amounts
otherwise specified to be paid under this Agreement and/or under any Credit
Document. If any Borrower is required by law to make any deduction or
withholding on account of Taxes from any payment due hereunder or under the
Notes, then (a) such Borrower shall timely remit such Taxes to the Governmental
Authority imposing the same and (b) the amount payable hereunder or under the
Notes will be increased to such amount which, after deduction from such
increased amount of all amounts required to be deducted or withheld therefrom,
will not be less than the amount otherwise due and payable hereunder. Without
prejudice to the foregoing, if any Bank or any Agent is required to make any
payment on account of Taxes, the Applicable Borrower will, upon notification by
the Bank or the Agent promptly indemnify such person against such Taxes,
together with any interest, penalties and expenses payable or incurred in
connection therewith. Each Borrower shall also reimburse each Bank, upon the
written request of such Bank, for taxes imposed on or measured by the net income
or net profits of such Bank pursuant to the laws of the jurisdiction in which
the principal office or applicable lending office of such Bank is located or
under the laws of any political subdivision or taxing authority of any such
jurisdiction as such Bank shall determine are payable by such Bank in respect of
Taxes paid to or on behalf of such Bank pursuant to this Section 3.04. For
purposes of this Section, the term "Taxes" includes interest, penalties and
expenses payable or incurred 

<PAGE>
                                      -53-


in connection therewith. A certificate as to any additional amounts payable to a
Bank under this Section 3.04 submitted to the Borrower by such Bank shall,
absent manifest error, be final, conclusive and binding for all purposes upon
all parties hereto. With respect to each deduction or withholding for or on
account of any Taxes, the Borrowers shall promptly furnish to each Bank such
certificates, receipts and other documents as may be required (in the judgment
of such Bank) to establish any tax credit to which such Bank may be entitled.

            (b) Each Bank that is not a United States person (as such term is
defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) that makes a Loan to a U.S. Borrower
agrees to deliver to the U.S. Borrowers and the Administrative Agent on or prior
to the Closing Date, or in the case of a Bank that is an assignee or transferee
of an interest under this Agreement pursuant to Section 11.04 (unless the
respective Bank was already a Bank hereunder immediately prior to such
assignment or transfer), on the date of such assignment or transfer to such
Bank, (i) two accurate and complete original signed copies of Internal Revenue
Service Form 4224 or 1001 (or successor or additional forms) certifying to such
Bank's entitlement to a complete exemption from United States withholding tax
with respect to payments to be made under this Agreement and under any Note or
other Credit Document, or (ii) if the Bank is not a "bank" within the meaning of
Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code and cannot deliver either Internal Revenue
Service Form 1001 or 4224 pursuant to clause (i) above, (x) a certificate
substantially in the form of Exhibit P (any such certificate, a "Section 3.04
Certificate") and (y) two accurate and complete original signed copies of
Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 (or successor or additional forms) certifying
to such Bank's entitlement to a complete exemption from United States
withholding tax with respect to payments to be made under this Agreement and
under any Note or other Credit Document. In addition, each Bank agrees that from
time to time after the Closing Date, when a lapse in time or change in
circumstances renders the previous certification obsolete or inaccurate in any
material respect, it will deliver to the U.S. Borrowers and the Administrative
Agent two new accurate and complete original signed copies of Internal Revenue
Service Form 4224 or 1001, or Form W-8 and a Section 3.04 Certificate, as the
case may be, and such other forms as may be required in order to confirm or
establish the entitlement of such Bank to a continued exemption from or
reduction in United States withholding tax with respect to payments under this
Agreement and any Note, or it shall immediately notify the U.S. Borrowers and
the Administrative Agent of its inability to deliver any such Form or
Certificate, in which case such Bank 

<PAGE>
                                      -54-


shall not be required to deliver any such form or certificate pursuant to this
Section 3.04(b). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section
3.04(a), but subject to Section 11.04(b) and Section 3.04(c), (x) the Borrowers
shall be entitled, to the extent they are required to do so by law, to deduct or
withhold income or similar taxes imposed by the United States (or any political
subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein) from interest, fees or other
amounts payable hereunder for the account of any Bank which is not a United
States person (as such term is defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) for
U.S. Federal income tax purposes to the extent that such Bank has not provided
to the Borrowers U.S. Internal Revenue Service Forms that establish a complete
exemption from such deduction or withholding and (y) the Borrowers shall not be
obligated pursuant to Section 3.04(a) hereof to gross up payments to be made to
a Bank in respect of income or similar taxes imposed by the United States if (I)
such Bank has not provided to the Borrowers the Internal Revenue Service Forms
required to be provided to Borrower pursuant to this Section 3.04(b) or (II) in
the case of a payment, other than interest, to a Bank described in clause (ii)
above, to the extent that such Forms do not establish a complete exemption from
withholding of such taxes.

            (c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained elsewhere in
this Section 3.04, the Borrowers, jointly and severally, agree to pay additional
amounts and to indemnify each Bank in the manner set forth in Section 3.04(a)
(without regard to the identity of the jurisdiction requiring the deduction or
withholding) in respect of any amounts deducted or withheld by it as described
in the last sentence of Section 3.04(b) as a result of any changes after the
Closing Date in any applicable law, treaty, governmental rule, regulation,
guideline or order, or in the interpretation thereof, relating to the deduction
or withholding of income or similar Taxes.

            (d) Each Bank which is resident for tax purposes in the United
Kingdom and which is making a loan to a U.K. Borrower or which is making a loan
to a U.K. Borrower through a U.K. branch hereby represents that it is a "bank"
within the meaning of section 840A Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988, and
that it is beneficially entitled to the interest payable to it under this
Agreement, undertakes to notify the U.K. Borrower and the Administrative Agent
if either representation ceases to be correct, and further agrees to ensure that
such interest is brought within the charge to United Kingdom corporation tax by
the person beneficially entitled to the interest.

<PAGE>
                                      -55-


            (e) Each Bank which is not resident for tax purposes in the United
Kingdom and which is making a loan to a U.K. Borrower through a branch located
outside the United Kingdom agrees to furnish to the tax authorities of the
country in which such Bank is resident for tax purposes on or prior to the
Closing Date (or if such Bank becomes a Bank after the Closing Date, at or prior
to the time the Bank becomes a Bank), for certification and forwarding by such
tax authorities to the United Kingdom Inland Revenue, the form specified by the
United Kingdom Inland Revenue for such purposes. For the avoidance of doubt, a
Bank shall be entitled to receive additional amounts pursuant to Section 3.04(a)
which are attributable to the withholding or deduction imposed during the period
that the form is being processed by the United Kingdom Inland Revenue.

            (f) In addition, the Applicable Borrower agrees to pay any present
or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes,
charges or similar levies which arise from any payment made by or to it
hereunder or under its Note or from the execution and delivery by it or
registration of, or otherwise with respect to, its participation in this
Agreement or the Notes (hereinafter referred to as "Other Taxes").

            (g) If Holdings or any Credit Party pays any additional amount under
this Section 3.04 to a Bank and such Bank determines in its sole discretion that
it has actually received or realized in connection therewith any refund or any
reduction of, or credit against, its tax liabilities in or with respect to the
taxable year in which the additional amount is paid (a "Tax Benefit"), such Bank
shall pay to such Person an amount that the Bank shall, in its sole discretion,
determine is equal to the net benefit, after tax, which was obtained by the Bank
in such year as a consequence of such Tax Benefit; provided, however, that (i)
such Bank shall not be required to make any payment under this paragraph of this
Section 3.04 if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; (ii)
any taxes that are imposed on a Bank as a result of a disallowance or reduction
(including through the expiration of any tax credit carryover or carryback of
such Bank that otherwise would not have expired) of any Tax Benefit with respect
to which such Bank has made a payment to Holdings or any Credit Party pursuant
to this paragraph of this Section 3.04 shall be treated as a tax for which
Holdings or such Credit Party is obligated to indemnify such Bank pursuant to
this Section 3.04 without any exclusions or defenses; (iii) such Bank shall not
be required to make any payment under this paragraph of this Section 3.04 in
excess of such additional amounts received by such Bank; and 

<PAGE>
                                      -56-


(iv) nothing in this paragraph of this Section 3.04 shall require the Bank to
disclose to any obligor any information determined by such Bank in its sole
discretion to be confidential (including its tax returns).

            3.05. Currency Exchange Fluctuations (a) The Company and its
Subsidiaries will implement and maintain internal controls to monitor the
borrowings and repayments of Loans by the Borrowers and the issuance of and
drawings under Letters of Credit, with the object of preventing any request for
a Credit Extension that would result in (i) the aggregate outstanding Revolving
Loans and the Dollar Equivalent amount of the Swingline Loans and Letter of
Credit Usage being in excess of the lesser of (y) the Total Revolving Loan
Commitments available pursuant to Section 1.01(d) and (z) the Borrowing Base as
shown in the Borrowing Base Certificate that was last delivered pursuant to
Section 6.01; provided such Borrowing Base Certificate was required to be
delivered pursuant to and was in compliance with Section 6.01 or was delivered
after the Borrowing Base Certificate last required to be delivered pursuant to
Section 6.01, or (ii) the aggregate amount of U.K. Swingline Loans or Canadian
Swingline Loans exceeding the applicable Maximum Swingline Amount and of
promptly identifying and remedying any circumstance where, by reason of changes
in exchange rates, such limits have been exceeded.

            (b) Subject to Section 1.10(f), if on any Computation Date the
Administrative Agent shall have determined that (i) the aggregate outstanding
Revolving Loans and the Dollar Equivalent amount of the Swingline Loans and
Letter of Credit Usage exceed the lesser of (y) the Total Revolving Loan
Commitment and (z) the Borrowing Base as shown in the Borrowing Base Certificate
that was last delivered pursuant to Section 6.01, provided such Borrowing Base
Certificate was required to be delivered pursuant to and was in compliance with
Section 6.01 or was delivered after the Borrowing Base Certificate last required
to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01, by more than the Dollar Equivalent
amount of U.S. $750,000, (ii) the aggregate outstanding U.K. Swingline Loans
exceed the applicable Maximum Swingline Amount by more than the Dollar
Equivalent amount of U.S. $750,000 or (iii) the aggregate outstanding Canadian
Swingline Loans exceed the applicable Maximum Swingline Amount by more than the
Dollar Equivalent amount of U.S. $250,000, in each such case due to a change in
applicable rates of exchange between U.S. Dollars, on the one hand, and Pounds
Sterling or Canadian Dollars, on the other hand, then the Administrative Agent
shall give notice to the Applicable Borrowers that a prepayment of Revolving
Loans (or, if no Revolving 

<PAGE>
                                      -57-


Loans are outstanding, payment of unreimbursed drawings under Letters of Credit
or, if none thereof, Cash collateralization of outstanding Letters of Credit),
U.K. Swingline Loans or Canadian Swingline Loans, as the case may be, is
required under this subsection, and the Applicable Borrowers agree if such
excess shall not have been prepaid within five Business Days of such notice or
during five Business Days such excess has not been eliminated by changes in
currency exchange rates thereupon to make prepayments (by such repayment of
Loans, payment of unreimbursed drawings or Cash collateralization) such that,
after giving effect to such prepayment (or payment or Cash collateralization and
changes in currency exchange rates), (i) the aggregate outstanding Revolving
Loans and the Dollar Equivalent amount of the Swingline Loans and Letter of
Credit Usage do not exceed the lesser of (y) the Total Revolving Loan
Commitments then available pursuant to Section 1.01(d) or (z) the Borrowing Base
as shown in the Borrowing Base Certificate that was last delivered pursuant to
Section 6.01; provided such Borrowing Base Certificate was required to be
delivered pursuant to and was in compliance with Section 6.01 or was delivered
after the Borrowing Base Certificate last required to be delivered pursuant to
Section 6.01, and (ii) the aggregate outstanding U.K. Swingline Loans and
Canadian Swingline Loans do not exceed the applicable Maximum Swingline Amount.

            3.06. Authorizations. Without prejudice to the obligations to prepay
as set out in this Section 3, any Applicable Borrower proposing to make any
prepayment under this Section 3 will, prior to making any such prepayment, take
all steps required of it to obtain any consents, authorizations or other
approvals or take any other action which may at any relevant time be required of
it in respect of any such prepayment to be made by it (including taking all
requisite steps under Chapter VI of the Companies Act 1985 of Great Britain).

            SECTION 4. Conditions Precedent.

            4.01. Conditions Precedent to Initial Loans. The obligations of the
Banks to make the Initial Loans to the Borrowers hereunder are subject, at the
time of the making of each such Initial Loans (except as otherwise hereinafter
indicated), to the substantially contemporaneous satisfaction of the following
conditions:

            (a) Officers' Certificate. On the Closing Date, the Agents shall
      have received certificates dated such date signed by appropriate officers
      of Holdings and each of the Borrowers, stating that all of the applicable
      conditions 

<PAGE>
                                      -58-


      set forth in Sections 4.01, 4.02 and, if applicable, 4.03 and 4.04 (in
      each case disregarding any reference therein that such condition be deemed
      satisfactory by the Agents and/or the Required Banks) have been satisfied
      or waived as of such date.

            (b) Opinions of Counsel. On the Closing Date, the Agents shall have
      received an opinion or opinions addressed to each of the Banks and dated
      the Closing Date, each in form and substance satisfactory to the Agents,
      from (i) Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P., New York counsel to
      each Credit Party, which opinion shall be in the form of Exhibit C-1
      hereto, (ii) Linklaters & Paines, United Kingdom counsel to each United
      Kingdom Credit Party, which opinion shall be in the form of Exhibit C-2
      hereto, (iii) McCarthy Tetrault, Canadian counsel to each Canadian Credit
      Party, and Patterson, Palmer, Hunt, Murphy, Canadian counsel to each
      Canadian Credit Party, which opinions shall be in the form of Exhibit
      C-3(a) and (b) hereto, respectively, (iv) local counsel to the Borrowers
      in each jurisdiction in which Collateral is located, which opinions shall
      be in the form of Exhibit C-4 hereto, (v) foreign local counsel opinions,
      satisfactory in form and substance to the Agents, and (vi) a reliance
      letter from Kirkland & Ellis, counsel to HarnCo, entitling the Banks to
      rely upon its opinion delivered pursuant to the Recapitalization
      Agreement.

            (c) Corporate Proceedings. All corporate and legal proceedings in
      connection with the Transaction contemplated by the Documents shall be
      satisfactory in form and substance to the Agents, and the Agents shall
      have received all information and copies of all certificates, documents
      and papers, including records of corporate proceedings and governmental
      approvals, if any, which the Agents reasonably may have requested from any
      Credit Party or any Affiliate of either thereof in connection therewith,
      such documents and papers where appropriate to be certified by proper
      corporate or governmental authorities. Without limiting the foregoing, the
      Agent shall have received (i) evidence satisfactory to them that the
      Boards of Directors or Board of Managers or the foreign equivalent, as the
      case may be, of each Credit Party, shall have approved the Transaction
      contemplated by the Documents, (ii) resolutions of the Boards of Directors
      or Board of Managers or the foreign equivalent, as the case may be, of
      each Credit Party, approving and authorizing such documents and actions as
      are contemplated hereby in form and 

<PAGE>
                                      -59-


      substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agents including without
      limitation the execution and delivery of all Documents to be executed by
      such Person, certified by its corporate secretary or an assistant
      secretary as being in full force and effect without modification or
      amendment, and (iii) signature and incumbency certificates of officers of
      each Credit Party executing instruments, documents or agreements required
      to be executed in connection with the Transaction contemplated by the
      Documents.

            (d) Transaction Documents; Transaction.

            (i) Full, complete and accurate copies of the Transaction Documents
      shall have been provided to the Agents. The Transaction Documents and any
      amendments thereto shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
      to the Agents, and each of the Transaction Documents required to be
      executed and delivered on or prior to the Closing Date shall have been
      duly authorized, executed and delivered by each of the parties thereto and
      shall be in full force and effect. No term or provision of the Transaction
      Documents shall have been modified, and no condition to the consummation
      of the Transaction shall have been waived, in either case in a manner
      detrimental (provided the Agents may waive non-material changes in their
      reasonable discretion) to any Credit Party, by any of the parties thereto.
      Each Credit Party and any of their Affiliates shall have in all material
      respects done and performed such acts and observed such covenants which
      each is required to do or perform under the Transaction Documents and in
      order to consummate the Transaction on or prior to the Effective Date.

           (ii) Each Credit Party shall have provided evidence satisfactory in
      form and substance to the Agents that the Transaction is being consummated
      contemporaneously.

            (e) Additional Financing.

            (i) Holdings shall have received gross proceeds (before deducting
      the initial purchasers' discount) of at least $60.0 million from the
      issuance of the Series A Preferred Units and MHE Investments shall have
      received gross cash proceeds of $54 million from the issuance of equity
      securities, and the terms and conditions of such Preferred Units, equity
      investment and such capital contribution shall be satisfactory to the
      Agents.

<PAGE>
                                      -60-


            (ii) Holdings shall have issued the Series B Preferred Units to
      HarnCo.

            (iii) The Company shall have received gross proceeds (before
      deducting the initial purchasers' discount) of $200 million from the
      issuance of Public Notes, and the terms and conditions of such Public
      Notes shall be satisfactory to the Agents.

            (f) Organizational Documentation, etc. On or prior to the Closing
      Date, the Banks shall have received copies of true and complete certified
      copies of the following documents of each Credit Party, the provisions of
      which shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Agents:

                  (i) Each such Person's respective Certificate or Articles of
            Incorporation or Certificate of Formation or the foreign equivalent,
            which shall be certified and be accompanied by a good standing
            certificate or the foreign equivalent, if any, from the jurisdiction
            of its organization and good standing certificates, if any, from the
            jurisdictions in which it is qualified to do business as a foreign
            corporation, each to be dated a recent date prior to the Closing
            Date; and

                 (ii) Each such Person's respective By-laws or operating
            agreement or the foreign equivalent, certified as of the Closing
            Date by its corporate secretary.

            (g) Credit Documents. Each of this Agreement and each other Credit
      Document shall (i) be in form and substance satisfactory to the Agents and
      (ii) have been, on or prior to the Closing Date, duly authorized, executed
      and delivered by each of the parties signatory thereto.

            (h) Notes. There shall have been delivered to the Administrative
      Agent for the account of each of the Banks which has so requested the Term
      Notes, the Acquisition Term Notes, the Revolving Notes and the Swingline
      Notes executed by the applicable Borrower in the amounts and maturities
      and as otherwise provided herein.

            (i) Certain Fees.

            (i) All costs, fees and expenses (including, without limitation,
      legal fees and expenses) payable to CIBC and 

<PAGE>
                                      -61-


      Indosuez pursuant to the letter agreement between Chartwell and Indosuez
      dated March 4, 1998 shall have been paid in full.

           (ii) The Borrowers shall have paid or have caused to be paid the
      commitment and other fees and expenses (including, without limitation,
      reasonable legal fees and expenses) contemplated hereby and/or in
      connection with the other Documents.

            (j) Financial Statements, etc.

            (i) Prior to the Closing Date, the Agents shall have received
      combined financial statements audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, including a
      balance sheet as of October 31, 1996 and October 31, 1997 and statements
      of income and cash flows of the MHE Business for the fiscal years ended
      October 31, 1995, October 31, 1996 and October 31, 1997 and unaudited
      financial statements for the thirteen-week period ended January 31, 1998,
      and the pro forma balance sheet of the Company as of January 31, 1998,
      after giving effect to the Transaction and the Borrowings under this
      Agreement. The Company shall have delivered to the Agents five-year
      financial projections, accompanied by a statement by the Company that such
      projections are based on assumptions believed by it in good faith to be
      reasonable as to the future financial performance of the Company at the
      time made, reasonably satisfactory to the Agents, it being recognized by
      the Banks that such projections as to future events are not to be viewed
      as facts and that actual results during the period or periods covered by
      any such projections may differ from the projected results.

           (ii) Prior to the Closing Date, the Agents shall have received an
      accounting review prepared by Coopers & Lybrand LLP in form and substance
      reasonably satisfactory to the Agents.

            (k) Insurance.

            (i) Set forth on Schedule 6.01(i) is a summary of all insurance
      policies maintained by the Company and its Subsidiaries, and the insurance
      coverage provided for the Company and its Subsidiaries by such insurance
      policies shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Agents.

           (ii) Prior to the Closing Date, the Agents shall have received an
      insurance review prepared by J.H. Marsh & 

<PAGE>
                                      -62-


      McLennan in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agents.

          (iii) On the Closing Date, the Agents shall have received the
      insurance certificates in respect of the Collateral required by the
      Security Documents.

            (l) Performance Bonds; Surety Lines.

            (i) On the Closing Date, the Agents shall be reasonably satisfied
      that the Borrowers will be able to service and maintain any performance
      bonds that may be required in the ordinary course of business on
      reasonable terms and conditions.

            (ii) Prior to the Closing Date, the Company and its Subsidiaries
      shall have established independent surety lines on terms satisfactory to
      the Banks.

            (m) Indebtedness, etc. On or prior to the Closing Date and except as
      set forth on Schedule 5.21(a) (which shall only cover balance sheet
      categories), the Credit Parties and their respective Subsidiaries shall
      have repaid or defeased all existing Indebtedness of the categories
      specified in clauses (i), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vii) of the definition of
      Indebtedness in a manner satisfactory to the Agents.

            (n) Security Documents and Guarantees. The Security Documents and
      the Guarantees shall have been duly executed and delivered by the
      respective parties thereto and there shall have been delivered to the
      Collateral Agent (i) certificates representing all Pledged Securities (if
      certificated), together with executed and undated stock powers and/or
      assignments in blank, (ii) evidence of the filing or making of arrangement
      for filing of appropriate financing statements or comparable documents
      under the provisions of the UCC and applicable domestic, foreign or local
      laws, rules or regulations in each of the offices (including, without
      limitation, the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United
      States Copyright Office) where such filing is necessary or appropriate to
      grant to the Collateral Agent a perfected first priority Lien in such
      Collateral superior to and prior to the rights of all third persons other
      than the holders of Prior Liens and subject to no other Liens except Liens
      expressly permitted by the applicable Security Document, (iii) tax lien
      and judgment searches, to the extent avail-

<PAGE>
                                      -63-


      able, and certified copies of Requests for Information (Form UCC-11 or the
      equivalent) or equivalent reports or lien search reports in the United
      States, the United Kingdom and Canada listing all effective financing
      statements or comparable documents which name any Credit Party or any of
      its Subsidiaries (prior to and after giving effect to the Transaction) as
      debtor and which are filed in those jurisdictions in which any of the
      Collateral is located and the jurisdictions in which any Credit Party or
      any of its Subsidiaries maintains its chief executive office, none of
      which shall encumber the Collateral covered or intended or purported to be
      covered by the Security Documents except Prior Liens and other Liens
      expressly permitted by the applicable Security Document and (iv) evidence
      of the completion of all recordings and filings of each Security Document
      and delivery of such other security and other documents as may be
      necessary (which, in respect of the U.K., will be provided reasonably
      contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of the Security
      Documents and the Guarantees) or, in the opinion of the Collateral Agent,
      desirable to perfect the Liens created, or purported or intended to be
      created, by the Security Documents.

            (o) No Material Adverse Change. From October 31, 1997 to and
      including the Closing Date, there shall have been no material adverse
      change in the business, assets, properties, condition (financial or
      otherwise) or prospects of the MHE Business or the Company and its
      Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or in the industries in which they
      compete, other than the Transaction and the obligations incurred under the
      Credit Documents.

            (p) Consents, etc. All material governmental and third party
      approvals and consents (including, without limitation, all material
      approvals and consents required in connection with any environmental
      statutes, rules or regulations), if any, in connection with the
      Transaction, the transactions contemplated by the Credit Documents and the
      Transaction Documents, and in either case otherwise referred to herein or
      therein to be completed on or before the Closing Date shall have been
      obtained and remain in effect, and all applicable waiting periods shall
      have expired without any action being taken by any competent authority
      which restrains, prevents or imposes, in the judgment of the Agents,
      materially adverse conditions upon the consummation of the Transaction.
      There shall not exist any judgment, order, injunction or other restraint
      is-

<PAGE>
                                      -64-


      sued or filed with respect to the making of the Loans hereunder or the
      consummation of the Transaction.

            (q) Environmental Review. Prior to the Closing Date, there shall
      have been delivered to the Agents for each of the Banks an Officers'
      Certificate of the Company in substantially the form of Exhibit M hereto
      and environmental reviews in form and substance satisfactory to the Agents
      from Collier, Shannon, Rill & Scott with respect to the assets of the
      Company and its Subsidiaries.

            (r) Borrowing Base Certificate. Prior to the initial Revolving Loan,
      the Agents and the Banks shall have received and the Agents shall be
      satisfied (both as to form and substance) with a Borrowing Base
      Certificate which shall be prepared as of a date prior to the Closing Date
      that is satisfactory to the Agents which Borrowing Base Certificate shall
      indicate that the Borrowing Base as of February 28, 1998 will exceed the
      Revolving Loan Borrowing to be incurred on the Closing Date by at least
      $1,000,000.

            (s) Leases. All material Capital Leases of the Credit Parties or
      their respective Subsidiaries and all material Operating Leases of the
      Credit Parties or their respective Subsidiaries outstanding immediately
      prior to the Transaction shall remain in force after giving effect to the
      Transaction.

            (t) Solvency. On the Closing Date, the Banks shall have received an
      opinion from Valuation Research Corporation and an Officers' Solvency
      Certificate in the form of Exhibit N hereto, in each case supporting the
      conclusions that, before and after giving effect to the Transaction, the
      contemplated borrowings of the full amounts which will be available under
      the Total Term Loan Commitments and the Total Revolving Loan Commitments,
      the execution of the Guarantees and the Security Documents, none of the
      Credit Parties will be insolvent, will be rendered insolvent by the
      indebtedness incurred in connection therewith, will be left with
      unreasonably small capital with which to engage in its business or will
      have incurred debts, including Contingent Obligations, beyond its ability
      to pay such debts as they mature.

            (u) Conditions Relating to Mortgaged Real Property and Real
      Property. On or prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall have caused
      to be delivered to the Collat-

<PAGE>
                                      -65-


      eral Agent, on behalf of the Banks, the following documents and
      instruments:

                  (i) Mortgages encumbering each Mortgaged Real Property set
            forth on Schedule 4.01(u)(i) in favor of the Collateral Agent, for
            the benefit of the Banks, duly executed and acknowledged by the
            Applicable Borrower, and otherwise in form for recording in the
            recording office where each such Mortgaged Real Property is
            situated, together with such certificates, affidavits,
            questionnaires or returns as shall be required in connection with
            the recording or filing thereof to create a lien under applicable
            law, and such UCC-1 financing statements and other similar
            statements as are contemplated by the counsel opinions described in
            Section 4.01(b)(iv) in respect of such Mortgage, all of which shall
            be in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, and
            any other instruments necessary to grant a mortgage lien under the
            laws of any applicable jurisdiction, which Mortgage and financing
            statements and other instruments shall when recorded be effective to
            create a first priority Lien on such Mortgaged Real Property subject
            to no Liens other than Prior Liens and other Liens expressly
            permitted by such Mortgage;

                 (ii) with respect to each Mortgaged Real Property, (x) such
            consents, approvals, amendments, supplements and (y) except in
            respect of such property in the United Kingdom, estoppels and tenant
            subordination agreements or other instruments as necessary or
            required to consummate the Transaction contemplated hereby or as
            shall reasonably be deemed necessary by the Collateral Agent in
            order for the owner or holder of the fee or leasehold interest
            constituting such Mortgaged Real Property to grant the Lien
            contemplated by the Mortgage with respect to such Mortgaged Real
            Property;

                (iii) with respect to each Mortgage of real property located in
            the United States, a policy (or commitment to issue a policy) of
            title insurance insuring (or committing to insure) the Lien of such
            Mortgage as a valid first mortgage Lien on the real property and
            fixtures described therein in an amount not less than 115% of the
            fair market value thereof, which policies (or commitments) shall (w)
            be issued by the Title Company, (x) include such reinsurance

<PAGE>
                                      -66-


            arrangements (with provisions for direct access) as shall be
            reasonably acceptable to the Collateral Agent, (y) contain a
            "tie-in" or "cluster" endorsement (if available under applicable
            law) (i.e., policies which insure against losses regardless of
            location or allocated value of the insured property up to a stated
            maximum coverage amount) and have been supplemented by such
            endorsements (or where such endorsements are not available, opinions
            of special counsel, architects or other professionals reasonably
            acceptable to the Collateral Agent to the extent that such opinions
            can be obtained at a cost which is reasonable with respect to the
            value of the real property subject to such Mortgage) as shall be
            reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent (including, without
            limitation, endorsements on matters relating to usury, first loss,
            last dollar, zoning, contiguity, revolving credit, doing business
            and so-called comprehensive coverage over covenants and
            restrictions) and (z) contain only such exceptions to title as shall
            be Prior Liens or are otherwise agreed to by the Collateral Agent on
            or prior to the Closing Date with respect to such Mortgaged Real
            Property;

                 (iv) with respect to each Mortgage of Real Property in Canada,
            a legal opinion of counsel to the applicable Credit Party as to
            title, encumbrances, priorities and other matters in form and
            substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

                  (v) with respect to each Mortgaged Real Property, policies or
            certificates of insurance as required by the Mortgage relating
            thereto, which policies or certificates shall comply with the
            insurance requirements contained in such Mortgage;

                  (vi) with respect to each Mortgaged Real Property, a survey;

                  (vii) with respect to each Mortgaged Real Property (other than
            Mortgaged Real Property in the United Kingdom), UCC, judgment and
            tax lien searches (or foreign jurisdiction equivalents, to the
            extent available) confirming that the personal property comprising a
            part of such Real Property or Mortgaged Real Property is subject to
            no Liens other than Prior Liens;

<PAGE>
                                      -67-


                  (viii) with respect to each Mortgaged Real Property (other
            than Mortgaged Real Property in the United Kingdom), such
            affidavits, certificates, information (including financial data) and
            instruments of indemnification (including, without limitation, a
            so-called "gap" indemnification) as shall be required to induce the
            Title Company to issue the policy or policies (or commitment) and
            endorsements contemplated in subparagraph (iii) above;

                  (ix) evidence acceptable to the Collateral Agent of payment
            (should it be required to be made on or prior to the Closing Date)
            by the appropriate Credit Party or Subsidiary thereof of all
            applicable title insurance premiums (if applicable), search and
            examination charges, survey costs and related charges, mortgage
            recording taxes, fees, charges, costs and expenses required for the
            recording of the Mortgages and issuance of the title insurance
            policies (if applicable) referred to in subparagraph (iii) above;

                  (x) with respect to each Real Property or Mortgaged Real
            Property, copies of all Leases, leases in which a Credit Party or
            Subsidiary thereof holds the tenant's interest or other agreements
            relating to possessory interests. To the extent any of the foregoing
            affect any Mortgaged Real Property, the interest of any tenant of a
            Credit Party created by such agreement shall be subordinate to the
            Mortgage to be recorded against such Mortgaged Real Property (other
            than Mortgaged Real Property in the United Kingdom) and otherwise
            acceptable to the Collateral Agent; and

                 (xi) with respect to each Mortgaged Real Property (other than
            Mortgaged Real Property in the United Kingdom), an Officers'
            Certificate or other evidence satisfactory to the Collateral Agent
            that as of the date thereof there (x) has been issued and is in
            effect a valid and proper certificate of occupancy or other local
            equivalent, if any, for the use then being made of such Mortgaged
            Real Property and that there is not outstanding any citation,
            violation or similar notice indicating that such Mortgaged Real
            Property contains conditions which are not in compliance with local
            codes or ordinances relating to building or fire safety or
            structural soundness, (y) has not occurred any Taking or Destruction
            of any Mortgaged Real Property or Real Property and (z) are 

<PAGE>
                                      -68-


            no disputes regarding boundary lines, location, encroachment or
            possession of any Real Property or Mortgaged Real Property and no
            state of facts existing which could give rise to any such claim
            which could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect
            on the value or utility of such Real Property or Mortgaged Real
            Property.

            (v) Labor Matters. There shall be no labor disputes, strikes or work
      stoppages, pending or threatened, involving any Credit Party or any of
      their Subsidiaries that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect
      the consummation of the Transaction or that could reasonably be expected
      to have a Material Adverse Effect.

            (w) Recapitalization Documents, etc. There shall be no litigation by
      any Person pending, or to any Borrower's knowledge threatened, with
      respect to the Recapitalization documents that, in the Agents' good faith
      judgment, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect
      after giving effect to the Recapitalization, and the Agents shall be
      reasonably satisfied with the capital, organizational and management
      structure of Holdings and the Borrowers and each of their Subsidiaries.

            The acceptance of the proceeds of each Borrowing of Initial Loans
shall constitute a representation and warranty by each Borrower to each of the
Banks that all of the applicable conditions specified above have been satisfied
or waived as of that time and that, at the time of a Borrowing of such Initial
Loan (or substantially contemporaneous therewith), the conditions specified in
Section 4.02 have been satisfied, in all material respects, or waived. All of
the certificates, legal opinions and other documents and papers referred to in
this Section 4.01, unless otherwise specified, shall be delivered to each Agent
at the Administrative Agent's Office (or such other location as may be specified
by the Agents) for the account of each of the Banks and in sufficient
counterparts for each of the Banks and shall be satisfactory in form and
substance to the Agents.

            4.02. Conditions Precedent to All Loans. The obligation of the Banks
to make all Loans (which term shall not include a conversion or continuation of
a Loan), including the Initial Loans, is subject, at the time of each such Loan,
to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

<PAGE>
                                      -69-


            (a) Effectiveness. This Agreement shall have become effective as
      provided in Section 11.10.

            (b) No Default; Representations and Warranties. At the time of the
      making of each Loan and also after giving effect thereto (i) there shall
      exist no Default or Event of Default and (ii) all representations and
      warranties contained herein or in the other Credit Documents in effect at
      such time shall be true and correct in all material respects with the same
      effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and
      as of the date of the making of such Loan, unless such representation and
      warranty expressly indicates that it is being made as of any other
      specific date in which case on and as of such other date.

            (c) Adverse Change, etc. (i) Since October 31, 1997, nothing shall
      have occurred or become known which the Required Banks or the
      Administrative Agent shall have determined could reasonably be expected to
      have a Material Adverse Effect.

           (ii) All material governmental and third party approvals and consents
      (including, without limitation, all material approvals and consents
      required in connection with any environmental statutes, rules or
      regulations), if any, in connection with the conduct of the business of
      the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, shall have been
      obtained and remain in effect.

          (iii) There shall not exist any judgment, order, injunction or other
      restraint issued or filed with respect to the making of any Loan hereunder
      in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

            (d) Documentation and Opinions of Counsel. The Administrative Agent
      shall have received such documentation and opinion or opinions, addressed
      to each of the Banks, from counsel to each Credit Party as may be
      reasonably required, with reasonable notice under the circumstances, by
      and shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent from (i)
      such counsel to each Credit Party and (ii) appropriate local counsel,
      which opinions shall cover such matters as reasonably requested by, and be
      in form and substance satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent.

            (e) Margin Rules. On the date of each Borrowing of Loans, neither
      the making of any Loan nor the use of the 

<PAGE>
                                      -70-


      proceeds thereof will violate the provisions of Regulation G, T, U or X of
      the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

            (f) Borrowing Base Certificate. The Administrative Agent and the
      Required Banks shall have received and shall be reasonably satisfied (both
      as to form and substance) with the Borrowing Base Certificate last
      delivered to the Banks.

            (g) Real Property Disclosure. Each Credit Party shall have made all
      notifications, registrations, and filings in accordance with all State,
      Local and Foreign Disclosure Requirements applicable to the Real Property,
      including the use of forms provided by state or local agencies, where such
      forms exist, whether to the Borrowers or to or with the state or local
      agency to the extent failure to make such filings could reasonably be
      expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

            The acceptance of the proceeds of each Borrowing of Loans shall
constitute a representation and warranty by each Borrower to each of the Banks
that all of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.02 have been
satisfied or waived.

            All of the certificates, legal opinions and other documents and
papers referred to in this Section 4.02, unless otherwise specified, shall be
delivered to the Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent's Office (or
such other location as may be specified by the Administrative Agent) for the
account of each of the Banks and in sufficient counterparts for each of the
Banks and shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative
Agent.

            4.03. Additional Conditions Precedent to Acquisition Term Loans. The
obligations of the Banks to make the Acquisition Term Loans (which shall not
include a conversion or continuation of any such Loan), including any
Acquisition Term Loan made on the Closing Date, are subject to the satisfaction
of the following additional conditions:

            (a) Each Acquisition Term Loan shall be made solely to effect a
      Designated Acquisition and costs and expenses incurred therewith, or to
      repay Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 7.04(i);

            (b) No later than ten Business Days (or four Business Days with
      respect to a Designated Acquisition for 

<PAGE>
                                      -71-


      which the consent of the Required Banks is not required) prior to the
      Acquisition Term Loan Closing Date (except to the extent the
      Administrative Agent agrees to a shorter period), the Administrative Agent
      shall have received each of the following with respect to the consummation
      of the Designated Acquisition to be financed with the proceeds of such
      Acquisition Term Loan; provided that if the Designated Acquisition
      involves a total acquisition price of $5,000,000 or less the information
      specified in (y) clause (i) below need not be audited or reviewed and
      shall only be provided if available from the Designated Acquisition or can
      be prepared without undue expense and (z) clause (iii) below need not be
      furnished:

                  (i) (A) audited financial statements, prepared in accordance
            with GAAP, including a balance sheet and statements of income and
            cash flows of the entity listed as the Designated Acquisition for
            the most recent full fiscal year or years that would be required to
            be included in any filing made with the SEC; provided that if such
            audited financial statements are not available, then a detailed
            accounting review similar to those undertaken and completed in
            transactions previously consummated by the Company and its
            Subsidiaries shall be performed by a "Big Five" accounting firm (or
            other firm reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) and
            (B) unaudited financial statements, prepared in accordance with
            GAAP, including a balance sheet and statements of income and cash
            flows of the entity listed as the Designated Acquisition for each of
            the interim periods subsequent to the audited financial statements
            referred to in clause (A) above;

                 (ii) a pro forma Borrowing Base Certificate and a pro forma
            balance sheet and pro forma consolidated statements of income and
            cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries, after giving effect
            to the consummation of the Designated Acquisition, as at the end of
            the most recent month for which financial statements are available;

                (iii) projections for the Designated Acquisition, substantially
            in the form of the projections provided pursuant to Section 4.01(j)
            or otherwise in a form acceptable to the Administrative Agent, for
            the Designated Acquisition's then current calendar year or the
            Company's then current fiscal year and the next 

<PAGE>
                                      -72-


            four succeeding calendar years of the Designated Acquisition or
            fiscal years of the Company, prepared in accordance with the
            Designated Acquisition's normal accounting procedures (and which
            will represent management's reasonable estimate of the projected
            performance of the Designated Acquisition and its Subsidiaries
            during such periods) applied on a consistent basis, including,
            without limitation (i) forecasted consolidated balance sheets,
            consolidated statements of operations, of stockholders' equity and
            of cash flows of the Designated Acquisition and its Subsidiaries on
            a consolidated basis for such periods, (ii) the amount of forecasted
            capital expenditures for the Designated Acquisition for such
            periods, and (iii) an appropriate discussion of the principal
            assumptions on which such projections are based; provided, however,
            that if any such forecast indicates that the Company may not be in
            compliance with any provision of this Agreement at some future date,
            such forecast shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default or
            anticipatory or other breach hereof,

                  (iv) an Officers' Certificate of the Company with respect to
            the Designated Acquisition,

                        (x) certifying to the preparation of the pro forma
                  financial statements referenced in subclauses (ii) and (iii),
                  if required, and certifying that, both before and after giving
                  effect to such Designated Acquisition, no Default or Event of
                  Default shall exist, and that, on a pro forma basis, the
                  Company and its Subsidiaries (including any direct or indirect
                  Subsidiary of the Company to be acquired in the contemplated
                  Designated Acquisition) will be in compliance with the
                  covenants set forth herein (based on the latest twelve months
                  results of operations), and setting forth the calculations
                  required to establish such pro forma compliance;

                        (y) certifying that from the date of the financial
                  statements delivered pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(i)(A) to and
                  including the Acquisition Term Loan Closing Date, there shall
                  have been no material adverse change in the business, assets,
                  properties, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of
                  the Company and its Sub-

<PAGE>
                                      -73-


                  sidiaries, taken as a whole, or the Designated Acquisition
                  entity; and

                        (z) certifying that the conditions set forth in each of
                  Sections 4.02 and 4.03 (other than the completion of filings
                  and recordings to be performed upon the Acquisition Term Loan
                  Closing Date) have been satisfied with respect to such
                  proposed Acquisition Term Loan Borrowing;

            (c) If the Designated Acquisition involves a Borrowing of
      Acquisition Term Loans or the use of proceeds of other Indebtedness of
      $10,000,000 or more or a total acquisition price of $15,000,000 or more,
      the consent of the Required Banks;

            (d) The Company and its Subsidiaries shall have complied, in all
      material respects, with the provisions of Sections 6.14, 6.15 (including a
      Phase I (or a review similar in scope for foreign Designated Acquisitions)
      environmental review of the Designated Acquisition entity or an additional
      review at the request of the Administrative Agent from an environmental
      assessment firm of national standing, in a form satisfactory to the
      Administrative Agent) and 6.16 as to any property acquired or to be
      acquired in connection with such Designated Acquisition, except for any
      such provisions with which compliance is waived by the Administrative
      Agent in its sole discretion, including, without limitation and to the
      extent required by the referenced Sections, that the Company and its
      Subsidiaries (including any Subsidiary so acquired) shall execute and
      deliver to the Administrative Agent any additional Security Documents (or
      Guarantees) required to provide the Administrative Agent for the benefit
      of the Banks with a valid, perfected Lien in any Collateral to be acquired
      in such Designated Acquisition;

            (e) The Administrative Agent shall be reasonably satisfied that the
      Company and its Subsidiaries shall have completed their appropriate and
      customary due diligence with respect to the Designated Acquisition entity,
      including but not limited to environmental, legal, accounting and
      operational reviews similar to those undertaken and completed in
      transactions previously consummated by the Company;

<PAGE>
                                      -74-


            (f) There shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent upon
      consummation of the Designated Acquisition, a complete set of the
      documents effecting such acquisition, together with all schedules and
      exhibits (including, without limitation the acquisition agreement);

            (g) Any fees or expenses of any Agent or the Banks which are then
      due and payable, whether due in connection with such Acquisition Term Loan
      Borrowing or otherwise, shall have been paid in full prior to, or
      simultaneously with, the Acquisition Term Loan Closing; and

            (h) From the date of the financial statements delivered pursuant to
      Section 4.03(b)(i)(A) to and including the date of the Acquisition Term
      Loan Borrowing, there shall have been no material adverse change in the
      business, assets, properties, condition (financial or otherwise) or
      prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or the
      Designated Acquisition entity.

            4.04. Conditions Precedent to All Letters of Credit. The right of
any Borrower to obtain the issuance of any Letter of Credit that the relevant
Issuing Bank determines to issue in its sole discretion hereunder is subject to
prior or concurrent satisfaction of all of the following conditions:

            (A) Required Documentation. On or prior to the date of issuance of a
      Letter of Credit, the Administrative Agent shall have received, in
      accordance with the provisions of Section 1.13, a request for issuance
      with respect to such Letter of Credit (the furnishing by such Borrower of
      each such request for issuance shall be deemed to constitute a
      representation and warranty of the Borrower to the effect that the
      conditions set forth in Sections 4.01 (to the extent Letters of Credit are
      issued on the date the Initial Loans are made) and 4.02 are satisfied as
      of the date of delivery and will be satisfied on the relevant date of
      issuance), all other information specified in Section 1.13, and such other
      documents as the Issuing Bank may reasonably require in connection with
      the issuance of such Letter of Credit.

            (B) Conditions. On the date of issuance of each such Letter of
      Credit, all conditions precedent described in Sections 4.01 (to the extent
      Letters of Credit are issued on the date the Initial Loans are made) and
      4.02 shall be satisfied to the same extent as though the issu-

<PAGE>
                                      -75-


      ance of such Letter of Credit were the making of a Revolving Loan.

            SECTION 5. Representations, Warranties and Agreements. In order to
induce the Agents and the Banks to enter into this Agreement and to make the
Loans provided for herein, the Borrowers, jointly and severally, make the
following representations and warranties to, and agreements with, the Agents and
the Banks, all of which shall survive the execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the making of the Loans (with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement and the making of each Loan thereafter being deemed to constitute a
representation and warranty that the matters specified in this Section 5 are
true and correct in all material respects both before and after giving effect to
the Transaction and the related transactions and as of the date of each such
Loan unless such representation and warranty expressly indicates that it is
being made as of any specific date):

            5.01. Status. (a) The Company and each of the Company's Subsidiaries
(i) is a duly organized and validly existing corporation, limited liability
company or other entity in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of
its organization; (ii) has the requisite corporate or other organizational power
and authority and has obtained all requisite governmental licenses,
authorizations, consents and approvals to own and operate its property and
assets and to transact the business in which it is engaged and presently
proposes to engage, except for those governmental licenses, authorizations,
consents or approvals the failure of which to be so obtained would not have a
Material Adverse Effect and (iii) is duly qualified, or as of the Closing Date
has taken appropriate steps to qualify, and is authorized to do business, or as
of the Closing Date has taken appropriate steps to be authorized to do business,
and is in good standing in all jurisdictions where it is required to be so
qualified and where the failure to be so qualified would have a Material Adverse
Effect.

            (b) The Company was incorporated on March 4, 1998. Prior to the
Closing Date, the Company has not engaged in any business or incurred any
liabilities except for activities, expenses and liabilities incident to its
organization and to the carrying out of the Transaction or the Transaction
Documents.

            5.02. Corporate Power and Authority; Business. Each Credit Party and
each of its respective Subsidiaries has the requisite corporate or other
organizational power and authority to execute, deliver and carry out the terms
and provisions of 

<PAGE>
                                      -76-


the Documents to which it is a party and has taken all necessary corporate or
other organizational action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance
of the Documents to which it is a party. Each Credit Party and each of its
respective Subsidiaries has duly executed and delivered each Document to which
it is a party and each such Document constitutes the legal, valid and binding
obligation of such Person enforceable in accordance with its terms except as
such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent
conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or limiting
creditors' rights generally or by equitable principles relating to
enforceability (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a
proceeding in equity or at law).

            5.03. No Violation. Neither the execution, delivery and performance
by any Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries of this Agreement or the
other Documents to which it is a party nor compliance with the terms and
provisions hereof and thereof, nor the consummation of the Transaction
contemplated herein and therein (i) will contravene any applicable provision of
any law, statute, rule, regulation, order, writ, injunction or decree of any
court or governmental instrumentality, (ii) will conflict or be inconsistent
with or result in any breach of any of the terms, covenants, conditions or
provisions of, or constitute a default under, or (other than pursuant to the
Security Documents, the Surety Arrangement or trustee liens under the Indenture)
result in the creation or imposition of (or the obligation to create or impose)
any Lien upon any of the property or assets of any Credit Party or its
respective Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of any indenture, mortgage, deed
of trust, agreement or other instrument to which any Credit Party or its
respective Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of its property or
assets is bound or to which it may be subject or (iii) will violate any
provision of the charter or by-laws or the certificate of formation or operating
agreement, or the foreign equivalent of such documents, as applicable, of any
Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries, except, in each case, where such
contravention, conflict, inconsistency, breach, default, creation, imposition,
obligation or violation would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

            5.04. Litigation. Schedule 5.04 lists all outstanding litigation of
the Company and its Subsidiaries. There are no actions, judgments, suits or
proceedings pending or, to any Borrower's knowledge, threatened with respect to
(i) the transactions contemplated by the Documents or (ii) any Credit Party or
its respective Subsidiaries which could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

<PAGE>
                                      -77-


            5.05. Use of Proceeds. (a) The proceeds of all A Term Loans and B
Term Loans to be made to the Company hereunder shall be utilized by the Company
to finance the Recapitalization and to pay related fees and expenses.

            (b) Proceeds the Revolving Loans and proceeds of the Swingline Loans
shall be utilized for working capital and other general corporate purposes;
provided that on and after the earlier to occur of (x) the Acquisition Term Loan
Commitment Termination Date or (y) after the Acquisition Term Loans have been
fully borrowed, if the applicable borrowing conditions have been met, up to
$12,500,000 aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding of Revolving
Loans (plus at any time an amount, determined in accordance with Section 6.18,
of Cash that is used to pay or replace Revolving Loans that may be reborrowed to
finance Designated Acquisitions) may be used to finance Designated Acquisitions
if, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Designated Acquisition, the
ratio of Indebtedness for borrowed money of the Company and its Subsidiaries,
after giving effect to the Revolving Loans to be made, on the last day of the
fiscal quarter immediately preceding the date of calculation to Consolidated
EBITDA of the Company for the Test Period ending at the end of such fiscal
quarter is less than 4.75 to 1.00 on a pro forma basis after giving effect to
any Designated Acquisitions made during the Test Period and there would be at
least $10,000,000 of Revolving Loans available to be borrowed, after giving
effect to the Borrowing for the Designated Acquisition.

            (c) All the proceeds of each of the Acquisition Term Loans to be
made hereunder shall be utilized to provide the financing required to consummate
Designated Acquisitions, to pay related fees and expenses and to pay
Indebtedness permitted by Section 7.04(i).

            (d) Neither the making of any Loan hereunder, nor the use of the
proceeds thereof, will violate or be inconsistent with the provisions of
Regulation G, T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

            5.06. Governmental Approvals, etc. Except as set forth on Schedule
5.06, no order, consent, approval, license, authorization, or validation of, or
filing, recording or registration with, or exemption by, any third party or any
foreign or domestic governmental or public body or authority, or by any
subdivision thereof (other than those orders, consents, approvals, licenses,
authorizations or validations which, if not obtained or made, would not
reasonably be expected to have a Ma-

<PAGE>
                                      -78-


terial Adverse Effect or which have previously been obtained or made, or filings
to perfect security interests granted pursuant to the Security Documents, which
will be accomplished on or prior to the Closing Date), is required to authorize
or is required in connection with (i) the execution, delivery and performance of
any Document or the Transaction contemplated therein or (ii) the legality,
validity, binding effect or enforceability of any Document. At the time of the
making of the Initial Loans, there does not exist any judgment, order,
injunction or other restraint issued or filed with respect to the consummation
of the Transaction or the making of Loans or the performance by the Credit
Parties or their respective Subsidiaries of their respective obligations under
the Documents.

            5.07. Investment Company Act. No Credit Party or any of its
respective Subsidiaries is, or will be after giving effect to the transactions
contemplated hereby, an "investment company" or a company "controlled" by an
"investment company," within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended, or subject to any foreign, federal or local statute or regulation
limiting its ability to incur indebtedness for money borrowed or guarantee such
indebtedness as contemplated hereby or by any other Credit Document.

            5.08. Public Utility Holding Company Act. No Credit Party or any of
its respective Subsidiaries is, or will be after giving effect to the
transactions contemplated hereby, a "holding company," or a "subsidiary company"
of a "holding company," or an "affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a
"subsidiary company" of a "holding company," within the meaning of the Public
Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.

            5.09. True and Complete Disclosure. All factual information (taken
as a whole) heretofore or contemporaneously furnished by or on behalf of the
Credit Parties in writing to any Bank (including, without limitation, all
information contained in the Credit Documents) pursuant to this Agreement is (or
was, on the date of making the Initial Loans), and all other such factual
information (taken as a whole) hereafter furnished by any such Person in writing
to any Bank pursuant to this Agreement will be, true and accurate in all
material respects on the date as of which such information is dated or certified
and not incomplete by omitting to state any material fact necessary to make such
information not misleading at such time in light of the circumstances under
which such information was provided. The projections and pro forma financial
information contained in such materials are based on good faith estimates and
assumptions believed by such Persons to be reasonable 

<PAGE>
                                      -79-


at the time made, it being recognized by the Banks that such projections as to
future events are not to be viewed as facts and that actual results during the
period or periods covered by any such projections may differ from the projected
results. There is no fact known to any Credit Party which materially and
adversely affects the business, operations, property, assets, nature of assets,
liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Credit
Parties, taken as a whole, which has not been disclosed herein or in such other
documents, certificates and written statements furnished to the Banks.

            5.10. Transaction. At the time of making the Initial Loans, all
necessary governmental and third-party approvals in connection with the
Transaction have been or, prior to the time when required, will have been,
obtained and remain in effect, and all applicable waiting periods have or, prior
to the time when required, will have, expired without, in all such cases, any
action being taken by any competent authority which is reasonably likely to have
a Material Adverse Effect on the Transaction.

            5.11. Financial Condition; Financial Statements; Projections. (a) No
Credit Party is entering into the arrangements contemplated hereby and by the
other Credit Documents, or intends to make any transfer or incur any obligations
hereunder or thereunder with actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud either
present or future creditors. On and as of the Closing Date, on a pro forma basis
after giving effect to the Transaction and to all Indebtedness incurred and
Liens and Guarantees created, or to be created, by each Credit Party or its
respective Subsidiaries in connection with the Transaction, (w) none of the
Borrowers expects that final judgments against any Credit Party or its
respective Subsidiaries in actions for money damages with respect to pending or,
to its knowledge, threatened litigation will be rendered at a time when, or in
an amount such that, such Credit Party will be unable to satisfy any such
judgments promptly in accordance with their terms (taking into account the
maximum reasonable amount of such judgments in any such actions and the earliest
reasonable time at which such judgments might be rendered and the cash available
to each Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries, after taking into account
all other anticipated uses of the cash of such Credit Party or its respective
Subsidiaries (including the payments on or in respect of debts and insurance
proceeds (including their Contingent Obligations)); (x) no Credit Party or its
respective Subsidiaries will have incurred or intends to, or believes that it
will, incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as such debts mature
(taking into account the 

<PAGE>

                                      -80-


timing and amounts of cash to be received by such Credit Party or its respective
Subsidiaries from any source, and of amounts to be payable on or in respect of
debts of such Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries and the amounts
referred to in the preceding clause (w)); (y) each Credit Party or its
respective Subsidiaries, after taking into account all other anticipated uses of
the cash of such Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries, anticipates being
able to pay all amounts on or in respect of debts of such Credit Party or its
respective Subsidiaries when such amounts are required to be paid; and (z) each
Credit Party and its respective Subsidiaries will have sufficient capital with
which to conduct its present and presently proposed business and the property of
such Credit Party and its respective Subsidiaries does not constitute
unreasonably small capital with which to conduct its present or proposed
business, taking into account the particular capital requirements of the
business conducted by such Credit Party, the projected capital requirements
thereof and the capital availability thereof. For purposes of this Section 5.11,
"debt" means any liability on a claim, and "claim" means a (i) right to payment
whether or not such a right is reduced to judgment, liquidated, unliquidated,
fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable,
secured or unsecured; or (ii) right to an equitable remedy for breach of
performance if such breach gives rise to a payment, whether or not such right to
an equitable remedy is reduced to judgment, fixed, contingent, matured,
unmatured, disputed, undisputed, secured or unsecured. On the date of each
Borrowing and the issuance of each Letter of Credit (and after giving effect to
all Borrowings and Letters of Credit as of such date), the representations set
forth in this Section 5.11(a) shall be true and correct with respect to such
Borrower on such date and any Credit Party which is a guarantor with respect to
any or all of such Borrowings or Letters of Credit.

            (b) The Company has heretofore delivered to the Banks combined
financial statements audited by Price Waterhouse LLP including a balance sheet
as of the years ended October 31, 1996 and October 31, 1997 and statements of
income and of cash flows of the MHE Business for the fiscal years ended October
31, 1995, October 31, 1996 and October 31, 1997 and unaudited financial
statements for the thirteen-week period ended January 31, 1998. Except as
otherwise noted therein, the financial statements referred to in the preceding
sentence were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and fairly
present the financial position and results of operations of the MHE Business for
the periods covered thereby. There has also been delivered the pro forma (after
giving effect to the Transac-

<PAGE>
                                      -81-


tion) balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of January 31, 1998,
which presents a good faith estimate of the consolidated pro forma financial
position of the Company and its Subsidiaries for such periods.

            The assumptions made in preparing such pro forma balance sheet are
reasonable as of the date of such statements and as of the Closing Date and all
material assumptions are set forth therein. Except as contemplated hereby, since
October 31, 1997 (on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Transaction)
no event or events have occurred that could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

            (c) There have heretofore been delivered to the Banks pro forma
consolidated income projections for the Company and its Subsidiaries, pro forma
consolidated balance sheet projections for the Company and its Subsidiaries and
pro forma consolidated cash flow projections for the Company and its
Subsidiaries, all for the fiscal years ending October 31, 1998 through October
31, 2002, inclusive (the "Projected Financial Statements"), which give effect to
the Transaction and all Indebtedness incurred or created in connection with the
Transaction. The assumptions made in preparing the Projected Financial
Statements are reasonable as of the date of such projections and as of the
Closing Date and all material assumptions with respect to the Projected
Financial Statements are set forth therein, it being recognized by the Banks
that such projections as to future events are not to be viewed as facts and that
actual results during the period or periods covered by any such projections may
differ from the projected results.

            (d) As of the Closing Date, except as fully reflected or reserved
against in the financial statements and the notes thereto described in Section
5.11(b), to the knowledge of the Borrowers there were no liabilities or
obligations with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries of any nature
whatsoever (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether or
not due) which, either individually or in aggregate, would reasonably be
expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect on the Company and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. As of the Closing Date, no Borrower knows of any
basis for the assertion against the Company or its Subsidiaries of any liability
or obligation of any nature whatsoever that is not fully reflected in the
financial statements described in Section 5.11(b) or (c), except as incurred by
the Company or its Subsidiaries in connection with the Transaction, which,
either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected 

<PAGE>
                                      -82-


to be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

            5.12. Security Interests. The Security Documents, taken as a whole,
if a filing will perfect a Lien, when filed and/or recorded, will create, in
favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Banks, as security for the
obligations purported to be secured thereby, a valid and enforceable perfected
first priority security interest in and Lien upon all of the Collateral,
superior to and prior to the rights of all third persons other than holders of
Prior Liens and subject to no other Liens except Liens expressly permitted by
the applicable Security Document. The mortgagor under each Mortgage has good and
marketable (or indefeasible) title to the Mortgaged Real Property owned by such
Credit Party free and clear of all Liens other than Prior Liens. The respective
Pledgor or assignor, as the case may be, has (or on and after the time it
executes the respective Security Document, will have) good and marketable title
(subject to securities laws affecting such transferability) to all items of
Collateral (other than real property subject to a Mortgage and except as set
forth on Schedule 5.21(b) hereto) owned by such Credit Party covered by such
Security Document free and clear of all Liens except Prior Liens and other Liens
expressly permitted by the applicable Security Document. No filings or
recordings are required in order to perfect the security interests created under
any Security Document except for filings or recordings required in connection
with any such Security Document which shall have been made prior to or
reasonably contemporaneously with the execution and delivery thereof.

            5.13. Tax Returns and Payments. Each of the Credit Parties and each
of its respective Subsidiaries has timely filed all material federal, state,
provincial and other material returns, statements, forms and reports for taxes
(the "Returns") required to be filed by it with respect to its income,
properties or operations and has paid all material taxes (including, without
limitation, taxes based on net income or net profits) and assessments payable by
it which have become due, other than those not yet delinquent and except for
those contested in good faith and for which adequate reserves have been
established. Each of the Credit Parties and each of its respective Subsidiaries
has paid, or has provided adequate reserves (in accordance with GAAP) for the
payment of, all federal, state, local and foreign income taxes (including,
without limitation, franchise taxes based upon income or profits) applicable for
all prior fiscal years and for the current fiscal year to the date hereof other
than as set forth on Schedule 

<PAGE>
                                      -83-


5.13. No Borrower knows of any proposed tax assessment against any Credit Party
or any of its respective Subsidiaries that could reasonably be expected to have
a Material Adverse Effect which is not being actively contested in good faith by
such Person to the extent affected thereby in good faith and by appropriate
proceedings; provided that such reserves or other appropriate provisions, if
any, as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made or
provided therefor. The pro forma financial statements delivered pursuant to
Section 5.11(b) reflected all taxes reasonably believed at the time of delivery
thereof to result from the transactions contemplated by the Transaction.

            5.14. ERISA. No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected
to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which
liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to
result in a Material Adverse Effect. The present value of all accumulated
benefit obligations of all underfunded Pension Plans (based on the assumptions
used for purposes of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87) did
not, as of the date of the most recent financial statements reflecting such
amounts, exceed by more than $250,000 the fair market value of the assets of all
such underfunded Pension Plans. Each ERISA Entity is in compliance in all
material respects with the presently applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code
with respect to each Employee Benefit Plan. Each ERISA Entity and each of the
Foreign Plans are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable
laws and regulations with respect to the Foreign Plans and the terms of the
Foreign Plans, and all required contributions have been made to the Foreign
Plans.

            5.15. Subsidiaries. After giving effect to the Transaction, all of
the outstanding units or common stock, as the case may be, of each Credit Party
shall be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and shall be owned
beneficially and of record by each Credit Party as set forth as Schedule 5.15
hereto, subject to no Liens other than Liens in favor of the Collateral Agent.
Other than as set forth on Schedule 5.19, after giving effect to the
Transaction, there shall be no preemptive rights on the part of any holder of
any class of securities of any Credit Party or other rights, such as warrants or
options, to acquire any class of securities of any Credit Party.

            5.16. Patents, etc. Each Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries
owns or possesses adequate licenses or other rights to use all material patents,
patent applications, 

<PAGE>
                                      -84-


trademark registrations, trademark applications, servicemark registrations,
servicemark applications, trade names, copyright registrations, trade secrets
and know how (collectively, the "Intellectual Property") that are necessary for
the operation of its respective businesses as presently conducted and as
currently proposed to be conducted. No claim is pending or, to the knowledge of
each Credit Party and its respective Subsidiaries, threatened to the effect that
any Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries infringes upon or conflicts with
the asserted rights of any other person under any Intellectual Property, and, to
the knowledge of each Borrower, there is no basis for any such claim (whether or
not pending or threatened), except for such claims that, individually or in the
aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No
claim is pending or, to the knowledge of each Borrower, threatened to the effect
that any such Intellectual Property owned or licensed by any Credit Party or its
respective Subsidiaries or which any Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries
otherwise has the right to use, is invalid or unenforceable by such Credit Party
or its respective Subsidiaries, and, to the knowledge of each Borrower, there is
no basis for any such claim (whether or not pending or threatened).

            5.17. Compliance with Laws, etc. Each Credit Party and its
respective Subsidiaries is in material compliance with all laws and regulations
in all jurisdictions in which it is presently doing business, and each Credit
Party and its respective Subsidiaries will comply with all such laws and
regulations which may be imposed in the future in jurisdictions in which it or
such Subsidiary may then be doing business, except to the extent the
non-compliance with such laws and regulations would not reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect. To the knowledge of each Borrower, no Credit
Party is currently under investigation for the violation of any crime the
conviction for which would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect.

            5.18. Properties. Each Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries
has good and marketable (or indefeasible) title to and beneficial ownership of
all material properties owned by it, including after giving effect to the
Transaction all property reflected in the pro forma balance sheet referred to in
Section 5.11(b) (except as sold or otherwise disposed of since the date of such
balance sheet in the ordinary course of business or as permitted by this
Agreement or the Security Documents), free and clear of all Liens, other than,
in the case of property not constituting Collateral, Permitted Encumbrances and,
in the case of property constituting Collateral, 

<PAGE>
                                      -85-


Prior Liens and other Liens expressly permitted by the applicable Security
Document. Each Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries holds all licenses,
certificates of occupancy or operation and similar certificates and clearances
of municipal and other authorities necessary to own and operate its properties
in the manner and for the purposes currently operated by such party except where
the failure to hold such licenses, certificates or clearances would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Real Property and
each Mortgaged Real Property is suitable for its intended purposes and is served
by such utilities as are necessary for the operation thereof. Except as
disclosed to the Administrative Agent in writing, there are no actual,
threatened or alleged defaults of a material nature with respect to any material
Leases of Real Property under which any Credit Party or any of its respective
Subsidiaries is lessor or lessee.

            5.19. Securities. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.19 hereto, there
are not, as of the Closing Date, any existing options, warrants, calls,
subscriptions, convertible or exchangeable securities, rights, agreements,
commitments or arrangements for any Person to acquire any equity security of any
Credit Party or any other securities convertible into, exchangeable for or
evidencing the right to subscribe for any such equity security.

            5.20. Collective Bargaining Agreements. Set forth on Schedule 5.20
hereto is a list and description (including dates of termination) of all
collective bargaining or similar agreements between or applicable to any Credit
Party or its respective Subsidiaries as of the date hereof and any union, labor
organization or other bargaining agent in respect of the employees of any Credit
Party or its respective Subsidiaries on the date indicated in Schedule 5.20
hereto.

            5.21. Indebtedness Outstanding; Prior Liens. (a) Set forth on
Schedule 5.21(a) hereto is a list and description of (i) all Indebtedness of the
types specified in clauses (i), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vii) of the definition of
Indebtedness of the Credit Parties and their respective Subsidiaries (other than
the Loans) that shall be outstanding immediately after the Closing Date and (ii)
all Indebtedness of the Credit Parties and their respective Subsidiaries that
was repaid, defeased, transferred or otherwise terminated on or prior to the
Closing Date in connection with the Transaction.

            (b) Schedule 5.21(b) hereto sets forth a true list, with respect to
assets in the United States, United Kingdom and 

<PAGE>
                                      -86-


Canada and, to the Company's knowledge, other jurisdictions, of all Liens other
than Permitted Encumbrances as described in Sections 7.03(a)-(n) on the property
of the Credit Parties immediately following the Closing Date.

            5.22. Environmental Protection. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.22
hereto and except as would not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect,

            (a) Each Credit Party and its respective Subsidiaries has obtained
      all permits, licenses and other authorizations (hereinafter collectively
      referred to as "Authorizations") which are required with respect to the
      operation of the business and assets, and use, ownership and operation of
      Real Property of the Company and its Subsidiaries, in each case taken as a
      whole, under any Environmental Law and each such authorization is in full
      force and effect.

            (b) Each Credit Party and its respective Subsidiaries is in
      compliance with all terms and conditions of the permits, licenses and
      authorizations specified in subsection 5.22(a) above, and is also in
      compliance with, and not subject to liability under, any Environmental
      Laws applicable to it and its business, assets, operations and Real
      Property (including, without limitation, compliance with standards,
      schedules and timetables therein).

            (c) There is no civil, criminal or administrative action, suit,
      demand, claim, hearing, notice of violation, investigation, proceeding,
      notice or demand letter or request for information pending or, to the
      knowledge of any Borrower, threatened against any Credit Party or any of
      its respective Subsidiaries under any Environmental Law.

            (d) None of the Credit Parties nor any of its respective
      Subsidiaries has received written notice that it has been identified as a
      potentially responsible party under the Comprehensive Environmental
      Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (CERCLA) or
      any comparable state or foreign law nor has any Credit Party or any of its
      respective Subsidiaries received any written notification that any
      Hazardous Materials that it, or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of their
      respective predecessors in interest has used, generated, stored, treated,
      handled, transported or disposed of, or arranged for disposal or treatment
      of, or arranged with a transporter for transport for disposal or treatment
      of, have been found at 

<PAGE>
                                      -87-


      any site at which any governmental agency or private party is conducting
      or plans to conduct a remedial investigation or other action pursuant to
      any Environmental Law.

            (e) There have been no releases (i.e., any past or present
      releasing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying,
      discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, disposing or dumping) of
      Hazardous Materials by any Credit Party or any of its respective
      Subsidiaries or their respective predecessors in interest on, at, upon,
      under, into or from any of the Real Properties. To the knowledge of each
      Borrower after due inquiry there have been no such releases on, at, upon,
      under, from or into any real property in the vicinity of any of the Real
      Properties that, through soil, air, surface water or groundwater migration
      or contamination, may have migrated to or under such Real Properties.

            (f) No asbestos is present in, on, or at any Real Properties or any
      facility or equipment of any Credit Party or any of its respective
      Subsidiaries.

            (g) No Real Properties of any Credit Party or any of its respective
      Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of each Credit Party, any of their
      respective predecessors in interest are (i) listed or proposed for listing
      on the National Priorities List under CERCLA or (ii) listed in the
      Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, Liability Information
      System List promulgated pursuant to CERCLA or (iii) included on any
      comparable lists maintained by any governmental authority.

            (h) There are no past or present events, conditions, circumstances,
      activities, practices, incidents, actions or plans which may interfere
      with or prevent compliance with any Environmental Law, or which may give
      rise to any liability under any Environmental Law, including, without
      limitation, liability under CERCLA or similar state, local or foreign
      laws, or otherwise form the basis of any claim, action, demand, suit,
      proceeding, hearing or notice of violation, notice of potential liability
      or investigation, based on or related to the manufacture, processing,
      distribution, use, generation, treatment, storage, disposal, transport,
      shipping or handling, or the emission, discharge, release or threatened
      release into the environment, of any Hazardous Materials.

<PAGE>
                                      -88-


            (i) No Lien has been recorded under any Environmental Law with
      respect to any assets, facility, inventory or Real Property owned,
      operated, leased or controlled by any Credit Party or any of its
      respective Subsidiaries.

            (j) No Credit Party has assumed by contract, agreement or otherwise
      any liability or obligation under any Environmental Law.

            5.23. Environmental Investigations. To the knowledge of senior
management of the Company, all environmental investigations, studies, audits,
assessments or reviews in the possession, custody or control of any Credit Party
which relates to the current or prior business or assets of any Credit Party or
any of its respective Subsidiaries or any Real Property, assets or facility now
or previously owned, operated, leased, used or controlled by any Credit Party or
any of its respective Subsidiaries have been delivered to the Administrative
Agent.

            5.24. Representations and Warranties in the Recapitalization
Agreement. To each Borrower's knowledge, all representations and warranties set
forth in the Recapitalization Agreement were true and correct as of the time as
of which such representations and warranties were made, except as disclosed in
supplemental schedules thereto, and shall be true and correct as of the Closing
Date as if such representations and warranties were made on and as of such date
(unless such representation or warranty is given as of a specific date).

            SECTION 6. Affirmative Covenants. Each Borrower, jointly and
severally, covenants and agrees that on the Effective Date and thereafter for so
long as this Agreement is in effect and until the Commitments have terminated
and the Loans together with interest and fees are paid in full and all other
Obligations incurred hereunder, to the extent due and payable, are paid in full:

            6.01. Information Covenants. The Company will furnish or cause to be
furnished to each Bank:

            (a) As soon as available and in any event within 90 days after the
      close of each fiscal year of the Company, the consolidated balance sheets
      of the Company and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year and
      the related consolidated statements of income, of stockholders' equity and
      of cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth comparative consolidated
      figures for the preceding 

<PAGE>
                                      -89-


      fiscal year and a report on such consolidated balance sheets and financial
      statements by independent certified public accountants of recognized
      national standing (which shall be one of the "Big Five" accounting firms),
      which report shall not be qualified as to the scope of audit or as to the
      status of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a going concern and shall
      state that such consolidated financial statements present fairly the
      consolidated financial position of the Company and its Subsidiaries as at
      the dates indicated and the results of their operations and their cash
      flows for the periods indicated in conformity with GAAP applied on a basis
      consistent with prior years (except for such changes with which the
      independent certified public accountants concur) and the examination by
      such accountants was conducted in accordance with generally accepted
      auditing standards.

            (b) As soon as practicable and in any event (x) within 30 days after
      the end of the each month ending after the Closing Date, (i) the
      consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as at the
      end of such period and (ii) the related statements of income and cash
      flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries, in each case for such fiscal
      month and for the period from the beginning of the then current fiscal
      year to the end of such fiscal month, setting forth in comparative form
      the corresponding periods of the prior fiscal year commencing with fiscal
      year 1999, the corresponding periods of the current fiscal year's budget,
      and (y) within 45 days after the end of each of the Company's first three
      fiscal quarters in each fiscal year and within 90 days after the end of
      each of the Company's fiscal years, a Management's Discussion and Analysis
      for such financial statements covering the quarter then ended and the year
      to date.

            (c) Together with each delivery of financial statements of the
      Company and its Subsidiaries pursuant to subsection (a) above, a written
      statement by the independent public accountants giving the report thereon
      (i) stating that their audit examination has included a review of the
      terms of Sections 6, 7, 8 and 9 of this Agreement as they relate to
      accounting matters but without having conducted any special auditing
      procedures in connection therewith, (ii) stating whether, in connection
      with their audit examination, any condition or event which constitutes a
      Default or Event of Default has come to their attention, and if such a
      condition or event has come to their attention, specifying the nature and
      period of existence thereof; 

<PAGE>
                                      -90-


      provided that such accountants shall not be liable by reason of any
      failure to obtain knowledge of any such Default or Event of Default that
      would not be disclosed in the course of their audit examination, and (iii)
      stating that based on their audit examination nothing has come to their
      attention which causes them to believe that as of the end of such fiscal
      year of the Company there existed a Default or an Event of Default related
      to the breach of any covenant set forth in Section 6 or 7 as they relate
      to accounting matters and if such a condition or event has come to their
      attention, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof and what
      action the Company has taken, is taking and propose to take with respect
      thereto.

            (d) At the time of the delivery of the financial statements provided
      for in Sections 6.01(a) and (b), (y) a certificate of the chief financial
      officer or other Authorized Officer of the Company to the effect that no
      Default or Event of Default exists, or, if any Default or Event of Default
      does exist, specifying the nature and extent thereof and what actions have
      been or will be taken in respect thereof, which certificate shall be
      accompanied on a quarterly basis (i.e., within 45 days after the end of
      each of the Company's first three fiscal quarters in each fiscal year and
      within 90 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year) by a Compliance
      Certificate in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent
      setting forth the calculations required to establish whether the Company
      was in compliance with the covenants in this Agreement (including without
      limitation the covenants set forth in Sections 7.05 and 7.10 through 7.13
      inclusive) as at the end of such fiscal period or year, as the case may
      be, and (z) a comparison of the current year to date financial results
      against the plan/budget required to be submitted pursuant to subsection
      (k) shall be presented.

            (e) Promptly upon receipt thereof, a copy, if any, of each annual
      "management letter" submitted to the Company by its independent
      accountants in connection with any annual audit made by them of the books
      of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

            (f) Promptly upon their becoming available, copies of all
      consolidating and consolidated financial statements, reports, notices and
      proxy statements sent or made available generally by the Company or any
      Subsidiary of the Company to its security holders in their capacity as

<PAGE>
                                      -91-


      such (other than to the Company or another Subsidiary) of all regular and
      periodic reports and all registration statements and prospectuses, if any,
      filed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with any securities
      exchange or with the SEC and of all press releases and other statements
      made available generally by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company
      to the public concerning material developments in the business of the
      Company and its Subsidiaries.

            (g) Promptly upon any senior officer of any Borrower obtaining
      knowledge (w) of any condition or event which constitutes a Default or
      Event of Default, or becoming aware that any Bank has given any written
      notice or taken any other action with respect to a claimed Default or
      Event of Default under this Agreement, (x) that any Person has given any
      written notice to any Borrower or taken any other action with respect to a
      claimed default or event or condition of the type referred to in Section
      8.04, or (y) of a material adverse change in the business, operations,
      properties, assets, nature of assets, condition (financial or otherwise)
      or prospects of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, an
      Officers' Certificate specifying the nature and period of existence of any
      such condition or event, or specifying the notice given or action taken by
      such holder or Person and the nature of such claimed Default, Event of
      Default, event or condition, or material adverse change, and what action
      the Company has taken, is taking and propose to take with respect thereto.

            (h) (w) Promptly upon any senior officer of any Borrower obtaining
      knowledge of the institution of, or written threat of, any action, suit,
      proceeding, governmental investigation or arbitration against or affecting
      any Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries or any property of any
      Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries not previously disclosed to
      the Banks, which action, suit, proceeding, governmental investigation or
      arbitration seeks (or in the case of multiple actions, suits, proceedings,
      governmental investigations or arbitrations arising out of the same
      general allegations or circumstances which seek) recovery from any Credit
      Party or its respective Subsidiaries aggregating $5,000,000 or more
      (exclusive of claims covered by insurance policies unless the insurers of
      such claims have disclaimed coverage or reserved the right to disclaim
      coverage on such claims), the Company shall give notice thereof to the
      Banks and provide such 

<PAGE>
                                      -92-


      other information as may be reasonably available to enable the Banks and
      their counsel to evaluate such matters; (x) as soon as practicable and in
      any event within 45 days after the end of each fiscal quarter, the Company
      shall provide a quarterly report to the Banks covering the institution of,
      or written threat of, any action, suit, proceeding, governmental
      investigation or arbitration (not previously reported) against or
      affecting any Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries or any property
      of any Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries not previously
      disclosed to the Banks, which action, suit, proceedings, governmental
      investigation or arbitration seeks (or in the case of multiple actions,
      suits, proceedings, governmental investigations or arbitrations arising
      out of the same general allegations or circumstances which seek) recovery
      from any Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries aggregating
      $5,000,000 or more (exclusive of claims covered by insurance policies
      unless the insurers of such claims have disclaimed coverage or reserved
      the right to disclaim coverage on such claims), and shall provide such
      other information at such time as may be reasonably available to enable
      the Banks and their counsel to evaluate such matters; (y) in addition to
      the requirements set forth in clauses (w) and (x) of this Section 6.01(h),
      the Company upon the written request of the Administrative Agent shall
      promptly give notice of the status of any action, suit, proceeding,
      governmental investigation or arbitration covered by a report delivered to
      the Banks pursuant to clause (w) or (x) above to the Banks and provide
      such other information as may be reasonably available to them to enable
      the Banks and their counsel to evaluate such matters and (z) promptly upon
      any senior officer of any Borrower obtaining knowledge of any dispute in
      respect of or the institution of, or written threat of, any action, suit,
      proceeding, governmental investigation or arbitration in respect of any
      material contract of any Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries, the
      Company shall give notice thereof to the Banks and shall provide such
      other information as may be reasonably available to enable the Banks and
      their counsel to evaluate such matters.

            (i) Within 15 days of any material changes to the terms of any
      material insurance policy as in effect on the Effective Date and described
      on Schedule 6.01(i) or any cancellation of any such material policy
      without replacement with a substantially similar policy, a report in form
      and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administra-

<PAGE>
                                      -93-


      tive Agent outlining such changes or the terms of the replacement policy,
      as the case may be.

            (j) To the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent,
      as soon as practicable and in any event within ten days of the later of
      such request and the making of any such amendment or waiver, copies of
      amendments or waivers with respect to Indebtedness of any Credit Party or
      its respective Subsidiaries.

            (k) On or prior to November 1, 1998 and each November 1 thereafter,
      a consolidated plan/budget for each month in the succeeding fiscal year,
      prepared in accordance with the Company's normal accounting procedures,
      including, without limitation, (i) forecasted consolidated balance sheets,
      consolidated statements of operations and of cash flows of the Company and
      its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such periods, (ii) the amount
      of forecasted capital expenditures for such fiscal periods, (iii)
      forecasted compliance with Sections 7.05 and 7.10-7.13 and (iv) an
      appropriate discussion of the principal assumptions on which such
      plan/budget is based; provided that if any such forecast indicates that
      the Company may not be in compliance with any provision of this Agreement
      at some future date, such forecast shall not constitute a Default or an
      Event of Default or anticipatory or other breach hereof.

            (l) Within ten (10) Business Days after the last Business Day of
      each month and, at the Company's option, on any other day, a borrowing
      base certificate in the form of Exhibit L hereto (the "Borrowing Base
      Certificate") detailing Eligible Accounts Receivable and Eligible
      Inventory as of the last day of such month (or as of the day specified in
      any optional Borrowing Base Certificate), certified as complete and
      correct on behalf of the Company by the chief financial officer or other
      Authorized Officer of the Company. In addition, each Borrowing Base
      Certificate shall have attached to it such additional schedules and/or
      other information as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request. If
      the Company fails to deliver any such required Borrowing Base Certificate
      within twenty-five (25) days after the end of any such month, then the
      Borrowing Base shall be deemed to be $0 until such time as the Company
      shall deliver such required Borrowing Base Certificate.

<PAGE>
                                      -94-


            (m) With reasonable promptness, such other information and data with
      respect to any Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries or any other
      similar entity in which the Company has an investment, as from time to
      time may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent; provided
      that no information or data shall be required to be delivered hereunder or
      under any other provision of this Agreement to the extent it is
      determined, after consultation with the Administrative Agent, that
      providing such information would constitute a waiver of an attorney-client
      privilege.

            6.02. Books, Records and Inspections. The Company will, and will
cause each of its Subsidiaries to, keep true books of records and accounts in
which full and correct entries will be made of all of its business transactions,
and will reflect in its financial statements adequate accruals and
appropriations to reserves, all in accordance with GAAP. The Company will, and
will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, permit officers and designated
representatives of the Administrative Agent or any Bank to visit and inspect any
of the properties or assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in
whosesoever possession, and to examine the books of account of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries and discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries with, and be advised as to the same by, its
and their officers and independent accountants (in the presence of such
officers), all at such reasonable times and intervals and to such reasonable
extent as the Administrative Agent or any Bank may reasonably request.

            6.03. Maintenance of Property; Insurance. (a) The Company and its
Subsidiaries will exercise commercially reasonable efforts to maintain or cause
to be maintained in good repair, working order and condition (subject to normal
wear and tear) all properties used in its businesses and from time to time will
make or cause to be made all appropriate repairs, renewals and replacements
thereof and will maintain and renew as necessary all licenses, permits and other
clearances necessary to use and occupy such properties.

            (b) Subject to the provisions of subsections 6.03(c) and (d) below,
the Company and its Subsidiaries will maintain or cause to be maintained, with
financially sound and reputable insurers, insurance with respect to its
properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured
against by corporations of established reputation engaged in the same or similar
businesses and similarly situated, of such types and 

<PAGE>
                                      -95-


in such amounts as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such
other corporations to the extent that such types and such amounts of insurance
are available at commercially reasonable rates. The Company will, and will cause
each of its Subsidiaries to, furnish to each Bank, upon reasonable request,
information as to the insurance carried, and will not cancel, without
replacement with a substantially similar policy, any such material insurance
without the reasonable consent of the Required Banks.

            (c) The Company will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to,
maintain in full force the insurance coverages in respect of the Collateral as
set forth in the Security Documents.

            (d) Where the lease under which any Real Property is held provides
that insurance is to be effected by the landlord and/or that insurance may not
be effected by the tenant, Section 6.03(b) shall be interpreted as requiring the
Company and its Subsidiaries to use all reasonable endeavors to ensure that the
landlord complies with its obligations (if any) to effect such insurance.

            6.04. Payment of Taxes. The Company will, and will cause each of its
Subsidiaries to, pay and discharge all material taxes, assessments and
governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or upon its income or profits, or
upon any properties belonging to it, prior to the date on which material
penalties attach thereto, and all lawful claims which, if unpaid, might become a
Lien or charge upon any properties of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or
cause a failure or forfeiture of title thereto; provided that neither the
Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to pay any such tax,
assessment, charge, levy or claim that is being contested in good faith and by
proper proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted, which
proceedings have the effect of preventing the forfeiture or sale of the property
or asset that may become subject to such Lien, if it has maintained adequate
reserves with respect thereto in accordance with and to the extent required
under GAAP.

            6.05. Corporate Franchises. The Company will, and will cause each of
its Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and
keep in full force and effect its existence, rights and authority, and its
Intellectual Property, except where such failure to keep in full force and
effect such rights and authority would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

<PAGE>
                                      -96-


            6.06. Compliance with Statutes, etc. The Company will, and will
cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with all applicable statutes,
regulations and orders of, and all applicable restrictions imposed by, all
governmental bodies, domestic or foreign, in respect of the conduct of its
business and the ownership of its property (including applicable statutes,
regulations, orders and restrictions relating to environmental standards and
controls) other than non-compliance which could not reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect.

            6.07. ERISA. The Company will furnish to each of the Banks:

            (a) promptly, upon the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or
      together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably
      be expected to result in liability of the Credit Parties in an aggregate
      amount exceeding $150,000, a written notice specifying the nature thereof,
      what action the Credit Parties or members of their ERISA Group have taken,
      are taking or propose to take with respect thereto, and, when known, any
      action taken or threatened by the Internal Revenue Service, Department of
      Labor, PBGC or Multiemployer Plan sponsor with respect thereto; and

            (b) upon request by the Administrative Agent, copies of: (i) each
      Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the annual report (Form 5500 Series)
      filed by an ERISA Entity with the Internal Revenue Service with respect to
      each Pension Plan; (ii) the most recent actuarial valuation report for
      each Pension Plan; (iii) all notices received by an ERISA Entity from a
      Multiemployer Plan sponsor or any governmental agency concerning an ERISA
      Event; and (iv) such other documents or governmental reports or filings
      relating to any Employee Benefit Plan as the Administrative Agent shall
      reasonably request.

            6.08. Performance of Obligations. The Company will, and will cause
each of its Subsidiaries to, perform in all material respects all of their
respective obligations under the terms of each mortgage, indenture, security
agreement, other debt instrument and material contract by which they are bound
or to which they are a party, except where such nonperformance would not have a
Material Adverse Effect.

            6.09. End of Fiscal Years; Fiscal Quarters. Each Credit Party will,
for financial reporting purposes, and will 

<PAGE>
                                      -97-


cause each of its Subsidiaries to, have its (i) fiscal years end on October 31,
and (ii) fiscal quarters end on or about January 31, April 30, July 31, and
October 31.

            6.10. Use of Proceeds. All proceeds of the Loans shall be used as
provided in Section 5.05.

            6.11. Landlord Lien Waivers. The Company shall, and shall cause each
of its applicable Subsidiaries to, use commercial best efforts to obtain within
60 days after the Closing Date agreements from the respective landlords of such
of the Real Property in the United States and Canada, as applicable, that is
being leased by such Credit Party and on which inventory or equipment of such
Credit Party is maintained confirming that such landlords have subordinated
their landlord liens on such Credit Party's personal property to the security
interests held by the Collateral Agent pursuant to the applicable Security
Documents and that such landlords will provide the Collateral Agent with
reasonable access to such facilities to exercise the Collateral Agent's remedies
pursuant to such applicable Security Documents.

            6.12. Equal Security for Loans and Notes; No Further Negative
Pledges. (a) If the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall create or assume
any Lien upon any of its property or assets, whether now owned or hereafter
acquired and whether or not such property or assets constitute Collateral, other
than Liens permitted to exist with respect to such property or assets pursuant
to Section 7.03 hereof or other than Prior Liens or Liens otherwise permitted to
exist pursuant to the Security Documents (unless prior written consent to the
creation or assumption thereof shall have been obtained from the Administrative
Agent and the Required Banks), the Company shall, and shall cause any applicable
Subsidiary to, make or cause to be made effective provisions whereby the
Obligations will be secured by such Lien equally and ratably with any and all
other Indebtedness thereby secured as long as any such Indebtedness shall be
secured; provided that this covenant shall not be construed as consent by the
Administrative Agent and the Required Banks to any violation by the Company of
the provisions of Section 7.03.

            (b) Except (i) with respect to prohibitions against other
encumbrances on specific property encumbered to secure payment of particular
Indebtedness permitted hereunder, (ii) the restriction on Liens set forth in the
indenture governing the Public Notes and (iii) restrictions on Liens that may be
contained in the Indebtedness permitted by Sections 

<PAGE>
                                      -98-


7.04(f) and (g), neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall enter
into any agreement prohibiting the creation or assumption of any Lien upon its
properties or assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired.

            6.13. Bank Meeting. The Company will participate in a meeting of the
Banks once during each fiscal year (with the first meeting to be held within
twelve months of the Closing Date) relating to the financial statements of the
previous fiscal year to be held at a location and a time selected by the Company
and reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

            6.14. Pledge of Additional Collateral. Subject to Section 6.12(b),
and in any event within 30 days after the acquisition by the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries of (i) Real Property in the United States or the United
Kingdom, (ii) assets (other than the Real Property) of the type that would have
constituted Collateral (pursuant to the appropriate Security Document on the
Closing Date or Effective Date, as applicable, executed by such Person) at the
Closing Date or the Effective Date or (iii) capital stock or other equity
interest of any Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary of a Non-Guarantor
Subsidiary), which shall be limited to 65% of the capital stock or other equity
interest in the case of a Foreign Subsidiary that is not a pass-through entity
and where the pledge would have the effects set forth in clause (a)(i) or (ii)
of the definition of Non-Guarantor Subsidiary (whether by capital contribution
or acquisition) (collectively, (i), (ii), (iii) and the assets of any Subsidiary
described in (iii), the "Additional Collateral"), the Company will, and will
cause each of its Subsidiaries to, take all necessary action, including the
filing of appropriate financing statements under the provisions of the UCC,
applicable foreign, domestic or local laws, rules or regulations in each of the
offices where such filing is necessary or appropriate, entering into or amending
Security Documents or, in the case the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
creates or acquires a Subsidiary, entering into such additional pledge
agreements and security agreements in form and substance satisfactory to the
Collateral Agent (and, in the case of the acquisition of Real Property in the
United States or the United Kingdom, satisfaction of the conditions set forth in
Sections 4.01(b)(iv), 4.01(q) and 4.01(u) and, in the case of the acquisition of
personal property, satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections
4.01(b)(iv) and 4.01(n)), to grant to the Collateral Agent a perfected first
priority Lien in such Collateral subject to no other Liens other than Prior
Liens and other Liens expressly permitted by the applicable Security Document
pursuant to and to the full extent required by 

<PAGE>
                                      -99-


the Security Documents and this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i)
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, (ii) to the extent that such Additional Collateral
consisting of inventory and receivables is not permitted to be pledged to the
Banks by Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 7.04(f), Foreign Subsidiaries
acquired pursuant to a Designated Acquisition and (iii) the Company's
Subsidiaries in Mexico, Singapore and South Africa shall not be required to
comply with the provisions of the foregoing sentence and no Liens will be
required if prohibited by a prohibition on Liens permitted to exist by Section
6.12(b). The Borrowers shall use their reasonable best efforts to limit the
collateral that Foreign Subsidiaries acquired pursuant to a Designated
Acquisition or otherwise shall provide to lenders providing the facilities
permitted by Sections 7.04(f) and 7.04(g). All actions taken by the parties in
connection with the pledge of Additional Collateral, including, without
limitation, costs of counsel for the Agents or the Collateral Agent, shall be
for the account of the Borrowers, which shall pay all sums due on demand.

            6.15. Security Interests. The Company will, and will cause its
Subsidiaries to, perform any and all acts and execute any and all documents
(including, without limitation, the execution, amendment or supplementation of
any financing statement and continuation statement) for filing in any
appropriate jurisdiction under the provisions of the UCC, local law or any
statute, rule or regulation of any applicable jurisdiction which are necessary
in order to maintain or confirm in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit
of the Banks a valid and perfected Lien on the Collateral and any Additional
Collateral, subject to no Liens except for Prior Liens and other Liens expressly
permitted by the applicable Security Document. The Company shall, as promptly as
practicable after the filing of any financing statements, deliver or cause to be
delivered to the Administrative Agent acknowledgment copies of, or copies of
lien search reports confirming the filing of, financing statements duly filed
under the UCC of all jurisdictions as may be necessary or, in the reasonable
judgment of the Administrative Agent, desirable to perfect the Lien created, or
purported or intended to be created, by each Security Document.

            6.16. Subsidiary Guarantees. In the event the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries creates or acquires a Subsidiary (other than a Non-Guarantor
Subsidiary), the Company will cause such Subsidiary to execute and deliver to
the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Banks a subsidiary guarantee, in
form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, guaranteeing the
Obligations.

<PAGE>
                                     -100-


            6.17. Environmental Events. (a) The Company will promptly give
notice to the Administrative Agent upon becoming aware thereof (i) of any
violation of any Environmental Law, (ii) of any inquiry, proceeding,
investigation or other action, including a request for information or a notice
of potential liability under any Environmental Law from any Person or (iii) of
the discovery of the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material at,
on, upon, under or from any of the Real Properties or any facility or equipment
thereat in excess of reportable quantities or allowable standards or levels
under any Environmental Law, or in a manner and/or amount which could reasonably
be expected to result in liability under any Environmental Law, in each case
which would have a Material Adverse Effect.

            (b) In the event of the presence of any Hazardous Material on, at,
upon or under any of the Real Properties which is in violation of, or which
could reasonably be expected to result in liability under, any Environmental
Law, in each case which would have a Material Adverse Effect, the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries, upon discovery thereof, shall take all necessary steps to
initiate and expeditiously complete all response, corrective and other action
required under any Environmental Law to mitigate and eliminate any such adverse
effect.

            (c) The Company shall as promptly as practicable notify the
Administrative Agent of the occurrence of any event specified in Section 6.17(b)
and shall thereafter keep the Administrative Agent informed on a periodic basis
of any actions taken in response to such event and the results of such actions.

            (d) The Company shall provide the Administrative Agent with copies
of any notice, submittal or documentation provided by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries to any governmental authority or third party under any
Environmental Law if the matter which is the subject of the notice, submittal or
other documentation could reasonably be expected to result in a materially
Adverse Effect. Such notice, submittal or documentation shall be provided to the
Administrative Agent promptly and, in any event, within 5 Business Days after
such material is provided to the governmental authority or third party.

            6.18. Use of Cash on Hand to Effect Designated Acquisition. The
Company may use (i) Cash on hand (including Borrowings under the Revolving Loans
to the extent Cash on hand calculated pursuant to this clause (i) was used to
prepay Revolving Loans and to the extent of clause (iii) below) in an 

<PAGE>
                                     -101-


amount not to exceed the Company's Excess Cash Flow for the preceding six months
(plus an amount equal to the cumulative amounts calculated hereunder for prior
periods which have not been used to make a Designated Acquisition), determined
semi-annually as of each October 31 and April 30, commencing October 31, 1998;
provided that such Cash on hand need not be used in the six-month period or the
fiscal year in which generated but shall be available in future years, together
with any additional Cash available in such future years as calculated hereunder;
provided, further, that this clause (i) shall not be deemed to prevent payments
otherwise due under and in accordance with Section 3.02(A)(g) but such Section
3.02(A)(g) calculation will be made after taking into account the expenditure of
funds for such Designated Acquisitions in accordance with such Section
3.02(A)(g) and the definition of Excess Cash Flow, plus (ii) up to $12,500,000
of Revolving Loans at any time outstanding as provided in Section 5.05(b), plus
(iii) $15,000,000 to effect Designated Acquisitions.

            6.19. Year 2000. The Company and its Subsidiaries will take all
action necessary to assure that their computer-based systems are able to
effectively process data, including dates on or after January 1, 2000. At the
request of the Administrative Agent or any Bank, the Borrowers shall provide the
Administrative Agent or such Bank, as the case may be, with assurance reasonably
acceptable to the Administrative Agent or such Bank, as the case may be, of the
year 2000 capability of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

            6.20. Certain Post-Closing Matters. (a) Notwithstanding the
provisions of Section 4.01(u) hereof, the Company shall and shall cause its
applicable Subsidiaries to use all commercially reasonable efforts to enable the
applicable Canadian Credit Party to deliver the documents required under Section
4.01(u) with respect to the Real Property located in Edmonton, Canada within 90
days of the date hereof and if such documents cannot be delivered within such 90
day period, the Company shall discuss alternative actions that may be taken with
the Administrative Agent and take such actions as may be agreed.

            (b) The Company shall and shall cause its applicable Subsidiaries to
take all actions reasonably necessary to obtain within 120 days of the date
hereof from the trustee or other holder of the industrial revenue bonds relating
to the property of Birmingham Crane & Hoist, Inc. in Birmingham, Alabama any
waiver or consent necessary to permit Birmingham Crane & Hoist, Inc. to
guarantee and pledge its assets to secure the Obliga-

<PAGE>
                                     -102-


tions pursuant to the applicable Security Documents; provided, that in the event
that such trustee or holder does not deliver such waiver or consent within such
120 day period, the Company and its applicable Subsidiaries shall deliver the
guarantee and pledge contemplated above.

            (c) The Company shall, and shall cause its South African Subsidiary
to, use all commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the necessary governmental
or regulatory authority required to enable the South African Subsidiary to
execute a Subsidiary Guarantee.

            SECTION 7. Negative Covenants. The Company and the Borrowers,
jointly and severally, hereby covenant and agree that as of the Closing Date and
thereafter for so long as this Agreement is in effect and until the Commitments
have terminated and the Loans together with interest and fees are paid in full
and all other Obligations incurred hereunder, to the extent due and payable, are
paid in full:

            7.01. Conduct of Business. The Company will not, and will not permit
any of its Subsidiaries to, engage in any business other than the business
conducted by the Company and its Subsidiaries prior to the Closing Date, the MHE
Business and any businesses or activities similar or reasonably related thereto.
Holdings will not engage in any business other than holding the capital stock of
its Subsidiaries; provided that Holdings may hold the capital stock of
Subsidiaries which may engage in other businesses so long as (i) management of
the Company and its Subsidiaries continues to devote substantially all of its
time to the affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (ii) no resources of
the Company and its Subsidiaries are utilized in any such business, except for
Dividends permitted by Section 7.08 and (iii) Holdings may not provide credit
support for any such Subsidiary except for a limited guarantee to the extent of
the value of the shares of such Subsidiary and supported solely by a pledge of
the shares of such Subsidiary.

            7.02. Amendments or Waivers of Certain Documents. After the Closing
Date, no Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries will amend or otherwise
change the terms of the Transaction Documents in a manner adverse to the Banks
without the prior written consent of the Required Banks.

            7.03. Liens. The Company will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly create, incur, assume or permit or
suffer to exist any Lien upon or with respect to any item constituting
Collateral, whether 

<PAGE>
                                     -103-


now owned or hereafter acquired, or sell any such Collateral subject to an
understanding or agreement, contingent or otherwise, to repurchase such
Collateral or assign any right to receive income, or file or permit the filing
of any financing statement under the UCC (other than notice filings in respect
of true leases) or any other similar notice of Lien under any similar recording
or notice statute, except for the Lien of the Security Document relating
thereto, Prior Liens applicable thereto and other Liens expressly permitted by
such Security Document. The Company will not, and will not permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon or with
respect to any property or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary which does
not constitute Collateral whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or sell any
Collateral, property or assets subject to an understanding or agreement,
contingent or otherwise, to repurchase such property or assets or assign any
right to receive income, or file or permit the filing of any financing statement
under the UCC (other than notice filings in respect of true leases) or any other
similar notice of Lien under any similar recording or notice statute, except the
following, which are herein collectively referred to as "Permitted
Encumbrances":

            (a) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims
      not yet delinquent or Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges
      or claims being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings for
      which adequate reserves, as may be required by GAAP, have been
      established;

            (b) Liens in respect of property or assets of the Company and its
      Subsidiaries imposed by law (i) which were incurred in the ordinary course
      of business, such as carriers', warehousemen's, supplier's, materialman's,
      repairman's and mechanics' Liens and other similar Liens arising in the
      ordinary course of business, and (x) which do not in the aggregate
      materially detract from the value of such property or assets or materially
      impair the use thereof in the operation of the business of the Company and
      its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (y) which are being contested in
      good faith by appropriate proceedings, which proceedings have the effect
      of preventing the forfeiture or sale of the property or asset subject to
      such Lien or (ii) which do not relate to material liabilities of the
      Company or any of its Subsidiaries and do not in the aggregate materially
      detract from the value of the property and assets of the Company and its
      Subsidiaries taken as a whole;

<PAGE>
                                     -104-


            (c) Liens in connection with any attachment or judgment (including
      judgment or appeal bonds) not in excess of $5,000,000 in the aggregate for
      the Company and its Subsidiaries (exclusive of any amount adequately
      covered by insurance as to which the insurance company has acknowledged
      coverage) unless the judgment it secures shall, within 60 days after the
      entry thereof, not have been discharged or execution thereof not stayed
      pending appeal, or shall not have been discharged within 30 days after the
      expiration of any such stay;

            (d) Liens (other than any Lien imposed by ERISA) incurred or
      deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with
      workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social
      security, including any Lien securing letters of credit issued in the
      ordinary course of business in connection therewith, or to secure the
      performance of tenders, statutory or regulatory obligations, surety and
      appeal bonds, bids, leases, government contracts, performance and
      return-of-money bonds, warranty requirements and other similar obligations
      incurred in the ordinary course of business (exclusive of obligations in
      respect of the payment for borrowed money or the equivalent);

            (e) Subject to the provisions of Section 7.20 and, with respect to
      any Mortgaged Real Property, to the provisions of any applicable Mortgage,
      Leases with respect to the assets or properties of the Company or its
      Subsidiaries entered into in the ordinary course of the Company's or such
      Subsidiary's business and subordinate in all respects to the Liens granted
      and evidenced by the Security Documents;

            (f) Easements, rights of way, zoning restrictions, other
      restrictions, minor defects or irregularities in title or equivalent
      rights and restrictions under the laws of foreign jurisdictions not
      interfering in any material respect with the business of the Company or
      its Subsidiaries, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business
      and which do not materially impair for its intended purposes the use or
      value of the Real Property to which it relates;

            (g) Liens (whether incurred in connection with such acquisition or
      existing prior to and acquired in connection with such acquisition) upon
      real or tangible personal property acquired by the Company or its
      Subsidiaries or 

<PAGE>
                                     -105-


      Persons that became Subsidiaries of the Company after the Closing Date;
      provided that (i) any such Lien is created solely for the purpose of
      securing Indebtedness representing, or incurred to finance, the cost of
      the item of property subject thereto, (ii) the principal amount of the
      Indebtedness secured by such Lien does not exceed 100% of the fair value
      (plus reasonable costs and expenses) (as determined in good faith by the
      board of directors or members of the appropriate entity) of the respective
      property at the time it was so acquired, (iii) such Lien does not extend
      to or cover any other property other than such item of property and any
      additions or accessions thereto permitted hereunder and proceeds thereof
      and (iv) the incurrence of such Indebtedness secured by such Lien is
      permitted by Section 7.04;

            (h) Any interest or title of a lessor under any Capitalized Lease
      Obligation; provided that such Liens do not extend to any property or
      assets which is not leased property subject to such Capitalized Lease
      Obligation;

            (i) Liens contemplated by the Intercreditor Agreement and other
      Surety Arrangements subject to an Intercreditor Arrangement;

            (j) Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect to
      Commercial Letters of Credit permitted hereunder which encumber documents
      and other property relating to such letters of credit and products and
      proceeds thereof;

            (k) Liens securing Indebtedness permitted by Section 7.04(f) and
      (g);

            (l) Liens in favor of the trustee under the indenture governing the
      Public Notes;

            (m) In respect of the Canadian Borrowers or any Canadian Subsidiary,
      reservations and exceptions contained in, or implied by statute in, the
      original grant or disposition of real property from the Crown of Canada or
      a Province thereof;

            (n) Any rights of expropriation, access or use, or any other similar
      rights conferred or reserved by or in any statute of Canada or any
      province thereof;

<PAGE>
                                     -106-


            (o) Existing Liens as set forth on Schedule 5.21(b); and

            (p) Liens not otherwise permitted by the foregoing clauses (a)
      through (o) as long as such Liens are not on the assets constituting
      Collateral on the Closing Date and the sum of the principal amount of
      Indebtedness secured by such Liens does not exceed, in the aggregate at
      any one time outstanding, $12,500,000.

            The Company and the Borrowers shall use their commercially
reasonable best efforts to obtain the waiver of any Lien referred to in clause
(b)(i) above on or in respect of any Equipment or Inventory.

            7.04. Indebtedness. The Company will not, and will not permit any of
its Subsidiaries to, contract, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any
Indebtedness, except:

            (a) Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the Credit Documents; provided
      that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to
      this Agreement shall in no event exceed the Total Commitments subject to
      the provisions of Section 3.05;

            (b) Indebtedness of the Company and the Subsidiaries represented by
      the Public Notes;

            (c) Surety Obligations and Surety Arrangements;

            (d) Existing Debt and any refinancing thereof; provided that any
      such refinancing of Existing Debt shall be on terms which, both taken as a
      whole and specifically as such terms relate to the identity of the
      obligors (provided the Company may refinance Indebtedness of a
      Wholly-Owned Subsidiary), repayments of principal, covenants, events of
      default and security in property of the debtor, are in each event no more
      favorable to the creditor than the correlative terms of the Existing Debt;

            (e) (x) $5,000,000 of Indebtedness in the aggregate principal amount
      outstanding at any time for the Company and its Subsidiaries incurred to
      finance the cost of the acquisition of real or tangible personal property
      (including Capital Leases) and (y) $10,000,000 of Indebtedness in the
      aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time to finance the cost
      of the acquisition of computer hardware and software and related tangible
      per-

<PAGE>
                                     -107-


      sonal property (including Capital Leases) in connection with the Company's
      (or its Subsidiaries') management information systems; provided in each
      case of (x) and (y), that at the time of incurrence such Indebtedness
      shall not exceed 100% of the fair value of such property (plus reasonable
      costs and expenses); and provided, further, that such Indebtedness is not
      secured by any Lien other than a Lien referred to in clause (g) of Section
      7.03;

            (f) Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries incurred to provide working
      capital for Designated Acquisitions in an amount not to exceed $15,000,000
      aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding until January 31,
      2000 and $20,000,000 aggregate principal amount at any one time
      outstanding thereafter;

            (g) up to $11,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness at
      any one time outstanding of the Company's Subsidiaries, the jurisdiction
      of incorporation, organization or formation of which is located in Mexico,
      Singapore or South Africa; provided that the amount of Indebtedness in
      each such country shall not exceed the following: (i) $2,000,000 aggregate
      principal amount at any one time outstanding in Mexico; (ii) $4,000,000
      aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding in Singapore; or
      (iii) $5,000,000 aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding in
      South Africa;

            (h) Contingent Obligations permitted by Section 7.18;

            (i) Indebtedness to sellers in connection with a Designated
      Acquisition in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000 aggregate principal
      amount at any time outstanding; provided that such Indebtedness is
      unsecured and contains subordination and other terms satisfactory to the
      Administrative Agent; and provided, further, that the Company is in pro
      forma compliance with its covenants, after giving effect to the issuance
      of such notes;

            (j) Intercompany Advances; and

            (k) other Indebtedness not exceeding $12,500,000 aggregate principal
      amount for the Company and its Subsidiaries at any time outstanding.

            7.05. Capital Expenditures. The Company will not, and will not
permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make Consoli-

<PAGE>
                                     -108-


dated Capital Expenditures for any purpose in excess of the amounts set forth
below for the fiscal year end set forth on the date listed below; provided that
Consolidated Capital Expenditures for the period ended October 31, 1998 shall be
for the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on October 31, 1998:

                                                       Amount
         Period                                    in $ Millions
         ------                                    -------------

         October 31, 1998......................         $7.5
         October 31, 1999......................          9.0
         October 31, 2000......................          9.0
         October 31, 2001......................          9.0
         October 31, 2002......................          9.0
         October 31, 2003......................          9.0
         October 31, 2004......................          9.0

            In addition, the amount of Consolidated Capital Expenditures
permitted by this Section 7.05 for any fiscal year shall be increased by an
amount equal to 75% of the excess of (x) the permitted Consolidated Capital
Expenditures for the immediately preceding fiscal year (without giving effect to
this sentence) over (y) the amount of Consolidated Capital Expenditures actually
made in such immediately preceding fiscal year; provided that after the
consummation of any Designated Acquisition, the amount set forth in the table
above for any period ending after such Designated Acquisition shall be increased
by an amount equal to 20% of the Consolidated EBITDA of the acquired entity
included in the pro forma consolidated statement of income for the then current
twelve-month period delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section
4.03(b)(ii) and for years following the year of acquisition the greater of 20%
of projected Consolidated EBITDA for the Designated Acquisition (as set forth in
the data provided to the Banks pursuant to Section 6.01) and 20% of the actual
Consolidated EBITDA for the Designated Acquisition for the last fiscal year.

            7.06. Advances, Investments and Loans. The Company will not, and
will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, lend money or credit or make
advances to any Person, or purchase or acquire any stock, obligations or
securities of, or any other interest in, or make any capital contribution to any
Person, except:

            (a) investments in Cash and Cash Equivalents;

<PAGE>
                                     -109-


            (b) receivables owing to them and advances (including deposits) to
      customers and suppliers, in each case if created, acquired or made in the
      ordinary course of business and payable or dischargeable in accordance
      with customary trade terms;

            (c) investments (including debt obligations) received in connection
      with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers and customers and in
      settlement of delinquent obligations of, and other disputes with,
      customers and suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business or upon
      foreclosure of any Lien in favor of the Company or its Subsidiaries;

            (d) Intercompany Advances;

            (e) the acceptance of a form of consideration other than Cash or
      Cash Equivalents in connection with the sale or disposition of assets to
      the extent provided in Section 7.17;

            (f) guarantees by Subsidiary Guarantors of the Company's obligations
      under the Public Notes;

            (g) investments in Holdings permitted by Section 7.08 and
      investments permitted by Section 7.09;

            (h) Contingent Obligations permitted by Section 7.18;

            (i) investments contemplated by the Transaction Documents;

            (j) investments which the Company and its Subsidiaries are
      contractually committed to make pursuant to contracts existing on the
      Closing Date as set forth on Schedule 7.06(j), plus an amount not to
      exceed $2,000,000 in the aggregate;

            (k) investments held by a Person prior to its becoming a Subsidiary
      of the Company; provided that such investment was not incurred in
      contemplation of such acquisition;

            (l) advances to officers and employees of the Company and its
      Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business not to exceed $500,000
      outstanding at any time;

<PAGE>
                                     -110-


            (m) additional loans, advances and/or investments of a nature not
      contemplated by the foregoing clauses (a) through (l) and (n) through (p);
      provided that all loans, advances and investments made pursuant to this
      clause (m) shall not exceed $3,000,000 in the aggregate at any time
      outstanding in any fiscal year and $15,000,000 in the aggregate at any
      time outstanding during the term of this Agreement for the Company and its
      Subsidiaries;

            (n) prepaid expenses and workers' compensation, utility, lease and
      similar deposits in the ordinary course of business;

            (o) Designated Acquisitions; and

            (p) loans or advances to officers and employees of the Company and
      its Subsidiaries on or within 30 days after the Closing Date which amounts
      are used to acquire Management Stock; provided such loans or advances are
      repaid within one year of the Closing Date.

            7.07. Prepayments of Indebtedness, etc. The Company will not, and
will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to: (a) after the issuance thereof,
amend or modify (or permit the amendment or modification of) any of the terms or
provisions, to the extent any such amendment or modification would be adverse to
the issuer thereof or to the interests of the Banks, of any of the Indebtedness
(or any agreement relating thereto) of the type described in Section 7.04(b),
(c), (d) (other than the Industrial Revenue Bonds of Birmingham Crane & Hoist,
Inc.) or (i); (b) make (or give any notice in respect of) any voluntary or
optional payment or prepayment or redemption or acquisition for value of
(including, without limitation, by way of depositing with any trustee with
respect thereto money or securities before such Indebtedness is due for the
purpose of paying such Indebtedness when due) or exchange of any such
Indebtedness, except that Indebtedness of the type described in Section 7.04(i)
may be prepaid with Acquisition Term Loans in accordance with Section 4.03 and
the Industrial Revenue Bonds of Birmingham Crane & Hoist, Inc. permitted under
Section 7.04(d); and/or (c) amend, modify or change any of its respective
Certificate of Incorporation or operating agreement, or any agreement entered
into by the Company or its Subsidiaries with respect to its equity securities,
or enter into any new agreement with respect to the equity securities of the
Company or any Subsidiary the result of which is reasonably likely to be adverse
to the interests of the Banks (in their capacity as such) hereunder.

<PAGE>
                                     -111-


            7.08. Dividends, etc. The Company will not, and will not permit any
of its Subsidiaries to, declare or pay any dividends or return any capital to,
its shareholders or members or authorize or make any other distribution, payment
or delivery of property or cash to its shareholders or members as such, or
redeem, retire, purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, for any
consideration, any of its equity interest now or hereafter outstanding (or any
warrants for or options or stock appreciation rights in respect of any of such
equity interests), or set aside any funds for any of the foregoing purposes, or
permit any of its Subsidiaries to purchase or otherwise acquire for
consideration any equity interest of the Company or any other Subsidiary, as the
case may be, now or hereafter outstanding (or any options or warrants or stock
appreciation rights issued by such Person with respect to its equity interest)
(all of the foregoing, "Dividends"), except that (i) any Subsidiary of a
Borrower may pay Dividends to its parent corporation (and pro rata to its other
shareholders if such Subsidiary is not wholly-owned) if such parent corporation
is (x) a Borrower or (y) a Subsidiary of a Borrower; (ii) the payment to
Holdings or any other Person in respect of which Holdings is a member of its
consolidated tax group, for so long as Holdings owns such amount of the capital
stock of the Company as will permit it or a member of the consolidated tax group
of Holdings to be entitled to file consolidated federal tax returns with the
Company, for income taxes pursuant to the Tax Allocation Agreement or for the
purpose of enabling Holdings or any such members to pay taxes other than income
taxes, to the extent actually owed and attributable to the operations of the
Company and its Subsidiaries or to Holdings' ownership thereof; (iii) payments
to Holdings, for so long as it owns no less than a majority of the outstanding
common stock of the Company, in amounts sufficient to pay the ordinary operating
and administrative expenses of Holdings (including all reasonable professional
fees and expenses), including in connection with its complying with its
reporting obligations (including filings with the SEC and any exchange on which
Holdings' securities are traded) and obligations to prepare and distribute
business records in the ordinary course of business and Holdings' costs and
expenses relating to taxes, other than those referred to in clause (ii) (which
taxes are attributable to the operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries or
to Holdings' ownership thereof); provided that the aggregate payments paid in
each fiscal year pursuant to this clause (iii) will not exceed 0.20% of the
consolidated net sales of the Company and its Subsidiaries for such fiscal year;
(iv) as long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing or would result therefrom, the Company may purchase, or may pay
Dividends 

<PAGE>
                                     -112-


to Holdings to enable Holdings to purchase, Management Stock and Vested Options
from the members of management of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, in an amount
not to exceed $500,000 in any fiscal year and $2,500,000 in the aggregate;
provided that such payments may only be made in connection with purchases of
Management Stock and Vested Options upon the termination of employment, death or
disability of the person to whom such shares of Management Stock or Vested
Options were initially issued; (v) payments in respect of the Transaction; and
(vi) from and after the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, the Company may
pay Dividends to Holdings in order to permit Holdings to pay cash dividends on
the Preferred Stock if the ratio of Indebtedness for borrowed money of the
Company and its Subsidiaries on the last day of the fiscal quarter immediately
preceding the date of calculation to Consolidated EBITDA of the Company for the
Test Period ending at the end of the fiscal quarter immediately preceding the
date of calculation, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to any Designated
Acquisitions made during such Test Period, is less than 3.5 to 1.0.

            7.09. Transaction with Affiliates. The Company will not, and will
not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any transaction or series of
transactions, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, with any holder
of 5% or more of the equity securities of the Company or with any Affiliate of
the Company other than on terms and conditions substantially as favorable to the
Company or any Subsidiary as would be obtainable by the Company or such
Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arm's-length transaction with a Person
other than a holder of 5% or more of the equity securities of the Company or an
Affiliate of the Company; provided that the foregoing restrictions shall not
apply to (i) transactions between or among any Borrower and its Subsidiaries
(provided that for purpose of this clause (i), the definition of Subsidiary
shall be deemed to require 66 2/3% instead of 50% ownership) and Intercompany
Advances; (ii) transactions with HarnCo and its Affiliates set forth in the
Transaction Documents; (iii) payments permitted by Section 7.08(ii), (iii), (iv)
and (v); (iv) the payment of fees to the Agents and their Affiliates for
financial services, such fees not to exceed Agents' usual and customary fees for
similar services; (v) payments to Chartwell (x) pursuant to the Chartwell
Financial Advisory Agreement on the Closing Date and (y) for management services
pursuant to the Chartwell Management Consulting Agreement not to exceed
$1,000,000 in any fiscal year, plus expenses; provided, in the case of (y), that
any such fees may accrue but shall not be paid by the Company at any time after
the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default pursuant to
Section 8.01 until such Event of 

<PAGE>
                                     -113-


Default is cured, whereupon such accrued and unpaid fees may be paid in addition
to other permitted fees; (vi) reasonable fees and compensation paid to and
indemnity provided on behalf of officers, directors or employees of the Company
or any Subsidiary of the Company as determined in good faith by the Company's
Board of Directors or senior management; (vii) loans or advances to employees
and officers of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of
business to provide for the payment of reasonable expenses incurred by such
persons in the performance of their responsibilities to Holdings or such
Subsidiary or in connection with any relocation, not to exceed $500,000 at any
time outstanding; and (viii) loans or advances to employees and officers of the
Company or its Subsidiaries on or within 30 days after the Closing Date the
proceeds of which are used to acquire Management Stock and which loans or
advances are repaid within one year of the Closing Date.

            7.10. Total Interest Coverage Ratio. The ratio of (i) Consolidated
EBITDA to (ii) Consolidated Interest Expense for the Company and its
Subsidiaries set forth below for the Test Period ending on each date listed
below shall not be less than the ratio set forth opposite such date below:

        Test Period                                          Ratio
        -----------                                          -----

        July 31, 1998 ...............................   1.35 to 1.0
        October 31, 1998 ............................   1.35 to 1.0
        January 31, 1999 ............................   1.35 to 1.0
        April 30, 1999 ..............................   1.35 to 1.0
        July 31, 1999 ...............................   1.35 to 1.0
        October 31, 1999 ............................   1.40 to 1.0
        January 31, 2000 ............................   1.40 to 1.0
        April 30, 2000 ..............................   1.40 to 1.0
        July 31, 2000 ...............................   1.40 to 1.0
        October 31, 2000 ............................   1.50 to 1.0
        January 31, 2001 ............................   1.50 to 1.0
        April 30, 2001 ..............................   1.50 to 1.0
        July 31, 2001 ...............................   1.50 to 1.0
        October 31, 2001 ............................   1.75 to 1.0
        January 31, 2002 ............................   1.75 to 1.0
        April 30, 2002 ..............................   1.75 to 1.0
        July 31, 2002 ...............................   1.75 to 1.0
        October 31, 2002 ............................   2.00 to 1.0
        January 31, 2003 ............................   2.00 to 1.0
        April 30, 2003 ..............................   2.00 to 1.0
        July 31, 2003 ...............................   2.00 to 1.0
        October 31, 2003 ............................   2.00 to 1.0

<PAGE>
                                     -114-


        January 31, 2004 ............................   2.00 to 1.0
        April 30, 2004 ..............................   2.00 to 1.0
        July 31, 2004 ...............................   2.00 to 1.0
        October 31, 2004 ............................   2.00 to 1.0
        January 31, 2005 ............................   2.00 to 1.0

            7.11. Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. The Company will not permit the
ratio of (i) Consolidated EBITDAC of the Company and its Subsidiaries minus
Consolidated Cash Taxes to (ii) the Consolidated Interest Expense of the Company
and its Subsidiaries plus the amount of scheduled mandatory payments on account
of principal of Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries (excluding
payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.02(A)(f), (g), (h), (i), (j),
(k) and (l)) for the Test Period ending on each date listed below, to be less
than the ratio set forth opposite such date below:

        Test Period                                          Ratio
        -----------                                          -----

        July 31, 1998 ...............................   1.05 to 1.0
        October 31, 1998 ............................   1.05 to 1.0
        January 31, 1999 ............................   1.05 to 1.0
        April 30, 1999 ..............................   1.05 to 1.0
        July 31, 1999 ...............................   1.05 to 1.0
        October 31, 1999 ............................   1.05 to 1.0
        January 31, 2000 ............................   1.10 to 1.0
        April 30, 2000 ..............................   1.10 to 1.0
        July 31, 2000 ...............................   1.10 to 1.0
        October 31, 2000 ............................   1.10 to 1.0
        January 31, 2001 ............................   1.10 to 1.0
        April 30, 2001 ..............................   1.10 to 1.0
        July 31, 2001 ...............................   1.10 to 1.0
        October 31, 2001 ............................   1.10 to 1.0
        January 31, 2002 ............................   1.10 to 1.0
        April 30, 2002 ..............................   1.10 to 1.0
        July 31, 2002 ...............................   1.10 to 1.0
        October 31, 2002 ............................   1.10 to 1.0
        January 31, 2003 ............................   1.10 to 1.0
        April 30, 2003 ..............................   1.10 to 1.0
        July 31, 2003 ...............................   1.10 to 1.0
        October 31, 2003 ............................   1.10 to 1.0
        January 31, 2004 ............................   1.10 to 1.0
        April 30, 2004 ..............................   1.10 to 1.0
        July 31, 2004 ...............................   1.10 to 1.0
        October 31, 2004 ............................   1.10 to 1.0
        January 31, 2005 ............................   1.10 to 1.0

<PAGE>
                                     -115-


            7.12. (a) Total Leverage Ratio. The Company will not permit the
ratio of (i) Indebtedness for borrowed money of the Company and its Subsidiaries
on each date listed below to (ii) Consolidated EBITDA of the Company and its
Subsidiaries for the Test Period ending on each date listed below to be more
than the ratio set forth below:

        Test Period                                          Ratio
        -----------                                          -----

        October 31, 1998 ............................   6.75 to 1.0
        January 31, 1999 ............................   6.70 to 1.0
        April 30, 1999 ..............................   6.65 to 1.0
        July 31, 1999 ...............................   6.60 to 1.0
        October 31, 1999 ............................   6.50 to 1.0
        January 31, 2000 ............................   6.50 to 1.0
        April 30, 2000 ..............................   6.30 to 1.0
        July 31, 2000 ...............................   6.10 to 1.0
        October 31, 2000 ............................   5.75 to 1.0
        January 31, 2001 ............................   5.75 to 1.0
        April 30, 2001 ..............................   5.50 to 1.0
        July 31, 2001 ...............................   5.35 to 1.0
        October 31, 2001 ............................   5.00 to 1.0
        January 31, 2002 ............................   4.90 to 1.0
        April 30, 2002 ..............................   4.75 to 1.0
        July 31, 2002 ...............................   4.60 to 1.0
        October 31, 2002 ............................   4.40 to 1.0
        January 31, 2003 ............................   4.20 to 1.0
        April 30, 2003 ..............................   4.00 to 1.0
        July 31, 2003 ...............................   4.00 to 1.0
        October 31, 2003 ............................   4.00 to 1.0
        January 31, 2004 ............................   4.00 to 1.0
        April 30, 2004 ..............................   4.00 to 1.0
        July 31, 2004 ...............................   4.00 to 1.0
        October 31, 2004 ............................   4.00 to 1.0
        January 31, 2005 ............................   4.00 to 1.0

            (b) Credit Agreement Leverage Ratio. The Company will not permit the
ratio of (i) Indebtedness for borrowed money under this Agreement of the Company
and its Subsidiaries on each date listed below to (ii) Consolidated EBITDA of
the Company and its Subsidiaries for the Test Period ending on each date listed
below to be more than the ratio set forth below:

        Test Period                                          Ratio
        -----------                                          -----

        July 31, 1998 ...............................   2.50 to 1.0
        October 31, 1998 ............................   2.50 to 1.0

<PAGE>
                                     -116-


        January 31, 1999 ............................   2.50 to 1.0
        April 30, 1999 ..............................   2.50 to 1.0
        July 31, 1999 ...............................   2.50 to 1.0
        October 31, 1999 ............................   2.50 to 1.0
        January 31, 2000 ............................   2.50 to 1.0
        April 30, 2000 ..............................   2.50 to 1.0
        July 31, 2000 ...............................   2.50 to 1.0
        October 31, 2000 ............................   2.25 to 1.0
        January 31, 2001 ............................   2.25 to 1.0
        April 30, 2001 ..............................   2.25 to 1.0
        July 31, 2001 ...............................   2.25 to 1.0
        October 31, 2001 ............................   2.25 to 1.0
        January 31, 2002 ............................   2.25 to 1.0
        April 30, 2002 ..............................   2.25 to 1.0
        July 31, 2002 ...............................   2.25 to 1.0
        October 31, 2002 ............................   2.00 to 1.0
        January 31, 2003 ............................   2.00 to 1.0
        April 30, 2003 ..............................   2.00 to 1.0
        July 31, 2003 ...............................   2.00 to 1.0
        October 31, 2003 ............................   2.00 to 1.0
        January 31, 2004 ............................   2.00 to 1.0
        April 30, 2004 ..............................   2.00 to 1.0
        July 31, 2004 ...............................   2.00 to 1.0
        October 31, 2004 ............................   2.00 to 1.0
        January 31, 2005 ............................   2.00 to 1.0

            7.13. Minimum Consolidated EBITDA. The Company will maintain a
Consolidated EBITDA of at least the amount set forth below for the Test Period
ending on each date listed below:

                                                          Minimum EBITDA
        Test Period                                        ($ Millions)
        -----------                                       -------------

        October 31, 1998 ............................          39.5
        January 31, 1999 ............................          39.5
        April 30, 1999 ..............................          40.1
        July 31, 1999 ...............................          40.1
        October 31, 1999 ............................          41.5
        January 31, 2000 ............................          41.5
        April 30, 2000 ..............................          44.0
        July 31, 2000 ...............................          44.0
        October 31, 2000 ............................          47.5
        January 31, 2001 ............................          47.5
        April 30, 2001 ..............................          50.4
        July 31, 2001 ...............................          50.4
        October 31, 2001 ............................          54.6
        January 31, 2002 ............................          54.6

<PAGE>
                                     -117-


                                                          Minimum EBITDA
        Test Period                                        ($ Millions)
        -----------                                       -------------

        April 30, 2002 ..............................          57.2
        July 31, 2002 ...............................          57.2
        October 31, 2002 ............................          61.0
        January 31, 2003 ............................          61.0
        April 30, 2003 ..............................          61.0
        July 31, 2003 ...............................          61.0
        October 31, 2003.............................          61.0
        January 31, 2004 ............................          61.0
        April 30, 2004 ..............................          61.0
        July 31, 2004 ...............................          61.0
        October 31, 2004 ............................          61.0
        January 31, 2005 ............................          61.0

            7.14. Holdings Equity Sales and Net Financing Proceeds. Holdings
shall (i) upon the sale of any of the equity of itself or of the Company (except
sales to Holdings, the Company or one of its Subsidiaries), contribute an amount
equal to 100% of the net proceeds thereof received by Holdings to the Company in
the form of Cash or Cash Equivalents and (ii) on the date of receipt by Holdings
of any Net Financing Proceeds, contribute an amount equal to 100% of such Net
Financing Proceeds to the Company in the form of Cash or Cash Equivalents;
provided that Holdings need not contribute to the Company (i) amounts received
for its equity in connection with the Transaction or with respect to the
refinancing of its Preferred Stock with the proceeds of the sale of new equity
securities consummated substantially concurrently with such refinancing, (ii)
amounts received in respect of Management Stock and Vested Options, (iii) unless
from an underwritten public offering, amounts received by Holdings from the sale
of its equity securities (x) in an amount of $5,000,000 in the aggregate and (y)
in contemplation of a particular acquisition transaction which are applied to
such transactions within 45 days of receipt thereof by Holdings.

            7.15. Sale or Discount of Receivables. The Company will not, and
will not permit its Subsidiaries to, sell, with or without recourse, or discount
(other than in connection with trade discounts in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practice) or otherwise sell for less than the face
value thereof, notes or accounts receivable, other than receivables that have
been written-off or are otherwise determined in good faith to be uncollectible;
provided that the Company and its Subsidiaries may sell or discount accounts
receivable in an aggregate face value of $3.0 million in any fiscal year.

<PAGE>
                                     -118-


            7.16. Issuance of Subsidiary Stock. The Company will not, and will
not permit any of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, to issue, sell,
assign, pledge or otherwise encumber or dispose of any shares of any
Subsidiaries' capital stock or other securities or equity interests (or
warrants, rights or options to acquire capital stock or convertible securities
or other equity securities) of such Subsidiary, other than (i) pursuant to the
Security Documents, (ii) as contemplated by the Transaction, (iii) transfers of
assets to the Company or to Subsidiary Guarantors permitted by this Agreement
(including as an Intercompany Advance), (iv) the issuance of directors'
qualifying shares, (v) sales of 100% of the capital stock of the Company's
Subsidiaries in accordance with Section 7.17 and (vi) sales of capital stock to
the Company or to one of its Subsidiaries to the extent permitted by Section
7.06.

            7.17. Disposition of Assets. (a) The Company will not, and will not
permit any of its Subsidiaries to, make any Asset Sale, except that the Company
and its Subsidiaries may make Asset Sales so long as (i) such Asset Sales are
for at least the fair market value of such assets and (ii) the Company complies
with the mandatory prepayment and commitment reduction provisions of this
Agreement and, in the case of Collateral, so long as the conditions to the
release of Collateral described herein and in the applicable Security Documents
are met; provided that the Company need not comply with such mandatory
prepayment and commitment reduction provisions if the Company reinvests such
proceeds in substantially similar lines of business within 270 days of the
receipt of such proceeds; and provided, further, the Company need not comply
with such mandatory prepayment and commitment reduction provisions until the
aggregate amount of such Asset Sales is (A) $3.0 million or greater in any
fiscal year or (B) $15.0 million in the aggregate and then only in the amount of
such excess. For the purposes of clarification, the amount of proceeds received
and reinvested pursuant to the first proviso of this Section shall count towards
the amounts set forth in clauses (A) and (B) of this Section.

            The consideration received by the Company or its Subsidiaries from
each Asset Sale permitted above shall be received in whole at the time of sale
and at least 85% of the consideration from each sale shall consist of Cash or
Cash Equivalents or Replacement Assets; provided that the amount of any
liabilities (as shown on the Company's or such Subsidiary's most recent balance
sheet) of the Company or any Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities,
liabilities subordinated in right of payment to the Loans or non-recourse
Indebtedness) 

<PAGE>
                                     -119-


that are assumed or forgiven by the transferee of any such assets will be deemed
to be Cash if the Company or such Subsidiary is released from any liability for
such liabilities. Any non-cash proceeds received from the sale of Collateral
shall be pledged to the Collateral Agent pursuant to and in accordance with the
applicable Security Documents and shall constitute Collateral.

            (b) Upon compliance with the conditions in subsection (a) of this
Section 7.17, the Release Conditions and the Partial Release Conditions (each as
hereinafter defined), the Company shall be entitled to receive from the
Collateral Agent an instrument in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
the Borrower (each, a "Release") releasing the Lien of the Mortgage with respect
to all or any portion of a Mortgaged Real Property (each, a "Released Real
Property"). The Company shall exercise its rights under this Section by
delivering to the Collateral Agent a notice (each, a "Release Notice"), which
shall refer to this Section, describe with particularity the proposed Released
Real Property and be accompanied by (i) four counterparts of the Release fully
executed and acknowledged by all necessary parties other than Collateral Agent,
(ii) executed counterparts of UCC or other applicable termination statements
necessary to terminate the Lien of the applicable Mortgage and (iii) an
Officers' Certificate certifying that no Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred and the parties executing any and all documents in connection with the
Release (other than the Collateral Agent) were duly authorized to do so
(collectively, the "Release Conditions"). In the event the proposed Released
Real Property consists of less than all of the Mortgaged Real Property subject
to a single Mortgage, the Partial Release Conditions must be satisfied in order
for the Company to receive the Release.

            (c) The Collateral Agent's obligation to deliver a Release in
respect of less than all of the Mortgaged Real Property subject to a single
Mortgage shall be contingent upon the satisfaction of the conditions in
subsection (a) of this Section 7.17 and the Release Conditions as well as the
following conditions (collectively, the "Partial Release Conditions"):

            (i) following the sale, transfer or other disposition of and release
      of the Lien of the applicable Mortgage with respect to the proposed
      Released Real Property, the remaining Mortgaged Real Property shall have
      utility services and access to public roads, rail spurs and other
      transportation structures sufficient and necessary for the 

<PAGE>
                                     -120-


      continued use of such Mortgaged Real Property in the manner utilized prior
      to the Release;

           (ii) following the sale, transfer or other disposition of the
      proposed Released Real Property, the remaining Mortgaged Real Property
      shall comply in all respects with applicable laws, rules, regulations and
      ordinances relating to environmental protection, zoning, land use,
      configuration and building and workplace safety;

          (iii) the Title Company shall have issued an endorsement to the Banks'
      title insurance policy relating to the Mortgaged Real Property confirming
      that after the proposed release, the Lien of the applicable Mortgage
      continues unimpaired as a first priority Lien upon the remaining Mortgaged
      Real Property subject only to Prior Liens; and

           (iv) the Company shall cause to have been delivered to the Collateral
      Agent an Officers' Certificate certifying that the conditions set forth in
      subsections (i) through (iii) have been satisfied.

            (d) The Collateral Agent shall execute, acknowledge (if applicable)
and deliver to the Company counterparts of the documents described in
subsections (b)(i) and (ii) within 10 Business Days after receipt by the
Collateral Agent of a Release Notice provided that the Release Conditions and
the Partial Release Conditions (if applicable) have been satisfied. The Company
shall (i) execute, deliver, obtain and record such instruments as the Collateral
Agent may require, including, without limitation, amendments to the Security
Documents or this Agreement and (ii) deliver to the Collateral Agent such
evidence of the satisfaction of the Release Conditions and the Partial Release
Conditions as the Collateral Agent may require. The Borrower shall reimburse the
Collateral Agent, Administrative Agent and the Banks upon demand for all costs
or expenses incurred in connection with any actions taken pursuant to this
Section 7.17.

            7.18. Contingent Obligations. The Company will not, and will not
permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or become or
be liable with respect to any Contingent Obligation except:

            (i) guarantees resulting from endorsement of negotiable instruments
      for collection in the ordinary course of business;

<PAGE>
                                     -121-


            (ii) Interest Rate Agreements and Currency Protection Agreements;

            (iii) Contingent Obligations arising under the Surety Obligations
      and the Surety Arrangement;

            (iv) Contingent Obligations arising as a direct consequence of the
      Transaction or in connection with Designated Acquisitions;

            (v) guarantees of the Company's obligations under the Public Notes
      by its Subsidiaries;

            (vi) contingent reimbursement obligations under letters of credit
      (including Letters of Credit) permitted hereunder;

            (vii) other Contingent Obligations not to exceed $500,000 in the
      aggregate for the Company and its Subsidiaries outstanding at any one
      time;

            (viii) existing guarantees and letters of credit set forth on
      Schedule 7.18(viii);

            (ix) reserves for adjustment in respect of the sales price in
      connection with any Asset Sale established in accordance with GAAP;

            (x) guarantees by the Company of obligations of its Subsidiaries not
      constituting Indebtedness; and

            (xi) customary indemnification and liquidated damage obligations in
      connection with sales of assets in the ordinary course of business.

            7.19. Merger and Consolidations. No Credit Party will merge,
consolidate or amalgamate with or into any other entity; provided that (x) any
Borrower (other than the Company) may be merged, consolidated or amalgamated
with or into any other Borrower and (y) any Subsidiary (other than any Borrower)
of the Company may be merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into (i) a
Borrower, if the Applicable Borrower is the continuing or surviving entity, (ii)
any other such Subsidiary, if the continuing or surviving entity is a
Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of a Borrower and, if such Credit Party is a Subsidiary
Guarantor, the continuing or surviving entity shall become a Subsidiary
Guarantor, or (iii) a Person that is not an Affiliate if 

<PAGE>
                                     -122-


the Subsidiary is not a Borrower and such merger or consolidation complies with
Section 7.17.

            7.20. Sale and Lease-Backs. Unless constituting a permitted
disposition of assets under Section 7.17 hereof, the Company will not, and will
not permit its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, become or thereafter
remain liable as lessee or as guarantor or other surety with respect to the
lessee's obligations under any lease, whether an Operating Lease or a Capital
Lease, of any property (whether real or personal or mixed) whether now owned or
hereafter acquired (i) which the Company or its Subsidiaries has sold or
transferred or is to sell or transfer to any other Person (other than in
connection with the Transaction) or (ii) which the Company or its Subsidiaries
intends to use for substantially the same purpose as any other property which
has been or is to be sold or transferred by the Company or its Subsidiaries to
any Person in connection with such lease, if in the case of clause (i) or (ii)
above, such sale and such lease are part of the same transaction or a series of
related transactions or such sale and such lease occur within one year of each
other or are with the same other Person.

            SECTION 8. Events of Default. Upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of any of the following specified events (each, an "Event of
Default"):

            8.01. Payments. Any Borrower shall (i) default in the payment when
due of any principal of the Loans, (ii) default, and such default shall continue
for two or more Business Days, in the payment when due of any interest on the
Loans or under any other Credit Document or (iii) fail to pay any other amounts
owing hereunder for five days after receiving notice from the Administrative
Agent of such default; or

            8.02. Representations, etc. Any representation, warranty or
statement made or deemed made by any Credit Party or its respective Subsidiaries
herein or in any other Credit Document or in any statement or certificate
delivered or required to be delivered pursuant hereto or thereto shall prove to
be untrue in any material respect on the date as of which made or deemed made;
or

            8.03. Covenants. Holdings or any Credit Party or its respective
Subsidiaries shall (a) default in the due performance or observance by it of any
term, covenant or agreement contained in Section 6.11, 6.12, 6.14, 6.15 or
Section 7 hereof or Section 1.1 of any Mortgage of Real Property in the United

<PAGE>
                                     -123-


States or (b) default in the due performance or observance by it of any other
term, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or any Security Document
(other than those referred to in Section 8.01, 8.02 or 8.03(a)) and such default
shall continue unremedied for a period of at least thirty days after the date of
such default; or

            8.04. Default Under Other Agreements. (a) Any Credit Party or its
respective Subsidiaries shall (i) default in any payment with respect to any
Indebtedness (other than Obligations) having a principal amount in excess of
$5,000,000 in the aggregate for all Credit Parties and their Subsidiaries,
beyond the period of grace, if any, provided in the instrument or agreement
under which such Indebtedness was created or (ii) default in the observance or
performance of any agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness or
contained in any instrument or agreement evidencing, securing or relating
thereto, or any other event shall occur or condition exist, the effect of which
default or other event or condition is to cause, or to permit the holder or
holders of such Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or
holders) to cause any such Indebtedness to become due prior to its stated
maturity; or (b) any such Indebtedness of any Credit Party or any of its
respective Subsidiaries shall be declared to be due and payable, or required to
be prepaid other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment (excluding
offers to acquire the Public Notes pursuant to the disposition of assets
covenant applicable thereto; provided that no other Event of Default under the
Public Notes has occurred and is continuing and such offer does not constitute a
default under Section 8.03 hereof), prior to the stated maturity thereof; or

            8.05. Bankruptcy, etc. Holdings or any Credit Party or its
respective Subsidiaries shall commence a voluntary case concerning itself under
Title 11 of the United States Code entitled "Bankruptcy," as now or hereafter in
effect, or any successor thereto (the "Bankruptcy Code"); or an involuntary case
is commenced against Holdings or any Credit Party or any of its respective
Subsidiaries and the petition is not controverted within 10 days, or is not
dismissed within 60 days, after commencement of the case; or a custodian (as
defined in the Bankruptcy Code) is appointed for, or takes charge of, all or
substantially all of the property of Holdings or any Credit Party or any of its
respective Subsidiaries; or Holdings or any Credit Party or any of its
respective Subsidiaries commences any other proceeding under any bankruptcy,
reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution,
insolvency or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction 

<PAGE>
                                     -124-


whether now or hereafter in effect, including without limitation, the Bankruptcy
and Insolvency Act (Canada) and the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act
(Canada), relating to Holdings or any Credit Party or any of its respective
Subsidiaries; or there is commenced against Holdings or any Credit Party or any
of its respective Subsidiaries any such proceeding which remains undismissed for
a period of 60 days; or a receiver, receiver and manager, administrator,
liquidator, trustee or other person or officer with like powers shall be
appointed, either by private appointment or by order of a court of competent
jurisdiction, with respect to, or an encumbrancer shall take possession of,
assets of Holdings or any Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries; or any person
presents a petition for the winding-up or the administration of Holdings or any
Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries and such petition remains undismissed
for a period of 60 days; or Holdings or any Credit Party or any of its
respective Subsidiaries is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt; or any order of
relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; or
Holdings or any Credit Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries suffers any
appointment of any custodian or the like for it or any substantial part of its
property to continue undischarged or unstayed for a period of 60 days; or
Holdings or any Credit Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries makes a
general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or any corporate action is
taken by Holdings or any Credit Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries for
the purpose of discussing or effecting any of the foregoing; or

            8.06. ERISA. An ERISA Event or noncompliance with respect to Foreign
Plans shall have occurred that, in the opinion of the Required Banks, when taken
together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be
expected to result in liability of the Credit Parties in an aggregate amount
exceeding $1,000,000; or

            8.07. Security Documents. Any Security Document shall cease to be
in full force and effect, or shall cease to give the Collateral Agent the Liens,
rights, powers and privileges purported to be created thereby, in favor of the
Collateral Agent, superior to and prior to the rights of all third Persons other
than holders of Prior Liens and subject to no other Liens other than Liens
expressly permitted by the applicable Security Document; or

            8.08. Guarantees. Any Guarantee (except with respect to any
Guarantor individually or together with other Guarantors which do not have total
assets of $2,500,000 or 

<PAGE>
                                     -125-


more) or any provisions thereof shall cease to be in full force or effect in all
material respects (except in accordance with its terms or as permitted under
this Agreement), or the Guarantor thereunder or Person acting by or on behalf of
such Guarantor shall deny or disaffirm such Guarantor's obligations under such
Guarantee or the Guarantor shall default in the due performance or observance of
any term, covenant or agreement on its part to be performed or observed pursuant
to any Guarantee; or

            8.09. Judgments. One or more judgments or decrees shall be entered
against any Credit Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries involving a
liability of $2,000,000 or more in the case of any one such judgment or decree
and $5,000,000 or more in the aggregate for all such judgments and decrees for
all Credit Parties and their respective Subsidiaries (in either case in excess
of the amount covered by insurance as to which the insurance company has
acknowledged coverage) and (i) any such judgments or decrees shall not have been
vacated, discharged, bonded or enforcement thereof stayed pending appeal within
30 days from the entry thereof or (ii) any enforcement proceeding therefor shall
have been commenced; or

            8.10. Ownership. (i) Chartwell, together with any other Person
controlled by or under common control with Chartwell, shall cease to
beneficially own (as defined in Rule 13d-3 or any successor rule or regulation
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) (x) at least 30% (on a
fully diluted basis) of the issued and outstanding Voting Stock of Holdings or
(y) a higher percentage of such Voting Stock of Holdings than any other Person;
or (ii) individuals who constituted the board of directors of Holdings on the
Closing Date (together with any new directors whose proposal for election by
Holdings was approved by a vote of 51% of the directors of Holdings then still
in office who either were directors on the Closing Date or whose election or
nomination for election was previously so approved) shall cease for any reason
to constitute a majority of the members of the board of directors of Holdings
still in office; or (iii) Holdings shall cease to own, directly or indirectly,
100% of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company (each,
a "Change in Control").

            Then, and in any such event, and at any time thereafter, if any
Event of Default shall then be continuing, the Administrative Agent shall, upon
the written request of the Required Banks, by written notice to the Borrowers,
take any or all of the following actions, without prejudice to the rights 

<PAGE>
                                     -126-


of the Administrative Agent or any Bank to enforce its claims against the
Borrowers, except as otherwise specifically provided for in this Agreement
(provided that, if an Event of Default specified in Section 8.05 shall occur,
with respect to Holdings or the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries,
the result which would occur upon the giving of written notice by the
Administrative Agent as specified in clauses (i) and (ii) below shall occur
automatically without the giving of any such notice): (i) declare the Total
Commitments terminated, whereupon the Commitment of each Bank shall forthwith
terminate immediately and any accrued and unpaid Commitment Commission shall
forthwith become due and payable without any other notice of any kind; (ii)
declare the principal of and accrued interest in respect of all Loans and all
Obligations owing hereunder and thereunder to be, whereupon the same shall
become, forthwith due and payable without presentment, demand, protest or other
notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by each Credit Party; and/or
(iii) enforce, as Collateral Agent (or direct the Collateral Agent to enforce),
any or all of the remedies created pursuant to the Security Documents. If an
Event of Default is cured or waived in accordance with the terms of the
Agreement, it ceases (and, if waived, pursuant to the terms, and to the extent,
of such waiver).

            SECTION 9. Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall
have the meanings herein specified unless the context otherwise requires.
Defined terms in this Agreement shall include in the singular number the plural
and in the plural the singular:

            "A Term Loan" has the meaning provided in Section 1.01(a).

            "A Term Loan Commitment" means, with respect to each Bank, the
amount set forth below such Bank's name on the signature pages hereto directly
across from the entry entitled "A Term Loan Commitment," as the same may be
reduced from time to time pursuant to Sections 2.02, 3.02 and/or 8.

            "A Term Loan Facility" means the Loan Facility evidenced by the
Total A Term Loan Commitment.

            "A Term Note" has the meaning provided in Section 1.05(a).

            "A Term Portion" means, at any time, the portion of the Loan
Facility evidenced by the Total A Term Loan Commitment.

<PAGE>
                                     -127-


            "Acceptance" means a bill of exchange drawn by a Canadian Borrower
and accepted by a Bank having a Canadian Swingline Loan Commitment and payable
in Canada.

            "Acceptance Discount Proceeds" means with respect to any Acceptance,
an amount (rounded to the nearest full cent) calculated on the applicable date
of borrowing which is equal to the face amount of such Acceptance divided by the
sum of one plus the product of (i) the BA Discount Rate applicable to such
Acceptance multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the term of
such Acceptance and the denominator of which is 365.

            "Account" means all of the "accounts" (as that term is defined in
Section 9-106 of the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New
York) of the Company and its Subsidiaries whether or not such Account has been
earned by performance, whether now existing or existing in the future,
including, without limitation, all (i) accounts receivable, including, without
limitation, all accounts created by or arising from all of the Company's and its
Subsidiaries' sales of goods or rendering of services or licensing or subleasing
of any of the Company's and its Subsidiaries' Intellectual Property and
including accounts for goods shipped or goods subject to a progress, percentage
of completion or similar accounting or payment method, which accounts are
unbilled; provided the invoice for such goods is sent within 15 days of the date
the goods were shipped; (ii) unpaid seller's rights (including rescission,
replevin, reclamation and stopping in transit) relating to the foregoing or
arising therefrom; (iii) rights to any goods represented by any of the
foregoing, including returned or repossessed goods; (iv) reserves and credit
balances held by the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to any such
accounts receivable or any account debtor; (v) guarantees or collateral for any
of the foregoing; and (vi) insurance policies or rights relating to any of the
foregoing.

            "Acquisition Portion" means, at any time, the portion of the Loan
Facility evidenced by the Total Acquisition Term Loan Commitment.

            "Acquisition Term Loan" has the meaning provided in Section 1.01(b).

            "Acquisition Term Loan Closing Date" has the meaning provided in
Section 1.01(b).

<PAGE>
                                     -128-


            "Acquisition Term Loan Commitment" means, with respect to each Bank,
the amount set forth below such Bank's name on the signature pages hereto beside
the column entitled "Acquisition Term Loan Commitment", as same may be reduced
from time to time pursuant to Sections 2.01, 2.02, 3.02 and/or 8.

            "Acquisition Term Loan Commitment Termination Date" means (i) the
earlier of the date on which the Acquisition Term Loan Commitments are reduced
to zero and (ii) the last Business Day of March 2001.

            "Acquisition Term Note" has the meaning provided in Section
1.05(a)(ii).

            "Additional Collateral" has the meaning provided in Section 6.14.

            "Administrative Agent's Office" or "Agent's Office" means (i) the
office of the Administrative Agent located at 425 Lexington Avenue, New York,
New York 10017, or such other office as the Administrative Agent may hereafter
designate in writing as such to the other parties hereto or (ii) with respect to
U.K. Swingline Loans, such office as the U.K. Swingline Bank shall from time to
time designate in writing, as such to the other parties hereto.

            "Affiliate" means with respect to any Person, any other Person
directly or indirectly controlling (including but not limited to all directors,
managers and executive officers of such Person), controlled by, or under direct
or indirect common control with, such Person. A Person shall be deemed to
control a corporation or a limited liability company for the purposes of this
definition if such Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power (i) to
vote 10% or more of the securities having ordinary voting power for the election
of directors or managers of such corporation or limited liability company or
(ii) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such
corporation or limited liability company, whether through the ownership of
voting securities, by contract or otherwise. For purposes of this Agreement,
CIBC and Indosuez and their Affiliates shall not be deemed Affiliates of
Holdings and its Affiliates.

            "Agent" or "Agents" has the meaning provided in the first paragraph
of this Agreement and shall include any successor or successors thereto
appointed in accordance herewith.

<PAGE>
                                     -129-


            "Agreement" means this Credit Agreement, as the same may after its
execution be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in
accordance with the terms hereof.

            "Applicable Borrower" means, with respect to any Loan, either U.S.
Borrower, the Canadian Borrower or the U.K. Borrower, as applicable, which is
the Borrower to whom such Loan was, or is to be, made.

            "Applicable Currency" means, as to any particular payment or
Loan, U.S. Dollars, Canadian Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

            "Approved Fund" means, with respect to any Bank that is a fund that
invests in bank loans, any other fund that invests in bank loans and is advised
or managed by the same investment advisor as such Bank or by an Affiliate of
such investment advisor.

            "Asset Sale" means the sale, transfer or other disposition, to the
extent consummated after the Closing Date, by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries of any asset of the Company or its Subsidiaries to any Person
(other than (i) transactions included in the definition of Net Financing
Proceeds, (ii) the Exempt Sale-Leaseback Transaction, (iii) any sale, transfer
or other disposition of assets the gross proceeds of which (exclusive of
indemnities) do not exceed $100,000, (iv) sales, transfers or other dispositions
of inventory in the ordinary course of business, (v) sales of accounts
receivable permitted by Section 7.15, (vi) any sales, leases, conveyances,
transfers or other dispositions of property or equipment that has become worn
out, obsolete or damaged or otherwise unsuitable for use in connection with the
business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, (vii)
the incurrence of any Permitted Encumbrances and Prior Liens, (viii) transfers
of cash and sales of Cash Equivalents, (ix) Intercompany Advances and (x)
Dividends permitted by Section 7.08).

            "Authorizations" has the meaning provided in Section 5.22(a).

            "Authorized Officer" means any senior officer of a Borrower
designated as such in writing to the Administrative Agent by such Borrower, to
the extent acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

<PAGE>
                                     -130-


            "B Term Loan" has the meaning provided in Section 1.01(a).

            "B Term Loan Commitment" means, with respect to each Bank, the
amount set forth below such Bank's name on the signature pages hereto directly
across from the entry entitled "B Term Loan Commitment," as the same may be
reduced from time to time pursuant to Sections 2.02, 3.02 and/or 8.

            "B Term Loan Facility" means the Loan Facility evidenced by the
Total B Term Loan Commitment.

            "B Term Note" has the meaning provided in Section 1.05(a).

            "B Term Portion" means, at any time, the portion of the Loan
Facility evidenced by the Total B Term Loan Commitment.

            "BA Discount Rate" means the BA Schedule I Discount Rate or the BA
Schedule II Discount Rate, as the case may be.

            "BA Equivalent Note" means a non-interest-bearing promissory note of
each Canadian Borrower in favor of a Non-Acceptance Bank in the principal amount
of a loan made by such Bank pursuant to Section 1.10 of Schedule 1.16 hereof,
having the same maturity date as the Acceptances issued contemporaneously
therewith, stating that it is given pursuant to, and is subject to, the terms of
this Agreement and otherwise being in form and substance satisfactory to the
Non-Acceptance Bank acting reasonably.

            "BA Schedule I Discount Rate" means, with respect to an issue of
Acceptances with the same maturity date to be accepted by a Schedule I Bank, the
CDOR for bankers' acceptances having a comparable face value and identical
maturity date to the face value and maturity date of such issue of Acceptances.

            "BA Schedule II Discount Rate" means, with respect to an issue of
Acceptances with the same maturity date to be accepted by a Schedule II Bank,
the lesser of:

            (i) the annual rate determined by the Administrative Agent as being
      the arithmetic average (rounded upwards to the nearest multiple of 0.01%)
      of the discount rates of the Schedule II Reference Banks determined in
      accordance with their normal practices at or about 10:00 a.m. on the date
      of issue and acceptance of such Acceptances, for 

<PAGE>
                                     -131-


      bankers' acceptances having a comparable face value and an identical
      maturity date to the face value and maturity date of such Acceptances; and

           (ii) the CDOR at or about 10:00 a.m. on the date of issue and
      acceptance of such Acceptances for bankers' acceptances having a
      comparable face value and an identical maturity date to the face value and
      maturity date of such Acceptances plus 0.10% per annum.

            "Bank" has the meaning provided in the first paragraph of this
Agreement and in Section 11.04.

            "Bank Default" shall mean (i) the refusal (which has not been
retracted) or the failure of a Bank to make available its portion of any
Borrowing (including any Mandatory Borrowing) or to fund its portion of any
unreimbursed payment under Section 1.13(e) or (ii) a Bank having notified in
writing any Borrower and/or the Administrative Agent that such Bank does not
intend to comply with its obligations under Section 1.01 or 1.13.

            "Bankruptcy Code" has the meaning provided in Section 8.05.

            "Base Rate" means the higher of (x) 1/2% per annum in excess of the
Federal Funds Rate and (y) the rate which the Administrative Agent announces
from time to time as its prime lending rate, as in effect from time to time. The
rate the Administrative Agent announces as its prime lending rate is a reference
rate and does not necessarily represent the lowest or best rate actually charged
to any customer. The Administrative Agent may make commercial loans or other
loans at rates of interest at, above or below the rate it announces as its prime
lending rate.

            "Base Rate Loan" means each Loan bearing interest at the rate
provided in Section 1.08(a). Base Rate Loans may only be made in U.S. Dollars.

            "Borrowers" means the Canadian Borrowers, the U.K. Borrower and the
U.S. Borrowers.

            "Borrowing" means the incurrence pursuant to a Notice of Borrowing
and to the Loan Facility of one Type of Loan by a Borrower from all of the Banks
on a pro rata basis on a given date (or resulting from conversions on a given
date), having in 

<PAGE>
                                     -132-


the case of Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans the same Interest Periods.

            "Borrowing Amount" means, in the case of an Acceptance, a minimum
aggregate amount of Cdn.$1,000,000 plus any whole multiple of Cdn.$100,000.

            "Borrowing Base" means an amount equal to the sum of (i) 85% of the
Eligible Accounts Receivable; provided that the rate shall be 50% for the
additional $10,000,000 of Eligible Accounts Receivable specified in clause (e)
of the definition thereof, and (ii) 50% of the Eligible Inventory.

            "Borrowing Base Certificate" has the meaning assigned to that term
in Section 6.01.

            "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other
day on which commercial banks in London, England or New York, New York (and in
the case of disbursements and payments in Canadian Dollars, in Toronto, Canada)
and (i) with respect to disbursements and payments in U.S. Dollars relating to
Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans, a day on which dealings are carried on in the
applicable offshore U.S. Dollar interbank market, and (ii) with respect to
disbursements and payments in and calculations pertaining to Pounds Sterling, a
day on which commercial banks are open for foreign exchange business in London,
England, and on which dealings in Pounds Sterling are carried on in the
applicable foreign exchange interbank market in which disbursement of or payment
in Pounds Sterling will be made or received hereunder.

            "Canadian Borrower" means each of Mondel ULC, an unlimited liability
company organized under the laws of Nova Scotia, and Kaverit Steel and Crane
ULC, an unlimited liability company organized under the laws of Nova Scotia, and
in each case its respective successors.

            "Canadian Dollars" and "Cdn. $" each mean lawful money of Canada.

            "Canadian Federal Funds Rate" means the overnight rate (expressed as
an annual rate) established by the Administrative Agent based on its customary
practice.

            "Canadian Pledge Agreement" means each Securities Pledge Agreement
executed by the Canadian Subsidiaries of the Company substantially in the form
of Exhibit H-1 hereto, except for such changes as shall have been approved by
the Agents, as 

<PAGE>
                                     -133-


the same may after its execution be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified
from time to time in accordance with its terms and the terms hereof.

            "Canadian Security Agreements" means each Security Agreement
executed by the Canadian Subsidiaries of the Company substantially in the form
of Exhibit G-2 hereto, except for such changes as shall have been approved by
the Agents, as the same may after its execution be amended, supplemented or
otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its terms and the terms
hereof.

            "Canadian Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company organized
under the laws of Canada or any Province thereof.

            "Canadian Subsidiary Guarantee" means each guarantee executed by the
Canadian Subsidiaries of the Company substantially in the form of Exhibit E-3
hereto, except for such changes as shall have been approved by the Agents, as
the same may after its execution be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified
from time to time in accordance with its terms and the terms hereof.

            "Canadian Swingline Bank" means each Bank with a Canadian Swingline
Loan Commitment.

            "Canadian Swingline Loan" means any Swingline Loan made by the
Canadian Swingline Bank to a Canadian Borrower.

            "Canadian Swingline Loan Commitment" means, with respect to each
Bank, the amount set forth below such Bank's name on the signature pages hereto
directly across from the entry entitled "Canadian Swingline Loan Commitment," as
such amount may be reduced from time to time pursuant to Sections 2.01, 2.02,
3.02 and/or 8.

            "Canadian Swingline Note" has the meaning provided in Section
1.05(a).

            "Capital Lease" of any Person means any lease of any property
(whether real, personal or mixed) by that Person as lessee which, in conformity
with GAAP, is, or is required to be, accounted for as a capital lease on the
balance sheet of that Person, together with any renewals of such leases (or
entry into new leases) on substantially similar terms.

<PAGE>
                                     -134-


            "Capitalized Lease Obligations" of any Person means all obligations
under Capital Leases of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries in each case
taken at the amount thereof accounted for as liabilities in accordance with
GAAP.

            "Cash" means money, currency or a credit balance in a Deposit
Account.

            "Cash Equivalents" means (i) marketable direct obligations issued or
directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any
agency or instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of
the United States of America is pledged in support thereof) having maturities of
not more than one year from the date of acquisition, (ii) marketable direct
obligations issued by any State of the United States of America, any foreign
country recognized by the United States of America, or any local government or
other political subdivision thereof rated (at the time of acquisition of such
security) at least AA by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") or the
equivalent thereof by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") having
maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition, (iii) time
deposit accounts, deposit accounts, certificates of deposit and bankers'
acceptances of (x) any Bank, (y) any domestic commercial bank of recognized
standing having capital and surplus in excess of $250,000,000 or (z) any bank
organized under the laws of any jurisdiction recognized by the United States of
America and in which the Borrowers or their Subsidiaries actively conduct
business whose short-term commercial paper rating (at the time of acquisition of
such security) by S&P is at least A-1 or the equivalent thereof or by Moody's is
at least P-1 or the equivalent thereof (any such bank, an "Approved Bank"), in
each case with maturities of not more than six months from the date of
acquisition, (iv) commercial paper and variable or fixed rate notes issued by
any Bank or Approved Bank or by the parent company of any Bank or Approved Bank
and commercial paper and variable rate notes issued by, or guaranteed by, any
industrial or financial company with a short-term commercial paper rating (at
the time of acquisition of such security) of at least A-1 or the equivalent
thereof by S&P or at least P-1 or the equivalent thereof by Moody's, or
guaranteed by any industrial company with a long-term unsecured debt rating (at
the time of acquisition of such security) of at least AA or the equivalent
thereof by S&P or the equivalent thereof by Moody's and in each case maturing
within one year after the date of acquisition, (v) repurchase agreements with
any Bank or any primary dealer maturing within 30 days from the date of
acquisition that are fully collateralized by investment instruments that would
oth-

<PAGE>
                                     -135-


erwise be Cash Equivalents; provided that the terms of such repurchase
agreements comply with the guidelines set forth in the Federal Financial
Institutions Examination Council Supervisory Policy -- Repurchase Agreements of
Depository Institutions With Securities Dealers and Others, as adopted by the
Comptroller of the Currency on October 31, 1985, (vi) investments in money
market funds which invest substantially all their assets in securities of the
types described in clauses (i) through (v) above, and (vii) foreign bank
deposits and cash equivalents in jurisdictions where the Company or its
Subsidiaries are then actively conducting business; provided that (a) all such
deposits are required to be made in the ordinary course of business, (b) such
deposits do not exceed $1,000,000 in the aggregate and (c) the funds so
deposited do not remain in such bank for more than ten days.

            "CDOR" means, for any day and relative to Acceptances (or BA
Equivalent Notes) having any specified term, the average of the annual rates
(calculated on the basis of a year of 365 days) for Canadian Dollar bankers'
acceptances, having such specified term (or a term as closely as possible
comparable to such specified term) of the Schedule I chartered banks of Canada
that appears on the Reuters Screen CDOR Page as at 10:00 a.m. on such day (or,
if such day is not a Business Day, as at 10:00 a.m. on the immediately preceding
Business Day); provided that if such rate does not appear on the Reuters Screen
CDOR page at such time on such date, the rate for such date will be the discount
rate quoted by the Administrative Agent, having such specified term (or a term
as closely as possible comparable to such specified term) for bankers'
acceptances at such time and on such date.

            "CERCLA" has the meaning provided in Section 5.22(d).

            "Change in Control" has the meaning provided in Section 8.10.

            "Chartwell" means Chartwell Investments Inc. and its Affiliates.

            "Chartwell Financial Advisory Agreement" means the Financial
Advisory Fee Letter dated March 30, 1998 between the Company and Chartwell, as
in effect on the Closing Date.

            "Chartwell Management Consulting Agreement" means the Management
Consulting Agreement dated March 30, 1998 between the Company and Chartwell, as
in effect on the Closing Date.

<PAGE>
                                     -136-


            "CIBC" has the meaning provided in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.

            "Closing Date" means March 30, 1998.

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

            "Collateral" means all of the Pledged Collateral, Pledged Securities
and Mortgaged Real Property.

            "Collateral Agent" means CIBC in its capacity as collateral agent
for the Banks.

            "Commercial Letter of Credit" means any letter of credit or similar
instrument issued for the account of the Applicable Borrower for the purpose of
providing the primary payment mechanism in connection with the purchase of any
materials, goods or services by a Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in the
ordinary course of business of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

            "Commitment" means, with respect to each Bank, such Bank's Term Loan
Commitment, Acquisition Term Loan Commitment, Swingline Loan Commitment and
Revolving Loan Commitment.

            "Commitment Commission" has the meaning provided in Section 2.03.

            "Company" means Morris Material Handling, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

            "Compliance Certificate" means a certificate issued pursuant to
Section 6.01(d) signed by a chief financial officer, controller, chief
accounting officer or other Authorized Officer of the Company.

            "Computation Date" means any date on which the Administrative Agent
or the U.K. Swingline Bank, as the case may be, determines the Dollar Equivalent
amount of any Pounds Sterling Loans or Canadian Dollar Loans pursuant to Section
1.14 or Section 3.05(b).

            "Consolidated Amortization Expense" for any Person means, for any
period, the consolidated amortization expense of such Person for such period,
determined on a consolidated basis for such Person and its Subsidiaries in
conformity with GAAP.

<PAGE>
                                     -137-


            "Consolidated Capital Expenditures" of any Person means, for any
period, the amount required to be included in capital assets on the consolidated
balance sheet of such Person in conformity with GAAP, but excluding expenditures
made in connection with the replacement, substitution or restoration of assets
(i) to the extent financed from insurance proceeds paid on account of the loss
of or damage to the assets being replaced or restored, (ii) with awards of
compensation arising from the taking by eminent domain or condemnation of the
assets being replaced, (iii) with regard to equipment that is purchased
simultaneously with the trade-in of existing equipment, fixed assets or
improvements, the credit granted by the seller of such equipment for the
trade-in of such equipment, fixed assets or improvements or (iv) assets
purchased with Net Cash Proceeds in accordance with Section 7.17 or with
proceeds from sales covered by clause (iii) of the definition of Asset Sale;
provided that Consolidated Capital Expenditures shall (other than with respect
to Designated Acquisitions) in any event include the purchase price paid in
connection with the acquisition of any other Person (including through the
purchase of all of the capital stock or other ownership interests of such Person
or through merger or consolidation).

            "Consolidated Cash Taxes" of any Person means, for any period, the
amount of cash taxes actually paid in such period by such Person or the
consolidated tax group of which such Person is a member based on the income of
such Person or group.

            "Consolidated Depreciation Expense" for any Person means, for any
period, the consolidated depreciation expense of such Person for such period,
determined on a consolidated basis for such Person and its consolidated
Subsidiaries in conformity with GAAP.

            "Consolidated EBITDA" means, for any Person, for any period, an
amount equal to (a) the sum of (i) Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus
(ii) the provision for taxes for such period based on income or profits to the
extent such income or profits were included in computing Consolidated Net Income
(minus any provision for taxes utilized in computing net loss under clause (i)
hereof to the extent such provision reduced the net loss), plus (iii)
Consolidated Interest Expense for such period, plus (iv) Consolidated
Depreciation Expense for such period to the extent reducing Consolidated Net
Income, plus (v) Consolidated Amortization Expense for such period to the extent
reducing consolidated net income, plus (vi) without duplication of clause (v),
amortization of original issue discount to the extent it arises from the
issuance of capital 

<PAGE>
                                     -138-


stock of the Company, plus (vii) any charge related to any premium or penalty
paid in connection with redeeming or retiring any Indebtedness prior to its
stated maturity to the extent reducing Consolidated Net Income, plus (viii) any
other non-cash items reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period, minus (b)
all non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income for such period, minus (c)
all cash payments during such period relating to non-cash charges that were
added back in determining Consolidated EBITDA in any prior period (provided that
payment of such cash amounts did not reduce Consolidated Net Income), all for
such Person and its Subsidiaries determined in accordance with GAAP. For
purposes of computations made pursuant to Sections 7.10-7.13, Consolidated
EBITDA for a given Test Period (x) shall mean Consolidated EBITDA for such Test
Period and (y) shall also include the EBITDA (with appropriate adjustments set
forth in financials delivered pursuant to Section 4.03(b)(ii)) derived from and
pro forma for any Designated Acquisition consummated during such Test Period and
which is consolidated with the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the last day
of such Test Period, for the portion of such Test Period before the business was
so acquired.

            "Consolidated EBITDAC" for any Person means, for any period,
Consolidated EBITDA minus Consolidated Capital Expenditures of such Person and
its Consolidated Subsidiaries determined in conformity with GAAP.

            "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, with respect to any Person,
for any period, without duplication, (i) the aggregate amount of interest
charges (excluding fees and expenses incurred in connection with the
Transaction), whether expensed or capitalized, incurred or accrued by such
Person and its Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in conformity
with GAAP for such period, plus (ii) to the extent not included in clause (i)
above, an amount equal to the sum of: (A) imputed interest included in
Capitalized Lease Obligations, (B) all commissions, discounts and other fees and
charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance
financing, (C) the net costs associated with Interest Rate Agreements, Currency
Protection Agreements and other hedging obligations, (D) the interest portion of
any deferred payment obligations, (E) [intentionally omitted], (F) all
capitalized interest and all accrued interest, (G) all interest incurred or paid
under any guarantee of Indebtedness (including a guarantee of principal,
interest or any combination thereof) of any Person, and (H) all dividends or
distributions on preferred capital stock if payable to a Person other than the
Company or a Subsidiary (other than dividends paid or payable in shares of

<PAGE>
                                     -139-


capital stock of the Company) declared and payable in cash, minus (iii) to the
extent included in clause (i) or (ii) above, amortization or write-off of
deferred financing costs (and original issue discount to the extent it arises
from the issuance of capital stock of the Company) during such period and,
without duplication, any charge related to any premium or penalty paid in
connection with redeeming or retiring any Indebtedness of the Company or its
Subsidiaries prior to the stated maturity thereof.

            "Consolidated Net Income" means with respect to any Person, for any
period, the aggregate of the net income (loss) of such Person and its
Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance
with GAAP; provided, however, that (a) the net income (loss) of any Person that
is not a Subsidiary, (b) the net income of any Subsidiary of the Person in
question that is subject to any restriction or limitation on the payment of
dividends or the making of other distributions (other than pursuant to this
Agreement, the Public Notes, the indenture related to the Public Notes or any
other Indebtedness of any Subsidiary of the Company containing, in the good
faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company, substantially the same
or less restrictive limitations on the payment of dividends or the making of
other distributions than those contained in this Agreement, the Public Notes or
the indenture related to the Public Notes) shall be excluded to the extent of
such restriction or limitation (regardless of any waiver thereof), (c)(i) the
net income (loss) of any Person acquired in a pooling of interests transaction
for any period prior to the date of such acquisition and (ii) any net after-tax
gain (but not loss) resulting from an Asset Sale by the Person in question or
any of its Subsidiaries other than in the ordinary course of business shall be
excluded, (d) non-cash gains and losses due solely to fluctuations in currency
values shall be excluded, (e) in the case of a successor to the referent Person
by consolidation or merger or as a transferee of the referent Person's assets,
any earnings (or losses) of the successor corporation prior to such
consolidation, merger or transfer of assets shall be excluded, and (f) all items
classified as extraordinary, unusual or nonrecurring, including all items
relating to the Transaction and the preclosing events relating thereto shall be
excluded (including the fees and expenses incurred at or prior to the closing of
the Transaction and write-offs or other costs associated or arising in
connection with the Transaction).

            "Consolidated Tangible Assets" of any Person means the consolidated
tangible assets of such Person and its Sub-

<PAGE>
                                     -140-


sidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

            "Contingent Obligations" means, as to any Person, without
duplication, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing or intended to guarantee
any Indebtedness, leases, dividends or other obligations ("primary obligations")
of any other Person (the "primary obligor") in any manner, whether directly or
indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person,
whether or not contingent, (a) to purchase any such primary obligation or any
property constituting direct or indirect security therefor, (b) to advance or
supply funds (i) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation or
(ii) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or
otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor, (c) to
purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring
the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor
to make payment of such primary obligation or (d) otherwise to assure or hold
harmless the owner of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof;
provided, however, that the term Contingent Obligation shall not include
endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of
business and amounts that are included in Section 7.18. The amount of any
Contingent Obligation shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the maximum
amount that such Person may be obligated to expend pursuant to the terms of such
Contingent Obligation or, if such Contingent Obligation is not so limited, the
stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such
Contingent Obligation is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum
reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof (assuming such Person is
required to perform thereunder) as determined by such Person in good faith.

            "Credit Documents" means (i) this Agreement, (ii) each Note, (iii)
each Guarantee and (iv) each Security Document.

            "Credit Extension" means the making of any Loan, the issuance of
Acceptances or the issuance of any Letter of Credit hereunder.

            "Credit Party" means at all times the Borrowers and each Subsidiary
thereof that pledges any stock, grants any Lien or issues any guarantee pursuant
to any Credit Document.

            "Currency Protection Agreement" shall mean any foreign exchange
contract, currency swap agreement, or other fi-

<PAGE>
                                     -141-


nancial agreements or arrangements designed to protect any Borrower against
fluctuations in currency values.

            "Default" means any event, act or condition which with notice or
lapse of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

            "Defaulting Bank" shall mean any Bank with respect to which a Bank
Default is in effect.

            "Deposit Account" means a demand, time, savings, passbook or like
account with a bank, savings and loan association, credit union or like
organization, other than an account evidenced by a negotiable certificate of
deposit.

            "Designated Acquisition" means such acquisition as shall be effected
by the U.S. Borrowers in compliance with Section 4.03 and Section 6.18; provided
that the Designated Acquisition entity engages in the MHE Business, and
businesses or activities similar or reasonably related thereto.

            "Destruction" has the meaning assigned to that term in each
Mortgage.

            "Dividends" has the meaning provided in Section 7.08.

            "Documents" means each Credit Document and each Transaction
Document.

            "Dollar Equivalent" means, at any time, (a) as to any amount
denominated in U.S. Dollars, the amount thereof at such time, and (b) as to any
amount denominated in Canadian Dollars or Pounds Sterling, the equivalent amount
in U.S. Dollars as determined by the Administrative Agent at such time on the
basis of the Spot Rate for the purchase of U.S. Dollars with such Canadian
Dollars or Pounds Sterling on the most recent Computation Date provided for in
Section 1.14(a) or such other date as is specified herein; provided that the
U.K. Swingline Bank shall determine the Spot Rate with respect to any Borrowings
of U.K. Swingline Loans.

            "Dollar Percentage" of any Bank at any time shall mean a fraction
(expressed as a percentage) the numerator of which is the Revolving Loan
Commitment of such Bank at such time and the denominator of which is the Total
Revolving Loan Commitment. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
above, if the Dollar Percentage of any Bank is to be determined after the Total
Revolving Loan Commitment has been terminated, 

<PAGE>
                                     -142-


then the Dollar Percentages of the Banks shall be determined immediately prior
(and without giving effect) to such termination.

            "Dollars" or "$" means United States Dollars.

            "Effective Date" has the meaning provided in Section 11.10.

            "Effective Time" has the meaning provided in Section 11.10.

            "Eligible Accounts Receivable" means, as at any applicable date of
determination, the aggregate face amount of the Accounts of the Credit Parties
included in clause (i) of the definition of Account hereunder (excluding any
Accounts set forth in clauses (ii) through (vi) of such definition), without
duplication, in each case less (without duplication) the aggregate amount of all
reserves, limits and deductions with respect to such Accounts set forth below
and less the aggregate amount of all returns, discounts, claims, rebates,
offsets, credits, charges (including warehouseman's charges) and allowances of
any nature with respect to such Accounts (whether issued, owing, granted or
outstanding). Unless otherwise approved in writing by the Administrative Agent
in its sole discretion, no individual Account shall be deemed to be an Eligible
Account Receivable if:

            (a) a Credit Party does not have legal and valid title to the
      Account; or

            (b) the Account is not the valid, binding and legally enforceable
      obligation of the account debtor subject, as to enforceability, only to
      (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or
      similar laws at the time in effect affecting the enforceability of
      creditors' rights generally and (ii) judicial discretion in connection
      with the remedy of specific performance and other equitable remedies; or

            (c) the Account arises out of a sale made by a Credit Party to an
      Affiliate of such Credit Party other than sales to Harnco or Joint
      Ventures in the ordinary course of business; or

            (d) the Account or any portion thereof is unpaid more than
      90 days after the original invoice date; or

<PAGE>
                                     -143-


            (e) such Account, when aggregated with all other Accounts of the
      same account debtor (or any Affiliate thereof), exceeds the greater of $10
      million or ten percent in face value of all Accounts of the Credit Parties
      then outstanding, to the extent of such excess, unless such excess is
      supported by a letter of credit satisfactory to the Administrative Agent
      (as to form, substance and issuer); provided that up to an additional
      $10,000,000 of Accounts, which would otherwise be ineligible under this
      clause (e), shall be Eligible Accounts Receivable at the reduced advance
      rate set forth in the definition of Borrowing Base; or

            (f) (i) the account debtor for such Account is also a creditor of a
      Credit Party, to the extent of the amount owed by such Credit Party to the
      account debtor and the account debtor has not entered into an agreement
      with respect to the waiver of the rights of setoff, (ii) the Account is
      subject to any claim on the part of the account debtor disputing liability
      under such Account in whole or in part, to the extent of the amount of
      such dispute or (iii) the Account otherwise is or is reasonably likely to
      become subject to any right of setoff or any counterclaim, claim or
      defense by the account debtor, to the extent of the amount of such setoff
      or counterclaim, claim or defense; or

            (g) the account debtor for such Account has commenced a voluntary
      case or proceeding under applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws, as now
      constituted or hereafter amended, or made an assignment for the benefit of
      creditors or if a decree or order for relief has been entered by a court
      having jurisdiction in the premises in respect of the account debtor in an
      involuntary case or proceeding under applicable bankruptcy or insolvency
      laws, as now constituted or hereafter amended, or if any other petition or
      other application for relief under applicable bankruptcy or insolvency
      laws has been filed by or against the account debtor, or if the account
      debtor has failed, suspended business, ceased to be solvent, or consented
      to or suffered a receiver, trustee, liquidator or custodian to be
      appointed for it or for all or a significant portion of its assets or
      affairs; or

            (h) the Administrative Agent does not have a valid and perfected
      first priority security interest in such Account except with respect to
      Accounts securing Surety Arrangements subject to an Intercreditor
      Agreement, the face 

<PAGE>
                                     -144-


      amount of which do not exceed the lesser of $5,000,000 and 10% of the
      total face amount of all Eligible Accounts Receivable; or

            (i) the sale to the account debtor for such Account is on a
      consignment, sale on approval, guaranteed sale or sale-and-return basis or
      pursuant to any written agreement requiring repurchase or return; or

            (j) such Account is from an account debtor (or any Affiliate
      thereof) and fifty percent (50%) or more, in face amount, of other
      Accounts from such account debtor are due or unpaid for more than 90 days
      after the original invoice date; or

            (k) fifty percent (50%) or more, in face amount, of other Accounts
      from the same account debtor for such Account are not deemed Eligible
      Accounts Receivable hereunder, other than pursuant to clause (a), (e), (h)
      or (i) hereunder; or

            (l) such Account is an Account a security interest in which would be
      subject to the Federal Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended (31
      U.S.C. ss. 3727 et seq.) or the Financial Administration Act (Canada) or
      foreign equivalent, unless the Credit Party has assigned the Account to
      the Agent in compliance with the provisions of such Act; or

            (m) the Administrative Agent determines in good faith that (i)
      collection of the account is insecure or (ii) such Account may not be paid
      by reason of the account debtor's financial inability to pay; provided,
      however, that any Account referred to in this clause (m) shall not become
      ineligible until the Administrative Agent shall have given the Credit
      Party three Business Days' advance notice of such determination; or

            (n) except with respect to Accounts generated from projects on which
      a progress, percentage of completion or similar accounting or payment
      method is used, the goods giving rise to such Account have not been
      shipped or the services giving rise to such Account have not been
      performed by a Credit Party or the Account otherwise does not represent a
      final sale; or

            (o) such Account does not comply in all material respects with all
      applicable legal requirements, including, 

<PAGE>
                                     -145-


      where applicable, the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act, the Federal
      Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z of the Board of Governors of the
      Federal Reserve System, in each case as amended.

            In addition to the foregoing, Eligible Accounts Receivable includes
such Accounts as a Credit Party requests and that the Administrative Agent
approves in advance, in writing and in its sole discretion (or if the aggregate
face amount to be approved exceeds $1,000,000 at any one time, the approval of
the Required Banks has been obtained in writing).

            "Eligible Inventory" means (A) the gross amount of Inventory of the
Credit Parties, valued at the lower of cost (on a FIFO basis) or market, which
(i) is owned solely by a Credit Party and with respect to which such Credit
Party has good, valid and marketable (or indefeasible) title; (ii) is stored on
property leased by a Credit Party or that is either (a) owned or leased by a
Credit Party or (b) owned or leased by a warehouseman that has contracted with a
Credit Party to store Inventory on such warehouseman's property (provided that
with respect to Inventory stored on property located in the United States or
Canada leased by a Credit Party or owned or leased by a warehouseman, such
Credit Party has delivered to the Administrative Agent an agreement of the type
described in Section 6.11 hereof satisfactory to the Administrative Agent
executed by such lessor or warehouseman); (iii) is subject to a valid,
enforceable and first priority Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent except
with respect to Inventory securing Surety Arrangements subject to an
Intercreditor Agreement, the value (at the lower of cost (on a FIFO basis) or
market) of which does not exceed the lesser of $5,000,000 or 10% of the total
value of all Eligible Inventory; and (iv) is not obsolete or slow moving in
relation to customary industry practice, and which otherwise conforms to the
requirements for eligibility contained herein; less (B) the amount of any goods
returned or rejected by the Credit Parties' customers and goods in transit to
third parties (other than to the Credit Parties' agents or warehousemen that
comply with clause (A)(ii)(b) above which are not resaleable); less (C) the
amount of any reserves. In addition to the foregoing, Eligible Inventory shall
include such items of the Credit Parties' Inventory as the Company shall request
and that the Administrative Agent approves in advance, in writing and in its
sole discretion (or if the aggregate amount to be approved exceeds $500,000 at
any one time, the approval of the Required Banks has been obtained).

<PAGE>
                                     -146-


            "Employee Benefit Plan" shall mean an employee benefit plan (as
defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) that is maintained or contributed to by any
ERISA Entity or with respect to which a Credit Party could incur liability.

            "Environmental Laws" means the common law and all federal, state,
provincial, local and foreign laws or regulations, codes, orders, decrees,
judgments or injunctions issued, promulgated, approved or entered thereunder,
now or hereafter in effect, relating to pollution or protection of public or
employee health and safety or the environment, including, without limitation,
laws relating to (i) emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of
Hazardous Materials, into the environment (including, without limitation,
ambient air, surface water, ground water, land surface or subsurface strata),
(ii) the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, generation, treatment,
storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials, and (iii)
underground and aboveground storage tanks, and related piping, and emissions,
discharges, releases or threatened releases therefrom.

            "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended.

            "ERISA Entity" shall mean any member of an ERISA Group.

            "ERISA Event" shall mean (a) any "reportable event," as defined in
Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a
Pension Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived);
(b) the existence with respect to any Pension Plan of an "accumulated funding
deficiency" (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA),
whether or not waived, the failure to make by its due date a required
installment under Section 412(m) of the Code with respect to any Pension Plan or
the failure to make any required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan; (c) the
filing pursuant to Section 412(d) of the Code or Section 303(d) of ERISA of an
application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any
Pension Plan; (d) the incurrence by any ERISA Entity of any liability under
Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Pension Plan; (e) the
receipt by any ERISA Entity from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice
relating to an intention to terminate any Pension Plan or to appoint a trustee
to administer any Pension Plan, or the occurrence of any event or condition
which could reasonably be expected to constitute grounds under ERISA for the
termination of or the appointment of a trustee to adminis-

<PAGE>
                                     -147-


ter, any Pension Plan; (f) the incurrence by any ERISA Entity of any liability
with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any Pension Plan or
Multiemployer Plan; (g) the receipt by an ERISA Entity of any notice, or the
receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from any ERISA Entity of any notice,
concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a
Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization,
within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA; (h) the failure to make any payment or
contribution to any Pension Plan or the making of any amendment to any Pension
Plan which could result in the imposition of a lien or the posting of a bond or
other security; or (i) the occurrence of a nonexempt prohibited transaction
(within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA) which
could result in liability to a Credit Party.

            "ERISA Group" shall mean each Credit Party and all members of a
controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not
incorporated) under common control which, together with a Credit Party, are
treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

            "Eurodollar Rate" means the rate per annum that appears on page 3750
of the Dow Jones Telerate Screen or any successor page for Dollar deposits with
maturities comparable to the Interest Period applicable to the Reserve Adjusted
Eurodollar Loans subject to the respective Borrowing commencing two Business
Days thereafter as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the date which is two Business
Days prior to the commencement of the respective Interest Period; provided that,
to the extent that an interest rate is not ascertainable pursuant to the
foregoing provisions of this definition, the rate to be used for purposes of
this definition shall be the interest rate per annum determined by the
Administrative Agent to be the rate per annum at which deposits in Dollars are
offered for such relevant Interest Period to major banks in the London interbank
market in London, England by the Administrative Agent at approximately 11:00
A.M. (London time) on the date which is two Business Days prior to the beginning
of such Interest Period, divided (and rounded, if necessary, upward to the
nearest whole multiple of 1/16 of 1%).

            "Event of Default" has the meaning provided in Section 8.

            "Excess Cash Flow" means, for any period, the amount by which
Consolidated EBITDAC of the Company and its Subsidiaries exceeds the sum of (a)
cash payments of Consolidated Inter-

<PAGE>
                                     -148-


est Expense of the Company and its Subsidiaries for such period, plus (b)
principal payments made on the Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries
in such period (excluding repayments of Revolving Loans not made as a result of
a reduction in the Total Commitment), plus (c) Consolidated Cash Taxes paid in
such period, plus (d) voluntary prepayments on the Term Loans and Acquisition
Term Loans and voluntary prepayments on Revolving Loans resulting in a permanent
commitment reduction made in such period (other than any prepayment required to
be made pursuant to Section 3.02(A)(a)or(b)), plus (e) for the period from
November 1, 1998 through October 31, 2001, 100%, and for periods thereafter, a
percentage equal to 100% minus the applicable percentage to be paid to the Banks
pursuant to Section 3.02(A)(g), of the funds used on or prior to the date
payments are due under Section 3.02(A)(g), for the applicable period to make
Designated Acquisitions (other than to the extent Acquisition Term Loans or the
$12,500,000 Revolving Loan basket is used).

            "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

            "Exempt Sale and Lease-Back Transaction" means the sale for less
than $1,000,000 of approximately five acres of undeveloped real property at the
Oak Creek, Wisconsin facility and the leasing back of such real property and a
building to be constructed thereon.

            "Existing Debt" means the Indebtedness of the Credit Parties set
forth on Schedule 5.21(a).

            "Federal Funds Rate" means on any one day the weighted average of
the rate on overnight Federal funds Transaction with members of the Federal
Reserve System only arranged by Federal funds brokers as published as of such
day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or if not so published, the rate
then used by first class banks in extending overnight loans to other first class
banks.

            "Final A Term Loan Maturity Date" means the last Business Day of
March 2003.

            "Final Acquisition Term Loan Maturity Date" means the last Business
Day of March 2005.

            "Final B Term Loan Maturity Date" means the last Business Day of
March 2005.

<PAGE>
                                     -149-


            "Financing Proceeds" for any Person means the cash (other than Net
Cash Proceeds) received by such Person and/or any of its Subsidiaries, directly
or indirectly, from any financing transaction of whatever kind or nature,
including without limitation from any incurrence of Indebtedness, any mortgage
or pledge of an asset or interest therein (including a transaction which is the
substantial equivalent of a mortgage or pledge but excluding an Asset Sale),
from the sale of tax benefits, or from a lease to a third party and a pledge of
the lease payments due thereunder to secure Indebtedness. Proceeds from the
issuance and sale of the Public Notes and equity securities of Holdings in
connection with the Transaction (and refinancings of such equity securities with
the proceeds of a substantially concurrent sale of equity securities of
Holdings), from the Exempt Sale and Lease-Back Transaction, from the sale of
director's qualifying shares of any Subsidiary, from the sales of equity of the
Company's Subsidiaries and from transactions covered by Section 7.14 where
Holdings is permitted to keep the proceeds shall not be Financing Proceeds.

            "Foreign Plan" shall mean any employee benefit plan, program,
policy, arrangement or agreement maintained or contributed to by, or entered
into with, a Credit Party with respect to employees employed outside the United
States.

            "Foreign Subsidiary" of any specified Person means any Subsidiary
the jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or formation of which is outside
of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa.

            "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United
States of America as in effect from time to time, it being understood and agreed
that determinations in accordance with GAAP for purposes of Section 7, including
defined terms as used therein, are subject (to the extent provided therein) to
Section 11.07(a).

            "Government Acts" shall have the meaning provided in Section
1.13(i).

            "Governmental Authority" shall mean any federal, state, provincial,
local, foreign or other governmental or administrative body, instrumentality,
department or agency or any court, tribunal, administrative hearing body,
arbitration panel, commission, or other similar dispute-resolving panel or body.

<PAGE>
                                     -150-


            "Guarantees" means and includes, once executed and delivered, the
Holdings Guarantee, the Canadian Subsidiary Guarantees, the U.K. Subsidiary
Guarantee and the Subsidiary Guarantee, and any subsidiary guarantee delivered
pursuant to Section 6.17.

            "Guarantors" for purposes of this Agreement means Holdings, each
Subsidiary of the Company delivering a Guarantee on the Closing Date and any
subsidiary that delivers a guarantee pursuant to Section 6.16, in each case
other than any Non-Guarantor Subsidiary of the Company.

            "Hazardous Materials" means any pollutant, contaminant, chemical or
industrial, toxic or hazardous substance, constituent or waste, or any other
constituent, compound, waste, substance or material, including without
limitation, petroleum including crude oil or any fraction thereof, or any
petroleum product, subject to regulation under any Environmental Law.

            "Hercules" means Hercules S.A. de C.V., a corporation under the laws
of the Republic of Mexico.

            "Holdings Guarantee" means the guarantee executed by Holdings
substantially in the form of Exhibit E-1 hereto, except for such changes as
shall have been approved by the Agents, as the same may after its execution be
amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with
its terms and the terms hereof.

            "Indebtedness" of any Person means, without duplication, (i) all
indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money, (ii) the deferred purchase price
of assets or services which in accordance with GAAP would be shown on the
liability side of the balance sheet of such Person, (iii) the face amount of all
letters of credit issued for the account of such Person and, without
duplication, all unreimbursed drafts drawn thereunder, (iv) all Indebtedness of
a second Person secured by any Lien on any property owned by such first Person,
whether or not such Indebtedness has been assumed by such first Person, (v) all
Capitalized Lease Obligations of such Person, (vi) all obligations of such
Person to pay a specified purchase price for goods or services whether or not
delivered or accepted, i.e., take-or-pay and similar obligations, (vii) all net
obligations of such Person under Interest Rate Agreements or Currency Protection
Agreements and (viii) all net Contingent Obligations of such Person; provided
that Indebtedness shall not include trade payables, liabilities arising from
advance payments or customer 

<PAGE>
                                     -151-


deposits for goods and services sold by the Company and its Subsidiaries in the
ordinary course of business, accrued expenses and liabilities, accrued
dividends, stock redemption payments, royalty payments, accrued retirees or
employees benefits, deferred taxes and accrued income taxes, in each case
arising in the ordinary course of business. For purposes of clause (iv) above
(where the relevant Indebtedness has not been assumed by such first Person), the
amount of Indebtedness is equal to the lesser of the amount of Indebtedness
secured or the fair market value of the property subject to the Lien.

            "Indosuez" has the meaning provided in the first paragraph of this
Agreement.

            "Initial Bank" means a Bank that was an original signatory to this
Agreement.

            "Initial Loans" means the initial Loans made under this Agreement on
the Closing Date.

            "Intellectual Property" has the meaning provided in Section 5.16.

            "Intercompany Advances" means the incurrence of Indebtedness, the
purchase or acquisition of stock, obligations or securities of, or any other
interest in, or capital contributions between the Company and its respective
Subsidiaries (including the de minimis initial investment by which a Person
becomes a Subsidiary) or between Subsidiaries of the Company; provided that the
aggregate amount of Intercompany Advances made to a Foreign Subsidiary of the
Company which is a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary shall not exceed an amount at any
time outstanding equal to the amount of Intercompany Advances outstanding on the
Closing Date plus $15,000,000; and provided further that (i) trade receivables
arising in the ordinary course of business between the Company and its
Subsidiaries or between Subsidiaries or (ii) investments made in connection with
Designated Acquisitions, shall not be subject to the limitations set forth in
the preceding proviso.

            "Intercreditor Agreement" means the Intercreditor Agreement among
Reliance Surety Company, Reliance Insurance Company, United Pacific Insurance
Company and Reliance National Indemnity Company, as sureties, and Canadian
Imperial Bank of Commerce, as Collateral Agent, as the same may be amended,
modified, renewed, replaced or restated from time to time with the consent of
the Collateral Agent and any such other intercreditor agreement entered into
with the Collateral Agent.

<PAGE>
                                     -152-


            "Interest Margin" shall mean, in respect of (i) Base Rate Loans that
are (a) A Term Loans, 0.75%, (b) B Term Loans, 1.25%, (c) Acquisition Term
Loans, 1.25% and (d) Revolving Loans, 0.75%; and (ii) Reserve Adjusted
Eurodollar Loans that are (a) A Term Loans, 2.25%, (b) B Term Loans, 2.75%, (c)
Acquisition Term Loans, 2.75% and (d) Revolving Loans, 2.25%. The Interest
Margin in respect of Swingline Loans shall be that margin agreed among the
Applicable Borrower, the applicable Swingline Bank and the Administrative Agent.

            "Interest Period" means, with respect to any Reserve Adjusted
Eurodollar Loan, the interest period applicable thereto, as determined pursuant
to Section 1.09.

            "Interest Rate Agreement" means any interest rate swap agreement,
interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate
futures contract, interest rate option contract or other similar agreement or
arrangement to which the Borrower is a party, designed to protect the Borrower
or any of its Subsidiaries against fluctuations in interest rates.

            "Interest Rate Determination Date" means each date for calculating
the Eurodollar Rate for purposes of determining the interest rate in respect of
an Interest Period. The Interest Rate Determination Date shall be the second
Business Day prior to the first day of the related Interest Period for a Reserve
Adjusted Eurodollar Loan.

            "Inventory" means all of the inventory of the Company and its
Subsidiaries (on a consolidated basis) including without limitation: (i) all raw
materials, work in process, parts, components, assemblies, supplies and
materials used or consumed in the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries;
(ii) all goods, wares and merchandise, finished or unfinished, held for sale or
lease or leased or furnished or to be furnished under contracts of service; and
(iii) all goods returned or repossessed by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries.

            "Issuing Bank" means the Bank that agrees to issue a Letter of
Credit, determined as provided in Section 1.13(c).

            "Joint Venture" of any specified Person means any corporation,
partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, association or other
business entity, whether now existing or hereafter organized or acquired, and
(a) which is engaged in a similar line of business as the Company at the date of
determination and (b)(i) in the case of a corporation, of 

<PAGE>
                                     -153-


which not more than 50% of the total voting power of the Capital Stock entitled
(without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of
directors, officers or trustees thereof is held by the Company or any
Subsidiary, or (ii) in the case of a partnership, joint venture, limited
liability company, association or other business entity, with respect to which
the Company or any Subsidiary has not more than 50% of the ownership and voting
power relating to the policies, management and affairs thereof.

            "Lease" means any lease, sublease, franchise agreement, license,
occupancy or concession agreement.

            "Letter of Credit" or "Letters of Credit" means (i) Standby Letter
or Letters of Credit and (ii) Commercial Letter or Letters of Credit, in each
case, issued or to be issued by Issuing Banks for the account of the Applicable
Borrower pursuant to Section 1.13.

            "Letter of Credit Participation" has the meaning assigned to
that term in Section 1.13(a).

            "Letter of Credit Usage" means, as at any date of determination, the
sum of (i) the maximum aggregate amount that is or at any time thereafter may
become available under all Letters of Credit then outstanding; provided that (y)
there shall be excluded from this clause (i) undrawn Letters of Credit providing
credit support for bonds issued pursuant to the Surety Arrangement or other
Surety Obligations in an aggregate amount not to exceed $15 million and (z) this
proviso shall not increase the Revolving Loan Commitment of any Bank or the
Total Revolving Loan Commitment, plus (ii) the aggregate amount of all drawings
under Letters of Credit honored by all Issuing Banks and not theretofore
reimbursed by the Applicable Borrower.

            "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance,
lien, claim, hypothecation, assignment for security, statutory deemed trust,
diligence or charge of any kind (including any agreement to give any of the
foregoing, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or any lease
in the nature thereof).

            "Loan" means each and every Term Loan, Acquisition Term Loan,
Revolving Loan or Swingline Loan.

<PAGE>
                                     -154-


            "Loan Facility" means the credit facility evidenced by the Total
Term Loan Commitment, the Total Acquisition Term Loan Commitment and the Total
Revolving Loan Commitment.

            "Management Stock" means common stock or equivalent interests of
Holdings or any parent entity of Holdings held by members of the board of
directors and management and employees of Holdings and the Company and its
Subsidiaries.

            "Mandatory Borrowing" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.01(e).

            "Material Adverse Effect" means (i) any materially adverse effect
(both before (excluding the effects of the Transaction) and after giving effect
to the Transaction and the financing thereof and the other transactions
contemplated hereby and by the other Documents) with respect to the operations,
business, properties, assets, nature of assets, liabilities (contingent or
otherwise), financial condition or prospects of the Company and its
Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) any fact or circumstance (whether or not
the result thereof would be covered by insurance) as to which singly or in the
aggregate there is a reasonable likelihood of (w) a materially adverse change
described in clause (i) with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken
as a whole, (x) the inability of any Credit Party to perform in any material
respect its Obligations hereunder or under any of the other Documents or the
inability of the Banks to enforce in any material respect their rights purported
to be granted hereunder or under any of the other Documents or the Obligations
(including realizing on the Collateral), or (y) a materially adverse effect on
the ability to effect (including hindering or unduly delaying) the Transaction
and the other transactions contemplated hereby and by the Credit Documents on
the terms contemplated hereby and thereby or (iii) any fact or circumstance
relating to any Credit Party as to which singly or in the aggregate there is a
reasonable likelihood of any significant liability on the part of the Banks or
the Administrative Agent.

            "Maximum Swingline Amount" shall mean (x) with respect to U.S.
Swingline Loans, the Total U.S. Swingline Loan Commitment; (y) with respect to
Canadian Swingline Loans, the Total Canadian Swingline Loan Commitment and (z)
with respect to U.K. Swingline Loans, the Total U.K. Swingline Loan Commitment.

            "Mexican Pledge Agreement" means the Stock Pledge Agreement executed
and delivered by the Company and PHMH Hold-

<PAGE>
                                     -155-


ing Company substantially in the form of Exhibit H-2 hereto, except for such
changes as shall have been approved by the Agents, as the same may be amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its
terms and the terms hereof.

            "MHE Business" means (i) the original equipment business for
industrial cranes, hoists, winches, and other related types of industrial
"through-the-air" material handling equipment, (ii) aftermarket products, parts
and services for the products described in clause (i), including inspection,
repair, modernization and maintenance, and (iii) other service activities
conducted at or through distribution service center locations.

            "MHE U.K." means Morris Material Handling, Ltd., a company organized
under the laws of England and Wales and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company.

            "Minimum Borrowing Amount" means $100,000.

            "MLA Cost" means the cost imputed to a Bank making a Loan in Pounds
Sterling of compliance with the Mandatory Liquid Assets requirements of the Bank
of England during the Interest Period of that Loan determined in accordance with
Schedule 1.08(b).

            "Mortgage" means a term loan and revolving credit mortgage or deed
of trust, assignment of rents, security agreement and fixture filing, debenture
creating and evidencing a Lien, legal charge or other document creating and
evidencing a Lien on each Mortgaged Real Property, which shall be substantially
in the form of Exhibit D hereto (or such other form for foreign jurisdictions,
as the Administrative Agent may approve), in each such case containing such
schedules and including such additional provisions and other deviations from
such Exhibit as shall be necessary to conform such document to applicable or
local law or as shall be customary under local law and made and which shall be
dated the date of delivery thereof and made by the owner of the Mortgaged Real
Property described therein for the benefit of the Collateral Agent, as
mortgagee, assignee and secured party, as the same may at any time be amended or
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the
terms thereof and hereof.

            "Mortgaged Real Property" means each Real Property designated on
Schedule 4.01(u)(i) and all other Mortgaged Property under each Mortgage.

<PAGE>
                                     -156-


            "Multiemployer Plan" shall mean a multiemployer plan within the
meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA (i) to which any ERISA Entity is then
making or accruing an obligation to make contributions (ii) to which any ERISA
Entity has within the preceding five plan years made contributions, including
for these purposes any Person which ceased to be an ERISA Entity during such
five year period, or (iii) with respect to which a Credit Party could incur
liability.

            "Net Award" has the meaning assigned to that term in each Mortgage.

            "Net Cash Proceeds" means the aggregate cash payments received by
the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, from any Asset
Sale (other than amounts due to minority shareholders of a Subsidiary of the
Company), net of all commissions, brokerage fees and other reasonably incurred
direct expenses of sale; provided that (i) with respect to taxes, expenses shall
only include taxes to the extent that taxes are payable in cash in the current
year or in the next succeeding year with respect to the current year as a result
of such Asset Sale; (ii) Net Cash Proceeds shall not include any amounts or
items included in the definition of Financing Proceeds or Net Financing Proceeds
(including in any proviso appearing therein or exclusion therefrom); and (iii)
Net Cash Proceeds shall not include appropriate amounts to be provided by the
Company or a Subsidiary as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any
liabilities associated with the assets sold or disposed of in such Asset Sale
and retained by the Company or a Subsidiary after such Asset Sale, including,
without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and
liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification
obligations associated with the assets sold or disposed of in such Asset Sale,
provided, however, that at such time as such amounts are no longer reserved or
such reserve is no longer necessary (but in no event longer than 18 months from
the receipt of such proceeds), any remaining amounts shall become Net Cash
Proceeds to be allocated in accordance with Section 3.02(A)(f).

            "Net Financing Proceeds" means Financing Proceeds, net of all
commissions, brokerage fees and other reasonably incurred direct expenses of the
transaction and net of taxes (including income taxes) paid or payable in cash as
a result thereof in the current year or in the next succeeding year with respect
to the current year as a result of the transaction generating Net Financing
Proceeds.

<PAGE>
                                     -157-


            "Net Proceeds" has the meaning assigned to that term in each
Mortgage.

            "Non-Acceptance Bank" means a Bank having a Canadian Swingline Loan
Commitment that is not a Canadian chartered bank.

            "Non-Guarantor Subsidiary" means (a) any Foreign Subsidiaries of the
Company for so long as the issuance of a guarantee by such Foreign Subsidiary
would (i) result in a material increase in the aggregate amount of income tax in
respect of such Foreign Subsidiary or (ii) be illegal under the laws of the
jurisdiction in which such Foreign Subsidiary is organized, provided that, in
either case, the Company shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an
Officers' Certificate and an opinion of counsel so stating on the date of such
acquisition or creation, (b) any Subsidiary of the Company existing on the
Closing Date and any other newly acquired or created Foreign Subsidiary after
the Closing Date which is not a One Percent Subsidiary, but only for so long as
it is not a One Percent Subsidiary, provided that the Company shall have
delivered to the Administrative Agent an Officers' Certificate to such effect on
the Closing Date, with respect to existing One Percent Subsidiaries, and on the
date of such acquisition or creation for newly acquired or created One Percent
Subsidiaries and (c) Hercules and its Subsidiaries, at such time as the Board of
Directors of the Company shall determine; provided that (i) all Intercompany
Advances to Hercules or its Subsidiaries made by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, in excess of amounts outstanding as of the Closing Date, shall be
deemed made as of such date of determination and (ii) the Company shall have
delivered to the Administrative Agent an Officers' Certificate to such effect on
the date of such determination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Subsidiary
shall be permitted to be a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary if any of its Subsidiaries
are Guarantors.

            "Notes" means any Revolving Note, Swingline Note, Acquisition
Term Note, Term Note or BA Equivalent Note.

            "Notice of Borrowing" has the meaning provided in Section 1.03.

            "Notice of Continuance/Conversion" has the meaning provided in
Section 1.06.

            "Obligations" means all amounts, direct or indirect, contingent or
absolute, of every type or description, and at any time existing, owing to the
Agents or any Bank pursuant to 

<PAGE>
                                     -158-


the terms of this Agreement or any other Credit Document or secured by any of
the Security Documents.

            "Officers' Certificate" means, as applied to any corporation, a
certificate executed on behalf of such corporation by its Chairman of the Board
(if an officer), Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer or its
President or one of its Vice Presidents and by its Chief Financial Officer or
its Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer and, as to any entity that is not a
corporation, Persons holding comparable positions; provided that every Officers'
Certificate with respect to compliance with a condition precedent to the making
of any Loan hereunder shall include, on behalf of the Borrower, (i) a statement
that the officers making or giving such Officers' Certificate have read such
condition and any definitions or other provisions contained in this Agreement
relating thereto, (ii) a statement that, in the opinion of the signers, they
have made or have caused to be made such examination or investigation as is
necessary to enable them to express an informed opinion as to whether or not
such condition has been complied with, and (iii) a statement as to whether, in
the opinion of the signers, such condition has been complied with.

            "Officers' Solvency Certificate" means the Officers' Solvency
Certificate in the form set forth as Exhibit N hereto.

            "One Percent Subsidiary" means, at any date of determination, any
Subsidiary that, together with its Subsidiaries, (i) for the most recent fiscal
year of the Company accounted for more than 1.0% of the consolidated revenues of
the Company and the Subsidiaries or (ii) as of the end of such fiscal year owned
more than 1.0% of the Consolidated Tangible Assets of the Company and its
Subsidiaries, all as set forth on the consolidated financial statements of the
Company and its Subsidiaries for such year prepared in conformity with GAAP. For
purposes of this definition, any Subsidiary which, when aggregated with all
other Subsidiaries that are not otherwise One Percent Subsidiaries, would
constitute a One Percent Subsidiary shall be deemed to a be a One Percent
Subsidiary.

            "Operating Lease" of any Person, shall mean any lease (including,
without limitation, leases which may be terminated by the lessee at any time) of
any property (whether real, personal or mixed) by such Person as Lessee which is
not a Capital Lease.

            "Overnight Rate" means for any day, the rate of interest per annum
at which overnight deposits in the Applicable 

<PAGE>
                                     -159-


Currency, in an amount approximately equal to the amount with respect to which
such rate is being determined, would be offered for such day by the
Administrative Agent's London Branch to major banks in the London or other
applicable offshore interbank market. The Overnight Rate for any day which is
not a Business Day shall be the Overnight Rate for the preceding Business Day.

            "PBGC" shall mean the United States Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation or any successor thereto.

            "Pension Plan" shall mean an employee pension benefit plan (other
than a Multiemployer Plan) which is covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to
the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of
ERISA and is maintained or contributed to by an ERISA or with respect to which a
Credit Party could incur liability.

            "Permitted Encumbrances" has the meaning provided in Section 7.03.

            "Person" means any individual, partnership, limited liability
company, joint venture, firm, corporation, association, trust, fund or other
enterprise or any government or political subdivision or any agency, department
or instrumentality thereof.

            "Pledge Agreements" means and includes the Canadian Pledge
Agreement, the U.K. Pledge Agreement, the Mexican Pledge Agreement and any
securities pledge agreements delivered pursuant to Section 6.14 or 6.15.

            "Pledged Collateral" means all the Pledged Collateral as defined in
the Security Agreements.

            "Pledged Securities" means all Pledged Securities under the U.S.
Security Agreement, the U.K. Security Agreement and the Canadian Pledge
Agreement.

            "Portion" means the Term Portion, the Acquisition Term Portion or
the Revolving Portion.

            "Pounds Sterling" means the lawful money of the United Kingdom.

            "Preferred Stock" means the preferred stock comprising part of the
Preferred Units.

<PAGE>
                                     -160-


            "Preferred Units" means the Series A Preferred Units, the Series B
Preferred Units and the Series C Preferred Units.

            "Prime Rate" means, on any day and with respect to all Prime Rate
Loans, the greater of:

      (a)   the variable rate of interest expressed as a percentage per annum
            (calculated on the basis of a year of 365 days) which CIBC
            establishes as the reference rate of interest in order to determine
            interest rates it will charge on that day for demand loans in
            Canadian Dollars to its Canadian customers and which it refers to as
            its "prime lending rate" or "prime rate"; and

      (b)   0.75% above CDOR for 30 day bankers' acceptance;

            Changes in the rate of interest on that portion of any Loans
maintained as Prime Rate Loans will take effect simultaneously with each change
in the Prime Rate. The Administrative Agent shall give notice to each Canadian
Borrower and each Bank of the Prime Rate from time to time quoted by CIBC and
such notice shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent error.

            "Prime Rate Loan" means a Canadian Swingline Loan that bears
interest based on the Prime Rate.

            "Prior Liens" means Liens which, to the extent permitted by the
provisions of any Security Document, are or may be superior to the Lien of such
Security Document.

            "Projected Financial Statements" has the meaning provided in Section
5.11(c).

            "Public Notes" means the 9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2008 of the Company
in an aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000, which term shall include
unsecured guarantees by Subsidiaries of the Company and obligations owing under
the indenture governing such notes.

            "Real Property" means all right, title and interest of any Credit
Party or its respective Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, any
leasehold estate) in and to a parcel of real property acquired by any Credit
Party together with, in each case, all improvements and appurtenant fixtures and
equipment, easements and other property and rights incidental to the ownership,
lease or operation thereof.

<PAGE>
                                     -161-


            "Recapitalization" has the meaning set forth in the WHEREAS clauses
hereto.

            "Recapitalization Agreement" has the meaning set forth in the
preamble hereto.

            "Reference Banks" means CIBC and Indosuez.

            "Register" has the meaning provided in Section 11.04(b)(A) of this
Agreement.

            "Regulation D" means Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor to all
or a portion thereof establishing reserve requirements.

            "Regulation G" means Regulation G of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor to all
or a portion thereof establishing margin requirements.

            "Regulation T" means Regulation T of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor to all
or a portion thereof establishing margin requirements.

            "Regulation U" means Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor to all
or a portion thereof establishing margin requirements.

            "Regulation X" means Regulation X of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System as from time to time in effect and any successor to all
or a portion thereof establishing margin requirements.

            "Replacement Assets" means (x) properties or assets (other than Cash
or Cash Equivalents or any capital stock or other security) that will be used in
a business of the Company and its Subsidiaries conducted on the date of
determination or in a business similar or reasonably related thereto or (y)
capital stock of any Person engaged in a business of the type referred to in
clause (x) that will become on the date of acquisition thereof a Guarantor as a
result of such acquisition.

            "Required Banks" shall mean at any time one or more Banks holding at
least 51% of the Total Commitments held by 

<PAGE>
                                     -162-


Banks (or, if the Total Commitments shall have been terminated, Banks holding at
least 51% of the outstanding Loans); provided that for the purposes of Section
4, the requirement that any document, agreement, certificate or other writing is
to be satisfactory to the Required Banks shall be satisfied if (x) such
document, agreement, certificate or other writing was delivered in its final
form to the Banks prior to the Effective Date (or if amended or modified
thereafter, the Administrative Agent has reasonably determined such amendment or
modification not to be material), (y) such document, agreement, certificate or
other writing is satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (z) Banks holding
more than 33-1/3% of the Total Commitments held by Banks have not objected in
writing to such document, agreement, certificate or other writing to the Agent
prior to the Closing Date.

            "Required Revolving Banks" means at any time Banks holding at least
51% of the Total Revolving Loan Commitments held by Banks (or, if the Total
Revolving Loan Commitments shall have been terminated, Banks holding at least
51% of the outstanding Revolving Loans).

            "Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loan" means each Loan bearing interest
based on the Eurodollar Rate or, with respect to Pounds Sterling Loans, the
Sterling Eurodollar Rate as provided in Section 1.08(b).

            "Restoration" has the meaning assigned to that term in each
Mortgage.

            "Revolving Facility Banks" means any Bank which has a Revolving Loan
Commitment.

            "Revolving Loan Commitment" means, with respect to each Bank, the
amount set forth below such Bank's name on the signature pages hereto directly
across from the entry entitled "Revolving Loan Commitment," as such amount may
be reduced from time to time pursuant to Sections 2.01, 2.02, 3.02 and/or 8.

            "Revolving Loan Commitment Termination Date" means the
Business Day immediately preceding the Revolving Maturity Date.

            "Revolving Loans" has the meaning provided in Section 1.01(c).

<PAGE>
                                     -163-


            "Revolving Maturity Date" means the last Business day of March, 2003
or such earlier date on which all Revolving Loan Commitments have been
terminated.

            "Revolving Note" has the meaning provided in Section 1.05(a).

            "Revolving Portion" means, at any time, the Portion of the Loan
Facility evidenced by the Total Revolving Loan Commitments.

            "Schedule I Bank" means, at any time, a Bank having a Canadian
Swingline Loan Commitment that is listed in Schedule I to the Bank Act (Canada)
at such time.

            "Schedule II Bank" means, at any time, a Bank having a Canadian
Swingline Loan Commitment that is listed in Schedule II to the Bank Act (Canada)
at such time.

            "Schedule II Reference Banks" means, if there is only one Schedule
II Bank, such Schedule II Bank and if there is more than one Schedule II Bank, a
reference group of up to three Schedule II Banks, the composition of which shall
be acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Canadian Borrowers, all acting
reasonably.

            "Scheduled A Term Loans Principal Payments" means, with respect to
the principal payments on the A Term Loans on the last Business Day of each
month set forth below, the U.S. dollar amount set forth opposite thereto:

                                                Scheduled A Term Loan
        Date                                       Principal Payment
        ----                                    ---------------------

        June 1998                                        $250,000
        September 1998                                    250,000
        December 1998                                     250,000
        March 1999                                        250,000
        June 1999                                         625,000
        September 1999                                    625,000
        December 1999                                     625,000
        March 2000                                        625,000
        June 2000                                       1,000,000
        September 2000                                  1,000,000
        December 2000                                   1,000,000
        March 2001                                      1,000,000
        June 2001                                       1,375,000
        September 2001                                  1,375,000

<PAGE>
                                     -164-


                                                Scheduled A Term Loan
        Date                                       Principal Payment
        ----                                    ---------------------

        December 2001                                   1,375,000
        March 2002                                      1,375,000
        June 2002                                       1,750,000
        September 2002                                  1,750,000
        December 2002                                   1,750,000
        March 2003                                      1,750,000

            "Scheduled Acquisition Term Loan Principal Payments" means, with
respect to the principal payments on the Acquisition Term Loan to be made on the
last Business Day of each calendar quarter specified in the table below, in each
case, for each such date, in the Dollar amount which is the product of (x) the
total outstanding principal amount of the Acquisition Term Loan as of the close
of business on the Acquisition Term Loan Commitment Termination Date (after
giving effect to any Borrowings of the Acquisition Term Loan on such date) and
(y) the percentage for the applicable assumed outstanding principal amount
specified opposite such date in such table:

                                          Percentage to Obtain
                                          Acquisition Term Loan
           Period                         Principal Payment 
           ------                         ---------------------- 

           Commencing with the calendar
           quarter ending three months
           following the Acquisition
           Term Loan Termination Date
           to and including March 31,
           2003                                   0.25%

            and with respect to the principal payments on the Acquisition Term
Loan to be made on the last Business Day of each calendar quarter specified in
the table below, in each case, for each such date, in the Dollar amount which is
the product of (x) the total outstanding principal amount of the Acquisition
Term Loan as of the close of business on April 1, 2003 and (y) the percentage
for the applicable assumed outstanding principal amount specified opposite such
date in such table:

                                          Percentage to Obtain
                                          Acquisition Term Loan
           Period                         Principal Payment 
           ------                         ---------------------- 

           Commencing June 30, 

<PAGE>
                                      -165-


           2003 to and including 
           March 31, 2005                         12.5%

            "Scheduled B Term Loans Principal Payments" means with respect to
the principal payments on the B Term Loans on the last Business Day of each
month set forth below, the U.S. Dollar amount set forth opposite thereto:

                                                  Total B Term Loans
       Date                                       Principal Payments
       ----                                       ------------------

       June 1998                                         $ 87,500
       September 1998                                      87,500
       December 1998                                       87,500
       March 1999                                          87,500
       June 1999                                           87,500
       September 1999                                      87,500
       December 1999                                       87,500
       March 2000                                          87,500
       June 2000                                           87,500
       September 2000                                      87,500
       December 2000                                       87,500
       March 2001                                          87,500
       June 2001                                           87,500
       September 2001                                      87,500
       December 2001                                       87,500
       March 2002                                          87,500
       June 2002                                           87,500
       September 2002                                      87,500
       December 2002                                       87,500
       March 2003                                          87,500
       June 2003                                        4,156,250
       September 2003                                   4,156,250
       December 2003                                    4,156,250
       March 2004                                       4,156,250
       June 2004                                        4,156,250
       September 2004                                   4,156,250
       December 2004                                    4,156,250
       March 2005                                       4,156,250

            "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor
thereto.

            "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

            "Security Agreements" means and includes the U.S. Security
Agreement, the U.K. Security Agreements, the Canadian 

<PAGE>
                                     -166-


Security Agreements and any other security agreements delivered pursuant to
Section 6.14 or 6.15.

            "Security Documents" means each of the Security Agreements, the
Mortgages, the Pledge Agreements, the Intercreditor Agreement and any other
documents utilized to grant a security interest as Collateral for the
Obligations in respect of any property or assets of whatever kind or nature.

            "Series A Preferred Units" means the units consisting of the 12%
Series A Exchangeable Preferred Stock and Common Stock of Holdings.

            "Series B Preferred Units" means the units consisting of the Series
B Junior Exchangeable Preferred Stock and Common Stock of Holdings.

            "Series C Preferred Units" means the units consisting of the Series
C Junior Voting Exchangeable Voting Preferred Stock and Common Stock of
Holdings.

            "Significant Subsidiary" has the meaning set forth in Rule 1-02 of
Regulation S-X under the Securities Act and Exchange Act.

            "South African Subsidiary" means Morris Mechanical Handling (Pty)
Limited.

            "Spot Rate" means with respect to any Applicable Currency, at any
date of determination thereof, the spot rate of exchange with respect to U.S.
Dollars for such date in London that appears on the display page applicable to
such Applicable Currency on the Telerate System Incorporated Service (or such
other page as may replace such page on such service for the purpose of
displaying the spot rate of exchange in London); provided, however, that if
there shall at any time no longer exist such a page or a relevant spot rate is
not shown on such service, the spot rate of exchange shall be determined by
reference to another similar rate publishing service selected by the
Administrative Agent and if no such similar rate publishing service is available
by reference to the published rate of the Administrative Agent in effect at such
date for similar commercial Transaction.

            "Standby Letter of Credit" means any letter of credit other than a
Commercial Letter of Credit.

<PAGE>
                                     -167-


            "State, Local and Foreign Real Property Disclosure Requirements"
means any state or local laws requiring notification of the buyer of real
property, or notification, registration, or filing to or with any state or local
agency, prior to the sale of any real property or transfer of control of an
establishment, of the actual or threatened presence or release into the
environment, or the use, disposal, or handling of Hazardous Materials on, at,
under, or near the real property to be sold or the establishment for which
control is to be transferred.

            "Sterling Eurodollar Rate" means (i) the rate per annum that appears
on page 3750 of the Dow Jones Telerate Screen (or any successor page) for Pounds
Sterling deposits with maturities comparable to the Interest Period applicable
to the U.K. Swingline Loans subject to the respective Borrowing as of 11:00 A.M.
(London time) on the date of Borrowing or, (ii) if such a rate does not appear
on page 3750 of the Dow Jones Telerate Screen (or any successor page), the
offered quotation to first-class banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market
by the U.K. Swingline Bank for Pounds Sterling deposits of amounts in
immediately available funds comparable to the outstanding principal amount of
the U.K. Swingline Loan of the U.K. Swingline Bank with maturities comparable to
the Interest Period applicable to such U.K. Swingline Loan as of 11:00 A.M.
(London time) on the date of Borrowing.

            "Subsidiary" of any Person means and includes (i) any corporation
more than 50% of whose stock of any class or classes having by the terms thereof
ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the directors of such corporation
(excluding stock of any class or classes of such corporation that might have
voting power solely by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the
time owned by such Person directly or indirectly through Subsidiaries and (ii)
any partnership, limited liability company, unlimited liability company,
association, joint venture or other entity in which such Person directly or
indirectly through Subsidiaries has more than a 50% equity interest at the time.

            "Subsidiary Guarantee" means each subsidiary guarantee executed by
the U.S. subsidiaries of the Company, Hercules and, at the time and to the
extent provided in Section 6.20, the South African Subsidiary, substantially in
the form of Exhibit E-2 hereto, except for such changes as shall have been
approved by the Agents, as the same may after its execution be amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with its
terms and the terms hereof.

<PAGE>
                                     -168-


            "Subsidiary Guarantor" means each Subsidiary of the Company which
delivers a Guarantee.

            "Surety Arrangement" means one or more surety arrangements
providing, inter alia, for the issuance of Surety Obligations, between the
Company or its Subsidiaries and one or more providers, provided to the Company
or its Subsidiaries including, in each case, any related notes, guarantees,
collateral documents (including the Intercreditor Agreement), instruments and
agreements executed in connection therewith.

            "Surety Obligations" means any bonds, including bid bonds, advance
bonds, or performance bonds, letters of credit, warranties, and similar
arrangements between the Company or its Subsidiaries and one or more surety
providers, for the benefit of the Company's or its Subsidiaries' suppliers,
vendors, insurers, or customers including, in each case, any related notes,
guarantees, collateral documents (including the Intercreditor Agreement),
instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith.

            "Survey" means a survey of any Mortgaged Real Property (and all
improvements thereon): (i) prepared by a surveyor or engineer licensed to
perform surveys in the sate where such Mortgaged Real Property is located, (ii)
dated (or redated) not earlier than six months prior to the date of delivery
thereof unless there shall have occurred within six months prior to such date of
delivery any exterior construction on the site of such Mortgaged Real Property,
in which event such survey shall be dated (or redated) after the completion of
such construction or if such construction shall not have been completed as of
such date of delivery, not earlier than 20 days prior to such date of delivery,
(iii) certified by the surveyor (in a manner reasonably acceptable to the
Agents) to the Agents and the Title Company and (iv) complying in all respects
with the minimum detail requirements of the American Land Title Association as
such requirements are in effect on the date of preparation of such survey.

            "Swingline Bank" means any U.S. Swingline Bank, U.K. Swingline
Bank or Canadian Swingline Bank.

            "Swingline Expiry Date" means, with respect to each of the U.S.
Swingline Loans and the Canadian Swingline Loans, the date five Business Days
prior to the Revolving Maturity Date and, with respect to the U.K. Swingline
Loans, 364 days after the Closing Date; provided that the U.K. Swingline Bank
shall give the U.K. Borrower notice 90 days in advance of the 

<PAGE>
                                     -169-


then current Swingline Expiry Date of whether the U.K. Swingline Bank will enter
into a new agreement, substantially in the form of Annex III, with respect to
new U.K. Swingline Loans on the same terms and conditions as this Agreement for
a further period of 364 days (or such longer or shorter period as the U.K.
Borrower and the U.K. Swingline Bank may agree) but not to expire later than the
date five Business Days prior to the Revolving Maturity Date.

            "Swingline Loan Commitment" means, with respect to each Bank, such
Bank's Canadian Swingline Loan Commitment, U.K. Swingline Loan Commitment or
U.S. Swingline Loan Commitment.

            "Swingline Loans" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.01(d).

            "Swingline Notes" means the U.S. Swingline Notes, the U.K. Swingline
Notes and the U.S. Swingline Notes.

            "Taking" has the meaning assigned to that term in each Mortgage.

            "Tax Allocation Agreement" means the Tax Sharing Agreement among MHE
Investments, Holdings and certain of Holdings' Subsidiaries dated March 30,
1998, as in effect on the Closing Date.

            "Taxes" has the meaning provided in Section 3.04.

            "Term Loans" has the meaning provided in Section 1.01(a).

            "Term Note" means an A Term Note or B Term Note.

            "Term Portion" means, at any time, the portion of the Loan Facility
evidenced by the Total Term Loan Commitment.

            "Test Period" means the four consecutive complete fiscal quarters of
the Company or its predecessors then last ended.

            "Title Company" means First American Title Insurance Company or such
other title insurance or abstract company as shall be designated by the Agent.

            "Total A Term Loan Commitment" means the sum of the A Term Loan
Commitments of each of the Banks.

<PAGE>
                                     -170-


            "Total Acquisition Term Loan Commitment" means the sum of the
Acquisition Term Loan Commitments of each of the Banks.

            "Total B Term Loan Commitment" means the sum of the B Term Loan
Commitments of each of the Banks.

            "Total Canadian Swingline Loan Commitment" means the sum of the
Canadian Swingline Loan Commitments of each Bank.

            "Total Commitment" means the sum of the Total Term Loan Commitments,
the Total Acquisition Term Loan Commitment and the Total Revolving Loan
Commitments.

            "Total Revolving Loan Commitment" means the sum of the Revolving
Loan Commitments of each of the Banks.

            "Total Term Loan Commitment" means the sum of the A Term Loan
Commitments and B Term Loan Commitments of each of the Banks.

            "Total U.K. Swingline Loan Commitment" means the sum of the U.K.
Swingline Loan Commitments of each Bank.

            "Total U.S. Swingline Loan Commitment" means the sum of the U.S.
Swingline Loan Commitments of each of the Banks.

            "Transaction" means the transactions contemplated by the Transaction
Documents.

            "Transaction Documents" means the Recapitalization Agreement, the
documents related to the issuance and sale of the Public Notes, the documents
related to the issuance and sale of the Preferred Units and all exhibits
thereto.

            "Type" means (i) a Base Rate Loan or Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar
Loan with respect to Loans which are Loans denominated in Dollars, (ii) a U.K.
Base Rate Loan or Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loan with respect to Loans which
are denominated in Pounds Sterling and (iii) a Prime Rate Loan or Acceptance
with respect to Loans which are denominated in Canadian Dollars.

            "UCC" means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of
New York.

            "U.K. Base Rate" means the rate which the U.K. Swingline Bank
announces from time to time as its prime lending 

<PAGE>
                                     -171-


rate, as in effect from time to time. The rate the U.K. Swingline Bank announces
as its prime lending rate is a reference rate and does not necessarily represent
the lowest or best rate actually charged to any customer. The U.K. Swingline
Bank may make commercial loans or other loans at rates of interest at, above or
below the rate it announces as its prime lending rate.

            "U.K. Base Rate Loan" means each U.K. Swingline Loan bearing
interest at the rate provided in Section 1.08(a). U.K. Base Rate Loans may only
be made in Pounds Sterling.

            "U.K. Borrower" means Morris Material Handling, Ltd., a company
organized under the laws of England and Wales, and its successors.

            "U.K. Pledge Agreement" means each Deed of Pledge executed and
delivered by each applicable UK Subsidiary that is a Guarantor substantially in
the form of Exhibit H-3 hereto, except for such changes as shall have been
approved by the Agents, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise
modified from time to time in accordance with its terms and the terms hereof.

            "U.K. Security Agreement" means each Security Document and Guarantee
or Instrument of Charge and Guarantee executed and delivered by each applicable
UK Subsidiary that is a Guarantor substantially in the form of Exhibit G-1 or
Exhibit G-3 hereto, except for such changes as shall have been approved by the
Agents, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time
to time in accordance with its terms and the terms hereof.

            "U.K. Subsidiary Guarantees" means the guarantees contained in each
U.K. Security Agreement.

            "U.K. Swingline Bank" means any Bank with a U.K. Swingline Loan
Commitment.

            "U.K. Swingline Loan" means any Swingline Loan by a U.K. Swingline
Bank to a U.K. Borrower.

            "U.K. Swingline Loan Commitment" means, with respect to each Bank,
the amount set forth below such Bank's name on the signature pages hereto
directly across from the entry entitled "U.K. Swingline Loan Commitment," as
such amount may be reduced from time to time pursuant to Sections 2.01, 2.02,
3.02 and/or 8.

<PAGE>
                                     -172-

            "U.K. Swingline Note" has the meaning provided in Section 1.05(a).

            "Unutilized Commitment" for any Bank at any time means, on and after
the Closing Date, the unutilized Revolving Loan Commitment of such Bank, after
taking into effect the Letter of Credit Usage, plus, for purposes of Section
2.03 only, an amount not covered by Letter of Credit Usage representing the
amount of undrawn Letters of Credit excluded by the proviso in the definition
thereof, and the unutilized Acquisition Term Loan Commitment of such Bank.

            "U.S. Borrowers" means the Company and Material Handling.

            "U.S. Dollar" or "U.S. $" each mean lawful money of the United
States.

            "U.S. Security Agreement" means the Security Agreement executed and
delivered by Holdings, the U.S. Borrowers and each U.S. Subsidiary substantially
in the form of Exhibit F-1 hereto, except for such changes as shall have been
approved by the Agents, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise
modified from time to time in accordance with its terms and the terms hereof.

            "U.S. Swingline Bank" means any Bank with a U.S. Swingline Loan
Commitment.

            "U.S. Swingline Loan" means any Swingline Loan by a U.S. Swingline
Bank to any U.S. Borrower.

            "U.S. Swingline Loan Commitment" means, with respect to each Bank,
the amount set forth below such Bank's name on the signature pages hereto
directly across from the entry entitled "U.S. Swingline Loan Commitment," as
such amount may be reduced from time to time pursuant to Sections 2.01, 2.02,
3.02 and/or 8.

            "U.S. Swingline Note" has the meaning provided in Section 1.05(a).

            "Vested Options" means exercisable options to purchase common stock
or equivalent interests of Holdings or any parent entity of Holdings granted to
any member of the board of directors or management or employee of Holdings
pursuant to a stock option plan or any similar plan approved by its Board of
Directors.

<PAGE>
                                     -173-


            "Voting Stock" of any Person means the capital stock or equivalent
interests of such person which ordinarily has voting power for the election of
directors (or persons performing similar functions) of such Person, whether at
all times or only so long as no senior class of securities has such voting power
by reason of any contingency.

            "Wholly-Owned Subsidiary" of any Person means any Subsidiary of such
Person to the extent all of the capital stock or other ownership interests in
such Subsidiary, other than directors' or nominees' qualifying shares, are owned
directly or indirectly by such Person.

            "Withdrawal Liability" shall mean liability to a Multiemployer Plan
as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as
such terms are defined in Part 1 of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

            "Written" or "in writing" means any form of written communication or
a communication by means of telex, telecopier device, telegraph or cable.

            SECTION 10. The Agents.

            10.01. Appointment. Each Bank hereby irrevocably designates and
appoints CIBC as Administrative Agent (such term to include the Administrative
Agent acting as Collateral Agent or in any other representative capacity under
any other Credit Document), Indosuez as Syndication Agent and BankBoston, N.A.
as Documentation Agent, of such Bank to act as specified herein and in the other
Credit Documents and each such Bank hereby irrevocably authorizes the Agents to
take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and the
other Credit Documents and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as
are expressly delegated to the Agents by the terms of this Agreement and the
other Credit Documents, together with such other powers as are reasonably
incidental thereto. The Agents agree to act as such upon the express conditions
contained in this Section 10. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary
elsewhere in this Agreement, the Agents shall not have any duties or
responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein or in the other Credit
Documents, or any fiduciary relationship with any Bank, and no implied
covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall
be read into this Agreement or otherwise exist against the Agents. The
provisions of this Section 10 are solely for the benefit of the Agents and the
Banks, and no Credit Party shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary of
any of 

<PAGE>
                                     -174-


the provisions hereof. In performing its functions and duties under this
Agreement, the Agents shall act solely as agent of the Banks and do not assume
and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation or relationship of agency
or trust with or for any Credit Party. The Borrowers, jointly and severally,
hereby agree to pay the Administrative Agent an annual agency fee as previously
agreed with the Administrative Agent.

            10.02. Delegation of Duties. The Agents may execute any of their
respective duties under this Agreement or any other Credit Document by or
through agents or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel
concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. No Agent shall be responsible
for the negligence or misconduct of any agents or attorneys- in-fact selected by
it with reasonable care except to the extent otherwise required by Section
10.03.

            10.03. Exculpatory Provisions. None of the Agents nor any of their
respective officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or
affiliates shall be (i) liable for any action lawfully taken or omitted to be
taken by it or such Person under or in connection with this Agreement (except
for its or such Person's own gross negligence or willful misconduct) or (ii)
responsible in any manner to any of the Banks for any recitals, statements,
representations or warranties by the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company or
any of their respective officers contained in this Agreement, any other Document
or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or
provided for in, or received by such Agent under or in connection with, this
Agreement or any other Document or for any failure of the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company or any of their respective officers to perform its
obligations hereunder or thereunder. No Agent shall be under any obligation to
any Bank to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any
of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement, or to inspect
the properties, books or records of the Company or any Subsidiary of the
Company. No Agent shall be responsible to any Bank for the effectiveness,
genuineness, validity, enforceability, collectibility or sufficiency of this
Agreement or any Credit Document or for any representations, warranties,
recitals or statements made herein or therein or made in any written or oral
statement or in any financial or other statements, instruments, reports,
certificates or any other documents in connection herewith or therewith
furnished or made by such Agent to the Banks or by or on behalf of any Borrower
to such Agent or any Bank or be required to ascertain or inquire as to the
performance or observance of any of the terms, conditions, provisions, covenants
or 

<PAGE>
                                     -175-


agreements contained herein or therein or as to the use of the proceeds of the
Loans or of the existence or possible existence of any Default or Event of
Default.

            10.04. Reliance by the Agents. Each Agent shall be entitled to rely,
and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any note, writing, resolution,
notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, cablegram, telegram, telecopy,
telex or teletype message, statement, order or other document or conversation
believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper
Person or Persons and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including,
without limitation, counsel to the Credit Parties), independent accountants and
other experts selected by such Agent. Each Agent shall be fully justified in
failing or refusing to take any action under this Agreement or any other Credit
Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the
Required Banks as it deems appropriate or it shall first be indemnified to its
satisfaction by the Banks against any and all liability and expense which may be
incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. Each
Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from
acting, under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents in accordance with a
request of the Required Banks (or to the extent specifically provided in Section
11.12, all the Banks), and such request and any action taken or failure to act
pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Banks.

            10.05. Notice of Default. No Agent shall be deemed to have knowledge
of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default unless it has received
notice in writing from a Bank or Holdings or any Credit Party referring to this
Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such
notice is a "notice of default". In the event that the Administrative Agent
receives such a notice, the Administrative Agent shall give prompt notice
thereof to the Banks. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with
respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be reasonably directed by
the Required Banks; provided that, unless and until the Administrative Agent
shall have received such directions, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not
be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with
respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable in the
best interests of the Banks (except to the extent that this Agreement expressly
requires that such action be taken, or not be taken, only with the consent of
the Required Banks as required hereunder).

<PAGE>
                                     -176-


            10.06. Non-Reliance on Agents and Other Banks. Each Bank expressly
acknowledges that neither of the Agents nor any of their respective officers,
directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or affiliates have made any
representations or warranties to it and that no act by any Agent hereinafter
taken, including any review of the affairs of Holdings or any Subsidiary of
Holdings, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by such
Agent to any Bank. Each Bank represents to each Agent that it has, independently
and without reliance upon such Agent or any other Bank, and based on such
documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal
of and investigation into the business, assets, operations, property, financial
and other conditions, prospects and creditworthiness of Holdings and its
Subsidiaries and made its own decision to make its Loans hereunder and enter
into this Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby. Each Bank also
represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent or
any other Bank, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals
and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement, and to make
such investigation as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business,
assets, operations, property, financial and other conditions, prospects and
creditworthiness of Holdings and its Subsidiaries. Except for notices, reports
and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Banks by the
Administrative Agent hereunder, no Agent shall have any duty or responsibility
to provide any Bank with any credit or other information concerning the
business, operations, assets, property, financial and other conditions,
prospects or creditworthiness of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries which may
come into the possession of such Agent or any of its officers, directors,
employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or affiliates. None of the Agents nor any
Bank shall be deemed to be a fiduciary or have any fiduciary duty to any other
Bank, Holdings or Credit Party.

            10.07. Indemnification. The Banks agree to indemnify each Agent in
its capacity as such or in any other representative capacity under any other
Credit Document ratably according to their aggregate Commitments, from and
against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties,
actions, judgments, suits, costs, reasonable expenses or disbursements of any
kind whatsoever which may at any time (including, without limitation, at any
time following the payment of the Obligations) be imposed on, incurred by or
asserted against such Agent in its capacity as such in any way relating to or
arising out of this Agreement or any other Credit Docu-

<PAGE>
                                     -177-


ment, or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or the Transaction
contemplated hereby or any action taken or omitted to be taken by such Agent
under or in connection with any of the foregoing, but only to the extent that
any of the foregoing is not paid by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries;
provided that no Bank shall be liable to any Agent for the payment of any
portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements to the extent resulting from
such Agent's gross negligence or willful misconduct. If any indemnity furnished
to any Agent for any purpose shall, in the opinion of such Agent, be
insufficient or become impaired, such Agent may call for additional indemnity
and cease, or not commence, to do the acts indemnified against until such
additional indemnity is furnished. The agreements in this Section 10.07 shall
survive the payment of all Obligations.

            10.08. The Agents in Its Individual Capacity. The Agents and their
respective Affiliates may make loans to, accept deposits from and generally
engage in any kind of business with Holdings, its Subsidiaries and other
Affiliates of Holdings as though such Agent were not an Agent hereunder. With
respect to the Loans made by it and all Obligations owing to it, each Agent
shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any Bank and may
exercise the same as though it were not an Agent, and the terms "Bank" and
"Banks" shall include each Agent in its individual capacity.

            10.09. Successor Administrative Agent. Upon the acceptance of any
appointment as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent hereunder by a
successor Agent, the term "Administrative Agent" shall include such successor
administrative agent effective upon its appointment, and the resigning
Administrative Agent's rights, powers and duties as Administrative Agent shall
be terminated, without any other or further act or deed on the part of such
former Agent or any of the parties to this Agreement. After the retiring
Administrative Agent's resignation hereunder as Administrative Agent, the
provisions of this Section 10 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken
or omitted to be taken by it while it was Administrative Agent under this
Agreement.

            10.10. Resignation by Administrative Agent. (a) The Administrative
Agent may resign from the performance of all its functions and duties hereunder
at any time by giving 15 Business Days' prior written notice to the Borrowers
and the Banks. Such resignation shall take effect upon the acceptance

<PAGE>
                                     -178-


by a successor Administrative Agent of appointment pursuant to subsections
(b)and (c) below or as otherwise provided below.

            (b) Upon any such notice of resignation of the Administrative Agent,
the Required Banks shall appoint a successor Administrative Agent acceptable to
the Company and which shall be an incorporated bank or trust company or other
qualified financial institution with operations in the United States and Canada
and total assets of at least $1 billion.

            (c) If a successor Administrative Agent shall not have been so
appointed within said 15 Business Day period, the resigning Administrative Agent
with the consent of the Company shall then appoint a successor Administrative
Agent (which shall be an incorporated bank or trust company or other qualified
financial institution with operations in the United States and Canada and total
assets of at least $1 billion) who shall serve as Administrative Agent until
such time, if any, as the Required Banks appoint a successor Administrative
Agent as provided above.

            (d) If no successor Administrative Agent has been appointed pursuant
to subsection (b) or (c) by the 20th Business Day after the date such notice of
resignation was given by the resigning Administrative Agent, such Administrative
Agent's resignation shall become effective and the Required Banks shall
thereafter perform all the duties of Administrative Agent hereunder until such
time, if any, as the Required Banks with the consent of Borrower appoint a
successor Administrative Agent as provided above.

            10.11. Syndication Agent and Documentation Agent. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Syndication Agent and
Documentation Agent, in such capacities, shall have no obligations, duties or
responsibilities, and shall incur no liabilities, under this Agreement or any
other Document.

            SECTION 11. Miscellaneous.

            11.01. Payment of Expenses, etc. The Borrowers agree to: (i) whether
or not the Transaction herein contemplated are consummated, pay all
out-of-pocket costs and expenses (x) of the Agents in connection with the
negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of the Credit Documents and the
documents and instruments referred to therein and any amendment, waiver or
consent relating thereto (including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and
disbursements of Cahill 

<PAGE>
                                     -179-


Gordon & Reindel and local counsel to the Banks) with prior notice to the
Borrowers of the engagement of any counsel and (y) of each of the Banks in
connection with the enforcement of the Credit Documents (including in connection
with any "work-out" or other restructuring of the Borrowers' Obligations or in
connection with any bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding with
respect to any Credit Party or its Subsidiaries) and the documents and
instruments referred to therein (including, without limitation, the reasonable
fees and disbursements of counsel for each of the Banks) with prior notice to
the Borrowers of the engagement of any counsel and the reasonable fees and
expenses of any appraisers or any consultants or other advisors engaged with
prior notice to the Borrowers of any such engagement with respect to
environmental or other matters; (ii) pay all out-of-pocket costs and expenses
(including reasonable attorneys' fees) of the Agents or in connection with the
assignment or attempted assignment to any other Person of all or any portion of
the Agents' interest under this Agreement pursuant to Section 11.04 incurred
prior to 120 days following the Closing Date; (iii) pay and hold each of the
Banks harmless from and against any and all present and future stamp and other
similar taxes with respect to the foregoing matters and save each of the Banks
harmless from and against any and all liabilities with respect to or resulting
from any delay or omission (other than to the extent attributable to such Bank)
to pay such taxes; and (iv) indemnify each Bank, its officers, directors,
employees, representatives and agents from and hold each of them harmless
against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses (including,
without limitation, any and all losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses
arising under Environmental Laws) incurred by any of them as a result of, or
arising out of, or in any way related to the entering into and/or performance of
any Document or the use of the proceeds of any Loans hereunder or the
Transaction or the consummation of any other transaction contemplated in any
Credit Document, including, without limitation, the documented reasonable fees
and disbursements of counsel incurred by any of them (but excluding any such
losses, liabilities, claims, damages or expenses to the extent incurred by
reason of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Person to be
indemnified).

            11.02. Right of Setoff. In addition to any rights now or hereafter
granted under applicable law or otherwise, and not by way of limitation of any
such rights, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of
Default, each Bank is hereby authorized at any time or from time to time,
without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind to any Credit
Party or to any other Person, any such no-

<PAGE>
                                     -180-


tice being hereby expressly waived, to set off and to appropriate and apply any
and all deposits (general or special) and any other Indebtedness at any time
held or owing by such Bank (including, without limitation, by branches and
agencies of such Bank wherever located) to or for the credit or the account of
any Credit Party against and on account of the Obligations and liabilities of
such Credit Party to such Bank under this Agreement or under any of the other
Credit Documents, including, without limitation, all interests in Obligations of
such Credit Party purchased by such Bank pursuant to Section 11.06(b), and all
other claims of any nature or description arising out of or connected with this
Agreement or any other Credit Document, irrespective of whether or not such Bank
shall have made any demand hereunder and although said Obligations, liabilities
or claims, or any of them, shall be contingent or unmatured.

            11.03. Notices. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all
notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing
(which may include telecopier communication) and couriered for delivery of the
next Business Day, and shall be sent, if to Holdings or any Credit Party, to:

      Morris Material Handling, Inc.
      315 West Forest Hill Avenue
      Oak Creek, Wisconsin  53154
      Telecopy No. 414-764-8596
      Attention:  Vice President - Finance

            with copies to:

      Morris Material Handling, Inc.
      315 West Forest Hill Avenue
      Oak Creek, Wisconsin  53154
      Telecopy No. 414-764-8594
      Attention:  General Counsel

            and

      Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
      1333 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
      Suite 400
      Washington, D.C.  20036
      Telecopy No. 202-887-4288
      Attention:  Russell W. Parks, Jr.

            if to any Bank, at its address specified for such Bank on Annex II
hereto; or, at such other address as shall be 

<PAGE>
                                     -181-


designated by any party in a written notice to the other parties hereto. All
such notices and communications shall, when telecopied or sent by overnight
courier, be effective when sent by telecopier or delivered to the overnight
courier, as the case may be, except that notices and communications to the
Administrative Agent shall not be effective until received by the Administrative
Agent.

            11.04. Benefit of Agreement. (a) This Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto, all
future holders of the Notes, and their respective successors and assigns;
provided that no Credit Party may assign or transfer any of its interests
hereunder without the prior written consent of all of the Banks in their sole
discretion; and provided, further, that the rights of each Bank to transfer,
assign or grant participations in its rights and/or obligations hereunder shall
be limited as set forth below in this Section 11.04; provided that nothing in
this Section 11.04 shall prevent or prohibit any Bank, without the consent of
the Administrative Agent or the Company, from (i) pledging its Loans hereunder
to a Federal Reserve Bank in support of borrowings made by such Bank from such
Federal Reserve Bank or, with respect to any bank that is a fund that invests in
bank loans, pledging all or any portion of its interests, rights and obligations
under this Agreement (including all or a portion of the Loans owing to it) to
any trustee or any other representative of holders of obligations owed or
securities issued by such fund as security for such obligations or securities,
and (ii) subject to Section 11.04(b)(B), granting participations in or
assignments of all or a portion of such Bank's Loans, Notes and/or Commitments
hereunder (y) to its parent company and/or to any Affiliate of such Bank that is
at least 50% owned by such Bank or its parent company or to an Approved Fund of
any Bank (z) to an entity managed by a Person referred to in Section
11.04(a)(ii)(y).

            (b) Each Bank shall have the right to transfer, assign or grant
participations in all or any part of its remaining Loans, Notes and/or
Commitments hereunder on the basis set forth below in this clause (b). Each Bank
may furnish any information concerning the Borrower in the possession of such
Bank from time to time to assignees and participants (including prospective
assignees and participants).

            (A) Assignments. Each Bank, with the written consent of the
      Administrative Agent and the Company, which consent shall not be
      unreasonably withheld or delayed, which shall be evidenced on the notice
      in the form of Ex-

<PAGE>
                                     -182-


      hibit I-1 hereto, may assign pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption
      Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit I-2 hereto all or a portion
      of its Loans, Notes and/or Commitments hereunder pursuant to this clause
      (b)(A) to (x) one or more Banks or (y) one or more commercial banks, funds
      or other financial or lending institutions; provided that any such
      assignment pursuant to this clause (y) shall be in an amount equal to at
      least $5,000,000 or such Bank's remaining Loans, Notes or Commitments. Any
      assignment pursuant to this clause (b)(A) will become effective no later
      than five Business Days after the Agent's receipt of (i) a written notice
      in the form of Exhibit I-1 hereto from the assigning Bank and the assignee
      Bank and (ii) a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 from the
      assigning Bank in connection with the Agent's recording of such sale,
      assignment, transfer or negotiation; provided that such fee shall only be
      payable if the assignment is between a Bank and a party that is not a
      Bank, a Bank's parent or its Affiliate prior to the assignment. The
      Borrowers shall issue new Notes to the assignee in conformity with Section
      1.05 and the assignor shall return the old Notes to the Borrowers. Upon
      the effectiveness of any assignment in accordance with this clause (b)(A),
      the assignee will become a "Bank" for all purposes of this Agreement and
      the other Credit Documents and, to the extent of such assignment, the
      assigning Bank shall be relieved of its obligations hereunder with respect
      to the Loans, Notes or Commitments being assigned. The Administrative
      Agent shall maintain at its address specified in Annex II hereto a copy of
      each Assignment Agreement delivered to and accepted by it and a register
      in which it shall record the names and addresses of the Banks and the
      Commitment of, and principal amount of the Loans owing to, each Bank from
      time to time (the "Register"). The entries in the Register shall be
      conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent demonstrable error, and
      the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Banks may treat each Person
      whose name is recorded in the Register as a Bank hereunder for all
      purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection
      by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any Bank at any reasonable
      time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

            (B) Participations. Each Bank may transfer, grant or assign
      participations in all or any part of such Bank's Loans, Notes and/or
      Commitments hereunder pursuant to this clause (b)(B) to any Person;
      provided that (i) such Bank 

<PAGE>
                                     -183-


      shall remain a "Bank" for all purposes of this Agreement and the
      transferee of such participation shall not constitute a Bank hereunder and
      (ii) no participant under any such participation shall have rights to
      approve any amendment to or waiver of this Agreement or any other Credit
      Document except to the extent such amendment or waiver would (x) extend
      the scheduled final maturity date of any of the Loans, Notes or
      Commitments in which such participant is participating or (y) reduce the
      principal amount, interest rate or fees applicable to any of the Loans,
      Notes or Commitments in which such participant is participating or
      postpone the payment of any interest or fees or (z) release all or
      substantially all of the Collateral (except as expressly permitted by the
      Credit Documents). In the case of any such participation, the participant
      shall not have any rights under this Agreement or any of the other Credit
      Documents (the participant's rights against the granting Bank in respect
      of such participation to be those set forth in the agreement with such
      Bank creating such participation) and all amounts payable by the Borrower
      hereunder shall be determined as if such Bank had not sold such
      participation; provided that such participant shall be considered to be a
      "Bank" for purposes of Sections 11.02 and 11.06(b).

            (C) Canadian Borrower. Notwithstanding anything else contained in
      this Agreement including Section 3.04, neither Canadian Borrower will be
      responsible for withholding tax resulting from interest payments on the
      Canadian Swingline Loan made by it to a Bank that is a non-resident of
      Canada.

            11.05. No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative. No failure or delay on the
part of the Administrative Agent or any Bank in exercising any right, power or
privilege hereunder or under any other Credit Document and no course of dealing
between any Credit Party and the Administrative Agent or any Bank shall operate
as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right,
power, or privilege hereunder or under any other Credit Document preclude any
other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or
privilege hereunder or thereunder. The rights and remedies herein expressly
provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which the
Agents or any Bank would otherwise have. No notice to or demand on any Credit
Party in any case shall entitle any Credit Party to any other or further notice
or demand in similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver 

<PAGE>
                                     -184-


of the rights of the Agents or the Banks to any other or further action in any
circumstances without notice or demand.

            11.06. Payments Pro Rata. (a) The Administrative Agent agrees that
promptly after its receipt of each payment from or on behalf of Holdings or any
Credit Party in respect of any Obligations of Holdings or such Credit Party, it
shall distribute such payment to the Banks pro rata based upon their respective
shares, if any, of the Obligations with respect to which such payment was
received.

            (b) Each of the Banks agrees that, if it should receive any amount
hereunder (whether by voluntary payment, by realization upon security, by the
exercise of the right of setoff or banker's lien, by counterclaim or cross
action, by the enforcement of any right under the Credit Documents, or
otherwise) which is applicable to the payment of the principal of, or interest
on, the Loans, of a sum which with respect to any related sum or sums that are
received by other Banks is proportionately greater as measured (immediately
prior to receipt of all related amounts) relative to the total of such
Obligations then owed and due to such Bank to the total of such Obligations then
owed and due to all of the Banks, then such Bank receiving such excess amount
shall promptly purchase for cash without recourse or warranty from the other
Banks an interest in the Obligations of the respective Credit Party to such
Banks in such amount as shall result in a proportional participation by all of
the Banks in such excess amount pro rata in accordance with their respective
shares of the Obligations with respect to which such amount was received;
provided that if all or any portion of such excess amount is thereafter
recovered from such Bank, such purchase shall be rescinded and the purchase
price restored to the extent of such recovery, but without interest.

            11.07. Calculations; Computations. (a) The financial statements to
be furnished to the Banks pursuant hereto shall be made and prepared in
accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods involved
(except as set forth in the notes thereto or as otherwise disclosed in writing
by Borrower to the Banks); provided that, except as otherwise specifically
provided herein, all computations determining compliance with Section 7 and all
definitions used herein for any purpose shall utilize accounting principles and
policies in effect at the Closing Date.

            (b) All computations of interest and fees hereunder shall be made on
the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 365 days; provided, however,
that all computations of inter-

<PAGE>
                                     -185-


est on Reserve Adjusted Eurodollar Loans that are Dollar Loans, Letter of Credit
commissions and Commitment Commission shall be made on the actual number of days
elapsed over a year of 360 days.

            11.08. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Venue. (a) This
Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be
construed and enforced in accordance with and be governed by the laws of the
State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed wholly
therein. Any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement or any
other Credit Document may be brought in the courts of the State of New York or
of the United States for the Southern District of New York, and, by execution
and delivery of this Agreement, Holdings and each Borrower hereby irrevocably
accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and
unconditionally, the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. Each
Credit Party and its respective Subsidiaries further irrevocably consents to the
service of process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such action or
proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail,
postage prepaid, to Lexis Document Services, Inc., 150 East 58th Street, 25th
Floor, New York, New York 10155, its agent for service of process, such service
to become effective 30 days after such mailing. Holdings and each Borrower and
its respective Subsidiaries hereby irrevocably appoints Lexis Document Services,
Inc., 150 East 58th Street, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10155, to serve as
its agent for service of process in respect of any such action or proceeding.
Nothing herein shall affect the right of the Administrative Agent or any Bank to
serve process in any other manner permitted by law or to commence legal
proceedings or otherwise proceed against Holdings or any Credit Party or its
respective Subsidiaries in any other jurisdiction.

            (b) Holdings and each Borrower hereby irrevocably waives any
objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any of
the aforesaid actions or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this
Agreement or any other Credit Document brought in the courts referred to in
clause (a) above and hereby further irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead
or claim in any such court that any such action or proceeding brought in any
such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

            11.09. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each
of which when so executed 

<PAGE>
                                     -186-


and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall together constitute
one and the same instrument. A set of counterparts executed by all the parties
hereto shall be lodged with the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent.

            11.10. Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective on the
date (the "Effective Date") and at the time (the "Effective Time") on which
Holdings, the Borrowers and each of the Banks shall have signed a copy hereof
(whether the same or different copies) and shall have delivered the same to the
Administrative Agent at the Administrative Agent's Office or, in the case of the
Banks, shall have given to the Administrative Agent telephonic (confirmed in
writing), written, telex or telecopy notice (actually received) at such office
that the same has been signed and mailed to it. The Administrative Agent will
give Holdings, the Borrowers and each Bank prompt written notice of the
occurrence of the Effective Date.

            11.11. Headings Descriptive. The headings of the several sections
and subsections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall
not in any way affect the meaning or construction of any provision of this
Agreement.

            11.12. Amendment or Waiver. Neither this Agreement nor any other
Credit Document nor any terms hereof or thereof may be changed, waived,
discharged or terminated (other than pursuant to the terms hereof) unless such
change, waiver, discharge or termination is in writing signed by the Required
Banks; provided that no such change, waiver, discharge or termination shall,
without the consent of each affected Bank and the Agent, (i) extend the
scheduled final maturity date of any Loan, or any portion thereof, or reduce the
rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon or fees or reduce the
principal amount thereof, or increase the Commitments of any Bank or the Total
Commitments, in each case over the amount thereof then in effect (it being
understood that a waiver of any Default or Event of Default shall not constitute
a change in the terms of any Commitment of any Bank), (ii) release all or
substantially all of the Collateral or Guarantees (except as expressly permitted
by the Credit Documents), (iii) amend, modify or waive any provision of Section
1.10, 1.11, 3.04, 8.01, 8.05, 10.07, 11.01, 11.02, 11.04, 11.06, 11.07(b) or
11.12, (iv) reduce any percentage specified in, or otherwise modify, the
definition of Required Banks, (v) modify the definition of Scheduled A Term
Loans Principal Payments, Scheduled B Term Loans Principal Payments or Scheduled
Acquisition Term Loan Principal Payments (or otherwise modify the date upon
which any scheduled amortization payment is due) or (vi) consent to the

<PAGE>
                                     -187-


assignment or transfer by any Credit Party of any of its rights and obligations
under this Agreement. No provision of Section 10 may be amended without the
consent of the Administrative Agent and no provision of Section 10.11 may be
amended without the written consent of the Syndication Agent and the
Documentation Agent. No provision relating to the U.K. Swingline Loan or the
Canadian Swingline Loan may be amended without the written consent of Banks
holding at least 51% of the U.K. Swingline Loan Commitments or Canadian
Swingline Commitments, respectively (or, if U.K. Swingline Loan Commitments or
Canadian Swingline Loan Commitments have been terminated, Banks holding at least
51% of the outstanding U.K. Swingline Loans or Canadian Swingline Loans,
respectively).

            11.13. Survival. All indemnities set forth herein including, without
limitation, in Section 1.11, 1.13, 3.04, 10.07, 11.01 or 11.17 shall survive the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of the Loans, the
repayment of the Obligations and the termination of the Total Commitments.

            11.14. Domicile of Loans. Each Bank may transfer and carry its Loans
at, to or for the account of any branch office, Subsidiary or Affiliate of such
Bank.

            11.15. Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the parties to this Agreement
hereby irrevocably waives all right to a trial by jury in any action, proceeding
or counterclaim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the Credit
Documents or the Transaction contemplated hereby or thereby.

            11.16. Independence of Covenants. All covenants hereunder shall be
given independent effect so that if a particular action or condition is not
permitted by any of such covenants, the fact that it would be permitted by an
exception to, or be otherwise within the limitation of, another covenant shall
not avoid the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default if such action is
taken or condition exists.

            11.17. Currency Indemnity. If, for the purposes of obtaining
judgment in any court in any jurisdiction with respect to this Agreement or any
other Credit Document, it becomes necessary to convert into the currency of such
jurisdiction (the "Judgment Currency") any amount due under this Agreement or
under any other Credit Document in any currency other than the Judgment Currency
(the "Currency Due"), then conversion shall be made at the rate of exchange
prevailing on the Business Day before the day on which judgment is given. For
this purpose "rate of exchange" means the rate at which the Ad-

<PAGE>
                                     -188-


ministrative Agent is able, on the relevant date, to purchase the Currency Due
with the Judgement Currency in accordance with its normal practice at its Main
Branch in Toronto, Ontario. In the event that there is a change in the rate of
exchange prevailing between the Business Day before the day on which the
judgment is given and the date of payment of the amount due, the Applicable
Borrower will, on the date of payment, pay such additional amounts, if any, as
may be necessary to ensure that the amount paid on such date is the amount in
the Judgment Currency which when converted at the rate of exchange prevailing on
the date of payment is the amount then due under this Agreement or such other
Credit Document in the Currency Due. If the amount of the Currency Due which the
Administrative Agent is so able to purchase is less than the amount of the
Currency Due originally due to it, the Applicable Borrower shall indemnify and
save the Banks harmless from and against loss or damage arising as a result of
such deficiency. This indemnity shall constitute an obligation separate and
independent from the other obligations contained in this Agreement and the other
Credit Documents, shall give rise to a separate and independent cause of action,
shall apply irrespective of any indulgence granted by the Banks from time to
time and shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any judgment or
order for a liquidated sum in respect of an amount due under this Agreement or
any other Credit Document or under any judgment or order.

<PAGE>

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be duly executed, all as of the date first written above.

                                    MMH HOLDINGS, INC.

                                    By:  /s/ Michael Erwin
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Michael Erwin
                                         Title: President


                                    MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

                                    By:  /s/ Michael Erwin
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Michael Erwin
                                         Title: President


                                    MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC

                                    By:  /s/ David Smith
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: David Smith
                                         Title: Vice President


                                    MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING LTD.

                                    By:  /s/ Martin Ditkof
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Martin Ditkof
                                         Title: Director


                                    MONDEL ULC

                                    By:  /s/ Martin Ditkof
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Martin Ditkof
                                         Title: Secretary


                                    KAVERIT STEEL AND CRANE ULC

                                    By:  /s/ Martin Ditkof
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Martin Ditkof
                                         Title: Secretary

<PAGE>

            Credit Agreement among Morris Material Handling, Inc., MMH Holdings,
Inc., Material Handling, LLC, Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC,
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as
Administrative Agent, the other Agents listed herein, and the Banks listed
herein.

                                    CREDIT AGRICOLE INDOSUEZ,
                                      as Syndication Agent and
                                      as a Bank

                                    By:  /s/ Kenneth J. Kencel
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Kenneth J. Kencel
                                         Title: First Vice President

                                    By:  /s/ [Illegible]
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name:
                                         Title:

                           A Term Loan Commitment:                $1,833,333.33
                           B Term Loan Commitment:                $4,000,000.00
                           Acquisition Term Loan Commitment:      $2,750,000.00
                           Revolving Loan Commitment:             $6,416,666,.67
                           Canadian Swingline Commitment:         $0.00
                           U.K. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
                           U.S. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00

<PAGE>

            Credit Agreement among Morris Material Handling, Inc., MMH Holdings,
Inc., Material Handling, LLC, Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC,
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as
Administrative Agent, the other Agents listed herein, and the Banks listed
herein.

                                    CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF
                                      COMMERCE, as Administrative
                                      Agent and Collateral Agent
                                      and as a Bank

                                    By:  /s/ Timothy E. Doyle
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Timothy E. Doyle
                                         Title: Managing Director 
                                         CIBC Oppenheimer Corp., As Agent


                           A Term Loan Commitment:                $0
                           B Term Loan Commitment:                $0
                           Acquisition Term Loan Commitment:      $0
                           Revolving Loan Commitment:             $0
                           Canadian Swingline Commitment:         $5,000,000.00
                           U.K. Swingline Commitment:             $0
                           U.S. Swingline Commitment:             $0

<PAGE>

            Credit Agreement among Morris Material Handling, Inc., MMH Holdings,
Inc., Material Handling, LLC, Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC,
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as
Administrative Agent, the other Agents listed herein, and the Banks listed
herein.

                                    CIBC Inc., as a Bank

                                    By:  /s/ Timothy E. Doyle
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Timothy E. Doyle
                                         Title: Managing Director 
                                         CIBC Oppenheimer Corp., As Agent

                           A Term Loan Commitment:                $2,500,000.00
                           B Term Loan Commitment:                $19,000,000.00
                           Acquisition Term Loan Commitment:      $3,750,000.00
                           Revolving Loan Commitment:             $8,750,000.00
                           Canadian Swingline Commitment:         $0.00
                           U.K. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
                           U.S. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00

<PAGE>

            Credit Agreement among Morris Material Handling, Inc., MMH Holdings,
Inc., Material Handling, LLC, Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC,
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as
Administrative Agent, the other Agents listed herein, and the Banks listed
herein.

                                    BANKBOSTON, N.A.
                                      as Documentation Agent and
                                      as a Bank

                                    By:  /s/ Gregory R. D. Clark
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Gregory R. D. Clark
                                         Title: Managing Director 

                                    By:  /s/ Gregory R. D. Clark
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Gregory R. D. Clark
                                         Title: Managing Director 


                           A Term Loan Commitment:               $2,000,000.00
                           B Term Loan Commitment:               $0.00
                           Acquisition Term Loan Commitment:     $3,000,000.00
                           Revolving Loan Commitment:            $7,000,000.00
                           Canadian Swingline Commitment:        $0.00
                           U.K. Swingline Commitment:            $0.00
                           U.S. Swingline Commitment:            $0.00

<PAGE>

            Credit Agreement among Morris Material Handling, Inc., MMH Holdings,
Inc., Material Handling, LLC, Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC,
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as
Administrative Agent, the other Agents listed herein, and the Banks listed
herein.

                                    ABN-AMRO BANK N.V., as a Bank

                                    By:  /s/ Joann L. Holman
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Joann L. Holman
                                         Title: Vice President

                                    By:  /s/ Thomas F. Comfort
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Thomas F. Comfort
                                         Title: Vice President

                           A Term Loan Commitment:                $1,500,000.00
                           B Term Loan Commitment:                $0.00
                           Acquisition Term Loan Commitment:      $2,250,000.00
                           Revolving Loan Commitment:             $5,250,000.00
                           Canadian Swingline Commitment:         $0.00
                           U.K. Swingline Commitment:             $15,000,000.00
                           U.S. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00

<PAGE>

            Credit Agreement among Morris Material Handling, Inc., MMH Holdings,
Inc., Material Handling, LLC, Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC,
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as
Administrative Agent, the other Agents listed herein, and the Banks listed
herein.

                                    CREDITANSTALT CORPORATE FINANCE Inc., 
                                    as a Bank

                                    By:  /s/ Jack R. Bertges
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Jack R. Bertges
                                         Title: Senior Vice President


                                    By:  /s/ Patrick J. Rounds
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Patrick J. Rounds
                                         Title: Vice President


                           A Term Loan Commitment:                $1,833,333.34
                           B Term Loan Commitment:                $0.00
                           Acquisition Term Loan Commitment:      $2,750,000.00
                           Revolving Loan Commitment:             $6,416,666.66
                           Canadian Swingline Commitment:         $0.00
                           U.K. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
                           U.S. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
<PAGE>

            Credit Agreement among Morris Material Handling, Inc., MMH Holdings,
Inc., Material Handling, LLC, Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC,
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as
Administrative Agent, the other Agents listed herein, and the Banks listed
herein.

                                    ARCHIMEDES FUNDING, L.L.C.

                                    By: ING Capital Advisors, Inc., as 
                                    Collateral Manager
     
                                    By:  /s/ Michael D. Hatley
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Michael D. Hatley
                                         Title: Vice President & Portfolio 
                                         Manager

                           A Term Loan Commitment:                $0.00
                           B Term Loan Commitment:                $5,000,000.00
                           Acquisition Term Loan Commitment:      $0.00
                           Revolving Loan Commitment:             $0.00
                           Canadian Swingline Commitment:         $0.00
                           U.K. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
                           U.S. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
<PAGE>

            Credit Agreement among Morris Material Handling, Inc., MMH Holdings,
Inc., Material Handling, LLC, Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC,
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as
Administrative Agent, the other Agents listed herein, and the Banks listed
herein.

                                    THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO, 
                                    as a Bank

                                    By:  /s/ Suzanne Ergastolo
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Suzanne Ergastolo
                                         Title: Underwriter

                           A Term Loan Commitment:                $1,500,000.00
                           B Term Loan Commitment:                $0.00
                           Acquisition Term Loan Commitment:      $2,250,000.00
                           Revolving Loan Commitment:             $5,250,000.00
                           Canadian Swingline Commitment:         $0.00
                           U.K. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
                           U.S. Swingline Commitment:             $10,000,000.00
<PAGE>

            Credit Agreement among Morris Material Handling, Inc., MMH Holdings,
Inc., Material Handling, LLC, Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC,
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as
Administrative Agent, the other Agents listed herein, and the Banks listed
herein.

                                    FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as a Bank

                                    By:  /s/ Jorge Gonzalez
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Jorge Gonzalez
                                         Title: Senior Vice President

                           A Term Loan Commitment:                $1,833,333.34
                           B Term Loan Commitment:                $0.00
                           Acquisition Term Loan Commitment:      $2,750,000.00
                           Revolving Loan Commitment:             $6,416,666.66
                           Canadian Swingline Commitment:         $0.00
                           U.K. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
                           U.S. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
<PAGE>

            Credit Agreement among Morris Material Handling, Inc., MMH Holdings,
Inc., Material Handling, LLC, Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC,
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as
Administrative Agent, the other Agents listed herein, and the Banks listed
herein.

                                    FLEET NATIONAL BANK, as a Bank

                                    By:  /s/ James T. Andersen
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: James T. Andersen
                                         Title: Managing Director 

                           A Term Loan Commitment:                $1,833,333.00
                           B Term Loan Commitment:                $0.00
                           Acquisition Term Loan Commitment:      $2,750,000.00
                           Revolving Loan Commitment:             $6,416,667.00
                           Canadian Swingline Commitment:         $0.00
                           U.K. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
                           U.S. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
<PAGE>

            Credit Agreement among Morris Material Handling, Inc., MMH Holdings,
Inc., Material Handling, LLC, Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC,
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as
Administrative Agent, the other Agents listed herein, and the Banks listed
herein.

                                    SANWA BUSINESS CREDIT CORPORATION, as a Bank

                                    By:  /s/ John J. McKenna
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: John J. McKenna
                                         Title: First Vice President

                           A Term Loan Commitment:                $1,500,000.00
                           B Term Loan Commitment:                $0.00
                           Acquisition Term Loan Commitment:      $2,250,000.00
                           Revolving Loan Commitment:             $5,250,000.00
                           Canadian Swingline Commitment:         $0.00
                           U.K. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
                           U.S. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
<PAGE>

            Credit Agreement among Morris Material Handling, Inc., MMH Holdings,
Inc., Material Handling, LLC, Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC,
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as
Administrative Agent, the other Agents listed herein, and the Banks listed
herein.

                                    CRESCENT/MACH I PARTNERS, L.P.
                                    by: TCW Asset Management
                                    Company, Its Investment Manager

                                    By:  /s/ Justin L. Driscoll
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Justin L. Driscoll
                                         Title: Senior Vice President

                           A Term Loan Commitment:                $0.00
                           B Term Loan Commitment:                $7,000,000.00
                           Acquisition Term Loan Commitment:      $0.00
                           Revolving Loan Commitment:             $0.00
                           Canadian Swingline Commitment:         $0.00
                           U.K. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
                           U.S. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
<PAGE>

            Credit Agreement among Morris Material Handling, Inc., MMH Holdings,
Inc., Material Handling, LLC, Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC,
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as
Administrative Agent, the other Agents listed herein, and the Banks listed
herein.

                                    RIGGS BANK N.A., as a Bank

                                    By:  /s/ Ana G. Tejblum
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Ana G. Tejblum
                                         Title: Vice President

                           A Term Loan Commitment:                $1,833,333.00
                           B Term Loan Commitment:                $0.00
                           Acquisition Term Loan Commitment:      $2,750,000.00
                           Revolving Loan Commitment:             $6,416,667.00
                           Canadian Swingline Commitment:         $0.00
                           U.K. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
                           U.S. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
<PAGE>

            Credit Agreement among Morris Material Handling, Inc., MMH Holdings,
Inc., Material Handling, LLC, Morris Material Handling, Ltd., Mondel ULC,
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as
Administrative Agent, the other Agents listed herein, and the Banks listed
herein.

                                    WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., as a Bank

                                    By:  /s/ Dana D. Cagle
                                         ------------------------------
                                         Name: Dana D. Cagle
                                         Title: Vice President

                           A Term Loan Commitment:                $1,833,333.33
                           B Term Loan Commitment:                $0.00
                           Acquisition Term Loan Commitment:      $2,750,000.00
                           Revolving Loan Commitment:             $6,416,666.67
                           Canadian Swingline Commitment:         $0.00
                           U.K. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00
                           U.S. Swingline Commitment:             $0.00




                          U.S. SECURITY AGREEMENT

            SECURITY AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated as of March 30, 1998,
made by MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC., a Delaware corporation having an office
at 315 West Forest Hill Avenue, Oak Creek, WI 53154 (the "Borrower"), and EACH
OF THE GUARANTORS LISTED ON THE SIGNATURE PAGES HERETO OR FROM TIME TO TIME
PARTY HERETO BY EXECUTION OF A JOINDER AGREEMENT (collectively, the
"Guarantors"; together with the Borrower, the "Pledgors", and each, a
"Pledgor"), as pledgors, assignors and debtors, in favor of CANADIAN IMPERIAL
BANK OF COMMERCE, having an office at 425 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York
10017, as pledgee, assignee and secured party, in its capacity as collateral
agent (in such capacities and together with any successors in such capacity,
"Collateral Agent") for the lending institutions (the "Banks") from time to time
party to the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined).

                             R E C I T A L S :

            A. Pursuant to a certain credit agreement, dated as of the date
hereof (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified
from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"; capitalized terms used herein and not
defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement), among
Morris Material Handling, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Holdings"), MMH
Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("MMH") as a U.S. Borrower, Material
Handling, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("Material Handling"),
Morris Material Handling, Ltd., a company organized under the laws of England
and Wales ("MHE-U.K.") as a U.K. Borrower, Mondel ULC, an unlimited liability
company organized under the laws of Nova Scotia ("Mondel") as a Canadian
Borrower, Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC, an unlimited liability company organized
under the laws of Nova Scotia ("Kaverit") as Canadian Borrower, the Banks,
Credit Agricole Indosuez ("Indosuez"), as syndication agent for the Banks (in
such capacity, the "Syndication Agent"), BankBoston, N.A., as documentation
agent for the Banks (in such capacity, the "Documentation Agent"), and Canadian
Imperial Bank of Commerce, as administrative agent and as collateral agent for
the Banks (in such capacities, the 
<PAGE>
                                      -2-


"Administrative Agent" and, together with the Syndication Agent and the
Documentation Agent, the "Agents"), the Banks have agreed to make to or for the
account of Borrower (i) certain Term Loans up to an aggregate principal amount
of $55,000,000, certain Acquisition Term Loans up to an aggregate principal
amount of $30,000,000 and certain Revolving Loans up to an aggregate principal
amount of $70,000,000 and (ii) certain Swingline Loans and to issue certain
Letters of Credit.

            B. It is contemplated that the Borrower may enter into one or more
agreements with one or more of the Banks (collectively, "Interest Rate
Agreements") fixing the interest rates with respect to Loans under the Credit
Agreement (all obligations of the Borrower now existing or hereafter arising
under such Interest Rate Agreements, collectively, the "Interest Rate
Obligations").

            C. Each Pledgor has executed and delivered to Collateral Agent a
certain guarantee instrument (each, a "Guarantee") pursuant to which, among
other things, each Pledgor has guaranteed the obligations of the Borrower under
the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents, and each Pledgor desires
that its Guarantee be secured hereunder.

            D. Each Pledgor is or will be the legal and beneficial owner of the
Pledged Collateral (as hereinafter defined) to be pledged by it hereunder.

            E. It is a condition to the obligations of the Banks to make the
Loans under the Credit Agreement and a condition to any Bank issuing Letters of
Credit under the Credit Agreement that each Pledgor execute and deliver the
applicable Credit Documents, including this Agreement.

            F. This Agreement is given by each Pledgor in favor of Collateral
Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Banks and the Agents (collectively,
the "Secured Parties") to secure the payment and performance of all of the
Secured Obligations (as defined in Section 2).

                               A G R E E M E N T :

            NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and other
good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, the Pledgors and Collateral Agent hereby agree as follows:
<PAGE>
                                      -3-


            Section 1. Pledge. As collateral security for the payment and
performance when due of all the Secured Obligations, each Pledgor hereby
pledges, assigns, transfers and grants to Collateral Agent for its benefit and
the benefit of the Secured Parties, a continuing first priority (except with
respect to Prior Liens) security interest in and to all of the right, title and
interest of such Pledgor in, to and under the following property, wherever
located, whether now existing or hereafter arising or acquired from time to time
(collectively, the "Pledged Collateral"):

            (a) all "accounts", as such term is defined in the Uniform
      Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in any applicable
      jurisdiction (the "UCC"), and in any event including, without limitation,
      all of such Pledgor's rights to payment for goods sold or leased or
      services performed by such Pledgor or any other party, and all rights
      evidenced by an account, contract, security agreement, chattel paper,
      guarantee (including a letter of credit) or other evidence of indebtedness
      or security together with (i) all security pledged, assigned, hypothecated
      or granted to or held by such Pledgor to secure the foregoing, (ii)
      general intangibles arising out of such Pledgor's rights in any goods, the
      sale of which gave rise thereto, (iii) all guarantees, endorsements and
      indemnifications on, or of, any of the foregoing, (iv) all powers of
      attorney for the execution of any evidence of indebtedness or security or
      other writing in connection therewith and (v) all evidences of the filing
      of financing statements and other statements and the registration of other
      instruments in connection therewith and amendments thereto, notices to
      other creditors or secured parties and certificates from filing or other
      registration offices (collectively, the "Receivables");

            (b) all "inventory", as such term is defined in the UCC, and, in any
      event including, without limitation, all raw materials, work in process,
      returned goods, finished goods, samples and consigned goods to the extent
      of the consignee's interest therein, materials and supplies of any kind or
      nature which are or might be used in connection with the manufacture,
      printing, publication, packing, shipping, advertising, selling or
      finishing of any such goods and all other products, goods, materials and
      supplies (collectively, the "Inventory");
<PAGE>
                                      -4-

            (c) all books, records, ledgers, print-outs, file materials and
      other papers containing information relating to Receivables and any
      account debtors in respect thereof;

            (d) any and all sale, service, performance and equipment lease
      contracts, agreements and grants (whether written or oral), and any other
      contract (whether written or oral) between such Pledgor and third parties,
      but excluding any contract (i) which would be terminable by the
      counterparty thereto if such Pledgor's interest therein were subject to
      the security interest created hereby and (ii) for which such Pledgor has
      not received a consent from such counterparty to the grant of a security
      interest therein (collectively, the "Contracts");

            (e) all "equipment", as such term is defined in the UCC, and, in any
      event including, without limitation, all machinery, equipment, office
      machinery, furniture, conveyors, tools, materials, storage and handling
      equipment, automotive equipment, motor vehicles, tractors, trailers and
      other like property, whether or not the title thereto is governed by a
      certificate of title or ownership, and all other equipment of every kind
      and nature owned by such Pledgor or in which such Pledgor may have any
      interest (to the extent of such interest), all modifications, alterations,
      repairs, substitutions, additions and accessions thereto, all replacements
      and all parts therefor and together with all substitutes for any of the
      foregoing (collectively, the "Equipment");

            (f) all "general intangibles", as such term is defined in the UCC,
      and, in any event including, without limitation, all manuals, blueprints,
      know-how, warranties and records in connection with the Equipment; all
      documents of title or documents representing the Inventory and all
      records, files and writings with respect thereto; any and all other
      rights, claims and causes of action of such Pledgor against any other
      Person and the benefits of any and all collateral or other security given
      by any other Person in connection therewith, including, without
      limitation, all rights under any Contracts; all information, customer
      lists, identification of suppliers, data, plans, blueprints, specification
      designs, drawings, recorded knowledge, surveys, engineering reports, test
      reports, manuals, materials, standards, processing standards, performance
      standards, catalogs, research data, computer and automatic machinery
      software and programs and the like pertaining to operations by such
      Pledgor; all field repair 
<PAGE>
                                      -5-


      data, sales data and other information relating to sales of products now
      or hereafter manufactured, distributed or franchised by such Pledgor; all
      accounting information pertaining to such Pledgor's operations or any of
      the Equipment, Inventory, Receivables or Intangibles and all media in
      which or on which any of the information or knowledge or data or records
      relating to such operations or any of the Equipment, Inventory,
      Receivables, Contracts or Intangibles may be recorded or stored and all
      computer programs used for the compilation or printout of such
      information, knowledge, records or data; all rights and goodwill of such
      Pledgor; all licenses, consents, permits, variances, certifications and
      approvals of governmental agencies now or hereafter held by such Pledgor
      pertaining to operations now or hereafter conducted by such Pledgor or
      assets now or hereafter held by such Pledgor; all causes of action, claims
      and warranties now or hereafter owned or acquired by such Pledgor; and any
      other property consisting of a general intangible under the UCC applicable
      in such other location where such Pledgor maintains its records relating
      to such property excluding any contract (i) which would be terminable by
      the counterparty thereto if such Pledgor's interest were subject to the
      security interest created hereby and (ii) for which such Pledgor has not
      received a consent from such counterparty to the grant of a security
      interest therein (collectively, the "Intangibles");

            (g) all insurance policies held by such Pledgor or naming such
      Pledgor as insured, additional insured or loss payee (including, without
      limitation, casualty insurance, liability insurance, property insurance
      and business interruption insurance), all such insurance policies entered
      into after the date hereof other than insurance policies (or certificates
      of insurance evidencing such insurance policies) relating to health and
      welfare insurance and life insurance policies in which such Pledgor is not
      named as beneficiary (i.e., insurance policies that are not "Key Man"
      insurance policies) and all rights, claims and recoveries relating thereto
      (including all dividends, returned premiums and other rights to receive
      money in respect of any of the foregoing) (collectively, the "Insurance
      Policies");

            (h) such Pledgor's right to receive the surplus funds, if any, which
      are payable to such Pledgor following the termination of any employee
      pension plan and the satisfaction of all liabilities of participants and
      benefici-
<PAGE>
                                      -6-


      aries under such plan in accordance with applicable law (collectively, the
      "Pension Plan Reversions");

            (i) the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of each
      Person described in Schedule I-A held by such Pledgor hereto and each
      other corporation hereafter acquired or formed by such Pledgor (the
      "Pledged Shares") (which are and shall remain at all times until this
      Agreement terminates, certificated shares), including the certificates
      representing the Pledged Shares and any interest of such Pledgor in the
      entries on the books of any financial intermediary pertaining to the
      Pledged Shares; provided that such Pledgor shall not be required to pledge
      shares possessing more than 65% of the voting power of all classes of
      capital stock entitled to vote of any Subsidiary which is a controlled
      foreign corporation (as defined in Section 957(a) of the Internal Revenue
      Code of 1986, as amended from time to time (the "Tax Code")) and, in any
      event, shall not be required to pledge the shares of stock of any
      Subsidiary otherwise required to be pledged pursuant to this Section 1(i)
      to the extent that such pledge would constitute an investment of earnings
      in United States property under Section 956 (or a successor provision) of
      the Code, which investment would trigger an increase in the gross income
      of a United States shareholder of such Pledgor pursuant to Section 951 (or
      a successor provision) of the Tax Code;

            (j) subject to the proviso set forth in clause (i) above, all
      additional shares of capital stock of whatever class of any issuer of the
      Pledged Shares from time to time acquired by such Pledgor in any manner
      (which are and shall remain at all times until this Agreement terminates,
      certificated shares) (which shares shall be deemed to be part of the
      Pledged Shares), including the certificates representing such additional
      shares and any interest of such Pledgor in the entries on the books of any
      financial intermediary pertaining to such additional shares;

            (k) all membership interests and/or partnership interests, as
      applicable, of each Person described in Schedule I-B hereto and each other
      limited liability company or partnership hereafter acquired or formed by
      such Pledgor, together with all rights, privileges, authority and powers
      of such Pledgor in and to each such Person or under the membership or
      partnership agreement of each such Person (the "Operative Agreements")
      (collectively, the "Initial Pledged Interests"), and the certificates,
      instruments and 
<PAGE>
                                      -7-


      agreements, if any, representing the Initial Pledged Interests;

            (l) all options, warrants, rights, agreements, additional membership
      or partnership interests or other interests relating to each such Person
      described in clause (k) above or any interest in any such Person,
      including, without limitation, any right relating to the equity or
      membership or partnership interests in any such Person or under the
      Operative Agreement of any such Person (collectively, the "Additional
      Interests"; together with the Initial Pledged Interests, the "Pledged
      Interests"; the Pledged Interests and the Pledged Shares, collectively,
      the "Pledged Securities") from time to time acquired by such Pledgor in
      any manner and the certificates, instruments and agreements, if any,
      representing the Additional Interests;

            (m) all intercompany notes described on Schedule II hereto (the
      "Intercompany Notes") and all certificates or instruments evidencing such
      Intercompany Notes and all proceeds thereof, all accessions thereto and
      substitutions therefor;

            (n) all dividends, cash, options, warrants, rights, instruments,
      distributions, returns of capital, income, profits and other property,
      interests (debt or equity) or proceeds, including as a result of a split,
      revision, reclassification or other like change of the Pledged Securities,
      from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed to such
      Pledgor in respect of or in exchange for any or all of the Pledged
      Securities or Intercompany Notes (collectively, "Distributions");

            (o) without affecting the obligations of such Pledgor under any
      provision prohibiting such action hereunder or under the Credit Agreement,
      in the event of any consolidation or merger in which any Person listed on
      Schedule I-A or Schedule I-B hereto is not the surviving entity, all
      shares of each class of the capital stock of the successor corporation or
      interests or certificates of the successor limited liability company or
      partnership owned by such Pledgor (unless such successor is such Pledgor
      itself) formed by or resulting from such consolidation or merger;

            (p) patents issued or assigned to and all patent applications made
      by such Pledgor, including, without limi-
<PAGE>
                                      -8-


      tation, the patents and patent applications listed on Schedule III hereto,
      along with any and all (i) inventions and improvements described and
      claimed therein, (ii) reissues, divisions, continuations, extensions and
      continuations-in-part thereof, (iii) income, royalties, damages, claims
      and payments now and hereafter due and/or payable thereunder and with
      respect thereto, including, without limitation, damages and payments for
      past or future infringements thereof, and (iv) rights to sue for past,
      present and future infringements thereof (collectively, the "Patents");

            (q) trademarks (including service marks), logos, federal and state
      trademark registrations and applications made by such Pledgor, common law
      trademarks and trade names owned by or assigned to such Pledgor and all
      registrations and applications for the foregoing, including, without
      limitation, the registrations and applications listed on Schedule IV
      hereto, along with any and all (i) renewals thereof, (ii) income,
      royalties, damages and payments now and hereafter due and/or payable
      thereunder and with respect thereto, including, without limitation,
      damages, claims and payments for past or future infringements thereof, and
      (iii) rights to sue for past, present and future infringements thereof
      (collectively, the "Trademarks");

            (r) copyrights owned by or assigned to such Pledgor, including,
      without limitation, the registrations and applications listed on Schedule
      V hereto, along with any and all (i) renewals and extensions thereof, (ii)
      income, royalties, damages, claims and payments now and hereafter due
      and/or payable thereunder and with respect thereto, including, without
      limitation, damages and payments for past, present or future infringements
      thereof, and (iii) rights to sue for past, present and future
      infringements thereof (collectively, the "Copyrights");

            (s) license agreements and covenants not to sue with any other party
      with respect to any Patent, Trademark, or Copyright listed on Schedule VI
      hereto, along with any and all (i) renewals, extensions, supplements and
      continuations thereof, (ii) income, royalties, damages, claims and
      payments now and hereafter due and/or payable thereunder and with respect
      thereto, including, without limitation, damages and payments for past,
      present or future breaches thereof, (iii) rights to sue for past, present
      and future breaches thereof and (iv) any other rights to use, exploit 
<PAGE>
                                      -9-


      or practice any or all of the Patents, Trademarks or Copyrights
      (collectively, the "Licenses");

            (t) the entire goodwill and all product lines of such Pledgor's
      business and other general intangibles, including, without limitation,
      know-how, trade secrets, customer lists, proprietary information,
      inventions, methods, procedures and formulae connected with the use of and
      symbolized by the Trademarks of such Pledgor (collectively, the "Good
      Will");

            (u) any and all other property of such Pledgor;

            (v) all "documents", as such term is defined in the UCC, including,
      without limitation, all receipts of such Pledgor covering, evidencing or
      representing Inventory or Equipment (collectively, the "Documents");

            (w) all "instruments", as such term is defined in the UCC,
      including, without limitation, all promissory notes, drafts, bills of
      exchange or acceptances (collectively, the "Instruments"); and

            (x) all "proceeds", as such term is defined in the UCC or under
      other relevant law, and in any event including, without limitation, any
      and all (i) proceeds of any insurance (except payments made to a Person
      which is not a party to this Agreement), indemnity, warranty or guaranty
      payable to Collateral Agent or to such Pledgor from time to time with
      respect to any of the Pledged Collateral, (ii) payments (in any form
      whatsoever) made or due and payable to such Pledgor from time to time in
      connection with any requisition, confiscation, condemnation, seizure or
      forfeiture of all or any part of the Pledged Collateral by any federal,
      state, local, foreign or other governmental or administrative (including
      self-regulatory) body, instrumentality, department or agency or any court,
      tribunal, administrative hearing body, arbitration panel, commission or
      other similar dispute-resolving body including, without limitation, those
      governing the regulation and protection of the environment (each, a
      "Governmental Authority") (or any person acting on behalf of a
      Governmental Authority), (iii) instruments representing obligations to pay
      amounts in respect of the Pledged Collateral, (iv) products of the Pledged
      Collateral and (v) other amounts from time to time paid or payable under
      or in connection with any of the Pledged Collateral (collectively, the
      "Proceeds").
<PAGE>
                                      -10-


            The Pledged Securities, the Intercompany Notes, the Distributions
and the Proceeds relating thereto are collectively referred to as the
"Securities Collateral". The Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Licenses, Good
Will and the Proceeds relating thereto are collectively referred to as the
"Intellectual Property Collateral". The Pledged Collateral other than the
Securities Collateral and the Intellectual Property is collectively referred to
as the "General Collateral".

            Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Intellectual Property Collateral
shall exclude (i) any intellectual property rights, contracts and agreements to
the extent, and only to the extent, that (A) the granting of a Lien or an
assignment thereof could be illegal or render such intellectual property right
unenforceable under any applicable law or governmental regulation or (B) such
intellectual property right, contract or agreement contains a provision
enforceable at law and in equity that would be breached by (or would result in
the termination of such intellectual property right, contract or agreement upon)
the grant of the security interest created herein pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement and (ii) "intent to use" applications for trademarks; provided,
however, that if and when any prohibition on the assignment, pledge or grant of
a security interest in such intellectual property right, contract or agreement
is removed, the Secured Party will be deemed to have been granted a security
interest in such intellectual property right, contract or agreement as of the
date hereof, and the Collateral will be deemed to include such intellectual
property right, contract or agreement if otherwise permitted hereunder.

            Section 2. Secured Obligations. This Agreement secures, and the
Pledged Collateral is collateral security for, the payment and performance in
full when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise
(including, without limitation, the payment of interest and other amounts which
would accrue and become due but for the filing of a petition in bankruptcy or
the operation of the automatic stay under Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code,
11 U.S.C. ss. 362(a)), of (i) all Obligations of the Borrower now existing or
hereafter arising under or in respect of the Credit Agreement and all Interest
Rate Obligations of the Borrower now existing or hereafter arising under or in
respect of any Interest Rate Agreement (including, without limitation, the
obligations of the Borrower to pay principal, interest and all other charges,
fees, expenses, commissions, reimbursements, premiums, indemnities and other
payments related to or in respect of the Obligations contained in the Credit
Agreement) and the obligations contained in any Interest Rate Agreement, (ii)
all obligations of the 
<PAGE>
                                      -11-


Guarantors now existing or hereafter arising under or in respect of the
Guarantees (including, without limitation, the obligations of each Guarantor to
pay principal, interest and all other charges, fees, expenses, commissions,
reimbursements, premiums, indemnities and other payments related to or in
respect of the obligations contained in the Guarantees) and (iii) without
duplication of the amounts described in clauses (i) and (ii), all obligations of
the Pledgors now existing or hereafter arising under or in respect of this
Agreement or any other Security Document, including, without limitation, all
charges, fees, expenses, commissions, reimbursements, premiums, indemnities and
other payments related to or in respect of the obligations contained in this
Agreement or in any other Security Document, in each case whether in the regular
course of business or otherwise (the obligations described in clauses (i), (ii)
and (iii), collectively, the "Secured Obligations").

            Section 3. No Release. Nothing set forth in this Agreement shall
relieve any Pledgor from the performance of any term, covenant, condition or
agreement on such Pledgor's part to be performed or observed under or in respect
of any of the Pledged Collateral or from any liability to any Person under or in
respect of any of the Pledged Collateral or shall impose any obligation on
Collateral Agent or any Secured Party to perform or observe any such term,
covenant, condition or agreement on such Pledgor's part to be so performed or
observed or shall impose any liability on Collateral Agent or any Secured Party
for any act or omission on the part of such Pledgor relating thereto or for any
breach of any representation or warranty on the part of such Pledgor contained
in this Agreement, any Interest Rate Agreement or any other Credit Document, or
under or in respect of the Pledged Collateral or made in connection herewith or
therewith. The obligations of each Pledgor contained in this Section 3 shall
survive the termination of this Agreement and the discharge of such Pledgor's
other obligations under this Agreement, any Interest Rate Agreement and the
other Credit Documents.

            Section 4.  Perfection; Supplements; Further Assurances; Use
of Pledged Collateral.

            (a) Delivery of Certificated Securities Collateral. All
certificates, agreements or instruments representing or evidencing the
Securities Collateral, to the extent not previously delivered to Collateral
Agent, shall immediately upon receipt thereof by any Pledgor be delivered to and
held by or on behalf of Collateral Agent pursuant hereto. All certificated
Pledged Securities and Intercompany Notes shall be in suitable 
<PAGE>
                                      -12-


form for transfer by delivery or shall be accompanied by duly executed
instruments of transfer or assignment in blank, all in form and substance
satisfactory to Collateral Agent. Collateral Agent shall have the right, at any
time upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default and
without notice to any Pledgor, to endorse, assign or otherwise transfer to or to
register in the name of Collateral Agent or any of its nominees any or all of
the Securities Collateral. In addition, Collateral Agent shall have the right at
any time to exchange certificates representing or evidencing Pledged Securities
for certificates of smaller or larger denominations.

            (b) Perfection of Uncertificated Securities Collateral. If any
issuer of Pledged Securities is organized in a jurisdiction which does not
permit the use of certificates to evidence equity ownership, or if any of the
Pledged Securities are at any time not evidenced by certificates of ownership,
then each applicable Pledgor shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law,
record such pledge on the equityholder register or the books of the issuer,
cause the issuer to execute and deliver to Collateral Agent an acknowledgment of
the pledge of such Pledged Securities substantially in the form of Exhibit 1
hereto, execute any customary pledge forms or other documents necessary or
appropriate to complete the pledge and give Collateral Agent the right to
transfer such Pledged Securities under the terms hereof and, if requested
subsequent to the date hereof, provide to Collateral Agent an opinion of
counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to Collateral Agent, confirming such
pledge.

            (c) Financing Statements and Other Filings. Each Pledgor agrees that
at any time and from time to time, it will execute and, at the sole cost and
expense of the Pledgors file and refile, or permit Collateral Agent to file and
refile, such financing statements, continuation statements and other documents
(including, without limitation, this Agreement), in form acceptable to
Collateral Agent, in such offices (including, without limitation, the United
States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office) as
Collateral Agent may deem reasonably necessary or appropriate, wherever required
or permitted by law in order to perfect, continue and maintain a valid,
enforceable, first priority (except with respect to Prior Liens) security
interest in the Pledged Collateral as provided herein and to preserve the other
rights and interests granted to Collateral Agent hereunder, as against third
parties, with respect to any Pledged Collateral. Each Pledgor authorizes
Collateral Agent to file any such financing or continuation statement or other
document without the signa-
<PAGE>
                                      -13-


ture of such Pledgor where permitted by law except upon the occurrence and
during the continuance of any Event of Default. Nothing in this paragraph or
Agreement shall require the assignment of any Trademarks themselves to
Collateral Agent as distinguished from the assignment of a security interest
therein.

            (d) Supplements; Further Assurances. Each Pledgor agrees to do such
further acts and things, and to execute and deliver to Collateral Agent such
additional assignments, agreements, supplements, powers and instruments, as
Collateral Agent may deem reasonably necessary or appropriate, wherever required
or permitted by law, in order to perfect, preserve and protect the security
interest in the Pledged Collateral as provided herein and the rights and
interests granted to Collateral Agent hereunder, to carry into effect the
purposes of this Agreement or better to assure and confirm unto Collateral Agent
or permit Collateral Agent to exercise and enforce its respective rights, powers
and remedies hereunder with respect to any Pledged Collateral. Without limiting
the foregoing, each Pledgor shall make, execute, endorse, acknowledge, file or
refile and/or deliver to Collateral Agent from time to time such reasonable
lists, descriptions and designations of the Pledged Collateral, copies of
warehouse receipts, receipts in the nature of warehouse receipts, bills of
lading, documents of title, vouchers, invoices, schedules, confirmatory
assignments, supplements, additional security agreements, conveyances, financing
statements, transfer endorsements, powers of attorney, certificates, reports and
other assurances or instruments. All of the foregoing shall be at the sole cost
and expense of Pledgors.

            (e) Use and Pledge of Pledged Collateral. Unless an Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing, (i) each Pledgor can except in the
ordinary and prudent course of business with due regard for the security
afforded Collateral Agent hereby and (ii) Collateral Agent shall from time to
time execute and deliver, upon written request of any Pledgor and at the sole
cost and expense of the Pledgors, any and all instruments, certificates or other
documents, in a form reasonably requested by such Pledgor, necessary or
appropriate in the reasonable judgment of such Pledgor to enable such Pledgor to
continue to exploit, license, use, enjoy and protect the Pledged Collateral in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Pledgors and Collateral Agent
acknowledge that this Agreement is intended to grant to Collateral Agent for the
benefit of the Secured Parties a security interest in and Lien upon the Pledged
Collateral and shall not constitute or create a present assignment of the
Pledged Collateral.
<PAGE>
                                      -14-


            Section 5. Representations, Warranties and Covenants. Each Pledgor
represents, warrants and covenants as follows:

            (a) Perfection Actions; Prior Liens. Upon the completion of the
      deliveries, filings and other actions contemplated in Sections 4(a)
      through 4(d) hereof, the security interest granted to Collateral Agent for
      the benefit of the Secured Parties pursuant to this Agreement in and to
      the Pledged Collateral will constitute a perfected security interest
      therein, superior and prior to the rights of all other Persons therein
      other than with respect to (i) the Liens identified on Annex A relating to
      the items of Pledged Collateral identified on such annex and (ii) Liens
      otherwise permitted hereunder which are created or authorized under any
      law or regulation of any applicable Governmental Authority and which are
      required under such law or regulation to be superior to the Lien and
      security interest created and evidenced hereby (the Liens described in
      this clause (ii), collectively, "the "Governmental Prior Liens"; together
      with the Liens described in clause (i) above, "Prior Liens").

            (b) No Liens. Such Pledgor is as of the date hereof, and, as to
      Pledged Collateral acquired by it from time to time after the date hereof,
      such Pledgor will be, the sole direct and beneficial owner of all Pledged
      Collateral pledged by it hereunder free from any Lien or other right,
      title or interest of any Person other than (i) Prior Liens, (ii) the Lien
      and security interest created by this Agreement and the other Security
      Documents and (iii) Permitted Liens (as hereinafter defined), and such
      Pledgor shall defend the Pledged Collateral pledged by it hereunder
      against all claims and demands of all Persons at any time claiming any
      interest therein adverse to Collateral Agent or any Secured Party. No
      Pledgor shall enter into any agreement or take any other action that would
      result in the imposition of any other Lien or impair or conflict with such
      Pledgors' obligations or the rights of Collateral Agent hereunder.

            "Permitted Liens" shall mean (A) with respect to the General
      Collateral, Liens of the type described in clauses (a), (b), (c), (d),
      (e), (g) (h), (i), (j), (l) and (p) of the definition of Permitted
      Encumbrances and (B) with respect to all other Pledged Collateral, Liens
      of the type described in clause (a) and (p) of the definition of Permitted
      Encumbrances.
<PAGE>
                                      -15-


            (c) Other Financing Statements. There is no financing statement (or
      similar statement or instrument of registration under the law of any
      jurisdiction) covering or purporting to cover any interest of any kind in
      the Pledged Collateral other than financing statements relating to (i)
      Prior Liens that do not constitute Governmental Prior Liens, (ii) this
      Agreement and the other Security Documents (iii) Permitted Liens that do
      not constitute Governmental Prior Liens and (iv) Liens being released in
      connection with the Transaction, and so long as any of the Secured
      Obligations remain unpaid or the Commitments of the Banks to make any Loan
      or to issue any Letter of Credit shall not have expired or been sooner
      terminated, no Pledgor shall execute, authorize or permit to be filed in
      any public office any financing statement (or similar statement or
      instrument of registration under the law of any jurisdiction) or
      statements relating to any Pledged Collateral, except, in each case,
      financing statements filed or to be filed in respect of and covering the
      security interests granted by such Pledgor pursuant to this Agreement and
      financing statements relating to Prior Liens or Permitted Liens that in
      each such case do not constitute Governmental Prior Liens.

            (d) Chief Executive Office; Inventory, Equipment and Records. The
      chief executive office and all Inventory and Equipment of such Pledgor are
      located at the addresses indicated next to its name on Annex B hereto.
      Such Pledgor shall not move its chief executive office, any Inventory or
      Equipment to any location except with respect to (i) motor vehicles,
      rolling stock and other mobile goods and (ii) Pledged Collateral in
      transit between locations other than those listed on Annex B except to
      such new location as such Pledgor may establish in ac-
<PAGE>
                                      -16-


      cordance with the last sentence of this Section 5(d). All tangible
      evidence of all Receivables, Pension Plan Reversions, Contracts,
      Intangibles and Insurance Policies of such Pledgor and the only original
      books of account and records of such Pledgor relating thereto are, and
      will continue to be, kept at such chief executive office, or at such new
      location for such chief executive office as such Pledgor may establish in
      accordance with the last sentence of this Section 5(d). All Receivables,
      Pension Plan Reversions, Contracts, Intangibles and Insurance Policies of
      such Pledgor are, and will continue to be, controlled and monitored
      (including, without limitation, for general accounting purposes) from such
      chief executive office location, or such new location as such Pledgor may
      establish in accordance with the last sentence of this Section 5(d). Such
      Pledgor shall not establish a new location for its chief executive office,
      move any Inventory or Equipment except with respect to (i) motor vehicles,
      rolling stock and other mobile goods and (ii) Pledged Collateral in
      transit between locations to any location other than those listed on Annex
      B or change its name until (i) it shall have given Collateral Agent not
      less than 30 days' prior written notice of its intention so to do, clearly
      describing such new location or name and providing such other information
      in connection therewith as Collateral Agent may request, and (ii) with
      respect to such new location or name, such Pledgor shall have taken all
      reasonable action requested by Collateral Agent from time to time to
      maintain the perfection and priority of the security interest of
      Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties in the Pledged
      Collateral intended to be granted hereby, including, without limitation,
      obtaining waivers of landlord's or warehouseman's liens with respect to
      such new location, if applicable.

            (e) Due Authorization and Issuance. All of the Pledged Shares have
      been, and to the extent hereafter issued will be upon such issuance, duly
      authorized, validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable. All of the
      Initial Pledged Interests have been fully paid for, and there is no amount
      or other obligation owing by any Pledgor to any issuer of the Initial
      Pledged Interests in exchange for or in connection with the issuance of
      the Initial Pledged Interests or any Pledgor's status as a partner or a
      member of any issuer of the Initial Pledged Interests.

            (f) No Violations, etc. The pledge of the Pledged Securities
      pursuant to this Agreement does not violate Regulation G, T, U or X of the
      Federal Reserve Board.

            (g) No Options, Warrants, etc. There are no options, warrants,
      calls, rights, commitments or agreements of any character to which such
      Pledgor is a party or by which it is bound obligating such Pledgor to
      issue, deliver or sell or cause to be issued, delivered or sold,
      additional Pledged Securities or obligating such Pledgor to grant, extend
      or enter into any such option, warrant, call, right, commitment or
      agreement. There are no voting trusts or other agreements or
      understandings to which such Pledgor is a party with respect to the voting
      of the capital stock of any issuer of the Pledged Securities.
<PAGE>
                                      -17-


            (h) No Claims. Except as set forth in Section 4(l)(ii) Schedule to
      Recapitalization Agreement, such Pledgor owns or has rights to use all the
      Pledged Collateral pledged by it hereunder and all rights with respect to
      any of the foregoing used in, necessary for or material to such Pledgor's
      business as currently conducted and as contemplated to be conducted
      pursuant to the Credit Documents. The use by such Pledgor of such Pledged
      Collateral and all such rights with respect to the foregoing do not
      infringe on the rights of any Person except as would not result in a
      Material Adverse Effect or may violate the rights of any third person
      except as set forth on Schedule (4)(l)(ii) to the Recapitalization
      Agreement.

            (i) Authorization, Enforceability. Such Pledgor has the requisite
      corporate or other organizational power, authority and legal right to
      pledge and grant a security interest in all the Pledged Collateral pledged
      by it pursuant to this Agreement, and this Agreement constitutes the
      legal, valid and binding obligation of such Pledgor, enforceable against
      such Pledgor in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability
      may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance,
      reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to or limiting
      creditors' rights generally or by equitable principles relating to
      enforceability (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in
      a proceeding in equity or at law).

            (j) No Consents, etc. Other than any consents of which the failure
      to obtain would not have a Material Adverse Effect, no consent of any
      party (including, without limitation, equityholders or creditors of such
      Pledgor or any account debtor under a Receivable) and no consent,
      authorization, approval, license or other action by, and no notice to or
      filing other than filings required to perfect or maintain the perfection
      of the Liens with, any Governmental Authority or regulatory body or other
      Person is required for (x) the pledge by such Pledgor of the Pledged
      Collateral pledged by it pursuant to this Agreement or for the execution,
      delivery or performance of this Agreement by such Pledgor, (y) the
      exercise by Collateral Agent of the rights provided for in this Agreement
      or (z) the exercise by Collateral Agent of the remedies in respect of the
      Pledged Collateral pursuant to this Agreement, except filings under
      applicable securities and antitrust laws and any filings required in
      foreign countries.
<PAGE>
                                      -18-


            (k) Pledged Collateral. All information set forth herein, including
      the schedules and annexes attached hereto, and all information contained
      in any documents, schedules and lists heretofore delivered to any Secured
      Party in connection with this Agreement, in each case, relating to the
      Pledged Collateral, is accurate and complete in all material respects.

            (l) Insurance. Other than Liens allowed by Section 5(b) hereof, no
      Pledgor shall take any action that impairs the rights of Collateral Agent
      or any Secured Party in the Pledged Collateral. Each Pledgor shall at all
      times keep the Inventory and Equipment insured, at such Pledgor's own
      expense, to Collateral Agent's satisfaction against fire, theft and all
      other risks to which the Pledged Collateral may be subject, in such
      amounts and with such deductibles as would be maintained by operators of
      businesses similar to the business of such Pledgor or as Collateral Agent
      may otherwise require. Each policy or certificate with respect to such
      insurance shall be endorsed to Collateral Agent's satisfaction for the
      benefit of Collateral Agent (including, without limitation, by naming
      Collateral Agent as an additional named insured and loss payee as
      Collateral Agent may request) and such policy or certificate shall be
      delivered to Collateral Agent. Each such policy shall state that it cannot
      be cancelled without 30 days' prior written notice to Collateral Agent. At
      least 30 days prior to the expiration of any such policy of insurance,
      each Pledgor shall deliver to Collateral Agent an extension or renewal
      policy or an insurance certificate evidencing renewal or extension of such
      policy. If any Pledgor shall fail to insure such Pledged Collateral to
      Collateral Agent's satisfaction, Collateral Agent shall have the right
      (but shall be under no obligation) to advance funds to procure or renew or
      extend such insurance, and such Pledgor agrees to reimburse Collateral
      Agent for all costs and expenses thereof, with interest on all such funds
      from the date advanced until paid in full at the highest rate then in
      effect under the Credit Agreement.

            (m) Insurance Proceeds. Any proceeds of insurance received by any
      Pledgor shall be applied by it as provided in Section 3.02(A)(i) of the
      Credit Agreement. In the event that any Pledgor is permitted to and elects
      to apply such proceeds to the repair or replacement of any item of Pledged
      Collateral, such Pledgor shall upon its receipt of such proceeds from
      Collateral Agent promptly commence and diligently continue to perform such
      repair or promptly ef-
<PAGE>
                                      -19-


      fect such replacement. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of
      any Event of Default, Collateral Agent shall have the option to apply any
      proceeds of insurance received by any Pledgor in respect of the Pledged
      Collateral toward the payment of the Secured Obligations in accordance
      with Section 13 hereof or to continue to hold such proceeds as additional
      collateral to secure the performance by the Pledgors of the Secured
      Obligations.

            (n) Payment of Taxes; Compliance with Laws; Claims. Each Pledgor
      shall pay prior to the date on which material penalties would attach
      thereto all property and other taxes, assessments and governmental charges
      or levies imposed upon, and all claims (including claims for labor,
      materials and supplies) against, the Pledged Collateral. Each Pledgor
      shall comply with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to the
      Pledged Collateral the failure to comply with which would have an adverse
      effect on the value or use of such Pledged Collateral or the Lien on such
      Pledged Collateral granted to Collateral Agent hereunder. Notwithstanding
      the foregoing, each Pledgor may at its own expense contest the amount or
      applicability of any of the obligations described in the preceding
      sentences by appropriate legal or administrative proceedings, prosecution
      of which operates to prevent the collection thereof and the sale or
      forfeiture of the Pledged Collateral or any part thereof to satisfy the
      same; provided, however, that in connection with such contest, such
      Pledgor shall (a) have made provision for the payment of such contested
      amount on such Pledgor's books if and to the extent required by generally
      accepted accounting principles or (b) bonded such obligation in form and
      amount reasonably satisfactory to Collateral Agent.

            (o) Consents. To the extent that any property of any Pledgor would
      constitute Collateral hereunder but for the exclusions contained in the
      applicable clauses of Section 1 hereunder, such Pledgor shall use its best
      efforts to obtain the consent necessary to make such exclusion
      inapplicable.

            Section 6. Special Provisions Concerning General Collateral.

            (a) Special Representations and Warranties. As of the time when each
of its Receivables arises, each Pledgor shall be deemed to have represented and
warranted that such Receivable and all records, papers and documents relating
thereto 
<PAGE>
                                      -20-


(i) are genuine and correct and in all material respects what they
purport to be, (ii) represent the legal, valid and binding obligation of the
account debtor, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, fraudulent conveyance reorganization, moratorium or similar laws
relating to or limiting creditors' rights generally or by equitable principles
relating to enforceability, evidencing indebtedness unpaid and owed by such
account debtor, arising out of the performance of labor or services or the sale
or lease and delivery of the merchandise listed therein or out of an advance or
a loan, not subject to the fulfillment of any contract or condition whatsoever
or to any defenses, set-offs or counterclaims except with respect to refunds,
returns, warranty claims and allowances in the ordinary course of business, or
stamp or other taxes, (iii) will, in the case of chattel paper on negotiable
instruments, be the only original writings evidencing and embodying such
obligation of the account debtor named therein, and (iv) are in compliance and
conform in all material respects with all applicable federal, state and local
laws and applicable laws of any relevant foreign jurisdiction.

            (b) Maintenance of Records. Each Pledgor shall keep and maintain at
its own cost and expense complete records of each Receivable, in a manner
consistent with prudent business practice, including, without limitation,
records of all payments received, all credits granted thereon, all merchandise
returned and all other documentation relating thereto, and each Pledgor shall
make the same available to Collateral Agent or any Secured Party for inspection
upon reasonable prior notice to such Pledgor, at such times as Collateral Agent
may request. Each Pledgor shall, at such Pledgor's sole cost and expense, upon
Collateral Agent's demand made at any time after the occurrence and during the
continuance of any Event of Default, deliver all tangible evidence of
Receivables, including, without limitation, all documents evidencing Receivables
and any books and records relating thereto to Collateral Agent or to its
representatives (copies of which evidence and books and records may be retained
by such Pledgor). Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of
Default, Collateral Agent may transfer a full and complete copy of any Pledgor's
books, records, credit information, reports, memoranda and all other writings
relating to the Receivables to and for the use by any Person that has acquired
or is contemplating acquisition of an interest in the Receivables or Collateral
Agent's security interest therein without the consent of any Pledgor.

            (c) Legend. Each Pledgor shall legend, at the request of Collateral
Agent made at any time after the occurrence 
<PAGE>
                                      -21-


and during the continuance of any Event of Default and in form and manner
satisfactory to Collateral Agent, the Receivables and the other books, records
and documents of such Pledgor evidencing or pertaining to the Receivables with
an appropriate reference to the fact that Collateral Agent has a security
interest therein.

            (d) Modification of Terms, etc. No Pledgor shall rescind or cancel
any indebtedness evidenced by any Receivable or modify any term thereof or make
any adjustment with respect thereto except in the ordinary course of business
consistent with prudent business practice, or extend or renew any such
indebtedness except in the ordinary and prudent course of business with due
regard for the security afforded Collateral Agent hereby or compromise or settle
any dispute, claim, suit or legal proceeding relating thereto or sell any
Receivable or interest therein without the prior written consent of Collateral
Agent. Each Pledgor shall use best efforts to timely fulfill all obligations on
its part to be fulfilled under or in connection with the Receivables.

            (e) Collection. Each Pledgor shall cause to be collected from the
account debtor of each of the Receivables, as and when due (including, without
limitation, Receivables that are delinquent, such Receivables to be collected in
accordance with generally accepted commercial collection procedures), any and
all amounts owing under or on account of such Receivable, and apply forthwith
upon receipt thereof all such amounts as are so collected to the outstanding
balance of such Receivable, except that any Pledgor may, with respect to a
Receivable, allow in the ordinary course of business (i) a refund or credit due
as a result of returned or damaged or defective merchandise and (ii) such
extensions of time to pay amounts due in respect of Receivables and such other
modifications of payment terms or settlements in respect of Receivables as shall
be commercially reasonable in the circumstances, all in accordance with such
Pledgor's ordinary course of business consistent with its collection practices
as in effect from time to time or as otherwise consented by Collateral Agent.
The costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys'
fees) of collection, in any case, whether incurred by any Pledgor, Collateral
Agent or any Secured Party, shall be paid by the Pledgors.

            (f) Instruments. Each Pledgor shall deliver to Collateral Agent,
within five days after receipt thereof by such Pledgor, any Instrument
evidencing Receivables which is in the principal amount of [$100,000] or more.
Any Instrument deliv-
<PAGE>
                                      -22-


ered to Collateral Agent pursuant to this Section 6(f) shall be appropriately
endorsed (if applicable) to the order of Collateral Agent, as agent for the
Secured Parties, and shall be held by Collateral Agent as further security
hereunder, provided, however, so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing, each Pledgor may request Collateral Agent to redeliver the
Instrument if necessary to collect on it.

            (g) Cash Collateral. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance
of any Event of Default, if Collateral Agent so directs, each Pledgor shall
cause all payments on account of the Receivables to be held by Collateral Agent
as cash collateral, upon acceleration or otherwise. Without notice to or assent
by any Pledgor, Collateral Agent may apply any or all amounts then or thereafter
held as cash collateral in the manner provided in Section 11. The costs and
expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees) of
collection, whether incurred by Collateral Agent or any Secured Party, shall be
paid by the Pledgors.

            (h) Maintenance of Equipment. Each Pledgor shall cause the Equipment
to be maintained and preserved in good repair and working order as when new,
ordinary wear and tear excepted, and to the extent consistent with current
business practice in accordance with any manufacturer's manual, and shall
forthwith, or in the case of any loss or damage which (individually or in the
aggregate) exceeds $100,000 to any of the Equipment (other than worn out,
obsolete or otherwise unsuitable Equipment) (of which prompt notice shall be
given to Collateral Agent) as quickly as commercially practicable after the
occurrence thereof, make or cause to be made all repairs, replacements and other
improvements in connection therewith which are necessary or desirable in the
conduct of such Pledgor's business.

            (i) Warehouse Receipts Non-Negotiable. If any warehouse receipt or
receipt in the nature of a warehouse receipt is issued with respect to any of
the Inventory, the applicable Pledgor shall not permit such warehouse receipt or
receipt in the nature thereof to be "negotiable" (as such term is used in
Section 7-104 of the UCC or under other relevant law) other than Inventory which
is in transit from the supplier to Pledgor between locations specified on
Exhibit B or covered by the last sentence of Section 5(d) hereof, or to
customers of Pledgor.
<PAGE>
                                      -23-


            Section 7. Special Provisions Concerning Securities Collateral.

            (a) Pledge of Additional Securities. Each Pledgor shall, upon
obtaining any Pledged Securities or Intercompany Notes of any Person, promptly
(and in any event within ten (10) Business Days) deliver to Collateral Agent a
pledge amendment, duly executed by such Pledgor, in substantially the form of
Exhibit 2 hereto (each, a "Pledge Amendment"), in respect of the additional
Pledged Securities or Intercompany Notes which are to be pledged pursuant to
this Agreement, and confirming the attachment of the Lien hereby created on and
in respect of such additional property. Each Pledgor hereby authorizes
Collateral Agent to attach each Pledge Amendment to this Agreement and agrees
that all Pledged Securities or Intercompany Notes listed on any Pledge Amendment
delivered to Collateral Agent shall for all purposes hereunder be considered
Pledged Collateral.

            (b) Voting Rights; Distributions; etc.

            (i) So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be
      continuing:

            (A) Each Pledgor shall be entitled to exercise any and all voting
      and other consensual rights pertaining to the Pledged Securities or any
      part thereof for any purpose not inconsistent with the terms or purposes
      of this Agreement or any other Credit Document; provided, however, that no
      Pledgor shall in any event exercise such rights in any manner which could
      reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the value of the
      Pledged Collateral or an adverse effect on the security intended to be
      provided by this Agreement.

            (B) Subject to the terms of the Credit Agreement, each Pledgor shall
      be entitled to receive and retain, and to utilize free and clear of the
      Lien of this Agreement, any and all Distributions, but only if and to the
      extent made in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement;
      provided, however, that any and all such Distributions consisting of
      rights or interests in the form of securities shall be forthwith delivered
      to Collateral Agent to hold as Pledged Collateral and shall, if received
      by any Pledgor, be received in trust for the benefit of Collateral Agent,
      be segregated from the other property or funds of such Pledgor and be
      forthwith delivered to Collateral Agent as Pledged Collateral in the same
      form as so received (with any necessary endorsement).
<PAGE>
                                      -24-


            (C) Collateral Agent shall be deemed without further action or
      formality to have granted to each Pledgor all necessary consents relating
      to voting rights and shall, if necessary, upon written request of any
      Pledgor and at the sole cost and expense of the Pledgors, from time to
      time execute and deliver (or cause to be executed and delivered) to such
      Pledgor all such instruments as such Pledgor may reasonably request in
      order to permit such Pledgor to exercise the voting and other rights which
      it is entitled to exercise pursuant to Section 7(b)(i)(A) hereof and to
      receive the Distributions which it is authorized to receive and retain
      pursuant to Section 7(b)(i)(B) hereof.

            (ii) Upon the occurrence of and during the continuance of any Event
      of Default:

            (A) All rights of each Pledgor to exercise the voting and other
      consensual rights it would otherwise be entitled to exercise pursuant to
      Section 7(b)(i)(A) hereof without any action or the giving of any notice
      shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in
      Collateral Agent, which shall thereupon have the sole right to exercise
      such voting and other consensual rights.

            (B) All rights of each Pledgor to receive Distributions which it
      would otherwise be authorized to receive and retain pursuant to Section
      7(b)(i)(B) hereof shall cease and all such rights shall thereupon become
      vested in Collateral Agent, which shall thereupon have the sole right to
      receive and hold as Pledged Collateral such Distributions; provided that
      if the Loans have not been accelerated as provided in the Credit
      Agreement, such Pledgor may receive such Distributions for application
      solely to the payment of taxes in accordance with Section 5(n) hereof or
      to payment of the Secured Obligations.

           (iii) Each Pledgor shall, at its sole cost and expense, from time to
      time execute and deliver to Collateral Agent appropriate instruments as
      Collateral Agent may reasonably request in order to permit Collateral
      Agent to exercise the voting and other rights which it may be entitled to
      exercise pursuant to Section 7(b)(ii)(A) hereof and to receive all
      Distributions which it may be entitled to receive under Section
      7(b)(ii)(B) hereof.

            (iv) All Distributions which are received by any Pledgor contrary to
      the provisions of Section 7(b)(ii)(B) 
<PAGE>
                                      -25-


      hereof shall be received in trust for the benefit of Collateral Agent,
      shall be segregated from other funds of such Pledgor and shall immediately
      be paid over to Collateral Agent as Pledged Collateral in the same form as
      so received (with any necessary endorsement).

            (c) No New Securities. Each Pledgor shall cause each issuer of the
Pledged Securities not to issue any stock or other securities or equity
interests in addition to or in substitution for the Pledged Securities issued by
such issuer, except to Pledgor, or except as otherwise not prohibited by the
Credit Agreement.

            (d) Operative Agreements. Each Pledgor has delivered to Collateral
Agent true, correct and complete copies of the Operative Agreements. The
Operative Agreements are in full force and effect, have not as of the date
hereof been amended or modified, and there is no existing default by any party
thereunder or any event which, with the giving of notice of passage of time or
both, would constitute a default by any party thereunder. Each Pledgor shall
deliver to Collateral Agent a copy of any notice of default given or received by
it under any Operative Agreement within ten (10) days after such Pledgor gives
or receives such notice. No Pledgor will terminate or agree to terminate any
Operative Agreement or make any amendment or modification to any Operative
Agreement which may have an adverse effect on the value of the Pledged Interests
or could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the value of the
Pledged Collateral or an adverse effect on the security intended to be provided
by this Agreement.

            Section 8.  Special Provisions Concerning Intellectual
Property Collateral.

            (a) Protection of Collateral Agent's Security. On a continuing
basis, each Pledgor shall, at its sole cost and expense, (i) promptly following
its becoming aware thereof, notify Collateral Agent of (A) any adverse
determination in any proceeding in the United States Patent and Trademark Office
or the United States Copyright Office with respect to any Patent, Trademark or
Copyright or (B) the institution of any proceeding or any adverse determination
in any federal, state or local court or administrative body regarding such
Pledgor's claim of ownership in or right to use any of the Intellectual Property
Collateral, its right to register the Intellectual Property Collateral or its
right to keep and maintain such registration in full force and effect, (ii)
maintain and protect the Intellectual Property Collateral necessary for the
operation of such 
<PAGE>
                                      -26-


Pledgor's business, (iii) not permit to lapse or become abandoned any
Intellectual Property Collateral necessary for the operation of such Pledgor's
business, and not settle or compromise any pending or future litigation or
administrative proceeding with respect to the Intellectual Property Collateral
necessary for the operation of such Pledgor's business, in each case, without
the consent of Collateral Agent, (iv) upon such Pledgor obtaining knowledge
thereof, promptly notify Collateral Agent in writing of any event which may
reasonably be expected to adversely affect the value or utility of the
Intellectual Property Collateral or any portion thereof necessary for the
operation of such Pledgor's business, the ability of such Pledgor or Collateral
Agent to dispose of the Intellectual Property Collateral or any portion thereof
or the rights and remedies of Collateral Agent in relation thereto, including,
without limitation, a levy or threat of levy or any legal process against the
Intellectual Property Collateral or any portion thereof, (v) not license the
Intellectual Property Collateral other than licenses entered into by such
Pledgor in, or incidental to, the ordinary course of business or any
transactions permitted by Section 7.17 of the Credit Agreement, or amend or
permit the amendment of any of the licenses in a manner that adversely affects
the right to receive payments thereunder, or in any manner that would impair the
value of the Intellectual Property Collateral or the Lien on the Intellectual
Property Collateral intended to be granted to Collateral Agent for the benefit
of the Secured Parties, without the consent of Collateral Agent, (vi) until
Collateral Agent exercises its rights to make collection, diligently keep
adequate records respecting the Intellectual Property Collateral and (vii)
furnish to Collateral Agent from time to time statements and amended schedules
further identifying and describing the Intellectual Property Collateral and such
other materials evidencing or reports pertaining to the Intellectual Property
Collateral as Collateral Agent may from time to time reasonably request, all in
reasonable detail. Provided Collateral Agent is advised in writing, nothing
herein shall require Pledgor to renew the registration of any Trademark which is
not intended to be continued or used or is not used by Pledgor in its business
or to pay any maintenance fee with respect to any Patent which Pledgor
reasonably deems to be of little or no value.

            (b) After-Acquired Property. If any Pledgor shall, at any time
before the Secured Obligations have been paid or the Commitments of the Banks to
make any Loan or to issue any Letter of Credit have expired or been sooner
terminated (i) obtain any rights to any additional Intellectual Property
Collateral or (ii) become entitled to the benefit of any additional 
<PAGE>
                                      -27-


Intellectual Property Collateral or any renewal or extension thereof, including
any reissue, division, continuation, or continuation-in-part of any Patent, or
any improvement on any Patent, the provisions of this Agreement shall
automatically apply thereto and any such item enumerated in clause (i) or (ii)
with respect to such Pledgor shall automatically constitute Intellectual
Property Collateral if such would have constituted Intellectual Property
Collateral at the time of execution of this Agreement and be subject to the Lien
created by this Agreement without further action by any party other than actions
required to perfect such Lien. Each Pledgor shall promptly provide to Collateral
Agent written notice of any of the foregoing. Each Pledgor agrees, promptly
following a request by Collateral Agent, to confirm the attachment of the Lien
created by this Agreement to any rights described in clauses (i) and (ii) above
if such would have constituted Intellectual Property Collateral at the time of
execution of this Agreement by execution of an instrument in form reasonably
acceptable to Collateral Agent.

            (c) Modifications. Each Pledgor authorizes Collateral Agent to
modify this Agreement by amending Schedules III, IV, V and VI hereto to include
any future Intellectual Property Collateral of such Pledgor, including, without
limitation, any of the items listed in Section 8(b).

            (d) Applications. Each Pledgor shall file and prosecute diligently
all applications for the Patents, the Trademarks or the Copyrights now or
hereafter pending that would be necessary to the business of such Pledgor to
which any such applications pertain, and shall do all acts necessary to preserve
and maintain all rights in the Intellectual Property Collateral necessary for
the operation of such Pledgor's business. Any and all costs and expenses
incurred in connection with any such actions shall be borne by the Pledgors. No
Pledgor shall abandon any right to file a Patent, Trademark or Copyright
application, or any pending Patent, Trademark or Copyright application or any
Patent, Trademark or Copyright necessary for the operation of such Pledgor's
business without the consent of Collateral Agent.

            (e)   Litigation.

            (i) Unless there shall occur and be continuing any Event of Default,
      each Pledgor shall have the right to commence and prosecute in its own
      name, as the party in interest, for its own benefit and at the sole cost
      and expense of the Pledgors, such applications for protection of the
      Intellectual Property Collateral and suits, proceed-
<PAGE>
                                      -28-


      ings or other actions for infringement, counterfeiting, unfair
      competition, dilution or other damage as are in its reasonable business
      judgment necessary to protect the Intellectual Property Collateral
      necessary for the operations of such Pledgor's business. Each Pledgor
      shall promptly notify Collateral Agent in writing as to the commencement
      and prosecution of any such actions, or threat thereof relating to such
      Intellectual Property Collateral, and shall provide to Collateral Agent
      such information with respect thereto as may be reasonably requested by
      Collateral Agent. Each Pledgor shall indemnify and hold harmless each
      Secured Party for any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages,
      penalties, actions, judgments, suits, expenses or disbursements (including
      attorneys' fees and expenses) of any kind whatsoever which may be imposed
      on, incurred by or asserted against such Secured Party in connection with
      or in any way arising out of such suits, proceedings or other actions.

            (ii) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of
      Default, Collateral Agent shall have the right but shall in no way be
      obligated to file applications for protection of the Intellectual Property
      Collateral and/or bring suit in the name of any Pledgor, Collateral Agent
      or the Secured Parties to enforce the Intellectual Property Collateral and
      any license thereunder. In the event of such suit, each Pledgor shall, at
      the request of Collateral Agent, do any and all lawful acts and execute
      any and all documents requested by Collateral Agent in aid of such
      enforcement and the Pledgors shall promptly, upon demand, reimburse and
      indemnify Collateral Agent, as the case may be, for all costs and expenses
      (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) incurred by Collateral
      Agent in the exercise of its rights under this Section 8(e). In the event
      that Collateral Agent shall elect not to bring suit to enforce the
      Intellectual Property Collateral, each Pledgor agrees, at the request of
      Collateral Agent, to use all reasonable measures, whether by action, suit,
      proceeding or otherwise, to prevent the infringement, counterfeiting or
      other diminution in value of any of the Intellectual Property Collateral
      by others and for that purpose agrees to diligently maintain any action,
      suit or proceeding against any person so infringing necessary to prevent
      such infringement unless such Pledgor has determined that such
      Intellectual Property Collateral that is the subject of any pending or
      contemplated infringement or enforcement action or proceeding does not
      contain or represent any value or utility 
<PAGE>
                                      -29-

      (other than of an immaterial nature), consistent with prudent business
      practice.

            Section 9. [RESERVED]

            Section 10. Transfers and Other Liens. Except as otherwise permitted
by the Credit Agreement, no Pledgor shall (a) sell, convey, assign or otherwise
dispose of, or grant any option with respect to, any of the Pledged Collateral
pledged by it hereunder except as permitted by the Credit Agreement, (b) create
or permit to exist any Lien upon or with respect to any of the Pledged
Collateral pledged by it hereunder other than (i) Prior Liens, (ii) the Lien and
security interest granted to Collateral Agent under this Agreement and the other
Security Documents and (iii) Permitted Liens or (c) permit any issuer of the
Pledged Securities to merge, consolidate or change its legal form, unless all of
the outstanding equity interests of the surviving or resulting entity are, upon
such merger or consolidation, pledged hereunder and no cash, securities or other
property is distributed in respect of the outstanding equity interests of any
other constituent entity except as permitted by the Credit Agreement.

            Section 11. Reasonable Care. Collateral Agent shall be deemed to
have exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of the Pledged
Collateral in its possession if such Pledged Collateral is accorded treatment
substantially equivalent to that which Collateral Agent, in its individual
capacity, accords its own property consisting of similar instruments or
interests, it being understood that neither Collateral Agent nor any of the
Secured Parties shall have responsibility for (i) ascertaining or taking action
with respect to calls, conversions, exchanges, maturities, tenders or other
matters relating to any Securities Collateral, whether or not Collateral Agent
or any other Secured Party has or is deemed to have knowledge of such matters,
or (ii) taking any necessary steps to preserve rights against any Person with
respect to any Pledged Collateral.

            Section 12. Remedies upon Default; Obtaining the Pledged Collateral
upon Event of Default. (a) If any Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, then and in every such case, Collateral Agent may:

             (i) Personally, or by agents or attorneys, immediately take
      possession of the Pledged Collateral or any part thereof, from any Pledgor
      or any other Person who then has possession of any part thereof with or
      without 
<PAGE>
                                      -30-

      notice or process of law, and for that purpose may enter upon any
      Pledgor's premises where any of the Pledged Collateral is located and
      remove such Pledged Collateral and use in connection with such removal any
      and all services, supplies, aids and other facilities of any Pledgor;

            (ii) Instruct the obligor or obligors on any agreement, instrument
      or other obligation (including, without limitation, the Receivables and
      Contracts) constituting part of the Pledged Collateral to make any payment
      required by the terms of such instrument or agreement directly to
      Collateral Agent; provided, however, that in the event that any such
      payments are made directly to any Pledgor, prior to receipt by any such
      obligor of such instruction, such Pledgor shall segregate all amounts
      received pursuant thereto in a separate account and pay the same promptly
      to Collateral Agent;

           (iii) Sell, assign or otherwise liquidate, or direct any Pledgor to
      sell, assign or otherwise liquidate, any or all investments made in whole
      or in part with the Pledged Collateral or any part thereof, and take
      possession of the proceeds of any such sale, assignment or liquidation;

            (iv) Take possession of the Pledged Collateral or any part thereof,
      by directing any Pledgor in writing to deliver the same to Collateral
      Agent at any place or places so designated by Collateral Agent, in which
      event such Pledgor shall at its own expense: (A) forthwith cause the same
      to be moved to the place or places designated by Collateral Agent and
      there delivered to Collateral Agent, (B) store and keep any Pledged
      Collateral so delivered to Collateral Agent at such place or places
      pending further action by Collateral Agent; and (C) while the Pledged
      Collateral shall be so stored and kept, provide such security and
      maintenance services as shall be necessary to protect the same and to
      preserve and maintain them in good condition. Each Pledgor's obligation to
      deliver the Pledged Collateral is of the essence of this Agreement;

             (v) Retain and apply the Distributions to the Secured Obligations
      as provided in Section 13 hereof; and

            (vi) Exercise any and all rights as beneficial and legal owner of
      the Pledged Collateral, including, without limitation, perfecting
      assignment of any and all consensual rights and powers with respect to any
      Pledged Collateral.
<PAGE>
                                      -31-

            Upon application to a court of equity having jurisdiction,
Collateral Agent shall be entitled to a decree requiring specific performance by
any Pledgor of such obligation.

            (b) Remedies; Disposition of the Pledged Collateral.

            (i) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of
Default, Collateral Agent may from time to time exercise in respect of the
Pledged Collateral, in addition to the other rights and remedies provided for
herein or otherwise available to it, all the rights and remedies of a secured
party on default under the UCC, and Collateral Agent may also in its sole
discretion, without notice except as specified below, sell, assign or grant a
license to use the Pledged Collateral or any part thereof in one or more parcels
at public or private sale, at any exchange, broker's board or at any of
Collateral Agent's offices or elsewhere, for cash, on credit or for future
delivery, and at such price or prices and upon such other terms as Collateral
Agent may deem commercially reasonable. Collateral Agent or any other Secured
Party or any of their respective Affiliates may be the purchaser of any or all
of the Pledged Collateral at any such sale and shall be entitled, for the
purpose of bidding and making settlement or payment of the purchase price for
all or any portion of the Pledged Collateral sold at such sale, to use and apply
any of the Secured Obligations owed to such Person as a credit on account of the
purchase price of any Pledged Collateral payable by such Person at such sale.
Each purchaser at any such sale shall acquire the property sold absolutely free
from any claim or right on the part of any Pledgor, and each Pledgor hereby
waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all rights of redemption, stay
and/or appraisal which it now has or may at any time in the future have under
any rule of law or statute now existing or hereafter enacted. Collateral Agent
shall not be obligated to make any sale of Pledged Collateral regardless of
notice of sale having been given. Collateral Agent may adjourn any public or
private sale from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed
therefor, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and
place to which it was so adjourned. Each Pledgor hereby waives, to the fullest
extent permitted by law, any claims against Collateral Agent arising by reason
of the fact that the price at which any Pledged Collateral may have been sold at
such a private sale was less than the price which might have been obtained at a
public sale, even if Collateral Agent accepts the first offer received and does
not offer such Pledged Collateral to more than one offeree.
<PAGE>
                                      -32-


            (ii) Each Pledgor acknowledges and agrees that, to the extent notice
of sale shall be required by law, ten days' notice to such Pledgor of the time
and place of any public sale or of the time after which any private sale or
other intended disposition is to take place shall be commercially reasonable
notification of such matters. No notification need be given to any Pledgor if it
has signed, after the occurrence of an Event of Default, a statement renouncing
or modifying any right to notification of sale or other intended disposition.

            (c) Waiver of Notice and Claims. Each Pledgor hereby waives, to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law, notice or judicial hearing in
connection with Collateral Agent's taking possession or Collateral Agent's
disposition of any of the Pledged Collateral, including, without limitation, any
and all prior notice and hearing for any prejudgment remedy or remedies and any
such right which such Pledgor would otherwise have under law, and each Pledgor
hereby further waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law: (i)
all damages occasioned by such taking of possession, (ii) all other requirements
as to the time, place and terms of sale or other requirements with respect to
the enforcement of Collateral Agent's rights hereunder, and (iii) all rights of
redemption, appraisal, valuation, stay, extension or moratorium now or hereafter
in force under any applicable law. Collateral Agent shall not be liable for any
incorrect or improper payment made pursuant to this Section 12 in the absence of
gross negligence or willful misconduct. Any sale of, or the grant of options to
purchase, or any other realization upon, any Pledged Collateral shall operate to
divest all right, title, interest, claim and demand, either at law or in equity,
of the applicable Pledgor therein and thereto, and shall be a perpetual bar both
at law and in equity against such Pledgor and against any and all Persons
claiming or attempting to claim the Pledged Collateral so sold, optioned or
realized upon, or any part thereof, from, through or under such Pledgor.

            (d) Certain Sales of Pledged Collateral. Each Pledgor recognizes
that, by reason of certain prohibitions contained in law, rules, regulations or
orders of any foreign Governmental Authority, Collateral Agent may be compelled,
with respect to any sale of all or any part of the Pledged Collateral, to limit
purchasers to those who meet the requirements of such foreign Governmental
Authority. Each Pledgor acknowledges that any such sales may be at prices and on
terms less favorable to Collateral Agent than those obtainable through a public
sale without such restrictions, and, notwithstanding such circumstances, agrees
that any such restricted sale shall be 
<PAGE>
                                      -33-


deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner and that, except as
may be required by applicable law, Collateral Agent shall have no obligation to
engage in public sales.

            (e) Each Pledgor recognizes that, by reason of certain prohibitions
contained in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and
applicable state securities laws, Collateral Agent may be compelled, with
respect to any sale of all or any part of the Securities Collateral, to limit
purchasers to Persons who will agree, among other things, to acquire such
Securities Collateral for their own account, for investment and not with a view
to the distribution or resale thereof. Each Pledgor acknowledges that any such
private sales may be at prices and on terms less favorable to Collateral Agent
than those obtainable through a public sale without such restrictions
(including, without limitation, a public offering made pursuant to a
registration statement under the Securities Act), and, notwithstanding such
circumstances, agrees that any such private sale shall be deemed to have been
made in a commercially reasonable manner and that Collateral Agent shall have no
obligation to engage in public sales and no obligation to delay the sale of any
Securities Collateral for the period of time necessary to permit the issuer
thereof to register it for a form of public sale requiring registration under
the Securities Act or under applicable state securities laws, even if such
issuer would agree to do so.

            (f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Pledgor shall, upon the
occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, at the request of
Collateral Agent, for the benefit of Collateral Agent, cause any registration,
qualification under or compliance with any federal or state securities law or
laws to be effected with respect to all or any part of the Securities Collateral
as soon as practicable and at the sole cost and expense of the Pledgors. Each
Pledgor will use its best efforts to cause such registration to be effected (and
be kept effective) and will use its best efforts to cause such qualification and
compliance to be effected (and be kept effective) as may be so requested and as
would permit or facilitate the sale and distribution of such Securities
Collateral, including, without limitation, registration under the Securities Act
(or any similar statute then in effect), appropriate qualifications under
applicable blue sky or other state securities laws and appropriate compliance
with any other government requirements. Each Pledgor shall cause Collateral
Agent to be kept advised in writing as to the progress of each such
registration, qualification or compliance and as to the completion thereof,
shall furnish to Collateral Agent such number of pro-
<PAGE>
                                      -34-


spectuses, offering circulars or other documents incident thereto as Collateral
Agent from time to time may request, and shall indemnify and shall cause the
issuer of the Securities Collateral to indemnify Collateral Agent and all others
participating in the distribution of such Securities Collateral against all
claims, losses, damages and liabilities caused by any untrue statement (or
alleged untrue statement) of a material fact contained therein made or deemed
made by such issuer (or in any related registration statement, notification or
the like) or by any omission (or alleged omission) to state therein made or
deemed made by such issuer (or in any related registration statement,
notification or the like) a material fact required to be stated therein by such
issuer or necessary to make the statements therein made by or deemed made by
such issuer not misleading.

            (g) If Collateral Agent determines to exercise its right to sell any
or all of the Securities Collateral, upon written request, the applicable
Pledgor shall from time to time furnish to Collateral Agent all such information
as Collateral Agent may request in order to determine the number of securities
included in the Securities Collateral which may be sold by Collateral Agent as
exempt transactions under the Securities Act and the rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission thereunder, as the same are from time to time in effect.

            Section 13. Application of Proceeds. The proceeds received by
Collateral Agent in respect of any sale of, collection from or other realization
upon all or any part of the Pledged Collateral pursuant to the exercise by
Collateral Agent of its remedies as a secured creditor as provided in Section 12
hereof shall be applied, together with any other sums then held by Collateral
Agent pursuant to this Agreement, promptly by Collateral Agent as follows:

            First, to the payment of all costs and expenses, fees, commissions
      and taxes of such sale, collection or other realization, including,
      without limitation, reasonable compensation to Collateral Agent and its
      agents and counsel, and all expenses, liabilities and advances made or
      incurred by Collateral Agent in connection therewith, together with
      interest on each such amount at the highest rate then in effect under the
      Credit Agreement from and after the date such amount is due, owing or
      unpaid until paid in full;

            Second, to the payment of all other costs and expenses of such sale,
      collection or other realization, in-
<PAGE>
                                      -35-


      cluding, without limitation, reasonable compensation to the Banks and
      their agents and counsel and all costs, liabilities and advances made or
      incurred by the Banks in connection therewith, together with interest on
      each such amount at the highest rate then in effect under the Credit
      Agreement from and after the date such amount is due, owing or unpaid
      until paid in full;

            Third, without duplication of amounts applied pursuant to clauses
      First and Second above, to the indefeasible payment in full in cash of
      interest, principal and other amounts constituting Secured Obligations
      (other than Interest Rate Obligations) in accordance with the terms of the
      Credit Agreement;

            Fourth, to the indefeasible payment of full in cash pro rata of the
      Interest Rate Obligations in accordance with the terms of the Interest
      Rate Agreements; and

            Fifth, the balance, if any, to the Person lawfully entitled thereto
      (including the Pledgors or their respective successors or assigns).

            Section 14. Expenses. Each Pledgor will upon demand pay to
Collateral Agent the amount of any and all expenses, including the reasonable
fees and expenses of its counsel and the fees and expenses of any experts and
agents which Collateral Agent may incur in connection with (a) the collection of
the Secured Obligations, (b) the enforcement and administration of this
Agreement, (c) the custody or preservation of, or the sale of, collection from,
or other realization upon, any of the Pledged Collateral, (d) the exercise or
enforcement of any of the rights of Collateral Agent or any Secured Party
hereunder or (e) the failure by any Pledgor to perform or observe any of the
provisions hereof. All amounts payable by any Pledgor under this Section 14
shall be due upon demand and shall be part of the Secured Obligations. Each
Pledgor's obligations under this Section 14 shall survive the termination of
this Agreement and the discharge of such Pledgor's other obligations hereunder.

            Section 15. No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies. (a) No failure on the
part of Collateral Agent to exercise, no course of dealing with respect to, and
no delay on the part of Collateral Agent in exercising, any right, power or
remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or
partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy hereunder pre-
<PAGE>
                                      -36-


clude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right,
power or remedy. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and are not
exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

            (b) In the event that Collateral Agent shall have instituted any
proceeding to enforce any right, power or remedy under this Agreement by
foreclosure, sale, entry or otherwise, and such proceeding shall have been
discontinued or abandoned for any reason or shall have been determined adversely
to Collateral Agent, then and in every such case, the Pledgors, Collateral Agent
and each Secured Party shall be restored to their respective former positions
and rights hereunder with respect to the Pledged Collateral, and all rights,
remedies and powers of Collateral Agent and the Secured Parties shall continue
as if no such proceeding had been instituted.

            Section 16. Collateral Agent. Collateral Agent has been appointed as
collateral agent pursuant to the Credit Agreement. The actions of Collateral
Agent hereunder are subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement.
Collateral Agent shall have the right hereunder to make demands, to give
notices, to exercise or refrain from exercising any rights, and to take or
refrain from taking action (including, without limitation, the release or
substitution of Pledged Collateral), in accordance with this Agreement and the
Credit Agreement. Collateral Agent may resign and a successor Collateral Agent
may be appointed in the manner provided in the Credit Agreement. Upon the
acceptance of any appointment as Collateral Agent by a successor Collateral
Agent, that successor Collateral Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become
vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring
Collateral Agent under this Agreement, and the retiring Collateral Agent shall
thereupon be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement.
After any retiring Collateral Agent's resignation, the provisions of this
Agreement shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be
taken by it under this Agreement while it was Collateral Agent.

            Section 17. Collateral Agent May Perform; Collateral Agent Appointed
Attorney-in-Fact. If any Pledgor shall fail to do any act or thing that it has
covenanted to do hereunder or if any warranty on the part of any Pledgor
contained herein shall be breached, Collateral Agent may (but shall not be
obligated to) do the same or cause it to be done or remedy any such breach, and
may expend funds for such purpose. Any and all amounts so expended by Collateral
Agent shall be paid by the Pledgors promptly upon demand therefor, with interest
at the 
<PAGE>
                                      -37-


highest rate then in effect under the Credit Agreement during the period
from and including the date on which such funds were so expended to the date of
repayment. Each Pledgor's obligations under this Section 17 shall survive the
termination of this Agreement and the discharge of such Pledgor's other
obligations under this Agreement, the Credit Agreement, any Interest Rate
Agreement and the other Credit Documents. Each Pledgor hereby appoints
Collateral Agent its attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and
stead of such Pledgor and in the name of such Pledgor, or otherwise, from time
to time in Collateral Agent's discretion to take any action and to execute any
instrument consistent with the terms of this Agreement and the other Credit
Documents which Collateral Agent may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish
the purposes of this Agreement. The foregoing grant of authority is a power of
attorney coupled with an interest and such appointment shall be irrevocable for
the term of this Agreement. Each Pledgor hereby ratifies all that such attorney
shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

            Section 18. Indemnity.

            (a) Indemnity. Each Pledgor agrees to indemnify, pay and hold
harmless Collateral Agent and each of the other Secured Parties and the
officers, directors, employees, agents and Affiliates of Collateral Agent and
each of the other Secured Parties (collectively, the "Indemnitees") from and
against any and all other liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties,
actions, judgments, suits, claims, costs (including, without limitation,
settlement costs), expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever
(including, without limitation, the fees and disbursements of counsel for such
Indemnitees in connection with any investigative, administrative or judicial
proceeding commenced or threatened, whether or not such Indemnitee shall be
designated a party thereto) which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted
against that Indemnitee, in any manner relating to or arising out of this
Agreement, any Interest Rate Agreement or any other Credit Document (including,
without limitation, any misrepresentation by any Pledgor in this Agreement, any
Interest Rate Agreement or any other Credit Document) (the "indemnified
liabilities"); provided that no Pledgor shall have any obligation to an
Indemnitee hereunder with respect to indemnified liabilities if it has been
determined by a final decision (after all appeals and the expiration of time to
appeal) of a court of competent jurisdiction that such indemnified liability
arose from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of that Indemnitee. To the
extent that the undertaking to indemnify, pay and hold harmless 
<PAGE>
                                      -38-


set forth in the preceding sentence may be unenforceable because it is violative
of any law or public policy, each Pledgor shall contribute the maximum portion
which it is permitted to pay and satisfy under applicable law to the payment and
satisfaction of all indemnified liabilities incurred by the Indemnitees or any
of them.

            (b) Survival. The obligations of the Pledgors contained in this
Section 18 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the discharge of
the Pledgors' other obligations under this Agreement, any Interest Rate
Agreement and under the other Credit Documents.

            (c) Reimbursement. Any amounts paid by any Indemnitee as to which
such Indemnitee has the right to reimbursement shall constitute Secured
Obligations secured by the Pledged Collateral.

            Section 19. Modification in Writing. No amendment, modification,
supplement, termination or waiver of or to any provision of this Agreement, nor
consent to any departure by any Pledgor therefrom, shall be effective unless the
same shall be made in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement and
unless in writing and signed by Collateral Agent. Any amendment, modification or
supplement of or to any provision of this Agreement, any waiver of any provision
of this Agreement and any consent to any departure by any Pledgor from the terms
of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective only in the specific
instance and for the specific purpose for which made or given. Except where
notice is specifically required by this Agreement or any other Credit Document,
no notice to or demand on any Pledgor in any case shall entitle any Pledgor to
any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

            Section 20. Termination; Release. When all the Secured Obligations
have been paid in full and the Commitments of the Banks to make any Loan or to
issue any Letter of Credit under the Credit Agreement shall have expired or been
sooner terminated, this Agreement shall terminate. Upon termination of this
Agreement or any release of Pledged Collateral in accordance with the provisions
of the Credit Agreement, Collateral Agent shall, upon the request and at the
sole cost and expense of the Pledgors, forthwith assign, transfer and deliver to
Pledgor, against receipt and without recourse to or warranty by Collateral
Agent, such of the Pledged Collateral to be released (in the case of a release)
as may be in possession of Collateral Agent and as shall not have been sold or
otherwise applied 
<PAGE>
                                      -39-


pursuant to the terms hereof, and, with respect to any other Pledged Collateral,
proper instruments (including UCC termination statements on Form UCC-3)
acknowledging the termination of this Agreement or the release of such Pledged
Collateral, as the case may be.

            Section 21. Notices. Unless otherwise provided herein or in the
Credit Agreement, any notice or other communication herein required or permitted
to be given shall be given in the manner set forth in the Credit Agreement, as
to any Pledgor, addressed to it at the address of the Borrower set forth in the
Credit Agreement and as to Collateral Agent, addressed to it at the address set
forth in the Credit Agreement, or in each case at such other address as shall be
designated by such party in a written notice to the other party complying as to
delivery with the terms of this Section 21; provided that notices to Collateral
Agent shall not be effective until received by Collateral Agent.

            Section 22. Continuing Security Interest; Assignment. This Agreement
shall create a continuing security interest in the Pledged Collateral and shall
(i) be binding upon the Pledgors, their respective successors and assigns and
(ii) inure, together with the rights and remedies of Collateral Agent hereunder,
to the benefit of Collateral Agent and the other Secured Parties and each of
their respective successors, transferees and assigns; no other Persons
(including, without limitation, any other creditor of any Pledgor) shall have
any interest herein or any right or benefit with respect hereto. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing clause (ii), any Bank may assign or
otherwise transfer any indebtedness held by it secured by this Agreement to any
other Person, and such other Person shall thereupon become vested with all the
benefits in respect thereof granted to such Bank, herein or otherwise, subject
however, to the provisions of the Credit Agreement and any applicable Interest
Rate Agreement. Each Affiliate of the Borrower which from time to time after the
initial date of this Agreement is required under the Credit Agreement to pledge
any assets to Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties may become
a party hereto upon execution and delivery to Collateral Agent of a joinder
agreement substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 3, and upon such
execution and delivery shall be deemed to be a "Guarantor" and a "Pledgor" for
all purposes hereunder.

            Section 23. GOVERNING LAW; TERMS. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED
BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE
STATE OF NEW YORK, EXCLUDING 
<PAGE>
                                      -40-


(TO THE GREATEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW) ANY RULE OF LAW THAT WOULD CAUSE THE
APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF NEW YORK,
EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE VALIDITY OR PERFECTION OF THE SECURITY INTEREST
HEREUNDER, OR REMEDIES HEREUNDER, IN RESPECT OF ANY PARTICULAR PROPERTY, ARE
GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

            Section 24. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND SERVICE OF PROCESS. ALL
JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS BROUGHT AGAINST ANY PLEDGOR WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT
MAY BE BROUGHT IN ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN THE
STATE OF NEW YORK, AND BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, EACH PLEDGOR
ACCEPTS FOR ITSELF AND IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PROPERTIES, GENERALLY AND
UNCONDITIONALLY, THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS AND
IRREVOCABLY AGREES TO BE BOUND BY ANY JUDGMENT RENDERED THEREBY IN CONNECTION
WITH THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PLEDGOR DESIGNATES AND APPOINTS LEXIS DOCUMENT
SERVICES INC. WITH AN ADDRESS AT 150 EAST 58TH STREET, 25TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW
YORK 10155 AND SUCH OTHER PERSONS AS MAY HEREAFTER BE SELECTED BY SUCH PLEDGOR
IRREVOCABLY AGREEING IN WRITING TO SO SERVE, AS ITS AGENT TO RECEIVE ON ITS
BEHALF, SERVICE OF ALL PROCESS IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING, SUCH SERVICE BEING HEREBY
ACKNOWLEDGED BY SUCH PLEDGOR TO BE EFFECTIVE AND BINDING SERVICE IN EVERY
RESPECT. A COPY OF SUCH PROCESS SO SERVED SHALL BE MAILED BY REGISTERED MAIL TO
EACH PLEDGOR AT THE ADDRESS OF THE BORROWER PROVIDED FOR IN THE CREDIT AGREEMENT
EXCEPT THAT UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY FAILURE TO MAIL
SUCH COPY SHALL NOT AFFECT THE VALIDITY OF SERVICE OF PROCESS. IF ANY AGENT
APPOINTED BY ANY PLEDGOR REFUSES TO ACCEPT SERVICE, SUCH PLEDGOR HEREBY AGREES
THAT SERVICE UPON IT BY MAIL SHALL CONSTITUTE SUFFICIENT NOTICE. NOTHING HEREIN
SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR
SHALL LIMIT THE RIGHT OF COLLATERAL AGENT TO BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST ANY
PLEDGOR IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

            Section 25. Severability of Provisions. Any provision of this
Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to
such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or
unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or
affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other
jurisdiction.

            Section 26. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement and any
amendments, waivers, consents or supplements hereto may be executed in any
number of counterparts and by 
<PAGE>
                                      -41-


different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so
executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original, but all such
counterparts together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

            Section 27. Headings. The Section headings used in this Agreement
are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction of
this Agreement.

            Section 28. Obligations Absolute. All obligations of each Pledgor
hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of:

            (i) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement,
      readjustment, composition, liquidation or the like of any Pledgor or any
      other Credit Party;

            (ii) any lack of validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement,
      any Interest Rate Agreement, any Letter of Credit or any other Credit
      Document, or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto;

            (iii) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in
      any other term of, all or any of the Secured Obligations, or any other
      amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from the Credit
      Agreement, any Interest Rate Agreement, any Letter of Credit or any other
      Credit Document, or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto;

            (iv) any exchange, release or non-perfection of any other
      collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to any
      departure from any guarantee, for all or any of the Secured Obligations;

            (v) any exercise, non-exercise or waiver of any right, remedy, power
      or privilege under or in respect of this Agreement, any Interest Rate
      Agreement or any other Credit Document except as specifically set forth in
      a waiver granted pursuant to the provisions of Section 19 hereof; or

            (vi) any other circumstances which might otherwise constitute a
      defense available to, or a discharge of, any Pledgor.

            Section 29. Collateral Agent's Right to Sever Indebtedness. (a) Each
Pledgor acknowledges that (i) the 
<PAGE>
                                      -42-


Pledged Collateral does not constitute the sole source of security for the
payment and performance of the Secured Obligations and that the Secured
Obligations are also secured by other types of property of the Pledgors in other
jurisdictions (all such property, collectively, the "Collateral"), (ii) the
number of such jurisdictions and the nature of the transaction of which this
instrument is a part are such that it would have been impracticable for the
parties to allocate to each item of Collateral a specific loan amount and to
execute in respect of such item a separate credit agreement and (iii) each
Pledgor intends that Collateral Agent have the same rights with respect to the
Pledged Collateral, in any judicial proceeding relating to the exercise of any
right or remedy hereunder or otherwise, that Collateral Agent would have had if
each item of Collateral had been pledged or encumbered pursuant to a separate
credit agreement and security instrument. In furtherance of such intent, each
Pledgor agrees to the greatest extent permitted by law that Collateral Agent may
at any time by notice (an "Allocation Notice") to such Pledgor allocate a
portion of the Secured Obligations (the "Allocated Indebtedness") to all or a
specified portion of the Pledged Collateral and sever from the remaining Secured
Obligations the Allocated Indebtedness. From and after the giving of an
Allocation Notice with respect to any of the Pledged Collateral, the Secured
Obligations hereunder shall be limited to the extent set forth in the Allocation
Notice and (as so limited) shall, for all purposes, be construed as a separate
credit obligation of such Pledgor unrelated to the other transactions
contemplated by the Credit Agreement, any Interest Rate Agreement, any other
Credit Document or any document related to any thereof. To the extent that the
proceeds of any judicial proceeding relating to the exercise of any right or
remedy hereunder of the Pledged Collateral shall exceed the Allocated
Indebtedness, such proceeds shall belong to such Pledgor and shall not be
available hereunder to satisfy any Secured Obligations of such Pledgor other
than the Allocated Indebtedness. In any action or proceeding to exercise any
right or remedy under this Agreement which is commenced after the giving by
Collateral Agent of an Allocation Notice, the Allocation Notice shall be
conclusive proof of the limits of the Secured Obligations hereby secured, and
such Pledgor may introduce, by way of defense or counterclaim, evidence thereof
in any such action or proceeding. Notwithstanding any provision of this Section
29, the proceeds received by Collateral Agent pursuant to this Agreement shall
be applied by Collateral Agent in accordance with the provisions of Section 13
hereof.
<PAGE>
                                      -43-


            (b) Each Pledgor hereby waives to the greatest extent permitted
under law the right to a discharge of any of the Secured Obligations under any
statute or rule of law now or hereafter in effect which provides that the
exercise of any particular right or remedy as provided for herein (by judicial
proceedings or otherwise) constitutes the exclusive means for satisfaction of
the Secured Obligations or which makes unavailable any further judgment or any
other right or remedy provided for herein because Collateral Agent elected to
proceed with the exercise of such initial right or remedy or because of any
failure by Collateral Agent to comply with laws that prescribe conditions to the
entitlement to such subsequent judgment or the availability of such subsequent
right or remedy. In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing waiver, any
court shall for any reason hold that such subsequent judgment or action is not
available to Collateral Agent, no Pledgor shall (i) introduce in any other
jurisdiction any judgment so holding as a defense to enforcement against such
Pledgor of any remedy in the Credit Agreement, any Interest Rate Agreement or
any other Credit Document or (ii) seek to have such judgment recognized or
entered in any other jurisdiction, and any such judgment shall in all events be
limited in application only to the state or jurisdiction where rendered and only
with respect to the collateral referred to in such judgment.

            (c) In the event any instrument in addition to the Allocation Notice
is necessary to effectuate the provisions of this Section 29, including, without
limitation, any amendment to this Agreement, any substitute promissory note or
affidavit or certificate of any kind, Collateral Agent may execute and deliver
such instrument as the attorney-in-fact of any Pledgor. Such power of attorney
is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable.

            (d) Notwithstanding anything set forth herein to the contrary, the
provisions of this Section 29 shall be effective only to the maximum extent
permitted by law.

            Section 30.  Future Advances.  This Agreement shall secure the
payment of any amounts advanced from time to time pursuant to the Credit
Agreement.

            Section 31. Intercreditor Agreement. Notwithstanding any provision
of this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement shall be subject to the
provisions of that certain intercreditor agreement, dated as of the date hereof
(as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time
to time, the "Intercreditor Agreement"), among 
<PAGE>
                                      -44-


Collateral Agent and Reliance Surety Company, United Pacific Insurance Company,
Reliance National Indemnity Company and Reliance Insurance Company.
<PAGE>
                                   

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Pledgors and Collateral Agent have caused
this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their duly authorized
officers as of the date first above written.

                                    MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.,
                                       as Pledgor

                                    By: /s/ Martin L. Ditkof
                                       ------------------------
                                         Name: Martin L. Ditkof
                                         Title: Secretary

                                    CMH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC,
                                       as Pledgor

                                    By: /s/ Martin L. Ditkof
                                       ------------------------
                                         Name: Martin L. Ditkof
                                         Title: Secretary

                                    EPH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC,
                                       as Pledgor

                                    By: /s/ Martin L. Ditkof
                                       ------------------------
                                         Name: Martin L. Ditkof
                                         Title: Secretary

                                    HARNISCHFEGER DISTRIBUTION & SERVICE,
                                       LLC,
                                       as Pledgor

                                    By: /s/ Martin L. Ditkof
                                       ------------------------
                                         Name: Martin L. Ditkof
                                         Title: Secretary

                                    HPH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC,
                                       as Pledgor

                                    By: /s/ Martin L. Ditkof
                                       ------------------------
                                         Name: Martin L. Ditkof
                                         Title: Secretary
<PAGE>

                                    MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT NEVADA
                                       CORPORATION,
                                       as Pledgor

                                    By: /s/ Patrick C. Dorn
                                       -----------------------
                                         Name: Patrick C. Dorn
                                         Title: Secretary

                                    MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC,
                                       as Pledgor

                                    By: /s/ Martin L. Ditkof
                                       ------------------------
                                         Name: Martin L. Ditkof
                                         Title: Secretary

                                    MHE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.,
                                       as Pledgor

                                    By: /s/ John P. Garniewski
                                       --------------------------
                                         Name: John P. Garniewski
                                         Title: President

                                    MMH HOLDINGS, INC.,
                                       as Pledgor

                                    By: /s/ Martin L. Ditkof
                                       ------------------------
                                         Name: Martin L. Ditkof
                                         Title: Secretary

                                    MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC,
                                       as Pledgor

                                    By: /s/ Martin L. Ditkof
                                       ------------------------
                                         Name: Martin L. Ditkof
                                         Title: Secretary
<PAGE>

                                    MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING, INC., as
                                       Pledgor

                                    By: /s/ Martin L. Ditkof
                                       ------------------------
                                         Name: Martin L. Ditkof
                                         Title: Secretary

                                    MPH CRANE, INC.,
                                       as Pledgor

                                     By: /s/ Martin L. Ditkof
                                       ------------------------
                                         Name: Martin L. Ditkof
                                         Title: Secretary

                                    NPH MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.,
                                       as Pledgor

                                    By: /s/ Martin L. Ditkof
                                       ------------------------
                                         Name: Martin L. Ditkof
                                         Title: Secretary

                                    PHMH HOLDING COMPANY,
                                       as Pledgor

                                    By: /s/ John P. Garniewski
                                       --------------------------
                                         Name: John P. Garniewski
                                         Title: President

                                    PMHE SERVICE, INC.,
                                       as Pledgor

                                    By: /s/ Martin L. Ditkof
                                       ------------------------
                                         Name: Martin L. Ditkof
                                         Title: Secretary
<PAGE>

                                    SPH CRANE & HOIST, INC.,
                                       as Pledgor

                                    By: /s/ Martin L. Ditkof
                                       ------------------------
                                         Name: Martin L. Ditkof
                                         Title: Secretary

                                    CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF
                                       COMMERCE, as Collateral Agent

                                    By: /s/ Timothy E. Doyle
                                       ------------------------
                                         Name: Timothy E. Doyle
                                         Title: Manager
<PAGE>

                                
                                 EXHIBIT 1

                       Form of Issuer Acknowledgment

            The undersigned hereby (i) acknowledges receipt of a copy of the
Security Agreement (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise
modified from time to time, the "Agreement"), dated as of March __, 1998, among
Morris Material Handling, Inc. (the "Borrower"), the Guarantors from time to
time party thereto and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, as collateral agent
("Collateral Agent"), (ii) agrees promptly to note on its books the security
interests granted and confirmed under the Agreement and (iii) waives any right
or requirement at any time hereafter to receive a copy of the Agreement in
connection with the registration of any Securities Collateral thereunder in the
name of Collateral Agent or its nominee or the exercise of voting rights by
Collateral Agent or its nominee.

                                  [NAME OF ISSUER]

                                    By:  ____________________________
                                         Name:
                                         Title:
<PAGE>

                                  ANNEX A

                                Prior Liens

Secured Party    Jurisdiction    Location     Date      Number       Comment



                               HOLDINGS GUARANTEE

            GUARANTEE, dated as of March 30, 1998, ("Guarantee") by MMH
Holdings, Inc. (the "Guarantor"), in favor and for the benefit of CANADIAN
IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE ("CIBC"), having an office at 425 Lexington Avenue,
New York, New York 10017, and in its capacity as collateral agent (in such
capacities and together with any successors in such capacity, the "Collateral
Agent") for the ratable benefit of the lending institutions (the "Banks") from
time to time party to the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined).

                                R E C I T A L S :

            A. Pursuant to a certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 30,
1998 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from
time to time, the "Credit Agreement"; capitalized terms used herein and not
defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement), among
MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC. ("MMH"), as a U.S. Borrower, MATERIAL HANDLING,
LLC, as a U.S. Borrower (together with MMH, the "U.S. Borrowers"), MORRIS
MATERIAL HANDLING LIMITED, as U.K. Borrower (the "U.K. Borrower"), KAVERIT STEEL
AND CRANE ULC and MONDEL ULC, as Canadian Borrowers (the "Canadian Borrowers",
and together with the U.S. Borrowers and the U.K. Borrower, the "Borrowers"),
the Guarantor, CREDIT AGRICOLE INDOSUEZ, as Syndication Agent, BANKBOSTON, N.A.,
as Documentation Agent, the Banks and CIBC, as Administrative Agent and
Collateral Agent for the Banks (together with the Syndication Agent and the
Documentation Agent, the "Agents"), the Banks have agreed (i) to make to or for
the account of MMH certain Term Loans up to an aggregate principal amount of
$55,000,000, to make to or for the account of the U.S. Borrowers certain
Acquisition Term Loans up to an aggregate principal amount of $30,000,000 and to
make certain Revolving Loans to the Borrowers up to an aggregate principal
amount of $70,000,000 and (ii) to make certain Swingline Loans and to issue
certain Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrowers.

            B. It is contemplated that the Borrowers may enter into one or more
agreements with one or more of the Banks ("Interest Rate Agreements") fixing the
interest rates with respect to Loans under the Credit Agreement (all obligations
of the Borrowers now existing or hereafter arising under such Interest Rate
Agreements, collectively, the "Interest Rate Obligations").

            C. It is a condition to the obligations of the Banks to make the
Loans under the Credit Agreement and a condition to any Bank issuing Letters of
Credit or Acceptances under the Credit Agreement or entering into the Interest
Rate Agreements that the Guarantor shall have executed and delivered this
Guarantee and that this Guarantee shall be in full force and effect.
<PAGE>
                                      -2-


            D. This Guarantee is given by the Guarantor in favor of the
Collateral Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Banks to guarantee all
of the Obligations of the Borrowers in accordance with the terms of the Credit
Agreement.

            E. All of the Guarantor's obligations hereunder shall be secured
pursuant to the Security Documents to which the Guarantor is a party.

            NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and for
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is
hereby acknowledged, the Guarantor hereby agrees as follows:

            1. Guarantee. (a) To induce the Banks to execute and deliver the
Credit Agreement and to make the Loans and issue the Letters of Credit upon the
terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, and in consideration
thereof, the Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably (i) guarantees to
the Banks and their respective successors, endorsees, transferees and assigns,
the prompt and complete payment and performance when due (whether at the stated
maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) and at all times thereafter of the
Obligations of the Borrowers (including amounts which would become due but for
the operation of the automatic stay under Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy
Code); and (ii) agrees to pay any and all reasonable expenses (including
reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements) which may be paid or incurred by
the Banks, the Agents or the Collateral Agent in enforcing any rights with
respect to, or collecting, any or all of the Obligations and/or enforcing any
rights with respect to, or collecting against, the Guarantor under this
Guarantee (collectively, the "Guaranteed Obligations").

            (b) The Guarantor agrees that this Guarantee constitutes a guarantee
of payment when due and not of collection and waives any right to require that
any resort be had by the Collateral Agent, the Agents or any Bank to any of the
security held for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or to any balance
of any deposit account or credit on the books of the Agents, the Collateral
Agent or any Bank in favor of any Borrower or any other Person.

            (c) No payment or payments made by the Guarantor or any other Person
or received or collected by the Banks (or the Collateral Agent or Agents on
behalf of the Banks) from the Guarantor or any other Person by virtue of any
action or proceeding or any set-off or appropriation or application at any time
or from time to time in reduction of or in payment of the Guaranteed Obligations
shall be deemed to modify, reduce, release or otherwise affect the liability or
obligations of the Guarantor hereunder which shall, notwithstanding any such
payment or payments 

<PAGE>
                                      -3-


other than payments made to the Banks (or the Collateral Agent or Agents on
behalf of the Banks) by the Guarantor or payments received or collected by the
Banks (or the Collateral Agent or Agents on behalf of the Banks) from the
Guarantor, remain liable for the Guaranteed Obligations until the Guaranteed
Obligations are paid in full in Cash or Cash Equivalents.

            2. Waiver by Guarantor. The Guarantor hereby waives absolutely and
irrevocably any claim which it may have against any Borrower or any of their
respective Affiliates by reason of any payment to the Agents, Collateral Agent
or any Bank, or to any other Person pursuant to or in respect of this Guarantee,
including any claims by way of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement,
indemnity or otherwise, until the Guaranteed Obligations are paid in full.

            3. Consent by Guarantor. The Guarantor hereby consents and agrees
that, without the necessity of any reservation of rights against the Guarantor
and without notice to or further assent by the Guarantor, any demand for payment
of any of the Guaranteed Obligations made by the Agents, the Collateral Agent or
any Bank may be rescinded by the Banks (or the Agents or Collateral Agent on
behalf of the Banks) and any of the Guaranteed Obligations continued, and the
Guaranteed Obligations, or the liability of any other party upon or for any part
thereof, or any collateral security or guarantee therefor or right of offset
with respect thereto, may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be renewed,
extended, amended, modified, accelerated, compromised, waived, surrendered or
released by the Banks (or the Agents or the Collateral Agent on behalf of the
Banks); and the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document, or other
guarantee or documents in connection therewith, or any of them, may be amended,
modified, supplemented or terminated, in whole or in part, as the Banks (or the
Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks) may deem advisable from time
to time (in accordance with the terms thereof); and any Guarantee or right of
offset or any collateral may be sold, exchanged, waived, surrendered or
released, all without the necessity of any reservation of rights against the
Guarantor and without notice to or further assent by the Guarantor, which will
remain bound hereunder, notwithstanding any such renewal, extension,
modification, acceleration, compromise, amendment, supplement, termination,
sale, exchange, waiver, surrender or release. Neither the Banks nor the Agents
or the Collateral Agent shall have any obligation to protect, secure, perfect or
insure any collateral or property at any time held as security for the
Guaranteed Obligations or this Guarantee. When making any demand hereunder
against the Guarantor, the Agents, the Collateral Agent or the Banks may, but
shall be under no obligation to, make a similar demand on any other Credit Party
or any such other guarantor, and any failure by the Agents, the Collateral Agent
or the Banks to make any such demand or to collect 

<PAGE>
                                      -4-


any payments from such other Credit Party or any such other guarantor or any
release of such other Credit Party or any such other guarantor or of the
Guarantor's obligations or liabilities hereunder shall not impair or affect the
rights and remedies, express or implied, or as a matter of law, of the Agents,
the Collateral Agent or the Banks against the Guarantor hereunder. For the
purposes hereof "demand" shall include the commencement and continuance of any
legal proceedings.

            4. Waivers; Successors and Assigns. The Guarantor waives any and all
notice of the creation, renewal, extension or accrual of any of the Guaranteed
Obligations and notice of or proof of reliance by the Banks upon this Guarantee
or acceptance of this Guarantee, and the Guaranteed Obligations shall
conclusively be deemed to have been created, contracted or incurred in reliance
upon this Guarantee, and all dealings between the Guarantor and any other Credit
Party, on the one hand, and the Banks, on the other hand, shall likewise be
conclusively presumed to have been had or consummated in reliance upon this
Guarantee. The Guarantor waives diligence, presentment, protest, demand for
payment and notice of default or non-payment to or upon any Credit Party or the
Guarantor with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations. This Guarantee shall be
construed as a continuing, absolute and unconditional Guarantee of payment
without regard to the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Credit
Agreement, the other Credit Documents, any of the Guaranteed Obligations or any
guarantee therefor or right of offset with respect thereto at any time or from
time to time held by the Banks and without regard to any defense (other than the
defense of payment), set off or counterclaim which may at any time be available
to or be asserted by any Credit Party against the Banks, or by any other
circumstance whatsoever (with or without notice to or knowledge of the
Guarantor) which constitutes, or might be construed to constitute, an equitable
or legal discharge of the Guaranteed Obligations, or of the Guarantor under this
Guarantee, in bankruptcy or in any other instance, and the obligations and
liabilities of the Guarantor hereunder shall not be conditioned or contingent
upon the pursuit by the Banks or any other Person at any time of any right or
remedy against any Credit Party or against any other Person which may be or
become liable or obligated in respect of all or any part of the Guaranteed
Obligations or against any collateral security or guarantee therefor or right of
offset with respect thereto. This Guarantee shall remain in full force and
effect and be binding in accordance with and to the extent of its terms upon the
Guarantor and the successors and assigns thereof, and shall inure to the benefit
of the Banks, and their respective successors, indorsees, transferees and
assigns permitted under the Credit Agreement (including each holder from time to
time of Guaranteed Obligations) until all of the Guaranteed Obligations and the
obligations of the Guarantor under this Guarantee shall have been satisfied by
payment in full in Cash or 

<PAGE>
                                      -5-


Cash Equivalents, notwithstanding that from time to time during the term of the
Credit Agreement any Credit Party may be released from all of its Guaranteed
Obligations thereunder.

            5. Guarantee Secured. Payment under this Guarantee is secured by
pledges, encumbrances and mortgages of Collateral pursuant to applicable
Security Documents in accordance with the Credit Agreement. Reference is hereby
made to the Credit Agreement and the applicable Security Documents for a
description of the Collateral pledged and the right of the respective parties to
such property, to secure all the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder.

            6. Rights of Set-Off. The Banks, and the Agents and Collateral Agent
on behalf of the Banks, are each hereby irrevocably authorized upon the
occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default without notice to
the Guarantor (any such notice being expressly waived by the Guarantor to the
extent permitted by applicable law) to set-off and appropriate and apply any and
all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final), in any
currency, and any other credits, indebtedness or claims, in any currency, in
each case whether direct or indirect or contingent or matured or unmatured, at
any time held or owing by the Banks to or for the credit or the account of the
Guarantor, or any part thereof, in such amounts as the Banks, or the Agents or
Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, may elect, against and on account of
the obligations and liabilities of the Guarantor to the Banks, in any currency,
whether arising hereunder or otherwise, as the Banks, or the Agents or
Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, may elect, whether or not the Banks, or
the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, have made any demand for
payment but only to the extent that such obligations, liabilities and claims
shall have become due and payable (whether as stated, by acceleration or
otherwise). The Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks,
agree to notify the Guarantor promptly of any such set-off and the application
made by the Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks;
provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of
such set-off and application. The rights of the Banks, or the Agents or
Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, under this Section 6 are in addition to
other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of
set-off) which the Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the
Banks, may otherwise have.

            7. Effectiveness; Reinstatement. This Guarantee shall continue to be
effective, or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any
part thereof, of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must
otherwise be restored or returned by the Banks upon the insolvency, bankruptcy,
dissolution, liquidation or reorganization of any Credit Party, or 

<PAGE>
                                      -6-


upon or as a result of the appointment of a receiver, intervenor or conservator
of, or trustee or similar officer for, any Credit Party or any substantial part
of its property, or otherwise, all as though such payments had not been made.

            8. Payments of Guaranteed Obligations. The Guarantor hereby
guarantees that the Guaranteed Obligations will be paid for the ratable benefit
of the Banks without set-off or counterclaim in lawful currency of the United
States of America at the office of the Collateral Agent located at 425 Lexington
Avenue, New York, New York 10017. The Guarantor shall make any payments required
hereunder upon receipt of written notice thereof from the Agents or Collateral
Agent or any Bank; provided, however, that the failure of the Agents or
Collateral Agent or any Bank to give such notice shall not affect the
Guarantor's obligations hereunder.

            9. Default. If (x) any Borrower has failed to pay or perform when
due its Guaranteed Obligations or (y) there is an event with respect to the
Guarantor that would require or permit the acceleration pursuant to Section 8.04
of the Credit Agreement of any outstanding Loan, or (z) the Guarantor's
obligations, if any, under the Credit Agreement are accelerated, then in the
case of clause (x) all of the Guaranteed Obligations with respect to the
Borrowers and in the case of clause (y) or clause (z) all of the Guaranteed
Obligations shall be immediately due and payable by the Guarantor, regardless of
whether in the case of clause (x) the payment of the Guaranteed Obligations has
been accelerated or in the case of clause (y) or clause (z) the Borrowers are in
default with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations.

            10. Representations and Warranties. To induce the Banks to enter
into the Credit Agreement and to make Loans and to issue Letters of Credit, the
Guarantor represents and warrants to each Bank that the following statements are
true, correct and complete on and as of the Closing Date:

            A. Organization and Powers. (a) The Guarantor is a duly organized
and validly existing corporation in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its organization and has the corporate power and authority to
own its property and assets and to transact the business in which it is engaged
and presently proposes to engage. (b) The Guarantor has duly qualified and is
qualified to do business, or as of the Closing Date has taken appropriate steps
to qualify, and is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which the conduct of
its business or the ownership of its properties requires such qualification,
except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse
Effect. (c) The Guarantor has all requisite power and authority and all
requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to own
and carry on its businesss as now conducted 

<PAGE>
                                      -7-


and as contemplated to be conducted by the Documents, including, without
limitation, those in compliance with or required by the Environmental Laws other
than such licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals the failure to obtain
which has not had and will not have a Material Adverse Effect. (d) The Guarantor
has all authority to enter into each of the Security Documents to which it is or
is to be a party and to carry out the transactions contemplated thereby and to
execute and deliver this Guarantee.

            B. No Violations. Neither the execution, delivery or performance by
the Guarantor of any of the Credit Documents to which it is a party, nor
compliance with any of the terms and provisions thereof, nor the consummation of
any of the transactions contemplated therein, nor the grant and perfection of
the security interests pursuant to the Security Documents (a) will contravene
any provision of any law, statute, rule, regulation, order, writ, injunction or
decree of any Governmental Authority, (b) will conflict or be inconsistent with
or result in any breach of, any of the terms, covenants, conditions or
provisions of, or constitute (with notice or lapse of time or both) a default
under any material contractual obligation of the Guarantor, or (other than as
contemplated by the Security Documents) result in the creation or imposition of
(or the obligation to create or impose), any Lien upon any of the property or
assets of the Guarantor pursuant to any material contractual obligation or (c)
will violate any provision of the organizational documents of the Guarantor.

            C. Approvals. The execution, delivery and performance by the
Guarantor of the Credit Documents to which it is, or is to be, a party do not
and will not require any registration with, consent or waiver or approval of, or
notice to, or other action to, with or by, any Governmental Authority or other
Person except filings required for the perfection or maintenance of perfection
of security interests granted pursuant to the Security Documents or enforcement
of the Liens or remedies provided by the Credit Documents. Except for such
filings, all consents and approvals from or notices to or filings with any
Governmental Authority or other Person required to be obtained by Guarantor have
been obtained and are in full force and effect except where the failure to
obtain such consents or approvals will not result in a Material Adverse Effect
and except for filings required to perfect or maintain the perfection of the
Liens granted by the Credit Documents and filings listed on Schedule 5.06 to the
Credit Agreement.

            D. Binding Obligation. This Guarantee constitutes the legal, valid
and binding obligation of the Guarantor, enforceable against the Guarantor in
accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, fraudulence conveyance or transfer, moratorium or

<PAGE>
                                      -8-


similar laws relating to or limiting creditors' rights generally or by equitable
principles relating to enforceability whether enforcement is sought by
proceedings in equity or at law.

            E. Investment Company. The Guarantor is not an "investment company"
or a company "controlled" by an "investment company" (as each of such quoted
terms is defined or used in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) or
subject to any foreign, federal or local statute or regulation limiting its
ability to incur indebtedness for money borrowed or guarantee such indebtedness
as contemplated hereby or by any other Credit Document.

            11. Ratable Sharing. The Banks by acceptance of this Guarantee agree
among themselves that with respect to all amounts received by them which are
applicable to the payment of obligations of the Guarantor under this Guarantee,
if the Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, exercise
their rights hereunder, including, without limitation, acceleration of the
obligations of the Guarantor hereunder, equitable adjustment will be made so
that, in effect, all such amounts will be shared among the Banks pro rata based
on the relative outstanding Guaranteed Obligations.

            12. Merger. If the Guarantor shall merge into or consolidate with
another corporation, or liquidate, wind up or dissolve itself in a transaction
not prohibited by the Credit Agreement the Guarantor hereby covenants and
agrees, that upon any such merger, consolidation, liquidation, or dissolution,
the guarantee given in this Guarantee and the due and punctual performance and
observance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Credit Agreement to be
performed by the Guarantor, shall be expressly assumed (in the event that the
Guarantor is not the surviving corporation in the merger) by supplemental
agreements satisfactory in form to the Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent
on behalf of the Banks, by the corporation or corporations formed by such
consolidation, or into which the Guarantor shall have been merged. In addition,
the Guarantor shall deliver to the Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on
behalf of the Banks, an Officers' Certificate and an opinion of counsel, each
stating that such merger or consolidation and such supplemental agreements
comply with this Guarantee and that all conditions precedent herein provided
relating to such transaction have been complied with. In case of any such
consolidation or merger and upon the assumption by the successor corporation or
corporations, by supplemental agreements executed and delivered to the Banks or
the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, and satisfactory in form
to the Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, of the
guarantee given in this Guarantee and the due and punctual performance of all of
the covenants and conditions of the Credit Agreement to be performed by the
Guaran-

<PAGE>
                                      -9-


tor, such successor corporation or corporations shall succeed to and be
substituted for the Guarantor, with the same effect as if it or they had been
named herein as a Guarantor.

            13. No Waiver. (a) No failure to exercise and no delay in
exercising, on the part of the Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on
behalf of the Banks, any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a
waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or
privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any
other power or right. The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and
not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law. (b) In the event the
Banks, the Agents or the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, shall have
instituted any proceeding to enforce any right, power or remedy under this
Guarantee by sale or otherwise, and such proceeding shall have been discontinued
or abandoned for any reason or shall have been determined adversely to the
Banks, the Agents or the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, then and in
every such case, the Guarantor, the Banks, the Agents or the Collateral Agent on
behalf of the Banks, and each Bank shall be restored to its respective former
position and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of the Banks,
the Agents or the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, shall continue as if
no such proceeding had been instituted.

            14. Notices. All notices, demands, instructions or other
communications required or permitted to be given to or made upon any party
hereto shall be given in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement
and at the address either set forth therein or as provided on the signature page
hereof.

            15. Amendments, Waivers, etc. No provision of this Guarantee shall
be waived, amended, terminated or supplemented except by a written instrument
executed by the Guarantor and the Agents or Collateral Agent, on behalf of the
Banks.

            16. Notice of Exercise. Upon exercise of its rights hereunder, the
Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, as the case may
be, shall provide written notice on the date of such exercise to the Banks, or
the Agents or the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, as the case may be,
of such exercise; provided, however, that the failure by the Agents, the
Collateral Agent, or any of the Banks to provide such written notice shall not
in any way relieve the Guarantor of its obligations under this Guarantee.

            17. GOVERNING LAW. THIS GUARANTEE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE
CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS.
<PAGE>
                                      -10-


            18. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND SERVICE PROCESS. ALL JUDICIAL
PROCEEDINGS BROUGHT AGAINST THE GUARANTOR WITH RESPECT TO THIS GUARANTEE MAY BE
BROUGHT IN ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN THE STATE OF
NEW YORK AND BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS GUARANTEE THE GUARANTOR ACCEPTS
FOR ITSELF AND IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PROPERTIES, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY,
THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS, AND IRREVOCABLY AGREES TO
BE BOUND BY ANY JUDGMENT RENDERED THEREBY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS GUARANTEE. THE
PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY, AND THE GUARANTOR HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY OBJECTION
TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, WHICH IT
MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN
SUCH RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS. THE GUARANTOR DESIGNATES AND APPOINTS LEXIS
DOCUMENT SERVICES, INC. WITH AN ADDRESS AT 150 EAST 58TH STREET, 25TH FLOOR, NEW
YORK, NEW YORK 10155, AND SUCH OTHER PERSONS AS MAY HEREAFTER BE SELECTED BY THE
GUARANTOR, AFTER WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE AGENT, IRREVOCABLY AGREEING IN WRITING TO
SERVE, AS ITS AGENT TO RECEIVE ON ITS BEHALF, SERVICE OF ALL PROCESS IN ANY SUCH
PROCEEDINGS IN ANY SUCH COURT, SUCH SERVICE BEING HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE
GUARANTOR TO BE EFFECTIVE AND BINDING SERVICE IN EVERY RESPECT. A COPY OF SUCH
PROCESS SO SERVED SHALL BE MAILED BY REGISTERED MAIL TO THE GUARANTOR AS
PROVIDED IN SECTION 14 HEREOF. IF ANY AGENT APPOINTED BY THE GUARANTOR REFUSES
TO ACCEPT SERVICE, THE GUARANTOR HEREBY AGREES THAT SERVICE UPON IT BY MAIL
SHALL CONSTITUTE SUFFICIENT NOTICE. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT TO
SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR SHALL LIMIT THE RIGHT OF
ANY BANK TO BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE GUARANTOR IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER
JURISDICTION.

            19. Severability of Provisions. Any provision of this Guarantee
which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such
jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or
unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or
affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other
jurisdiction.

            20. Headings. The Section headings used in this Guarantee are for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction of this
Agreement.

            21. Future Advances. This Guarantee shall guarantee the payment of
any amounts advanced from time to time pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

            22. Counterparts. This Guarantee and any amendments, waivers,
consents or supplements may be executed in any number of counterparts and by
different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so
executed and delivered shall be 

<PAGE>
                                      -11-


deemed an original, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one
and the same instrument.

<PAGE>
                                      -12-


            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Guarantee to be
duly executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer on the day and year
first above written.

                                          MMH HOLDINGS, INC.



                                          By: /s/ Martin Ditkof
                                             -------------------------------
                                             Name:  Martin Ditkof
                                             Title: Secretary



                              SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEE

            GUARANTEE, dated as of March 30, 1998, ("Guarantee") by each person
which is a party hereto as set forth on the signature pages hereto (each, a
"Guarantor" and, collectively, the "Guarantors"), in favor and for the benefit
of CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE ("CIBC"), having an office at 425
Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, and in its capacity as collateral
agent (in such capacities and together with any successors in such capacity, the
"Collateral Agent") for the ratable benefit of the lending institutions (the
"Banks") from time to time party to the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter
defined).

                                R E C I T A L S :

            A. Pursuant to a certain Credit Agreement, dated as of March 30,
1998 (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from
time to time, the "Credit Agreement"; capitalized terms used herein and not
defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement), among
MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC. ("MMH"), as a U.S. Borrower, MATERIAL HANDLING,
LLC, as a U.S. Borrower (together with MMH, the "U.S. Borrowers"), MORRIS
MATERIAL HANDLING LIMITED, as U.K. Borrower (the "U.K. Borrower"), KAVERIT STEEL
AND CRANE ULC and MONDEL ULC, as Canadian Borrowers (the "Canadian Borrowers",
and together with the U.S. Borrowers and the U.K. Borrower, the "Borrowers"),
MMH HOLDINGS, INC. ("Holdings"), CREDIT AGRICOLE INDOSUEZ, as Syndication Agent,
BANKBOSTON, N.A., as Documentation Agent, the Banks and CIBC, as Administrative
Agent and Collateral Agent for the Banks (together with the Syndication Agent
and the Documentation Agent, the "Agents"), the Banks have agreed (i) to make to
or for the account of MMH certain Term Loans up to an aggregate principal amount
of $55,000,000, to make to or for the account of the U.S. Borrowers certain
Acquisition Term Loans up to an aggregate principal amount of $30,000,000 and to
make certain Revolving Loans to the Borrowers up to an aggregate principal
amount of $70,000,000 and (ii) to make certain Swingline Loans to and to issue
certain Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrowers.

            B. It is contemplated that the Borrowers may enter into one or more
agreements with one or more of the Banks ("Interest Rate Agreements") fixing the
interest rates with respect to Loans under the Credit Agreement (all obligations
of the Borrowers now existing or hereafter arising under such Interest Rate
Agreements, collectively, the "Interest Rate Obligations").

            C. It is a condition to the obligations of the Banks to make the
Loans under the Credit Agreement and a condition to any Bank issuing Letters of
Credit or Acceptances under the Credit Agreement or entering into the Interest
Rate Agreements 

<PAGE>
                                      -2-


that the Guarantors shall have executed and delivered this Guarantee and that
this Guarantee shall be in full force and effect.

            D. This Guarantee is given by each Guarantor in favor of the
Collateral Agent for its benefit and the benefit of the Banks to guarantee all
of the Obligations of the Borrowers in accordance with the terms of the Credit
Agreement.

            E. Each Guarantor's obligations hereunder shall be joint and several
with the obligations of each other Guarantor hereunder, and shall be secured
pursuant to the Security Documents to which such Guarantor is a party.

            NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and for
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is
hereby acknowledged, each Guarantor hereby agrees as follows:

            1. Guarantee. (a) To induce the Banks to execute and deliver the
Credit Agreement and to make the Loans and issue the Letters of Credit upon the
terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, and in consideration
thereof, each Guarantor hereby unconditionally and irrevocably (i) guarantees to
the Banks and their respective successors, endorsees, transferees and assigns,
the prompt and complete payment and performance when due (whether at the stated
maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) and at all times thereafter of the
Obligations of the Borrowers (including amounts which would become due but for
the operation of the automatic stay under Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy
Code); and (ii) agrees to pay any and all reasonable expenses (including
reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements) which may be paid or incurred by
the Banks, the Agents or the Collateral Agent in enforcing any rights with
respect to, or collecting, any or all of the Obligations and/or enforcing any
rights with respect to, or collecting against, each Guarantor under this
Guarantee (collectively, the "Guaranteed Obligations").

            (b) Each Guarantor agrees that this Guarantee constitutes a
guarantee of payment when due and not of collection and waives any right to
require that any resort be had by the Collateral Agent, the Agents or any Bank
to any of the security held for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or
to any balance of any deposit account or credit on the books of the Agents, the
Collateral Agent or any Bank in favor of any Borrower or any other Person.

            (c) No payment or payments made by any Guarantor or any other Person
or received or collected by the Banks (or the Collateral Agent or Agents on
behalf of the Banks) from any Guarantor or any other Person by virtue of any
action or proceeding or any set-off or appropriation or application at any time
or 

<PAGE>
                                      -3-


from time to time in reduction of or in payment of the Guaranteed Obligations
shall be deemed to modify, reduce, release or otherwise affect the liability or
obligations of the Guarantors hereunder which shall, notwithstanding any such
payment or payments other than payments made to the Banks (or the Collateral
Agent or Agents on behalf of the Banks) by any Guarantor or payments received or
collected by the Banks (or the Collateral Agent or Agents on behalf of the
Banks) from any Guarantor, remain liable for the Guaranteed Obligations until
the Guaranteed Obligations are paid in full in Cash or Cash Equivalents, subject
to the provisions of Section 1(d) hereof.

            (d) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Guarantee, the
maximum aggregate amount of Guaranteed Obligations which each Guarantor agrees
to guarantee pursuant to this Guarantee shall equal the lesser of (i) the excess
of the fair saleable value of the property of such Guarantor over the total
liabilities of such Guarantor (including the maximum amount reasonably expected
to become due in respect of contingent liabilities, other than any such
contingent liabilities under the Credit Agreement and the other Credit
Documents), such excess to be determined on the date of this Guarantee or the
date on which, from time to time, such enforcement or realization is effected,
whichever is higher and (ii) that amount of Guaranteed Obligations which does
not result in a violation of applicable laws relating to fraudulent conveyance,
after giving effect to the value of any rights to subrogation, reimbursement,
indemnification or contribution (including without limitation rights to
contribution from any other Subsidiary Guarantor) whether by agreement or under
applicable law. The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall be joint and
several with the obligations of each other Guarantor hereunder. Subject to the
preceding sentences, each Guarantor understands, agrees and confirms that this
is a guarantee of payment when due and not of collection and that each Bank may,
from time to time, enforce this Guarantee against any Guarantor up to the full
amount of the Guaranteed Obligations owed to such Bank without proceeding
against any other Credit Party, against any security for the Guaranteed
Obligations, against any other guarantor or under any other guarantee covering
the Guaranteed Obligations.

            Each Guarantor that makes a payment or distribution under this
Guarantee shall be entitled to a contribution from each other Subsidiary
Guarantor in an amount pro rata, based on the net assets of each Subsidiary
Guarantor.

            2. Waiver by Guarantor. Each Guarantor hereby waives absolutely and
irrevocably any claim which it may have against any Borrower or any of their
respective Affiliates (other than any right to contribution pursuant to Section
1(d) hereof) by reason of any payment to the Agents, Collateral Agent or any

<PAGE>
                                      -4-


Bank, or to any other Person pursuant to or in respect of this Guarantee,
including any claims by way of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement,
indemnity or otherwise, until the Guaranteed Obligations are paid in full.

            3. Consent by Guarantor. Each Guarantor hereby consents and agrees
that, without the necessity of any reservation of rights against such Guarantor
and without notice to or further assent by such Guarantor, any demand for
payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations made by the Agents, the Collateral
Agent or any Bank may be rescinded by the Banks (or the Agents or Collateral
Agent on behalf of the Banks) and any of the Guaranteed Obligations continued,
and the Guaranteed Obligations, or the liability of any other party upon or for
any part thereof, or any collateral security or guarantee therefor or right of
offset with respect thereto, may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be
renewed, extended, amended, modified, accelerated, compromised, waived,
surrendered or released by the Banks (or the Agents or the Collateral Agent on
behalf of the Banks); and the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document, or
other guarantee or documents in connection therewith, or any of them, may be
amended, modified, supplemented or terminated, in whole or in part, as the Banks
(or the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks) may deem advisable
from time to time (in accordance with the terms thereof); and any Guarantee or
right of offset or any collateral may be sold, exchanged, waived, surrendered or
released, all without the necessity of any reservation of rights against such
Guarantor and without notice to or further assent by such Guarantor, which will
remain bound hereunder, notwithstanding any such renewal, extension,
modification, acceleration, compromise, amendment, supplement, termination,
sale, exchange, waiver, surrender or release. Neither the Banks, the Agents nor
the Collateral Agent shall have any obligation to protect, secure, perfect or
insure any collateral or property at any time held as security for the
Guaranteed Obligations or this Guarantee. When making any demand hereunder
against any Guarantor, the Agents, the Collateral Agent or the Banks may, but
shall be under no obligation to, make a similar demand on any other Credit Party
or any such other guarantor, and any failure by the Agents, the Collateral Agent
or the Banks to make any such demand or to collect any payments from such other
Credit Party or any such other guarantor or any release of such other Credit
Party or any such other guarantor or of each Guarantor's obligations or
liabilities hereunder shall not impair or affect the rights and remedies,
express or implied, or as a matter of law, of the Agents, the Collateral Agent
or the Banks against each Guarantor hereunder. For the purposes hereof "demand"
shall include the commencement and continuance of any legal proceedings.

            4. Waivers; Successors and Assigns. Each Guarantor waives any and
all notice of the creation, renewal, extension or 

<PAGE>
                                      -5-


accrual of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and notice of or proof of reliance
by the Banks upon this Guarantee or acceptance of this Guarantee, and the
Guaranteed Obligations shall conclusively be deemed to have been created,
contracted or incurred in reliance upon this Guarantee, and all dealings between
any Guarantor and any other Credit Party, on the one hand, and the Banks, on the
other hand, shall likewise be conclusively presumed to have been had or
consummated in reliance upon this Guarantee. Each Guarantor waives diligence,
presentment, protest, demand for payment and notice of default or non-payment to
or upon any Credit Party or any Guarantor with respect to the Guaranteed
Obligations. This Guarantee shall be construed as a continuing, absolute and
unconditional Guarantee of payment without regard to the validity, regularity or
enforceability of the Credit Agreement, the other Credit Documents, any of the
Guaranteed Obligations or any guarantee therefor or right of offset with respect
thereto at any time or from time to time held by the Banks and without regard to
any defense (other than the defense of payment), set off or counterclaim which
may at any time be available to or be asserted by any Credit Party against the
Banks, or by any other circumstance whatsoever (with or without notice to or
knowledge of any Guarantor) which constitutes, or might be construed to
constitute, an equitable or legal discharge of the Guaranteed Obligations, or of
any Guarantor under this Guarantee, in bankruptcy or in any other instance, and
the obligations and liabilities of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be
conditioned or contingent upon the pursuit by the Banks or any other Person at
any time of any right or remedy against any Credit Party or against any other
Person which may be or become liable or obligated in respect of all or any part
of the Guaranteed Obligations or against any collateral security or guarantee
therefor or right of offset with respect thereto. This Guarantee shall remain in
full force and effect and be binding in accordance with and to the extent of its
terms upon each Guarantor and the successors and assigns thereof, and shall
inure to the benefit of the Banks, and their respective successors, indorsees,
transferees and assigns permitted under the Credit Agreement (including each
holder from time to time of Guaranteed Obligations) until all of the Guaranteed
Obligations and the obligations of each Guarantor under this Guarantee shall
have been satisfied by payment in full in Cash or Cash Equivalents,
notwithstanding that from time to time during the term of the Credit Agreement
any Credit Party may be released from all of its Guaranteed Obligations
thereunder.

            5. Guarantee Secured. Payment under this Guarantee is secured by
pledges, encumbrances and mortgages of Collateral pursuant to applicable
Security Documents in accordance with the Credit Agreement. Reference is hereby
made to the Credit Agreement and the applicable Security Documents for a
description of the Collateral pledged and the right of the respective parties to

<PAGE>
                                      -6-


such property, to secure all the obligations of any Guarantor hereunder which
may be party to such documents.

            6. Rights of Set-Off. The Banks, and the Agents and Collateral Agent
on behalf of the Banks, are each hereby irrevocably authorized upon the
occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default without notice to
any Guarantor (any such notice being expressly waived by each Guarantor to the
extent permitted by applicable law) to set-off and appropriate and apply any and
all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final), in any
currency, and any other credits, indebtedness or claims, in any currency, in
each case whether direct or indirect or contingent or matured or unmatured, at
any time held or owing by the Banks to or for the credit or the account of any
Guarantor, or any part thereof, in such amounts as the Banks, or the Agents or
Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, may elect, against and on account of
the obligations and liabilities of any Guarantor to the Banks, in any currency,
whether arising hereunder or otherwise, as the Banks, or the Agents or
Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, may elect, whether or not the Banks, or
the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, have made any demand for
payment but only to the extent that such obligations, liabilities and claims
shall have become due and payable (whether as stated, by acceleration or
otherwise). The Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks,
agree to notify any such Guarantor promptly of any such set-off and the
application made by the Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of
the Banks; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the
validity of such set-off and application. The rights of the Banks, or the Agents
or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, under this Section 6 are in addition
to other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of
set-off) which the Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the
Banks, may otherwise have.

            7. Effectiveness; Reinstatement. This Guarantee shall continue to be
effective, or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any
part thereof, of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must
otherwise be restored or returned by the Banks upon the insolvency, bankruptcy,
dissolution, liquidation or reorganization of any Credit Party, or upon or as a
result of the appointment of a receiver, intervenor or conservator of, or
trustee or similar officer for, any Credit Party or any substantial part of its
property, or otherwise, all as though such payments had not been made.

            8. Payments of Guaranteed Obligations. Each Guarantor hereby
guarantees that the Guaranteed Obligations will be paid for the ratable benefit
of the Banks without set-off or counterclaim in lawful currency of the United
States of America at the office of the Collateral Agent located at 425 Lexington

<PAGE>
                                      -7-


Avenue, New York, New York 10017. Each Guarantor shall make any payments
required hereunder upon receipt of written notice thereof from the Agents or
Collateral Agent or any Bank; provided, however, that the failure of the Agents
or Collateral Agent or any Bank to give such notice shall not affect any
Guarantor's obligations hereunder.

            9. Default. If (x) any Borrower has failed to pay or perform when
due its Guaranteed Obligations or (y) there is an event with respect to any
Guarantor that would require or permit the acceleration pursuant to Section 8.04
of the Credit Agreement of any outstanding Loan, or (z) any Guarantor's
obligations, if any, under the Credit Agreement are accelerated, then in the
case of clause (x) all of the Guaranteed Obligations with respect to the
Borrowers and in the case of clause (y) or clause (z) all of the Guaranteed
Obligations shall be immediately due and payable by the Guarantors, regardless
of whether in the case of clause (x) the payment of the Guaranteed Obligations
has been accelerated or in the case of clause (y) or clause (z) the Borrowers
are in default with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations.

            10. Representations and Warranties. To induce the Banks to enter
into the Credit Agreement and to make Loans and to issue Letters of Credit, each
Guarantor represents and warrants to each Bank that the following statements are
true, correct and complete on and as of the Closing Date:

            A. Organization and Powers. (a) Such Guarantor is a duly organized
and validly existing corporation in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its organization and has the corporate power and authority to
own its property and assets and to transact the business in which it is engaged
and presently proposes to engage. (b) Such Guarantor has duly qualified and is
qualified to do business, or as of the Closing Date has taken appropriate steps
to qualify, and is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which the conduct of
its business or the ownership of its properties requires such qualification,
except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse
Effect. (c) Such Guarantor has all requisite power and authority and all
requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to own
and carry on its businesss as now conducted and as contemplated to be conducted
by the Documents, including, without limitation, those in compliance with or
required by the Environmental Laws other than such licenses, authorizations,
consents and approvals the failure to obtain which has not had and will not have
a Material Adverse Effect. (d) Such Guarantor has all authority to enter into
each of the Security Documents to which it is or is to be a party and to carry
out the transactions contemplated thereby and to execute and deliver this
Guarantee.

<PAGE>
                                      -8-


            B. No Violations. Neither the execution, delivery or performance by
such Guarantor of any of the Credit Documents to which it is a party, nor
compliance with any of the terms and provisions thereof, nor the consummation of
any of the transactions contemplated therein, nor the grant and perfection of
the security interests pursuant to the Security Documents (a) will contravene
any provision of any law, statute, rule, regulation, order, writ, injunction or
decree of any Governmental Authority, (b) will conflict or be inconsistent with
or result in any breach of, any of the terms, covenants, conditions or
provisions of, or constitute (with notice or lapse of time or both) a default
under any material contractual obligation of such Guarantor, or (other than as
contemplated by the Security Documents) result in the creation or imposition of
(or the obligation to create or impose), any Lien upon any of the property or
assets of such Guarantor pursuant to any material contractual obligation or (c)
will violate any provision of the organizational documents of such Guarantor.

            C. Approvals. The execution, delivery and performance by such
Guarantor of the Credit Documents to which it is, or is to be, a party do not
and will not require any registration with, consent or waiver or approval of, or
notice to, or other action to, with or by, any Governmental Authority or other
Person except filings required for the perfection or maintenance of perfection
of security interests granted pursuant to the Security Documents or enforcement
of the Liens and remedies provided by the Credit Documents. Except for such
filings, all consents and approvals from or notices to or filings with any
Governmental Authority or other Person required to be obtained by such Guarantor
have been obtained and are in full force and effect except where the failure to
obtain such consents or approvals will not result in a Material Adverse Effect
and except for filings required to perfect or maintain the perfection of Liens
granted by the Credit Documents and filings listed on Schedules 5.06 to the
Credit Agreement.

            D. Binding Obligation. This Guarantee constitutes the legal, valid
and binding obligation of such Guarantor, enforceable against such Guarantor in
accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or transfer, moratorium or
similar laws relating to or limiting creditors' rights generally or by equitable
principles relating to enforceability whether enforcement is sought by
proceedings in equity or at law.

            E. Investment Company. Such Guarantor is not an "investment company"
or a company "controlled" by an "investment company" (as each of such quoted
terms is defined or used in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) or
subject to any foreign, federal or local statute or regulation limiting its

<PAGE>
                                      -9-


ability to incur indebtedness for money borrowed or guarantee such indebtedness
as contemplated hereby or by any other Credit Document.

            11. Ratable Sharing. The Banks by acceptance of this Guarantee agree
among themselves that with respect to all amounts received by them which are
applicable to the payment of obligations of any Guarantor under this Guarantee,
if the Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, exercise
their rights hereunder, including, without limitation, acceleration of the
obligations of any Guarantor hereunder, equitable adjustment will be made so
that, in effect, all such amounts will be shared among the Banks pro rata based
on the relative outstanding Guaranteed Obligations.

            12. Merger. If any Guarantor shall merge into or consolidate with
another corporation, or liquidate, wind up or dissolve itself in a transaction
not prohibited by the Credit Agreement, or if all of the stock of the Guarantor
shall be sold or otherwise disposed of in a manner not prohibited by the Credit
Agreement, such Guarantor hereby covenants and agrees, that upon any such
merger, consolidation, liquidation, or dissolution, the guarantee given in this
Guarantee and the due and punctual performance and observance of all of the
covenants and conditions of the Credit Agreement to be performed by such
Guarantor, shall be expressly assumed (in the event that such Guarantor is not
the surviving corporation in the merger) by supplemental agreements satisfactory
in form to the Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks,
by the corporation or corporations formed by such consolidation, or into which
such Guarantor shall have been merged, or by the corporation or corporations
which shall have acquired such property unless such sale or transfer is
permitted under Section 7.16 or Section 7.17 of the Credit Agreement in which
case the Guarantor shall be released from this Guarantee. In addition, such
Guarantor shall deliver to the Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on
behalf of the Banks, an Officers' Certificate and an opinion of counsel, each
stating that such merger, consolidation or transfer and such supplemental
agreements comply with this Guarantee and that all conditions precedent herein
provided relating to such transaction have been complied with. In case of any
such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance and upon the assumption by the
successor corporation or corporations, by supplemental agreements executed and
delivered to the Banks or the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks,
and satisfactory in form to the Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on
behalf of the Banks, of the guarantee given in this Guarantee and the due and
punctual performance of all of the covenants and conditions of the Credit
Agreement to be performed by such Guarantor, such successor corporation or
corporations shall succeed to and be substituted for such Guaran-

<PAGE>
                                      -10-


tor, with the same effect as if it or they had been named herein as a Guarantor.

            13. No Waiver. (a) No failure to exercise and no delay in
exercising, on the part of the Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on
behalf of the Banks, any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a
waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power or
privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any
other power or right. The rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and
not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law. (b) In the event the
Banks, the Agents or the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, shall have
instituted any proceeding to enforce any right, power or remedy under this
Guarantee by sale or otherwise, and such proceeding shall have been discontinued
or abandoned for any reason or shall have been determined adversely to the
Banks, the Agents or the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, then and in
every such case, each Guarantor, the Banks, the Agents or the Collateral Agent
on behalf of the Banks, and each Bank shall be restored to its respective former
position and rights hereunder, and all rights, remedies and powers of the Banks,
the Agents or the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, shall continue as if
no such proceeding had been instituted.

            14. Notices. All notices, demands, instructions or other
communications required or permitted to be given to or made upon any party
hereto shall be given in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement
and at the address either set forth therein or as provided on the signature page
hereof.

            15. Amendments, Waivers, etc. No provision of this Guarantee shall
be waived, amended, terminated or supplemented except by a written instrument
executed by each Guarantor and the Agents or Collateral Agent, on behalf of the
Banks.

            16. Notice of Exercise. Upon exercise of its rights hereunder, the
Banks, or the Agents or Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, as the case may
be, shall provide written notice on the date of such exercise to the Banks, or
the Agents or the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Banks, as the case may be,
of such exercise; provided, however, that the failure by the Agents, the
Collateral Agent, or any of the Banks to provide such written notice shall not
in any way relieve any Guarantor of its obligations under this Guarantee.

            17. GOVERNING LAW. THIS GUARANTEE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE
CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS.

<PAGE>
                                      -11-


            18. CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND SERVICE PROCESS. ALL JUDICIAL
PROCEEDINGS BROUGHT AGAINST ANY GUARANTOR WITH RESPECT TO THIS GUARANTEE MAY BE
BROUGHT IN ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN THE STATE OF
NEW YORK AND BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS GUARANTEE EACH GUARANTOR ACCEPTS
FOR ITSELF AND IN CONNECTION WITH ITS PROPERTIES, GENERALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY,
THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE AFORESAID COURTS, AND IRREVOCABLY AGREES TO
BE BOUND BY ANY JUDGMENT RENDERED THEREBY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS GUARANTEE. THE
PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY, AND EACH GUARANTOR HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY OBJECTION
TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS, WHICH IT
MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN
SUCH RESPECTIVE JURISDICTIONS. EACH GUARANTOR DESIGNATES AND APPOINTS LEXIS
DOCUMENT SERVICES, INC., WITH AN ADDRESS AT 150 EAST 58TH STREET, 25TH FLOOR,
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10155, AND SUCH OTHER PERSONS AS MAY HEREAFTER BE SELECTED BY
ANY GUARANTOR, AFTER WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE AGENT, IRREVOCABLY AGREEING IN
WRITING TO SERVE, AS ITS AGENT TO RECEIVE ON ITS BEHALF, SERVICE OF ALL PROCESS
IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDINGS IN ANY SUCH COURT, SUCH SERVICE BEING HEREBY
ACKNOWLEDGED BY EACH GUARANTOR TO BE EFFECTIVE AND BINDING SERVICE IN EVERY
RESPECT. A COPY OF SUCH PROCESS SO SERVED SHALL BE MAILED BY REGISTERED MAIL TO
EACH GUARANTOR AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 14 HEREOF. IF ANY AGENT APPOINTED BY ANY
GUARANTOR REFUSES TO ACCEPT SERVICE, SUCH GUARANTOR HEREBY AGREES THAT SERVICE
UPON IT BY MAIL SHALL CONSTITUTE SUFFICIENT NOTICE. NOTHING HEREIN SHALL AFFECT
THE RIGHT TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR SHALL LIMIT
THE RIGHT OF ANY BANK TO BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE GUARANTOR IN THE COURTS
OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

            19. Severability of Provisions. Any provision of this Guarantee
which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such
jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or
unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or
affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other
jurisdiction.

            20. Headings. The Section headings used in this Guarantee are for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction of this
Agreement.

            21. Future Advances. This Guarantee shall guarantee the payment of
any amounts advanced from time to time pursuant to the Credit Agreement.

            22. Release of Hercules. Upon a determination of the Board of
Directors of the Company certified to the Administrative Agent, Hercules shall
be deemed released from all obligations un-

<PAGE>
                                      -12-


der this Guarantee without any further action required on the part of the Agents
or any Bank.

            23. Counterparts. This Guarantee and any amendments, waivers,
consents or supplements may be executed in any number of counterparts and by
different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so
executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts
together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

<PAGE>
                                      -13-


            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused this
Guarantee to be duly executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer on
the day and year first above written.



                                          MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.



                                          By: /s/ Michael Erwin
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  Michael Erwin
                                              Title: President



                                          MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC



                                          By: /s/ Martin Ditkof
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  Martin Ditkof
                                              Title: Secretary




                                          CMH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC



                                          By: /s/  Martin Ditkof
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  Martin Ditkof
                                              Title: Manager




                                          EPH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC



                                          By: /s/  Martin Ditkof
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  Martin Ditkof
                                              Title: Manager

<PAGE>
                                      -14-


                                          HARNISCHFEGER DISTRIBUTION &
                                          SERVICE LLC



                                          By: /s/  David Smith
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  David Smith
                                              Title: Manager




                                          HPH MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC



                                          By: /s/  Martin Ditkof
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  Martin Ditkof
                                              Title: Manager




                                          MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC



                                          By: /s/  Martin Ditkof
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  Martin Ditkof
                                              Title: Manager




                                          MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING, INC.



                                          By: /s/  Martin Ditkof
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  Martin Ditkof
                                              Title: Secretary




                                          MPH CRANE, INC.



                                          By: /s/  Martin Ditkof
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  Martin Ditkof
                                              Title: Secretary

<PAGE>
                                      -15-


                                          NPH MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.



                                          By: /s/  Martin Ditkof
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  Martin Ditkof
                                              Title: Secretary




                                          PHME SERVICE, INC.



                                          By: /s/  Martin Ditkof
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  Martin Ditkof
                                              Title: Secretary




                                          SPH CRANE & HOIST, INC.



                                          By: /s/  Martin Ditkof
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  Martin Ditkof
                                              Title: Secretary




                                          HERCULES S.A. DE C.V.



                                          By: /s/  David Smith
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  David Smith
                                              Title: Director
<PAGE>

                                          MHE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.,
                                          as a Guarantor


                                          By: /s/  J.P. Garniewski, Jr.
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  J.P. Garniewski, Jr.
                                              Title: President

<PAGE>

                                          PHMH HOLDING COMPANY,
                                          as a Guarantor


                                          By: /s/  J.P. Garniewski, Jr.
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  J.P. Garniewski, Jr.
                                              Title: President
<PAGE>

                                          MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT
                                          NEVADA CORPORATION,
                                          as a Guarantor


                                          By: /s/  Patrick C. Dorn
                                             ----------------------------------
                                              Name:  Patrick C. Dorn
                                              Title: President



Reliance Surety Company
A Reliance Group Holdings Company
655 Winding Brook Drive
P.O. Box 558
Glaxtonbury, CT 06033-0558
860.657.7765  Fax: 860.657.8252

                                                         Date: March 26, 1998

[LOGO] Reliance

Mr. David Smith
Morris Material Handling, Inc.
314 West Forest Hill Ave.
Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154

Re: Morris Material Handling, Inc.

Dear Mr. Smith,

This is to confirm that Reliance Surety Company hereby commits to provide a
bonding facility to Morris Material Handling, Inc. and its subsidiaries
incorporating single projects up to $20,000,000 within an aggregate backlog
value of $60,000,000.

Extension of any credit is contingent upon; receipt of an executed Intercreditor
Agreement, an executed copy of the Reliance Continuing Agreement of Indemnity
and receipt of a mutually agreed upon level of collateral basal on job and
program size as well as continued favorable underwriting conditions.

Best Regards,

/s/ Chris McCarty
- ------------------
Chris McCarty
Senior Underwriter, Reliance Surety
<PAGE>
                          RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANIES

RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY             UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA          PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY          RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA          PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

            CONTINUING AGREEMENT OF INDEMNITY - CONTRACTOR'S FORM

This AGREEMENT is made by the Undersigned for the continuing benefit of RELIANCE
INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY
COMPANY and/or RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY (hereinafter referred to collectively as
the "Surety") for the purpose of saving each and all of them harmless and
indemnifying each and all of them from all loss and expense in connection with
any Bonds executed on behalf of any one or more of the following persons, firms
or corporations:

MMH Holdings, Inc.; Morris Material Handling, Inc.; Morris Mterial Handling,
Ltd.; Hercules S.A. de C.V.; PHMH Holding Company; SPH Crane & Hoist, Inc.;
Material Handling, LLC; MHE Canada ULC, jointly with others or on behalf of any
of its subsidiaries, affiliates or divisions or their subsidiaries, affiliates
or divisions now in existence or hereafter formed or acquired (hereinafter
referred to as "Contractor").

                                 WITNESSETH.

WHEREAS, the Contractor, individually or jointly with others, may desire or be
required from time to time to give certain bonds, undertakings, or instruments
of guarantee (all of which will hereinafter be included within the term "Bond"
or "Bonds"), and

WHEREAS upon the express condition that this instrument be executed, the Surety
has executed or procured the execution of, and may hereafter execute or procure
the execution of such Bonds.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the execution of any such Bond or Bonds and
as an inducement to such execution, we, the Undersigned, agree and bind
ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, jointly
and severally, as follows:

FIRST: To pay all premiums on said Bonds computed in accordance with the
Surety's regular manual of rates in effect on the date said Bonds are executed.

SECOND: To indemnify, and keep indemnified, and hold and save harmless the
Surety against all demands, claims, loss, costs, damages, expenses and
attorneys' fees whatever, and any and all liability therefor, sustained or
incurred by the Surety by reason of executing or procuring the execution of any
said Bond or Bonds, or any other Bonds, which may be already or hereafter
executed on behalf of the Contractor, or renewal or continuation thereof; or
sustained or incurred by reason of making any investigation on account thereof,
prosecuting or defending any action brought in connection therewith, obtaining a
release therefrom, recovering or attempting to recover any salvage in connection
therewith or enforcing by litigation or otherwise any of the agreements herein
contained. Payment of amounts due Surety hereunder together with legal interest
shall be payable upon demand.

THIRD: To furnish money to the Contractor or to the Surety as needed for the
prompt payment of labor, materials, and any other costs or expenses in
connection with the performance of contracts when and as requested to do so by
the Surety.

FOURTH: To assign, transfer and convey, and each of the Undersigned does by
these presents assign, transfer and convey to the Surety, as of the date of
execution of said Bond or Bonds, as collateral security for the full performance
of the covenants and agreements herein contained and the payment of any other
indebtedness or liability of the Undersigned to the Surety, whether heretofore
or hereafter incurred, the following:

      (a) All right, title and interest of the Undersigned in and to all
      machinery, equipment, plant, tools and materials which are, on the date of
      execution of any such Bond or Bonds, or may thereafter be, about or upon
      the site of the work to be performed under the contract referred to in and
      guaranteed by such Bond, or elsewhere for the purpose thereof, including
      as well materials purchased for or chargeable to said contract which may
      be in process of construction or in storage elsewhere or in transportation
      to said site;

      (b) All rights, actions, causes of action, claims and demands of the
      undersigned in, or arising from or out of, said contract or any
      extensions, modifications, changes or alterations thereof or additions
      thereto;


                                                                         1 of 16
<PAGE>

      (c) All rights, actions, causes of action, claims and demands whatsoever
      which the Undersigned or any of them may have or acquire in any
      subcontract in connection with said contract, and against any
      subcontractor or any person, firm or corporation furnishing or agreeing to
      furnish or supply labor, materials, supplies, machinery, tools or other
      equipment in connection with or on account of said contract, and against
      any surety or sureties of any such materialmen, subcontractor, laborer or
      other person, firm or corporation;

      (d) All right, title and interest to all monies due or to become due to
      the undersigned arising out of or in any way relating to said contract
      including, but not limited to progress payments, deferred payments,
      retained percentages, compensation for extra work and claims and the
      proceeds thereof that at the time of abandonment, forfeiture or breach of
      said contract or such Bond or Bonds or of the terms of this Agreement or
      at the time of any advance, payment or guaranty by the Surety for the
      purpose of avoiding such abandonment, forfeiture or breach, may be due or
      may thereafter become due under said contract to or on behalf of the
      Undersigned, together with any and all sums due or which may thereafter
      become due under or on all other contracts, bonded or unbonded, in which
      any or all of the Undersigned have an interest.

FIFTH: Each of the Undersigned does hereby irrevocably nominate and appoint any
officer of the Surety the true and lawful attorney-in-fact of the Undersigned,
with full right and authority, in the event the Contractor fails or is unable to
complete the work called for by the contract guaranteed by any Bond or in the
event of the breach of any provision of this Agreement to execute on behalf of,
and sign the names of each of the Undersigned to, any voucher, release,
satisfaction, check, bill of sale of all or any property by this Agreement
assigned to the Surety or any other paper or contract necessary or desired to
carry into effect the purposes of this Agreement; with full right and authority
also, in such event, to dispose of the performance of said contract by
subletting the same in the name of the Contractor or otherwise; and each of the
Undersigned does hereby ratify and confirm all that such attorney-in-fact or the
Surety may lawfully do in the premises and further authorizes and empowers the
Surety and such attorney-in-fact and each of them to enter upon and take
possession of the tools, plant equipment, materials and subcontracts and all
other collateral security mentioned in this Agreement and enforce, use, employ
and dispose thereof for the purposes set forth in this Agreement. Each of the
Undersigned specifically agrees to protect, indemnify and hold harmless the
Surety and such attorney-in-fact against any and all claims, damages, costs and
expenses that may in any way arise or grow out of the exercise of the
assignments counted in this Agreement and the powers herein granted,
specifically waiving any claim which any Undersigned has or might hereafter have
against the Surety or such attorney-in-fact on account of anything done in
enforcing the terms of this Agreement, assignments and power-of attorney.

SIXTH: That the entire contract price of any contract referred to in a Bond or
Bonds, whether in the possession of the Undersigned or another, shall be and
hereby is impressed with a trust in favor of Surety for the payment of
obligations incurred for labor, materials and services in the performance of
the contract work for which Surety would be liable under such Bond or Bonds and
for the purpose of satisfying the conditions of the Bond executed in connection
with the contract.

SEVENTH: That if Surety shall be required or shall deem it necessary to set up a
reserve in any amount to cover any claim, demand, liability, expense, suit,
order, judgment or adjudication under or on any Bond or Bonds or for any other
reason whatsoever, to immediately upon demand deposit with Surety an amount of
money sufficient to cover such reserve and any increase thereof, such funds to
be held by Surety as collateral, in addition to the indemnity afforded by this
instrument, with the right to use such funds or any part thereof, at any time,
in payment or compromise of any liability, claims, demands, judgment, damages,
fees and disbursements or other expenses; and the Undersigned, in the event of
their failure to comply with such demand, hereby authorize and empower any
attorney of any court of record of the United States or any of its territories
or possessions, to appear for them or any of them in any suit by Surety and to
confess judgment against them or any of them for any sum or sums of money up to
the amount of any or all Bond or Bonds, with costs, interest and reasonable
attorneys' fees; such judgment, however, to be satisfied upon the payment of any
and all such sums as may be found due by the Undersigned to Surety under the
terms of this Agreement. Demand shall be sufficient if sent by registered or
certified mail to the Undersigned at the address or addresses given herein or
last known to Surety, whether or not actually received. The authority to confess
judgment as set forth herein shall not be exhausted by any one exercise thereof,
but may be exercised from time to time and more than one time until all
liability of the Undersigned to Surety shall have been paid in full.

EIGHTH: All collateral security held by or assigned to the Surety may be used by
the Surety at any time in payment of any claim, loss or expense which the
Undersigned have agreed to pay hereby, whether or not such claim, loss or
expense arises out of or in connection with such Bond or contract under which
such collateral is held. The Surety may sell or realize upon any or all such
collateral security, at public or private sale, with or without notice to the
Undersigned or any of them, and with the right to be purchaser itself at any
such public sale, and shall be accountable to the Undersigned only for such
surplus or remainder of such collateral security or the proceeds thereof as may
be in the Surety's possession after it has been fully indemnified as in this
Agreement provided. The Surety shall not be liable for decrease in value or loss
or destruction of or damage to such security, however caused.

NINTH: The Surety shall have the right, at its option and in its sole
discretion:



                                                                         2 of 16
<PAGE>

      (a) To deem this Agreement breached should the Contractor become involved
      in any agreement or proceeding of liquidation, receivership, or
      bankruptcy, voluntarily or involuntarily, or should the Contractor, if an
      individual, die, be convicted of a felony, become a fugitive from justice,
      or for any reason disappear and cannot immediately be found by the Surety
      by use of usual methods.

      (b) To take possession of the work under any contract and at the expense
      of the Undersigned to complete or to contract for the completion of the
      same, or to consent to the re-letting of the completion thereof by the
      obligee in said contract Bond or Bonds, or to take such other steps as in
      the discretion of the Surety may be advisable or necessary to obtain its
      release or to secure itself from loss thereunder.

      (c) To adjust, settle or compromise any claim, demand, suit or judgment
      upon said Bond or Bonds, or any of them.

      (d) To increase or decrease the penalty or penalties of any such Bond or
      Bonds, to change the obligee or obligees therein, to execute any
      continuations, enlargements, modifications and renewals thereof or
      substitute therefore with the same or different conditions, provisions and
      obligees, and with the same or larger or smaller penalties, it being
      agreed that this instrument shall apply to and cover such new or changed
      bonds or renewals even though the consent of the Surety may or does
      substantially increase the liability of the Contractor and the Undersigned
      and to take such steps as it may deem necessary or proper to obtain
      release from liability under any such Bond or Bonds.

All damage, loss or expense of any nature which the Surety may incur under
Section NINTH shall be borne by the Undersigned.

TENTH: The Surety shall have the exclusive right for itself and for the
Undersigned to decide and determine whether any claim, demand, suit or judgment
upon said Bond or Bonds shall, on the basis of liability, expediency or
otherwise, be paid, settled, defended or appealed, and its determination shall
be final, conclusive and binding upon the Undersigned; and any loss, costs,
charges, expense or liability thereby sustained or incurred, as well as any and
all disbursements on account of costs, expenses and attorneys' fees, deemed
necessary or advisable by the Surety, shall be borne and paid immediately by the
Undersigned, together with legal interest. In the event of any payment,
settlement compromise or investigation, an itemized statement of the payment,
loss, costs, damages, expenses or attorneys' fees, sworn to by any officer of
the Surety or the voucher or vouchers or other evidence of such payment,
settlement or compromise, shall be prima facie evidence of the fact and extent
of the liability of the Undersigned to the Surety in any claim or suit hereunder
and in any and all matters arising between the Undersigned and the Surety.

ELEVENTH: The Surety is further authorized and empowered to advance money or to
guarantee loans to the Contractor which the Surety may see fit to advance to
said Contractor for the purpose of any contract referred to in or guaranteed by
said Bond or Bonds; and all money so loaned or advanced and all costs,
attorneys' fees and expenses incurred by the Surety in relation thereto, unless
repaid with legal interest when due, shall be conclusively presumed to be a loss
by the Surety for which each and all of the Undersigned shall be responsible,
notwithstanding said money or any part thereof so loaned or advanced to the
Contractor for the purpose of any such contract should not be so used by the
Contractor. The Undersigned hereby waive all notice of such advance or loan, or
of any default or any other act or acts giving rise to any claim under any said
Bond or Bonds, and waive notice of any and all liability of the Surety under any
said Bond or Bonds or any and all liability on the part of the Undersigned to
the effect and end that each of the Undersigned shall be and continue liable to
the Surety hereunder notwithstanding any notice of any kind to which the
Undersigned might have been or be entitled and notwithstanding any defenses
which the Undersigned might have been or be entitled to make.

TWELFTH: No assent, assignment, change in time or manner of payment or other
change or extension in the terms of any Bond or of any contract referred to in
such Bond or in the general conditions, plans or specifications incorporated in
such contract, granted or authorized by the Surety or the refusal to so grant or
authorize, shall release, discharge or in any manner whatsoever affect the
obligations assumed by the Undersigned in executing this Continuing Agreement of
Indemnity. This Agreement shall apply to any and all renewal, continuation or
substitution bonds executed by the Surety. The Surety shall not be required to
notify or obtain the approval or consent of the Undersigned prior to granting,
authorizing or executing any assent, assignment, change or extension. The Surety
shall have the absolute right to cancel any bond in accordance with any
cancellation provision contained therein and the Surety is hereby released from
any liability for expenses, costs, or damage alleged to be sustained by the
Undersigned by reason of such cancellation.

THIRTEENTH: Until the Surety shall have been furnished with competent legal
evidence of its discharge without loss from any and all Bonds, the Surety shall
have the right at all times to free access to the books, records and accounts of
each of the Undersigned for the purpose of examining the same. Each of the
Undersigned hereby authorizes and requests any and all depositories in which
funds of any of the Undersigned may be deposited to furnish to the Surety the
amount of such deposits as of any date requested and any person, firm or
corporation doing business with the Undersigned is hereby authorized to furnish
any information requested by the Surety concerning any transaction. The Surety
may furnish copies of any and all statements, agreements and financial
statements and


                                                                         3 of 16
<PAGE>

any information which it now has or may hereafter obtain concerning each of the
Undersigned, to other persons or companies for the purpose of procuring
co-suretyship or reinsurance or of advising interested persons or companies.

FOURTEENTH: Each of the Undersigned does hereby waive all right to claim any
property, including homestead, as exempt from levy, execution, sale or other
legal process under the law of any state, province or other government as
against the rights of the Surety to proceed against the same for indemnity
hereunder.

FIFTEENTH: The Surety shall have every right and remedy which a personal surety
without compensation would have, including the right to secure its discharge
from the suretyship and nothing herein contained shall be considered or
construed to waive, abridge or diminish any right or remedy which the Surety
might have if this instrument were not executed. The Undersigned will, on
request of the Surety, procure the discharge of the Surety from any Bonds, and
all liability by reason thereof. Separate suits may be brought hereunder as
causes of action may accrue, and the pendency or termination of any such suit
shall not bar any subsequent action. The Surety shall be notified immediately by
the Undersigned of any claim or action which may result in a claim against the
Surety, such notice to be given by registered mail to the Surety at its Home
Office. In the event of legal proceedings against the Surety, upon or on account
of any said Bond or Bonds, the Surety may apply for a court order making any or
all of the Undersigned party defendants, and each Undersigned hereby consents to
the granting of such application and agrees to become such a party defendant and
to allow judgment, in the event of judgment against the Surety, to be rendered
also against such Undersigned in like amount and in favor of the Surety, if the
Surety so desires.

SIXTEENTH: The Surety reserves the right to decline to execute any such Bond;
and if it shall execute any proposal Bond, and if the Contractor is awarded the
contract, the Contractor shall not be obligated to obtain any Bond or Bonds
required by the contract from the Surety nor shall the Surety be obligated to
execute such Bond or Bonds.

SEVENTEENTH: This Agreement shall, in all its terms and agreements, be for the
benefit of and protect any person or company joining with the Surety in
executing said Bond or Bonds, or any of them, or executing at the request of the
Surety said Bond or Bonds, or any of them as well as any company or companies
assuming co-suretyship or reinsurance thereon.

EIGHTEENTH: The Undersigned warrant that each of them is specifically and
beneficially interested in the obtaining of each Bond. Failure to execute, or
defective execution, by any party, shall not affect the validity of this
obligation as to any other party executing the same and each such other party
shall remain fully bound and liable hereunder. Invalidity of any portion or
provision of this Agreement by reason of the laws of any state or for any other
reason shall not render the other provisions or portions hereof invalid.
Execution of any application for any Bond by the Contractor, or of any other
indemnity agreement by any Undersigned for the Contractor shall in no way
abrogate, waive or diminish any rights of Surety under this Agreement. The
Undersigned acknowledge that the execution of this Agreement and the undertaking
of indemnity was not made in reliance upon any representation concerning the
financial responsibility of any Undersigned, or concerning the competence of the
Contractor to perform.

NINETEENTH: Each of the Undersigned expressly recognizes and covenants that this
Agreement is a continuing obligation applying to and indemnifying the Surety and
that the rights of indemnification of each Surety signatory to this Agreement
shall be individual and not joint with those of the other signatory Sureties as
to any and all Bonds (whether or nor covered by any application signed by
Contractor-such application to be considered between the parties hereto as
merely supplemental to this Continuing Agreement of Indemnity) heretofore or
hereafter executed by Surety on behalf of Contractor (whether contracting alone
or as a co-venture) until this Agreement shall be canceled in the manner
hereinafter provided. Any of the Undersigned may notify the Surety at its Head
Office, of such Undersigned's withdrawl from this Agreement; such notice shall
be sent by certified or registered mail and shall state when, not less than
thirty days after receipt of such notice by the Surety, such withdrawal shall be
effective. Such Undersigned will not be liable under this Agreement as to any
Bonds executed by the Surety after the effective date of such notice; provided,
that as to any and all such Bonds executed or authorized by the Surety prior to
effective date of such notice and as to any and all renewals, continuations and
extensions thereof or substitutions therefore (and, if a proposal or Bid Bond
has been executed or authorized prior to such effective date, as to any contract
Bond executed pursuant thereto) regardless of when the same are executed, such
Undersigned shall be and remain fully liable hereunder, as if said notice had
not been served. Such withdrawal by any Undersigned shall in no way affect the
obligation of any other Undersigned who has given no such notice of
termination.

TWENTIETH: This Agreement or a carbon, photographic, xerographic or other
reproduction or copy of this Agreement shall constitute a Security Agreement to
Surety and also a Financing Statement, both in accordance with the provisions of
the Uniform Commercial Code of every jurisdiction wherein such Code is in
effect, but that the filing or recording of this Agreement shall be solely at
the option of Surety and that the failure to do so shall not release or impair
any of the obligations of the Undersigned under this Agreement or otherwise
arising, nor shall such failure be in any manner in derogation of the rights of
Surety under this Agreement or otherwise.

                                                                         4 of 16
<PAGE>

Signed, sealed, and dated this 30th day of March, 1998

ATTEST                             MMH Holdings, Inc.

By: /s/ Martin Ditkof              By: /s/ Michael Erwin      (Seal)       
  ----------------------------       ------------------------------        
Name & Title: Martin Ditkof,       Name & Title: Michael Erwin, President  
              Secretary            Address:                                
                                   Morris Material Handling, Inc.          
                                                                           
By: /s/ Martin Ditkof              By: /s/ Michael Erwin      (Seal)       
  ----------------------------       ------------------------------        
Name & Title: Martin Ditkof,       Name & Title: Michael Erwin, President  
              Secretary            Address:                                
                                   Morris Material Handling, Limited       
                                                                           
By: /s/ Martin Ditkof              By: /s/ Michael Erwin      (Seal)       
  ----------------------------       ------------------------------        
Name & Title: Martin Ditkof,       Name & Title: Michael Erwin, Director  
              Director             Address:                                
                                   Hercules S.A. de C.V.                   
                                                                           
By: /s/ David Smith                By: /s/ Michael Erwin      (Seal)       
  ----------------------------       ------------------------------        
Name & Title: David Smith,         Name & Title: Michael Erwin, Director  
              Director             Address:                                
                                   PHMH Holding Company                    
                                                                           
By: /s/ Martin Ditkof              By: /s/                    (Seal)       
  ----------------------------       ------------------------------        
Name & Title: Martin Ditkof,       Name & Title: Michael Erwin, President  
              Secretary            Address:                                
                                   SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc.               
                                                                           
By: /s/ Martin Ditkof              By: /s/ Michael Erwin       (Seal)      
  ----------------------------       ------------------------------        
Name & Title: Martin Ditkof,       Name & Title: Michael Erwin, President  
              Secretary            Address:                                
                                   Material Handling, LLC                  
                                                                           
By: /s/ David Smith                By: /s/ Martin Ditkof      (Seal)       
  ----------------------------       ------------------------------        
Name & Title: David Smith,         Name & Title: Martin Ditkof, Manager  
              Manager              Address:                                
                                   MHE Canada, ULC                         
                                                                           
By: /s/ David Smith                By: /s/ Martin Ditkof      (Seal)       
  ----------------------------       ------------------------------        
Name & Title: David Smith,         Name & Title: Martin Ditkof, Director  
              Officer              Address:                                
                                                                           
                                   RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY                 
                                                                           
                                   By:                                     
                                     ------------------------------        
                                                                           
                                   RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY              
                                   UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY        
                                   RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITIY COMPANY     
                                                                           
                                   By:                                     
                                     -------------------------------       
                                                                           
IMPORTANT: Print or type the name and address of each signatory to this
Agreement. Each signature must be acknowledged - See REVERSE HEREOF
<PAGE>

Signed, sealed, and dated this 30th day of March, 1998

ATTEST                             MMH Holdings, Inc.

By:                                By:                        (Seal)       
  ----------------------------       ------------------------------        
Name & Title: Martin Ditkof,       Name & Title: Michael Erwin, President  
              Secretary            Address:                                
                                   Morris Material Handling, Inc.          
                                                                           
By:                                By:                        (Seal)       
  ----------------------------       ------------------------------        
Name & Title: Martin Ditkof,       Name & Title: Michael Erwin, President  
              Secretary            Address:                                
                                   Morris Material Handling, Limited       
                                                                           
By:                                By:                        (Seal)       
  ----------------------------       ------------------------------        
Name & Title: Martin Ditkof,       Name & Title: Michael Erwin, Director  
              Director             Address:                                
                                   Hercules S.A. de C.V.                   
                                                                           
By:                                By:                        (Seal)       
  ----------------------------       ------------------------------        
Name & Title: David Smith,         Name & Title: Michael Erwin, Director  
              Director             Address:                                
                                   PHMH Holding Company                    
                                                                           
By: /s/ Christine M. Weer          By: /s/ Mary Alice Avery   (Seal)       
  ----------------------------       ------------------------------        
Name & Title: Christine M. Weer    Name & Title: Mary Alice Avery, Vice
              Asst. Secretary      President
                                   Address: 3513 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 
                                   DE 19803
                                   SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc.               
                                                                           
By:                                By:                         (Seal)      
  ----------------------------       ------------------------------        
Name & Title: Martin Ditkof,       Name & Title: Michael Erwin, President  
              Secretary            Address:                                
                                   Material Handling, LLC                  
                                                                           
By:                                By:                         (Seal)       
  ----------------------------       ------------------------------        
Name & Title: David Smith,         Name & Title: Martin Ditkof, Manager  
              Manager              Address:                                
                                   MHE Canada, ULC                         
                                                                           
By:                                By:                         (Seal)       
  ----------------------------       ------------------------------        
Name & Title: David Smith,         Name & Title: Martin Ditkof, Director  
              Officer              Address:                                
                                                                           
                                   RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY                 
                                                                           
                                   By:                                     
                                     ------------------------------        
                                                                           
                                   RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY              
                                   UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY        
                                   RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITIY COMPANY     
                                                                           
                                   By:                                     
                                     -------------------------------       
                                                                           
IMPORTANT: Print or type the name and address of each signatory to this
Agreement. Each signature must be acknowledged - See REVERSE HEREOF
<PAGE>

INDIVIDUAL & PARTNERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

State of New York           ss. 
County of New York 

      On this _________ day of ________, 19___ before me personally appeared
________ to be known and known to me to be the individual(s) described in and
who executed the foregoing Agreement and acknowledged that_______executed the
same for the purposes, considerations and uses therein set forth as _____ free
and voluntary act and deed.

                                      --------------------------------------
                                      Notary Public, residing at 
                                                                 -----------
                                      (Commission expires 
                                                          ------------------)

CORPORATE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

State of New York           ss. 
County of New York 

On this 30th day of March, 1998 before me personally appeared Michael Erwin to
be known, who being by me duly sworn, did depose and say; that he resides in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin; that he is the President of the MMH Holdings, Inc. the
corporation described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he
knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said instrument
is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the Board of
Directors of the said MMH Holdings, Inc. corporation, and that he signed his
name to the said instrument by like order.

                                    /s/ Karen L. Doerner 
                                    --------------------------------------
                                    Notary Public, residing at Forest Hills, NY
                                                               ----------------
                                    (Commission expires 
                                                        ------------------)

                                                    [STAMP]               
                                                KAREN L. DOERNER          
                                        Notary Public, State of New York   
                                                 No. 01D0502360           
                                           Qualified in Queens County     
                                            Certificate of Official       
                                               Character Filed in         
                                                New York County          
                                        Commission Expires Feb 14, 2000   
                                      

CORPORATE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

State of New York           ss. 
County of New York 

On this 30th day of March, 1998 before me personally appeared Michael Erwin to
be known, who being by me duly sworn, did depose and say; that he resides in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin; that he is the President of the Morris Material Handling,
Inc. the corporation described in and which executed the foregoing instrument;
that he knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said
instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the Board
of Directors of the said Morris Material Handling, Inc. corporation, and that he
signed his name to the said instrument by like order.

                                    /s/ Karen L. Doerner 
                                    --------------------------------------
                                    Notary Public, residing at Forest Hills, NY
                                                               ----------------
                                    (Commission expires 
                                                        ------------------)

                                                    [STAMP]               
                                                KAREN L. DOERNER          
                                        Notary Public, State of New York   
                                                 No. 01D0502360           
                                           Qualified in Queens County     
                                            Certificate of Official       
                                               Character Filed in         
                                                New York County          
                                        Commission Expires Feb 14, 2000   
                                      


CORPORATE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

State of New York           ss. 
County of New York 

On this 30th day of March, 1998 before me personally appeared Michael Erwin to
be known, who being by me duly sworn, did depose and say; that he resides in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin; that he is the President of the Morris Material Handling,
Inc. the corporation described in and which executed the foregoing instrument;
that he knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said
instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the Board
of Directors of the said Morris Material Handling, Inc. corporation, and that he
signed his name to the said instrument by like order.

                                    /s/ Karen L. Doerner 
                                    --------------------------------------
                                    Notary Public, residing at Forest Hills, NY
                                                               ----------------
                                    (Commission expires 
                                                        ------------------)

                                                    [STAMP]               
                                                KAREN L. DOERNER          
                                        Notary Public, State of New York   
                                                 No. 01D0502360           
                                           Qualified in Queens County     
                                            Certificate of Official       
                                               Character Filed in         
                                                New York County          
                                        Commission Expires Feb 14, 2000   
                                      


                                                                         6 of 16
<PAGE>

CORPORATE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

State of New York           ss. 
County of New York 

On this 30th day of March, 1998 before me personally appeared Michael Erwin to
be known, who being by me duly sworn did depose and say; that he resides in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that he is the President of the Hercules S.A. de C.V. the
corporation described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he
knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said instrument
is such corporate seal, that it was so affixed by order of the Board of
Directors of the said Hercules S.A. de C.V. corporation, and that he signed his
name to the said instrument by like order.

                                    /s/ Karen L. Doerner 
                                    --------------------------------------
                                    Notary Public, residing at Forest Hills, NY
                                                               ----------------
                                    (Commission expires 
                                                        ------------------)

                                                    [STAMP]               
                                                KAREN L. DOERNER          
                                        Notary Public, State of New York   
                                                 No. 01D0502360           
                                           Qualified in Queens County     
                                            Certificate of Official       
                                               Character Filed in         
                                                New York County          
                                        Commission Expires Feb 14, 2000   
                                      

CORPORATE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

State of New York           ss. 
County of New York 

On this 30th day of March, 1998 before me personally appeared Michael Erwin to
be known, who being by me duly sworn did depose and say; that he resides in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that he is the President of the PHMH Holding Company the
corporation described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he
knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said instrument
is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the Board of
Directors of the said PHMH Holding Company corporation, and that he signed his
name to the said instrument by like order.

                                    /s/ Karen L. Doerner 
                                    --------------------------------------
                                    Notary Public, residing at Forest Hills, NY
                                                               ----------------
                                    (Commission expires 
                                                        ------------------)

                                                    [STAMP]               
                                                KAREN L. DOERNER          
                                        Notary Public, State of New York   
                                                 No. 01D0502360           
                                           Qualified in Queens County     
                                            Certificate of Official       
                                               Character Filed in         
                                                New York County          
                                        Commission Expires Feb 14, 2000   
                                      

CORPORATE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

State of            ss. 
County of  

On this      day of      , 19   before me personally appeared Michael Erwin to
be known, who being by me duly sworn did depose and say; that he resides in
                    , that he is the President of the SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc.
the corporation described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that
he knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said
instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the Board
of Directors of the said SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc. corporation, and that he
signed his name to the said instrument by like order.

                                         
                                      --------------------------------------
                                      Notary Public, residing at 
                                                                 -----------
                                      (Commission expires 
                                                          ------------------)


                                                                         7 of 16
<PAGE>
CORPORATE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

State of New York           ss. 
County of New York 

On this 30th day of March, 1998 before me personally appeared Michael Erwin to
be known, who being by me duly sworn did depose and say; that he resides in
                     that he is the Director of the Hercules S.A. de C.V. the
corporation described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he
knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said instrument
is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the Board of
Directors of the said Hercules S.A. de C.V. corporation, and that he signed his
name to the said instrument by like order.

                                                           
                                      --------------------------------------
                                      Notary Public, residing at 
                                                                 -----------
                                      (Commission expires 
                                                          ------------------)
                                      

CORPORATE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

State of Delaware           ss. 
County of New Castle

On this 30th day of March, 1998 before me personally appeared Michael Erwin to
be known, who being by me duly sworn did depose and say; that he resides in
Delaware that he is the Vice President of the PHMH Holding Company the
corporation described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he
knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said instrument
is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the Board of
Directors of the said PHMH Holding Company corporation, and that he signed his
name to the said instrument by like order.

                                      /s/ Sharon T. Walsh 
                                      --------------------------------------
                                      Notary Public, residing at 
                                             Wilmington, Delaware
                                      (Commission expires 6/11/98)

                                                     [STAMP]        
                                                  SHARON T. WALSH    
                                                  NOTARY PUBLIC     
                                                STATE OF DELAWARE   
                                              My commission expires 
                                                  June 11, 1998.    
                                                                   
 
CORPORATE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT                    

State of New York           ss. 
County of New York 

On this 30th day of March, 1998 before me personally appeared Michael Erwin to
be known, who being by me duly sworn did depose and say; that he resides in
           , that he is the President of the SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc. the
corporation described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he
knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said instrument
is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the Board of
Directors of the said SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc. corporation, and that he signed
his name to the said instrument by like order.

                                    /s/ Karen L. Doerner 
                                    --------------------------------------
                                    Notary Public, residing at Forest Hills, NY
                                                               ----------------
                                    (Commission expires 
                                                        ------------------)

                                                                         7 of 16
<PAGE>
CORPORATE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

State of New York           ss. 
County of New York 

On this 30th day of March, 1998 before me personally appeared Martin Ditkof to
be known, who being by me duly sworn did depose and say; that he resides in
Brookfield, Wisconsin, that he is the Manager of the Material Handling, LLC the
corporation described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he
knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said instrument
is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the Board of
Directors of the said Material Handling, LLC corporation, and that he signed his
name to the said instrument by like order.

                                    /s/ Karen L. Doerner 
                                    --------------------------------------
                                    Notary Public, residing at Forest Hills, NY
                                                               ----------------
                                    (Commission expires 
                                                        ------------------)

                                                    [STAMP]               
                                                KAREN L. DOERNER          
                                        Notary Public, State of New York   
                                                 No. 01D0502360           
                                           Qualified in Queens County     
                                            Certificate of Official       
                                               Character Filed in         
                                                New York County          
                                        Commission Expires Feb 14, 2000   
                                      

CORPORATE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

State of New York           ss. 
County of New York 

On this 30th day of March, 1998 before me personally appeared Martin Ditkof to
be known, who being by me duly sworn did depose and say; that he resides in
Brookfield, Wisconsin, that he is the Manager of the MHE Canada, ULC the
corporation described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he
knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to the said instrument
is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the Board of
Directors of the said MHE Canada, ULC corporation, and that he signed his name
to the said instrument by like order.

                                      /s/ Karen L. Doerner 
                                      --------------------------------------
                                      Notary Public, residing at 
                                                                 -----------
                                      (Commission expires                   )
                                                          ------------------

                                                    [STAMP]               
                                                KAREN L. DOERNER          
                                        Notary Public, State of New York   
                                                 No. 01D0502360           
                                           Qualified in Queens County     
                                            Certificate of Official       
                                               Character Filed in         
                                                New York County          
                                        Commission Expires Feb 14, 2000   
                                      


                                                                         8 of 16
<PAGE>

                  COPY OF RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of MMH Holding, Inc. duly called and held
on the _______day of ________, a quorum being present, the following Preamble
and Resolution was adopted:

      "WHEREAS, this Company is beneficially and materially interested in the
transactions in which Morris Material Handling, Inc.; Morris Material Handling
Limited; Hercules S.A. de C.V.; PHMH Holding Company.; SPH Crane and Hoist,
Inc.; Material Handling, LLC.; MHE Canada, ULC.

has applied, or may hereafter apply to the RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE
INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL
INDEMNITY COMPANY for various bonds or undertakings, and

      "WHEREAS, the RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED
PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY is willing
to consider such bonds or undertakings as surety, upon being furnished with the
written indemnity of this Company, therefore be it

      "RESOLVED that         Michael Erwin     President 
          
                             -----------       --------

of the Company is (are), hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Company,
any agreement or agreements of indemnity required by the RELIANCE SURETY
COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or
RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY as a prerequisite to the execution by it of
the bonds or undertakings for Morris Material Handling, Inc.; Morris Material
Handling Limited; Hercules S.A. de C.V.; PHMH Holding Company.; SPH Crane and
Hoist, Inc.; Material Handling, LLC.; MHE Canada, ULC.

in connection with the matters or transactions described in the agreement of
indemnity required by said RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY,
UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY,
and the aforementioned representative(s) of the Company is (are) hereby
authorized to affix the corporate seal to such agreement of indemnity and
subscribe his (their) name(s) thereto, in behalf of the Company.

      "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any prior acts of said officers or any
officers or representatives of this Company in executing said indemnity
agreement or agreements on behalf of the Company are hereby ratified."

      I, Martin Ditkof, Secretary of MMH Holding, Inc. have compared the
foregoing Preamble and Resolution with the original thereof, as they appear on
the records of the meetings of the Board of Directors of said Company, and do
certify that the same is a correct and true transcript therefrom, and of the
whole of said original Preamble and Resolution.

Given under my hand and seal of the Company this 30th day of March, 1998.

                                        /s/ Martin Ditkof          
                                        -------------------------  
                                        Martin Ditkof, Secretary   
                                        

                                                                         9 of 16
<PAGE>

                  COPY OF RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of Morris Material Handling, Inc. duly
called and held on the _______day of ________, a quorum being present, the
following Preamble and Resolution was adopted:

      "WHEREAS, this Company is beneficially and materially interested in the
transactions in which MMH Holdings.; Morris Material Handling Limited; Hercules
S.A. de C.V.; PHMH Holding Company.; SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc.; Material
Handling, LLC.; MHE Canada, ULC.

has applied, or may hereafter apply to the RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE
INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL
INDEMNITY COMPANY for various bonds or undertakings, and

      "WHEREAS, the RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED
PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY is willing
to consider such bonds or undertakings as surety, upon being furnished with the
written indemnity of this Company, therefore be it

      "RESOLVED that         Michael Erwin     President 

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

of the Company is (are), hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Company,
any agreement or agreements of indemnity required by the RELIANCE SURETY
COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or
RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY as a prerequisite to the execution by it of
the bonds or undertakings for MMH Holdings.; Morris Material Handling Limited;
Hercules S.A. de C.V.; PHMH Holding Company.; SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc.;
Material Handling, LLC.; MHE Canada, ULC.

in connection with the matters or transactions described in the agreement of
indemnity required by said RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY,
UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY,
and the aforementioned representative(s) of the Company is (are) hereby
authorized to affix the corporate seal to such agreement of indemnity and
subscribe his (their) name(s) thereto, in behalf of the Company.

      "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any prior acts of said officers or any
officers or representatives of this Company in executing said indemnity
agreement or agreements on behalf of the Company are hereby ratified."

      I, Martin Ditkof, Secretary of Morris Material Handling, Inc. have
compared the foregoing Preamble and Resolution with the original thereof, as
they appear on the records of the meetings of the Board of Directors of said
Company, and do certify that the same is a correct and true transcript
therefrom, and of the whole of said original Preamble and Resolution.

Given under my hand and seal of the Company this 30th day of March, 1998.

                                        /s/ Martin Ditkof          
                                        -------------------------  
                                        Martin Ditkof, Secretary   
                                        


                                    10 of 16
<PAGE>
                  COPY OF RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of Morris Material Handling Limited, duly
called and held on the _______day of ________, a quorum being present, the
following Preamble and Resolution was adopted:

      "WHEREAS, this Company is beneficially and materially interested in the
transactions in which MMH Holdings, Inc.; Morris Material Handling, Inc.;
Hercules S.A. de C.V.; PHMH Holding Company.; SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc.;
Material Handling, LLC.; MHE Canada, ULC.

has applied, or may hereafter apply to the RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE
INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL
INDEMNITY COMPANY for various bonds or undertakings, and

      "WHEREAS, the RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED
PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY is willing
to consider such bonds or undertakings as surety, upon being furnished with the
written indemnity of this Company, therefore be it

      "RESOLVED that         Michael Erwin     Director 

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

of the Company is (are), hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Company,
any agreement or agreements of indemnity required by the RELIANCE SURETY
COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or
RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY as a prerequisite to the execution by it of
the bonds or undertakings for MMH Holdings, Inc.; Morris Material Handling,
Inc.; Hercules S.A. de C.V.; PHMH Holding Company.; SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc.;
Material Handling, LLC.; MHE Canada, ULC.

in connection with the matters or transactions described in the agreement of
indemnity required by said RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY,
UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY,
and the aforementioned representative(s) of the Company is (are) hereby
authorized to affix the corporate seal to such agreement of indemnity and
subscribe his (their) name(s) thereto, in behalf of the Company.

      "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any prior acts of said officers or any
officers or representatives of this Company in executing said indemnity
agreement or agreements on behalf of the Company are hereby ratified."

      I, Martin Ditkof, of Morris Material Handling Limited, have compared the
foregoing Preamble and Resolution with the original thereof, as they appear on
the records of the meetings of the Board of Directors of said Company, and do
certify that the same is a correct and true transcript therefrom, and of the
whole of said original Preamble and Resolution.

Given under my hand and seal of the Company this 30th day of March, 1998.

                                        /s/ Martin Ditkof          
                                        -------------------------  
                                        Martin Ditkof, Director   
                                        

                                                                        11 of 16
<PAGE>

                  COPY OF RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of Hercules S.A. de C.V., duly called and
held on the _______day of ________, a quorum being present, the following
Preamble and Resolution was adopted:

      "WHEREAS, this Company is beneficially and materially interested in the
transactions in which MMH Holdings, Inc., Morris Material Handling, Inc.; Morris
Material Handling Limited; PHMH Holding Company.; SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc.;
Material Handling, LLC.; MHE Canada, ULC.

has applied, or may hereafter apply to the RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE
INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE
NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY for various bonds or undertakings, and

      "WHEREAS, the RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED
PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY is willing
to consider such bonds or undertakings as surety, upon being furnished with the
written indemnity of this Company, therefore be it

       "RESOLVED that         Michael Erwin     Director 

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

of the Company is (are), hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Company,
any agreement or agreements of indemnity required by the RELIANCE SURETY
COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or
RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY as a prerequisite to the execution by it of
the bonds or undertakings for MMH Holdings, Morris Material Handling, Inc.;
Morris Material Handling Limited; PHMH Holding Company.; SPH Crane and Hoist,
Inc.; Material Handling, LLC.; MHE Canada, ULC.

in connection with the matters or transactions described in the agreement of
indemnity required by said RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY,
UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY,
and the aforementioned representative(s) of the Company is (are) hereby
authorized to affix the corporate seal to such agreement of indemnity and
subscribe his (their) name(s) thereto, in behalf of the Company.

      "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any prior acts of said officers or any
officers or representatives of this Company in executing said indemnity
agreement or agreements on behalf of the Company are hereby ratified."

      I, David Smith, of Hercules S.A. de C.V., have compared the foregoing
Preamble and Resolution with the original thereof, as they appear on the records
of the meetings of the Board of Directors of said Company, and do certify that
the same is a correct and true transcript therefrom, and of the whole of said
original Preamble and Resolution.

Given under my hand and seal of the Company this 30th day of March 1998.

                                        /s/ David Smith  
                                        -------------------------  
                                        David Smith, Director   
                                        

                                                                        12 of 16
<PAGE>
                 COPY OF RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of PHMH Holding Company, duly called and
held on the _______day of ________, a quorum being present, the following
Preamble and Resolution was adopted:

      "WHEREAS, this Company is beneficially and materially interested in the
transactions in which MMH Holdings, Inc.; Morris Material Handling, Inc.; Morris
Material Handling Limited; Hercules S.A. de C.V.; SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc.;
Material Handling, LLC.; MHE Canada, ULC.

has applied, or may hereafter apply to the RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE
INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL
INDEMNITY COMPANY for various bonds or undertakings, and

      "WHEREAS, the RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED
PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY is willing
to consider such bonds or undertakings as surety, upon being furnished with the
written indemnity of this Company, therefore be it

      "RESOLVED that         Michael Erwin     President 

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

of the Company is (are), hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Company,
any agreement or agreements of indemnity required by the RELIANCE SURETY
COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or
RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY as a prerequisite to the execution by it of
the bonds or undertakings for MMH Holdings, Inc.; Morris Material Handling,
Inc.; Morris Material Handling Limited; Hercules S.A. de C.V.; SPH Crane and
Hoist, Inc.; Material Handling, LLC.; MHE Canada, ULC.

in connection with the matters or transactions described in the agreement of
indemnity required by said RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY,
UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY,
and the aforementioned representative(s) of the Company is (are) hereby
authorized to affix the corporate seal to such agreement of indemnity and
subscribe his (their) name(s) thereto, in behalf of the Company.

      "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any prior acts of said officers or any
officers or representatives of this Company in executing said indemnity
agreement or agreements on behalf of the Company are hereby ratified."

      I, Mary Alice Avery, Vice President of PHMH Holding Company, have compared
the foregoing Preamble and Resolution with the original thereof, as they appear
on the records of the meetings of the Board of Directors of said Company, and do
certify that the same is a correct and true transcript therefrom, and of the
whole of said original Preamble and Resolution.

Given under my hand and seal of the Company this 30th day of March 1998.

                                        /s/ Mary Alice Avery       
                                        -------------------------  
                                        Mary Alice Avery, Vice President   
                                        

                                                                        13 of 16
<PAGE>
                  COPY OF RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc. duly called
and held on the _______day of ________, a quorum being present, the following
Preamble and Resolution was adopted:

      "WHEREAS, this Company is beneficially and materially interested in the
transactions in which MMH Holdings, Inc., Morris Material Handling, Inc.; Morris
Material Handling Limited; Hercules S.A. de C.V.; PHMH Holding Company.; SPH
Crane and Hoist, Inc.; Material Handling, LLC.; MHE Canada, ULC.

has applied, or may hereafter apply to the RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE
INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL
INDEMNITY COMPANY for various bonds or undertakings, and

      "WHEREAS, the RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED
PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY is willing
to consider such bonds or undertakings as surety, upon being furnished with the
written indemnity of this Company, therefore be it

       "RESOLVED that         Michael Erwin     President 

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

of the Company is (are), hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Company,
any agreement or agreements of indemnity required by the RELIANCE SURETY
COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or
RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY as a prerequisite to the execution by it of
the bonds or undertakings for MMH Holdings, Inc., Morris Material Handling,
Inc.; Morris Material Handling Limited; Hercules S.A. de C.V.; PHMH Holding
Company.; Material Handling, LLC.; MHE Canada, ULC.

in connection with the matters or transactions described in the agreement of
indemnity required by said RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY,
UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY,
and the aforementioned representative(s) of the Company is (are) hereby
authorized to affix the corporate seal to such agreement of indemnity and
subscribe his (their) name(s) thereto, in behalf of the Company.

      "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any prior acts of said officers or any
officers or representatives of this Company in executing said indemnity
agreement or agreements on behalf of the Company are hereby ratified."

      I, Martin Ditkof, Secretary of SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc. have compared the
foregoing Preamble and Resolution with the original thereof, as they appear on
the records of the meetings of the Board of Directors of said Company, and do
certify that the same is a correct and true transcript therefrom, and of the
whole of said original Preamble and Resolution.

Given under my hand and seal of the Company this 30th day of March, 1998.

                                        /s/ Martin Ditkof          
                                        -------------------------  
                                        Martin Ditkof, Secretary   
                                        

                                    14 of 16
<PAGE>
                  COPY OF RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of Material Handling, LLC, duly called
and held on the _______day of ________, a quorum being present, the following
Preamble and Resolution was adopted:

      "WHEREAS, this Company is beneficially and materially interested in the
transactions in which MMH Holdings, Inc.; Morris Material Handling, Inc.; Morris
Material Handling Limited; Hercules S.A. de C.V.; PHMH Holding Company.; SPH
Crane and Hoist, Inc.; MHE Canada, ULC.

has applied, or may hereafter apply to the RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE
INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL
INDEMNITY COMPANY for various bonds or undertakings, and

      "WHEREAS, the RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED
PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY is willing
to consider such bonds or undertakings as surety, upon being furnished with the
written indemnity of this Company, therefore be it

      "RESOLVED that         Martin Ditkof     Manager

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

of the Company is (are), hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Company,
any agreement or agreements of indemnity required by the RELIANCE SURETY
COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or
RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY as a prerequisite to the execution by it of
the bonds or undertakings for MMH Holdings, Inc.; Morris Material Handling,
Inc.; Morris Material Handling Limited; Hercules S.A. de C.V.; PHMH Holding
Company.; SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc.; MHE Canada, ULC.

in connection with the matters or transactions described in the agreement of
indemnity required by said RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY,
UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY,
and the aforementioned representative(s) of the Company is (are) hereby
authorized to affix the corporate seal to such agreement of indemnity and
subscribe his (their) name(s) thereto, in behalf of the Company.

      "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any prior acts of said officers or any
officers or representatives of this Company in executing said indemnity
agreement or agreements on behalf of the Company are hereby ratified."

      I, David Smith, of Material Handling, LLC. have compared the foregoing
Preamble and Resolution with the original thereof, as they appear on the records
of the meetings of the Board of Directors of said Company, and do certify that
the same is a correct and true transcript therefrom, and of the whole of said
original Preamble and Resolution.

Given under my hand and seal of the Company this 30th day of March, 1998.

                                        /s/ David Smith          
                                        -------------------------  
                                        David Smith, Manager   
                                        

                                    15 of 16
<PAGE>
                  COPY OF RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of MHE Canada, ULC duly called and held
on the _______day of ________, a quorum being present, the following Preamble
and Resolution was adopted:

      "WHEREAS, this Company is beneficially and materially interested in the
transactions in which MMH Holdings, Inc.; Morris Material Handling, Inc.; Morris
Material Handling Limited; Hercules S.A. de C.V.; PHMH Holding Company.; SPH
Crane and Hoist, Inc.; Material Handling, LLC.

has applied, or may hereafter apply to the RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE
INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL
INDEMNITY COMPANY for various bonds or undertakings, and

      "WHEREAS, the RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED
PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY is willing
to consider such bonds or undertakings as surety, upon being furnished with the
written indemnity of this Company, therefore be it

      "RESOLVED that         Martin Ditkof       Director 

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

of the Company is (are), hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Company,
any agreement or agreements of indemnity required by the RELIANCE SURETY
COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or
RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY as a prerequisite to the execution by it of
the bonds or undertakings for MMH Holdings, Inc.; Morris Material Handling,
Inc.; Morris Material Handling Limited; Hercules S.A. de C.V.; PHMH Holding
Company.; SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc.; Material Handling, LLC.

in connection with the matters or transactions described in the agreement of
indemnity required by said RELIANCE SURETY COMPANY, RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY,
UNITED PACIFIC INSURANCE COMPANY, and/or RELIANCE NATIONAL INDEMNITY COMPANY,
and the aforementioned representative(s) of the Company is (are) hereby
authorized to affix the corporate seal to such agreement of indemnity and
subscribe his (their) name(s) thereto, in behalf of the Company.

      "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any prior acts of said officers or any
officers or representatives of this Company in executing said indemnity
agreement or agreements on behalf of the Company are hereby ratified."

      I, David Smith, of MHE Canada, ULC have compared the foregoing Preamble
and Resolution with the original thereof, as they appear on the records of the
meetings of the Board of Directors of said Company, and do certify that the same
is a correct and true transcript therefrom, and of the whole of said original
Preamble and Resolution.

Given under my hand and seal of the Company this 30th day of March 1998.

                                        /s/ David Smith          
                                        -------------------------  
                                        David Smith, Officer   
                                        

                                    16 of 16



                        CREDIT INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

            THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the 30th day of March, 1998, between
Harnischfeger Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("HII"), and Morris
Material Handling, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Morris"). Capitalized terms
used but not defined herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the
Recapitalization Agreement entered into as of January 28, 1998, as amended, by
and among MHE Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation, Harnischfeger
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("HarnCo"), and certain other parties named
therein (the "Recapitalization Agreement").

            WHEREAS, pursuant to the Recapitalization Agreement, HarnCo and
Investor will participate in a recapitalization of MMH Holdings, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("MMH"), which is the parent company of Morris;

            WHEREAS, MMH and its Subsidiaries owe financial and performance
obligations to third persons, the payment and performance of which are
guaranteed by HII and its Affiliates or for which HII and its Affiliates stand
as surety or are otherwise liable or contingently liable, or are secured by
letters of credit, surety bonds, indemnities or other arrangements with third
parties whereby HII and its Affiliates are obligated to repay amounts paid on
such arrangements by third parties; and

            WHEREAS, HII and its Affiliates will agree to continue such third
party letters of credit, surety bonds and other arrangements existing on the
Closing Date, but subject to the obligation of Morris and its Subsidiaries to
repay any amounts paid by HII and its Affiliates under such arrangements.

            NOW THEREFORE, for the purpose of evidencing the obligations of
Morris and its Subsidiaries in respect of the foregoing, and for establishing
the rights of the parties in respect thereof, the parties do hereby enter into
this Agreement.

            Section 1. Definitions. As used in this Agreement:

            "Annual Fees" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a)
below.

            "Credit" shall mean each letter of credit, performance bond, payment
bond, surety bond or other bond or instrument by, on behalf of or for the
benefit of the MHE Business, whereby HII or an Affiliate thereof is obligated to
pay, reimburse, or indemnify any non-Affiliated Person, including those
arrangements set forth on Schedule 4(p) of the Disclosure Schedule, and any
renewal, replacement, substitution or extension thereof; provided that Credits
shall not include any of the foregoing if and to the extent they cover (i)
Excluded Liabilities or (ii) businesses or operations other than the MHE
Business.
<PAGE>

            "Credit Provider" means every obligor on a Credit (which may include
HII or Affiliates thereof) and every successor and assign thereof.

            "Credit Provider Agreement" means any agreement, contract,
promissory note or other instrument, arrangement or understanding whereby HII or
one of its Affiliates is obligated to pay, reimburse, or indemnify any Credit
Provider for any payments made on any Credit.

            "Demand" shall mean any draft, authenticated electronic or
telegraphic transmission or written demand drawn or made.

            "Event of Default" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10
below.

            "Face Amount of Credits" shall mean the sum of the original face
amount of the Credits (and any extensions or renewals thereof). For the purposes
of this Agreement, the face amount of all bonds opened with respect to a single
contract, including performance bonds, payment bonds and all other bonds
relating thereto, shall be deemed to be the sum of such bonds.

            "HII" shall have the meaning set forth in the preface above.

            "HII Credit Payment" shall mean any payment whatsoever made by HII
or an Affiliate thereof on or after the date of this Agreement under or in
connection with a Credit Provider Agreement.

            "MMH" shall have the meaning set forth in the preface above.

            "Morris" shall have the meaning set forth in the preface above.

            "Obligation" shall mean (i) each Credit and (ii) each guaranty,
indemnity, direct obligation, contingent obligation or other arrangement
(including, without limitation, foreign exchange contracts), maintained by, on
behalf of or for the benefit of the MHE Business, whereby HII or an Affiliate
thereof is obligated to pay, reimburse, or indemnify any non-Affiliated Person,
and any renewal, replacement, substitution or extension thereof; provided that
Obligations shall not include any of the foregoing if and to the extent they
cover (x) Excluded Liabilities or (y) businesses or operations other than the
MHE Business.

            "Outstanding Amount of Credits" shall mean: (a) the Face Amount of
Credits; minus (b) the sum of (i) the Face Amount of Credits with respect to
which all liability, potential or actual, has been released or otherwise
terminated by the Credit Provider and the obligee of such Credits; and (ii) that
portion of the Face Amount of Credits with respect to which all liability,
potential or actual, has been released or otherwise terminated by the Credit
Provider and the obligee of such Credits; and (iii) any amount by which the Face
Amount of any Credits has been automatically reduced in accordance with the
terms of such Credits; and (iv) any portion of the Face Amount of Credits which
Morris (or MMH) and HII have mutually agreed upon, which agreement is evidenced
by a writing executed by HII and Morris (or MMH) and which makes


                                       -2-

<PAGE>


reference to this Section.

            "Recapitalization Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the
preface above.

            "Reduction Amount" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(b)
below.

            "Reduction Dates" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(b)
below.

            Section 2. Continuance of Obligations. On the terms and subject to
the provisions of this Agreement, HII and its Affiliates shall maintain in place
the Obligations in existence on the date hereof. HII and its Affiliates shall
have no obligation to extend, renew or increase any Obligation or create or
enter into any new or additional Obligation; provided that HII and its
Affiliates shall be required to renew Credits as and to the extent required by
customer contracts in effect on the date hereof (but in no event shall HII or
its Affiliates be required to increase the amount of any such Credit). Morris
and its Affiliates shall join HII and its Affiliates in taking all commercially
reasonable efforts to effect the release of all liability of HII and its
Affiliates in respect of the Obligations; provided that Morris shall not be
required to post or arrange substitute or back-up Credits, furnish collateral or
other credit support or make any payments (other than payments owed to third
parties in respect of such Obligations and payments owed to HII and its
Affiliates under this Agreement) in order to obtain such release.

            Section 3.  Reimbursement for HII Payments.

                  (a) Morris agrees that HII and its Affiliates may make any HII
Credit Payment demanded of it, as long as HII or an Affiliate thereof, as
applicable, believes that such demand complies with the terms of a Credit
Provider Agreement. HII or an Affiliate thereof, as applicable, shall give
Morris or MMH prompt written notice after any such HII Credit Payment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to HII Credit Payments that are not
due on demand, HII or an Affiliate thereof (i) shall give notice to Morris or
MMH of such demand, (ii) shall give MMH or a Subsidiary thereof a reasonable
opportunity defend or contest such demand, and (iii) shall not make such HII
Credit Payment until it receives written notice from MMH or a Subsidiary thereof
authorizing it to do so; provided, however, that if such delay in making an HII
Credit Payment would cause a default under a Credit Provider Agreement, HII or
an Affiliate thereof may make such HII Credit Payment prior to such failure
becoming a default. Morris and its Subsidiaries shall reimburse HII on Demand
for the full amount of HII Credit Payments. Such reimbursement shall be made by
Morris or a Subsidiary thereof in immediately available funds on Demand in the
full amount of any such HII Credit Payment, plus interest accrued thereon from
the date of such HII Credit Payment to the date of reimbursement. Such
reimbursement shall be made within 10 days after Demand by HII or an Affiliate
thereof.

                  (b) In the event that HII or an Affiliate receives a demand
for payment on any Obligation (other than HII Credit Payments), HII or such
Affiliate (i) shall give notice to 


                                      -3-
<PAGE>

Morris or MMH of such demand, (ii) shall give MMH or an Affiliate a reasonable
opportunity to defend or contest such demand, and (iii) shall not make such
payment until either (x) it receives written notice from MMH or an Affiliate
thereof authorizing it to do so, or (y) MMH or an Affiliate fails to defend HII
against such demand (or fails to conduct such defense in good faith), or (z) a
judgment in entered against HII or an Affiliate in respect of such demand (and
MMH or an Affiliate thereof does not promptly obtain a stay of such judgment
pending appeal). Morris and its Subsidiaries shall reimburse HII on demand for
the full amount of any payment made by HII or an Affiliate in accordance with
this Section 3(b). Such reimbursement shall be made by Morris or a Subsidiary
thereof in immediately available funds in the full amount of any such HII
payment, plus interest accrued thereon from the date of such HII payment to the
date of reimbursement. Such reimbursement shall be made within 10 days after
Demand by HII or an Affiliate thereof.

            Section 4. Continuation Fees and Expenses.

                  (a) On the Closing Date, Morris and its Subsidiaries shall pay
to HII an annual fee equal to 1% of the Outstanding Amount of Credits on the
Closing Date (pro rated for the period from the Closing Date through the end of
the 1998 calendar year). On or before January 15 of each calendar year
thereafter, Morris and its Subsidiaries shall pay to HII an annual fee equal to
1% of the Outstanding Amount of Credits on January 1 of such calendar year. The
annual fees payable pursuant to this Section 4(a) are referred to herein as
"Annual Fees".

                  (b) Promptly following the end of each quarter during each
calendar year, Morris (or MMH) and HII shall identify and mutually agree on the
amount of any reductions of the Outstanding Amount of Credits which occurred
during such quarter (the "Reduction Amount") and the dates on which such
reductions occurred (the "Reduction Dates"). Promptly following such
identification and agreement, HII shall refund to Morris a pro-rata portion of
the Annual Fee for each Reduction Amount (based on the period from the
applicable Reduction Date through the end of the year).

                  (c) In addition to the amounts payable under Sections 4(a) and
(b), Morris and its Subsidiaries shall pay to HII, from time to time, the full
amount paid by HII and its Affiliates to non-Affiliated Persons in respect of
fees, commissions, costs, premiums and expenses (including reasonable attorney's
fees) incurred by HII and its Affiliates after the Closing Date in connection
with maintaining the Obligations.

            Section 5. Undertakings of Affiliates. Morris shall cause each
Subsidiary of Morris to perform the obligations of such Subsidiary pursuant to,
and to comply with all covenants and agreements contained in, this Agreement.
HII shall cause each Affiliate of HII to perform the obligations of such
Affiliate pursuant to, and to comply with all covenants and agreements contained
in, this Agreement.

            Section 6. Unconditional Obligations of Morris and its Subsidiaries.
Morris and its Subsidiaries' obligations under this Agreement shall be absolute,
unconditional, and 


                                      -4-
<PAGE>

irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement under all circumstances whatsoever, notwithstanding (a) any lack
of validity or enforceability of any Obligation or any agreement or document
relating to any Obligation, (b) any amendment or waiver of, or any consent to or
departure from, all or any of the documents and agreements in connection with
any Obligation, (c) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right
to which MMH or a Subsidiary thereof may have at any time against the
beneficiary or transferee of any Obligation, (d) any breach of contract or other
dispute between MMH or a Subsidiary thereof, HII or an Affiliate thereof, any
Credit Provider, the beneficiary or transferee of any Obligation or any other
person or entity, whether or not related to this Agreement or any Obligation, or
(e) any delay, extension of time, renewal, compromise or other indulgence
granted or agreed to by HII or an Affiliate thereof with or without notice to or
approval by MMH or a Subsidiary thereof with respect to the obligations of MMH
or a Subsidiary thereof to HII or an Affiliate thereof under this Agreement.

            Section 7. No Liability for Certain Acts. Neither HII nor any of its
Affiliates assume liability or responsibility for any of the following: (a) any
acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee of any Obligation or of any
Credit Provider, or any person purporting to act on behalf of the foregoing, (b)
the form, validity, sufficiency, correctness, genuineness or legal effect of any
demand, instrument, draft, document, certificate or other writing given to HII
or an Affiliate thereof in connection with any Obligation or Credit Provider
Agreement, or of any signatures or endorsements thereon, (c) any payment by HII
or its Affiliates that does not comply with any Obligation or any Credit
Provider Agreement, except where such HII Payment arises solely from the gross
negligence, wilful misconduct or breach of this Agreement by HII or an Affiliate
thereof, (d) the failure of any Credit Provider or of any beneficiary or
transferee of any Obligation to meet any obligations owed to MMH or its
Subsidiaries, (e) any act, omission, error, breach, negligence, gross negligence
or misconduct of any Credit Provider or any beneficiary or transferee of any
Obligation, (f) any errors, inaccuracies, omissions, interruptions or delays in
transmission or delivery of any messages, directions or correspondence by mail,
cable, telegraph, wireless or otherwise, whether or not in cipher. The
occurrence of one or more of the contingencies referred to in this Section shall
not affect, impair or prevent the vesting of any of HII or any of its
Affiliates' rights or powers under this Agreement or the obligations of Morris
and its Subsidiaries to reimburse HII Payments under this Agreement, except to
the extent such occurrence is due to HII or an Affiliate's failure to comply
with Section 3 hereof.

            Section 8. Reimbursement for Certain Expenses. Except in the case of
HII or any of its Affiliates' gross negligence, wilful misconduct or breach of
this Agreement, Morris and its Subsidiaries shall reimburse and indemnify HII
and its Affiliates on Demand for any damages, losses, liabilities, claims,
penalties, judgments, costs and expenses paid, suffered or incurred by HII or
any of its Affiliates on or after the date of this Agreement, however caused,
including but not limited to, attorneys' fees and legal expenses, arising out of
or in connection with (a) the Obligations, or any demands made by beneficiaries
or any transferees of a Obligation or any Credit Provider, (b) the collection of
any amounts owed to HII or its Affiliates by Morris or a Subsidiary thereof
under this Agreement, any Credit Provider Agreement or any Obligation, (c) the
protection, exercise or enforcement of any of HII or any of its Affiliates'
rights and 


                                      -5-
<PAGE>

remedies under this Agreement, any Credit Provider Agreement or any Obligation,
or (d) any court orders, injunctions, decrees or other procedures restraining or
seeking to restrain HII or an Affiliate thereof from paying any amount under a
Obligation or a Credit Provider Agreement.

            Section 9. Limitation of Liability. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement, in no event shall HII or any of its Affiliates be
liable, regardless of whether any claim is based on contract or tort, for any
special, consequential, indirect or incidental damages, including, but not
limited to, lost profits, arising out of or in connection with any action taken
by HII or any of its Affiliates in connection with this Agreement, any Credit
Provider Agreement or any Obligation.

            Section 10. Event of Default. Morris agrees that each of the
following shall constitute an "Event of Default" under this Agreement: (a) any
acceleration of amounts owing under any promissory note, credit agreement, or
other evidence of indebtedness owed by MMH or a Subsidiary thereof to any other
Person (excluding HII or its Affiliates) having a principal amount in excess of
$10,000,000; (b) MMH or a Subsidiary thereof suspends the transaction of its
usual business, or dissolves or liquidates, or is generally not paying its debts
as they become due or becomes insolvent or makes a general assignment for the
benefit of creditor; or (c) a petition is filed by or against MMH or any
Subsidiary thereof seeking the liquidation or reorganization of MMH or such
Subsidiary under the United States Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of
state, federal or foreign law or a custodian or receiver is appointed for any of
the properties or assets of MMH or any Subsidiary thereof, or any governmental
authority or any court takes possession of any substantial part of the property
of MMH or any material Subsidiary thereof or assumes control over the affairs of
MMH or any material Subsidiary thereof. Upon the occurrence of any Event of
Default, Morris or a Subsidiary thereof shall, within thirty (30) days following
written notice from HII, post a bank letter of credit in favor of HII and its
Affiliates in an amount equal to the Outstanding Amount of Credits at such time.
Such letter of credit shall give HII the unconditional right to draw in order to
fulfill the reimbursement obligations of Morris and its Subsidiaries hereunder
(but only at the time and to the extent HII or its Affiliates make payment on
any Obligation). The posting of such letter of credit shall not relieve Morris
and its Subsidiaries of their obligations hereunder.

            Section 11. Remedies. HII and its Affiliates shall be entitled to
pursue any and all remedies available at law or in equity in connection with any
failure by Morris or its Subsidiaries to make any payment when due under this
Agreement or any other breach of the terms of this Agreement (regardless of
whether or not the matter in question constitutes an Event of Default).

            Section 12. Set-Off. In addition to any rights now or hereafter
granted under applicable law, and not by way of limitation of any such rights,
upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, HII and its Affiliates are hereby
authorized by Morris at any time or from time to time, without notice thereto,
or to any other person, any such notice being hereby waived by Morris, to
set-off and to appropriate and to apply any and all amounts at any time held or
owing by HII or its Affiliates to or for the credit of MMH or any Subsidiary
thereof against and on account of the 


                                      -6-
<PAGE>

obligations and liabilities of Morris and its Subsidiaries under this Agreement.

            Section 13. Waiver. No delay, extension of time, renewal,
compromise, or other indulgence which may occur or be granted by HII or any of
its Affiliates under this Agreement from time to time shall impair HII or any of
its Affiliates' rights or powers under this Agreement. Neither HII nor any of
its Affiliates shall be deemed to have waived any of its rights under this
Agreement, unless HII shall have signed such a waiver in writing. No such
written waiver shall be effective as to any transactions or events of default
occurring subsequent to the date of such waiver, unless expressly so provided
therein.

            Section 14. Modification of Credits and Credit Provider Agreements.
Neither MMH nor any Subsidiary thereof shall increase the amount of any Credit,
extend any expiration date of any Credit, extend the period of time for
presentation of documents or demands under any Credit, agree to any substitution
of any Credit, or agree to any creation, amendment, supplement, waiver or other
modification of any Credit Provider Agreement or any creation, amendment,
supplement, waiver or other modification of any Credit, without the prior
written agreement of HII.

            Section 15. Information Requirements. MMH and each of its
Subsidiaries shall deliver to HII reasonably promptly after receipt, a copy of
each demand, or other communication of any nature from a Credit Provider or the
beneficiary or transferee of any Credit with respect to the Credit, or any
person acting or purporting to act on behalf of any such person.

            Section 16. Severability. Any provision of this Agreement or any
Obligation which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, shall be,
only as to such jurisdiction, ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or
unenforceability, but all the remaining provisions of this Agreement or any
Obligation shall remain valid.

            Section 17. Succession and Assignment. The obligations of Morris and
its Subsidiaries hereunder shall bind the successors and assigns of Morris and
its Subsidiaries, and all rights, benefits, and privileges conferred on HII and
its Affiliates by this Agreement shall be and hereby are extended to, conferred
upon, and may be enforced by, the successors and assigns of HII and its
Affiliates.

      Section 18. Submission to Jurisdiction. Each of the parties consents to
the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal courts of the Eastern District of
Wisconsin for any legal action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or in
connection with this Agreement, and agree that any such action, suit, or
proceeding may be brought only in such courts. If such forum is not available,
each of the parties consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Milwaukee
County Circuit Court for any such action, suit or proceeding. Each of the
parties further waives any objection to the laying of venue for any such suit,
action, or proceeding in such courts. Each party agrees to accept and
acknowledge service of any and all process that may be served in any suit,
action, or proceeding. Each party agrees that any service of process upon it
mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested to such party
at the address provided in Section 22 below shall be deemed in 


                                      -7-
<PAGE>

every respect effective service of process upon such party in any such suit,
action, or proceeding. Each party agrees to waive any right it might have to a
trial by jury in any such suit, action or proceeding.

            Section 19. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of New York without
giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the
State of New York or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of
the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York.

            Section 20. Construction. The language used in this Agreement shall
be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their
mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any
party. The word "including" shall mean including without limitation.

            Section 21. Joint and Several Obligations. Morris agrees that this
Agreement constitutes the joint and several agreement and obligation of Morris
and its Subsidiaries, and that HII would not be willing to enter into this
Agreement absent such joint and several liability. Morris shall cause its
Affiliates to honor and comply with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

            Section 22. Notice. Any notice required or permitted hereunder shall
be given in writing and shall be deemed duly given if (and then two business
days after) it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, and addressed to the intended recipient as set forth
below:

If to HII:                              with a copy to:                 
                                                                        
Harnischfeger Industries, Inc.          Kirkland & Ellis                
3600 South Lake Drive                   200 East Randolph Drive         
St. Francis, WI  53235-3716             Chicago, IL 60601               
Attention: James A. Chokey and          Attention:  Keith S. Crow       
           John Spies                   Telephone No.: (312) 861-2000   
Telephone No.: (414) 486-6400           Facsimile No.: (312) 861-2200   
Facsimile No.: (414) 486-6717           
                                        

If to Morris:                           and with a copy to:                     
                                                                                
Morris Material Handling, Inc.          Akin, Gump Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
315 West Forest Hill Avenue             Suite 400                               
Oak Creek, WI  53154                    1333 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.         
Attention:  Martin L. Ditkof            Washington, D.C.  20036                 
Telephone No.: (414) 764-8593           Attention:  Russell W. Parks, Jr.       
Facsimile No.: (414) 764-8594           Telephone No.: (202) 887-4000           
                                        Facsimile No.: (202) 887-4288           

or at such other address as such party may designate by ten days advance written
notice to the


                                      -8-
<PAGE>

other party.

            Section 23. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Recapitalization
Agreement and the other Transaction Agreements constitute the entire agreement
of HII and its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Morris, MMH and their
Subsidiaries, on the other hand, with respect to the Obligations, and no oral
statements or prior written statements not contained in this Agreement shall
have any force and effect.

            Section 24. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall not
confer any rights or remedies upon any Person other than the parties, Affiliates
of HII, Subsidiaries of Morris and their respective successors and permitted
assigns.

            Section 25. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or
more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.

            Section 26. Headings. The Section headings contained in this
Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the
meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

            Section 27. Interest. Interest shall accrue and be payable on
overdue amounts under this Agreement at a rate per annum equal to the lesser of
20% per annum or the highest rate allowed by law.

            Section 28. Termination. The obligations of Morris and its
Subsidiaries under this Agreement will terminate when HII and its Affiliates no
longer have any obligations or liability, contingent or otherwise, under any
Obligation.

                             *       *       *       *

                                       -9-


<PAGE>

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed and delivered this
agreement as of the date first above written.

                                          HARNISCHFEGER INDUSTRIES, INC.

                                          
                                          By: /s/ Eric Fonstad
                                              ----------------------------
                                          
                                          Its: Assistant Secretary
                                              ----------------------------
                                          
                                          MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

                                          
                                          By: /s/ David D. Smith
                                              ----------------------------
                                          
                                          Its: Vice President
                                              ----------------------------

                                       -10-



                              TAX SHARING AGREEMENT

      This Tax Sharing Agreement (the "Agreement") dated March 30, 1998 by and
among MHE Investments, Inc. ("Parent") and Parent's subsidiaries MMH Holdings,
Inc. f/k/a/ Material Handling Equipment, Inc., Morris Material Handling, Inc.,
PHME Holding Company, SPH Crane & Hoist, Inc., Birmingham Crane & Hoist, Inc.,
PHME Services, Inc., Material Handling Equipment Nevada Corporation, MHE
Technologies, Inc., MPH Crane, Inc., Morris Mechanical Handling, Inc., NPH
Material Handling, Inc., (collectively referred to herein as "Subsidiaries" or
individually as "Subsidiary") and Material Handling LLC, MHE Canada ULC, Morris
Material Handling, LLC, 3014794 Nova Scotia ULC, Mondel ULC, Kaverit ULC,
Hydramach ULC, Morris Blooma Pte Ltd., P&H Middle East, Ltd., Harnishfeger
Distribution and Service LLC, HPH Material Handling, LLC, EPH Material Handling,
LLC, CMH Material Handling, LLC, Morris Material Handling Ltd., Red Crown ULC,
Lowfile Limited, Invercoe Engineering Limited, Butters Engineering Limited, MMH
(Holdings) Limited, Morris Mechanical Handling Limited, Linear Motors Limited,
UK Crane Services Limited, Vaughan Crane Company Limited, Royce Limited, MMH
International Limited, Morris Mechanical (Pty) Limited, Hercules S.A. de CV
(collectively referred to as the "Other Subsidiaries" and each, an "Other
Subsidiary") is effective for the taxable years of Parent and each Subsidiary
ending after March 30, 1998.

      WHEREAS, Parent and the Subsidiaries are all members of an affiliated
group as that term is defined in Section 1504 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), since March 30, 1998. Parent and the Subsidiaries
are collectively referred to herein as the "Affiliated Group."

      WHEREAS, the Affiliated Group intends to exercise the privilege granted to
it by Section 1501 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder (the "Treasury Regulations") to file consolidated Federal income tax
returns for taxable years ending after March 30, 1998.

      WHEREAS, the Other Subsidiaries are foreign entities and entities that are
either disregarded or treated as partnerships for Federal income tax purposes;

      WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to allocate and settle among themselves,
in an equitable manner, their sharing of the consolidated Federal income tax
liability (and any unitary or combined tax liability under state or local law)
of the Affiliated Group for the taxable years ending after March 30, 1998;
<PAGE>

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
agreements and covenants contained herein, Parent, each Subsidiary and each
Other Subsidiary do hereby enter into this Agreement and do hereby agree as
follows:

      1. Preparation of Consolidated Federal Income Tax Return (and Applicable
Unitary or Combined Tax Returns under State or Local Law)/Payment of Tax
Liability.

            a. Each Subsidiary which is member of the Affiliated Group hereby
appoints Parent as its agent, so long as each such Subsidiary is a member of the
Affiliated Group, for purposes of filing consolidated Federal income tax returns
(and any applicable unitary or combined tax returns under state or local law)
and making any election or application or taking any action in connection
therewith on behalf of each such Subsidiary. Parent agrees to prepare or cause
to be prepared and to timely file annually on behalf of the Affiliated Group a
consolidated Federal income tax return (and any applicable unitary or combined
tax returns under state or local law) for all taxable years of the Affiliated
Group ending after March 30, 1998, until such time as it may be determined by
Parent that the best interests of the Affiliated Group are no longer served
thereby, subject to receiving the required consent of the Commissioner of
Internal Revenue to discontinue filing such a consolidated Federal income tax
return (and any applicable unitary or combined tax returns under state or local
law). Parent shall also timely pay or discharge, or cause to be timely paid or
discharged, the consolidated Federal income tax liability (and any applicable
unitary or combined tax liability under state or local law) of the Affiliated
Group for such taxable year.

            b. Each Subsidiary which is a member of the Affiliated Group, and
each Other Subsidiary, shall cooperate with Parent in the filing, to the extent
permitted by law, of the Affiliated Group's consolidated Federal income tax
returns (and any applicable unitary or combined tax returns under state or local
law) by maintaining such books and records and providing such information as may
be necessary or useful in the filing of such returns and executing any documents
and taking any actions which Parent may reasonably request in connection
therewith.

      2. Allocation of Consolidated Tax Liability for the Taxable Years Ending
After March 30, 1998.

            a. Each Subsidiary shall compute its respective separate Federal
income tax liability (and any applicable state or local tax liability) (before
tax credits) as if it were filing its own Federal income tax return (or its own
state or local tax return) on a stand alone basis. The Federal income tax
liability (or state or local tax liability) referred to in the immediately
preceding sentence (i) shall include the alternative minimum tax (if
appropriate) and (ii) shall be determined without regard to the provisions set
forth in Section 1561 Code. The consolidated Federal income tax liability (and
any unitary or combined tax liability under state or local law) shall be
allocated among the Parent and the Subsidiaries in method similar to the
provisions of Sections 1552(b) and 1552(a)(1) of the Code. In general terms,
allowing for various adjustments pursuant to


                                       2
<PAGE>

such sections, the method set forth in this paragraph 2 provides that the tax
liability for the Affiliated Group will be allocated among the Parent and the
Subsidiaries hereto in the ratio that each party's separate taxable income bears
to the sum of the separate taxable incomes of all parties having taxable income
for the taxable year. Each Subsidiary shall pay such tax liability to Parent in
the manner set forth in Section 4 below.

            (b) Each Other Subsidiary shall compute its respective separate
Federal income tax liability (and any applicable state or local tax liability)
(before tax credits) as if it were filing its own Federal income tax return (or
its own state or local tax return) on a stand alone basis. The Federal income
tax liability (or state or local tax liability) referred to in the immediately
preceding sentence (i) shall include the alternative minimum tax (if applicable)
and (ii) shall be determined without regard to the provisions set forth in
Section 1561 Code. The consolidated Federal income tax liability of a particular
Subsidiary (and any applicable state or local tax liability of a Subsidiary)
shall be allocated among such Subsidiary and each Other Subsidiary whose income
and losses are required to be included in such Subsidiary's stand alone return,
in the manner set forth in Section 2(a) above. Each Other Subsidiary shall pay
its allocable portion of such tax liability, if any, to the Subsidiary required
to include such Other Subsidiary's income and losses in its stand alone return
as provided in Section 2(a) above.

      3. Compensation for Tax Benefit Liability for Taxable Years Ending After
March 30, 1998.

            a. In general terms, the method set forth herein provides that the
tax liability for the entire Affiliated Group be allocated among the Parent and
Subsidiaries hereto in proportion to the tax liability which each party would
have had if calculated separately from the group. If any such party's resulting
tax liability is reduced (the "Non-Generating Party") by using another party's
tax losses or other tax attributes (the "Generating Party"), the Non-Generating
Party shall pay its proportionate share of the tax savings to the Generating
Party as compensation for the use of its tax losses or other tax attributes at
such time as the Generating Party could have used such loss or other tax
attributes (e.g., in the year when the Generating Party has a positive tax
liability that could have been reduced if the benefit was still available). If a
determination is made that some other method of allocation of tax liability is
required by law, then such required allocation method shall be used in lieu of
the method described herein.

            b. A Non-Generating Party agrees to reimburse a Generating Party as
required in this paragraph 3 within thirty (30) days after filing of the
consolidated Federal income tax return (or any unitary or combined return under
state or local law).

      4. Time of Payment.

            a. Estimated Tax Payments. On or about April 15, June 15, September
15, and December 15 of each taxable year, each Subsidiary shall pay to Parent
its portion of the consolidated Federal estimated tax (or any unitary or
combined


                                       3
<PAGE>

estimated tax under state or local law) of the Affiliated Group. On or about
April 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of end taxable year each Other
Subsidiary shall pay to the Subsidiary required to include such Other
Subsidiary's income and loss on its stand alone return as provided in Section
2(b), its portion of the consolidated Federal income tax (or unitary or combined
tax under state or local law) of the Affiliated Group.

            b. Year-end True-up. For each taxable year referred to in Section
4(a), each Subsidiary shall pay to Parent and each Other Subsidiary shall pay to
the Subsidiary required to include such Other Subsidiary's income and loss on
its stand alone return, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of such
Subsidiary's, or Other Subsidiary's, if applicable, separate Federal income tax
liability (or unitary or combined tax liability under state or local law), as
determined under paragraphs 2 or 3 herein, as the case may be, over the
aggregate amount of estimated tax paid by such Subsidiary or Other Subsidiary
pursuant to paragraph 4(a) herein. If the aggregate amount of payments actually
made by any Subsidiary or Other Subsidiary's pursuant to paragraph 4(a) exceeds
such Subsidiary's or Other Subsidiary's separate tax liability as determined
under paragraphs 2 or 3 herein, as the case may be, Parent shall pay to such
Subsidiary, or a Subsidiary shall pay to Other Subsidiary, an amount equal to
such excess. Payments to be made under this paragraph 4(b) shall be made no
later than the due date of the Affiliated Group's Federal income tax return (or
applicable unitary or combined tax return under state or local law) for the
relevant taxable year. If the due date for filing such return is extended, any
payments to be made at the time of filing a request for extension of time to
file shall be made on an estimated basis. No later than one (1) day prior to the
extended due date for such return, each Subsidiary's or Other Subsidiary's
payment shall be recalculated and any difference between the Federal tax
liability (or applicable state or local tax liability) of such Subsidiary or
Other Subsidiary and all of such Subsidiary's or Other Subsidiary prior payments
with respect to such taxable year shall be paid by the appropriate party to the
party entitled thereto by such day.

      5. Redetermination of Tax Liability.

            a. In the event of any redetermination of the consolidated Federal
income tax liability (or any unitary or combined tax liability under state or
local law) of the Affiliated Group for any taxable year covered by this
Agreement, including as a result of audit by the Internal Revenue Service (or
other appropriate authority), a claim for refund or otherwise, the Affiliated
Group's consolidated Federal tax liability (or any unitary or combined tax
liability under state or local law) shall be recomputed in the same manner as
set forth in paragraphs 2 or 3 herein, as the case may be, for such taxable year
and any subsequent taxable years to take into account such redetermination and
the payments pursuant to paragraph 4 herein shall be appropriately adjusted. Any
payment between Parent and any Subsidiary, or between any Subsidiary and any
Other Subsidiary, required by such adjustment shall be paid no later than thirty
(30) days after the date of a Final Determination (as defined below) with
respect to such redetermination, or as soon as such adjustment could practically
be calculated, if later. A Final Determination shall mean a closing agreement,
or other agreement finally settling a tax liability with the 


                                       4
<PAGE>

Internal Revenue Service, a claim for refund which has been allowed, a
deficiency notice with respect to which the period for filling a petition with
the Tax Court has expired, or a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction
that is not subject to appeal or as to which the time for appeal has expired.

            b. In any suit, conference, or other preceding with the Internal
Revenue Service or in any judicial proceeding concerning the determination of
Federal income tax liabilities of the Affiliated Group, the relevant taxpayer(s)
shall be represented by persons selected by Parent. The settlement and terms of
settlement of any issues relating to such preceding shall be in the sole
discretion of Parent and each party hereto appoints Parent as its agent for the
purposes of proposing and concluding any such settlement.

            c. Payments pursuant to paragraph 4 shall also be appropriately
adjusted as soon as practicable to take into account any changes to the
consolidated Federal income tax liability (or any unitary or combined tax
liability under state or local law) resulting from the filing of an amended
consolidated Federal income tax return (or amended unitary or combined tax
return under state or local law) for the Affiliated Group for any taxable year.

      6. Interpretation. This Agreement is intended to allocate certain Federal
income tax liabilities (an any applicable state or local or foreign tax
liabilities) of the Affiliated Group, and any situation or circumstance
concerning such allocation that is not specifically contemplated hereby or
provided for herein shall be dealt with in a manner consistent with the
underlying principles of allocation in this Agreement.

      7. Legal and Accounting Fees. Any fees or expenses for legal, accounting
or other professional services rendered in connection with (i) the preparation
of a consolidated Federal income tax return (or any applicable unitary or
combined income tax return under state or local law) for the Affiliated Group,
(ii) the application of the provisions of this Agreement or (iii) the conduct of
any audit, conference or preceding of the Internal Revenue Service or judicial
proceeding relevant to any determination required to be made hereunder shall be
allocated among the Parent and its Subsidiaries (and Other Subsidiaries) in a
manner resulting in each such Party bearing a reasonable approximation of the
actual amount of such fees or expenses hereunder reasonably related to, and for
the benefit of, such member, rather than to or for the benefit of other Parties.

      8. Effect of the Agreement. This Agreement shall determine the liability
of Parent, the Subsidiaries and the Other Subsidiaries among themselves as to
matters provided for herein, whether or not such determination is effective for
purposes of the Code, financial reporting purposes or other purposes.

      9. Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire understanding
among the parties relating to its subject matter and supersedes and terminates
all prior agreements and understandings among the parties with respect to such
subject matter; any 


                                       5
<PAGE>

and all prior correspondence, conversations and memoranda are merged herein and
shall be without effect hereon. This Agreement shall not be modified except by a
writing duly signed by each of the parties hereto, and no waiver of any
provisions of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing duly signed by
the party sought to be bound.

      10. Code References. Any references to the Code or Treasury Regulations
shall be deemed to refer to the relevant provisions of any successor statute or
regulation and shall refer to such provisions as in effect from time to time.

      11. Term. As set forth above, this Agreement is effective for taxable
years ending after March 30, 1998, and shall continue in effect until
termination or canceled as hereinafter provided. If terminated or canceled, the
obligations and liabilities of the parties arising under this Agreement shall
nevertheless continue to apply in full force and effect to all taxable years
(and that part of any taxable year ending as of the date of cancellation or
termination) during which such party is or was a member of the group.

      (a) This Agreement shall be terminated if -

            (i) the parties agree in writing to a termination effective as of
      the first day of any month by giving 30 days prior written notice of such
      cancellation;

            (ii) as to any member, membership in the group ceases or is
      terminated for any reason whatsoever; or

            (iii) Parent fails to file, on behalf of the Affiliated Group, a
      consolidated Federal income tax return (or any applicable unitary or
      combined return under state or local law) for any taxable year.

      (b) Upon termination or cancellation of this Agreement, the parties will
make appropriate arrangements to compensate either Parent, any Subsidiary or any
Other Subsidiary, as the case may be, for tax incidents generated by such entity
and utilized by the Affiliated Group in the consolidated Federal income tax
return (or any applicable unitary or combined tax return under state or local
law) if under this Agreement the entity generating the tax incidents had not
previously been compensated for such tax benefit.

      12. Assignment or Transfer. This agreement shall not be assignable or
transferable by any party hereto without the prior written consent of the other
parties.

      13. Binding Effect; Governing Law; Successors. This Agreement shall be
binding upon the parties that are signatories hereto and those subsidiaries that
become parties hereto pursuant to paragraph 12. This Agreement shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware. This
Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon any successors or
permitted assigns of parties hereto.


                                       6
<PAGE>

PARENT


By: /s/ Michael S. Shein
  --------------------------------
  MHE Investments, Inc.

SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  MMH  Holdings, Inc. f/k/a  Material
  Handling Equipment, Inc.

SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Morris Material Handling, Inc.

SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ John P. Garniewski
  --------------------------------
  PHMH Holding Company

SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  SPH Crane and Hoist, Inc.

SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Birmingham Crane & Hoist, Inc.

SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  PHME Service, Inc.

SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ Patrick Dorn
  --------------------------------
  Material Handling Equipment Nevada
  Corporation

SUBSIDIARY


By:  /s/ John P. Garniewski
  --------------------------------
  MHE Technologies, Inc.


                                       7
<PAGE>

SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  MPH Crane, Inc.

SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Morris Mechanical Handling, Inc.

SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  NPH Material Handling, Inc.

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Material Handling, LLC

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  MHE Canada ULC

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Morris Material Handling, LLC

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  3016117 Nova Scotia ULC

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Mondel ULC

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC


                                       8
<PAGE>

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Hydramach ULC

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Morris Blooma Pte Ltd.

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  P&H Middle East, Ltd.

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Harnishfeger Distribution and
  Service, LLC

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  HPH Material Handling, LLC

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  EPH Material Handling, LLC

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  CMH Material Handling, LLC

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Morris Material Handling Limited

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Red Crown, ULC


                                       9
<PAGE>

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Lowfile Limited

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Invercoe Engineering Limited

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Butters Engineering Limited

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  MMH (Holdings) Limited

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Morris Mechanical Handling Limited

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Linear Motors Limited

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ Steve Davis
  --------------------------------
  UK Crane Services Limited

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ Steve Davis
  --------------------------------
  Vaughan Crane Company Limited

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ Steve Davis
  --------------------------------
  Royce Limited


                                       10
<PAGE>

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  MMH International Limited

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ David D. Smith
  --------------------------------
  Morris Mechanical (Pty) Limited

OTHER SUBSIDIARY


By: /s/ Michael S. Erwin
  --------------------------------
  Hercules S.A. de C.V.


                                       11



              COMPONENT AND MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS SUPPLY AGREEMENT

            This COMPONENT AND MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS SUPPLY AGREEMENT (this
"Agreement") is dated as of March 30, 1998, by and between Harnischfeger
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Harnco"), and Morris Material Handling,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("MMH") (collectively, the "Parties").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

            WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Recapitalization Agreement dated
as of January 28, 1998, as amended to date, by and between, among other parties,
MHE Investments, Inc. and Harnco (the "Recapitalization Agreement"), Harnco and
certain Affiliates of Harnco have agreed to sell, and MHE Investments, Inc. has
agreed to purchase a controlling interest in the MHE Business;

            WHEREAS, in connection therewith, MMH and Harnco desire that Harnco
provide those Companies engaged in the MHE Business in the U.S. (the "U.S.
Companies") with certain manufacturing and other services as set forth herein;
and

            WHEREAS, capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined
herein have the meanings given to such terms in the Recapitalization Agreement;

            NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and covenants set
forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Harnco and MMH agree as follows:

            1. Harnco's Obligations. During the term of this Agreement as set
forth in Section 3 below (the "Supply Period"), subject to the terms and
conditions set forth herein:

            (a) Harnco shall sell or shall cause its Affiliates to sell to MMH
and MMH may purchase from Harnco Manufactured Products in such quantities as
requested in written purchase orders submitted by the U.S. Companies to Harnco,
provided, however, that Harnco (A) shall not be required to supply Manufactured
Products in excess of its actual manufacturing capacity, and (B) shall not be
required to purchase additional machinery or equipment or hire any additional
temporary or permanent employees. For purposes of this agreement "Manufactured
Products" shall mean the products described in Annex "A" hereto.

            (b) The price and payment terms for Manufactured Products purchased
by the U.S. Companies hereunder shall be in accordance with the provisions of
Annex "A" hereto. In addition to the terms set forth herein, the terms and
conditions of the sale of Manufactured 
<PAGE>

Products hereunder shall be in accordance with the provisions of Annex "B"
hereto:

            2. Sales Documents. Any invoice, purchase order acknowledgment,
purchase order or other document issued by any Party or the U.S. Companies upon
the execution of this Agreement or subsequent hereto shall be deemed to (i) be
for the record keeping convenience of the Parties and (ii) confirm this
Agreement and not add to, delete from or change the provisions of this
Agreement, unless specifically agreed upon by the Parties in writing on a
case-by-case basis.

            3. Term of Agreement. Subject to Section 4, the term of this
Agreement shall commence on the Closing Date and shall continue for a period of
two (2) years thereafter, at which time the Agreement shall terminate.

            4. Termination.

                  (a) This Agreement may be terminated in its entirety at any
time as follows:

                        (i) by the mutual written agreement of the parties
                  hereto;

                        (ii) at the election of Harnco (such election to be made
                  in writing), in the event of a material default by MMH of its
                  obligations hereunder, which shall not have been cured within
                  sixty (60) days after written notice given by Harnco to MMH
                  or, in the event of a breach of a payment obligation, thirty
                  (30) days after written notice given by Harnco to MMH; or

                        (iii) at the election of MMH (such election to be made
                  in writing), in the event of a material default by Harnco of
                  its obligations hereunder, which shall not have been cured
                  within sixty (60) days after written notice given by MMH to
                  Harnco.

                  (b) No termination or expiration of this Agreement, in whole
or in part, shall discharge, affect or otherwise modify in any manner the rights
and obligations of the parties hereto which have accrued or have been incurred
prior to such termination, including, the obligation of MMH to pay to Harnco any
and all amounts payable hereunder in respect of goods or services theretofore
provided, or of Harnco to resolve pursuant to the terms hereof any claims
identified by MMH.

            5. Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party
and shall not inure to the benefit of any third party without the prior written
consent of the other party, and any attempted assignment shall be null and void,
except that either party may assign this Agreement to any Affiliate.

            The foregoing notwithstanding, MMH (and any permitted successor or
assign)
<PAGE>

may assign or transfer its rights hereunder as part of a merger or consolidation
with, or the sale, exchange or other transfer of all or substantially all of its
assets to, any Person other than an HII Competitor (as defined below). As used
in this Agreement, "HII Competitor" means any Person which engages in a business
or enterprise which competes with (i) any business or enterprise conducted by
HII or its Subsidiaries immediately after the Closing or (ii) any other business
or enterprise conducted by HII or its Subsidiaries in the future (other than as
a result of the acquisition of HII by a third party). Harnco shall have the
right to terminate this Agreement on 90 days prior written notice at any time
after an HII Competitor (x) acquires more than 50% of MMH's (or its direct or
indirect parent's) voting stock (or more than 50% of the voting stock of a
permitted successor or assign) or (y) acquires, directly or indirectly, the
power to direct or cause the direction of MMH's (or a permitted successor's or
assign's) management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or
partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise).

            6. Confidentiality. Each party shall cause each of its Affiliates
and each of their officers, directors and employees to hold all information
relating to the business of the other party disclosed to it by reason of this
Agreement confidential and will not disclose any of such information to any
party unless legally compelled to disclose such information; provided, however,
that to the extent that any of them may become so legally compelled they may
only disclose such information if they shall first have used reasonable efforts
to, and, if practicable, shall have afforded the other party the opportunity to
obtain, an appropriate protective order or other satisfactory assurance of
confidential treatment for the information required to be so disclosed.

            7. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Wisconsin, without regard
to its conflicts of law principles.

            8. Limitation of Liability, Indemnity.

            (a) HARNCO SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY TO MMH WITH RESPECT TO THE SALE
OF PRODUCTS HEREUNDER FOR LOST REVENUES OR PROFITS OR FOR SPECIAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND WHETHER ARISING IN
CONTRACT, TORT, PRODUCT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOST PROFITS OR DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL HARNCO BE LIABLE
TO MMH FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER IN EXCESS OF THE PRICE OF PRODUCTS SOLD
HEREUNDER, OTHER THAN THE COST OF HARNCO'S WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS PURSUANT TO
"ANNEX B".

      IN THE EVENT THAT ANY WARRANTY OF HARNCO FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE,
OR IS HELD TO BE INVALID OR UNENFORCEABLE FOR ANY REASON, IN CONSIDERATION OF
THE OTHER PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT
ALL LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY FOR SPECIAL, 


                                        3
<PAGE>

INCIDENTAL, AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WILL NEVERTHELESS REMAIN IN EFFECT.

            (b) MMH shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Harnco and its
Affiliates, their shareholders, and their respective officers, directors,
employees, and agents from any Loss (for the purposes of this Agreement, "Loss"
shall mean any and all costs and expenses, damages, and losses actually
incurred) which results from or relates to the provision of the Manufactured
Products pursuant to this Supply Agreement, other than the cost of Harnco's
warranty obligations pursuant to "Annex B", unless such Loss is caused by the
willful misconduct or gross negligence of the indemnitee.

            9. Dispute Resolution; Submission to Jurisdiction.

            (a) In the event of any dispute or disagreement between Harnco and
MMH as to the interpretation of any provision of this Agreement (or the
performance of obligations hereunder), the matter, upon written request of
either party, shall be referred to representatives of the parties for decision,
each party being represented by a senior executive officer who has no direct
operational responsibility for the matters contemplated by this Agreement (the
"Representatives"). The Representatives shall promptly meet in a good faith
effort to resolve the dispute. If the Representatives do not agree upon a
decision within 30 calendar days after reference of the matter to them, each of
Harnco and MMH shall be free to exercise the remedies available to it under
applicable law, subject to clause (b) below.

            (b) Each of Harnco and MMH consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of
the federal courts of the Eastern District of Wisconsin for any legal action,
suit or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, and
agrees that any such action, suit, or proceeding may be brought only in such
courts. If such forum is not available, each of the Parties consents to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court for any such
action, suit or proceeding. Each of Harnco and MMH further waives any objection
to the laying of venue for any suit, action or proceeding in such courts. Each
party agrees to accept and acknowledge service of any and all process that may
be served in any suit, action or proceeding. Each party agrees that any service
of process upon it mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested to such party at the address provided in Section 11 below shall be
deemed in every respect effective service of process upon such party in any such
suit, action or proceeding. Each party agrees to waive any right it might have
to a trial by jury in any such suit, action or proceeding.

            10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and
shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of
the parties and delivered to the other parties.

            11. Notices. Unless otherwise indicated herein, all notices,
requests, demands or other communications to the respective parties hereto shall
be deemed to have been given or 


                                        4
<PAGE>

made when deposited in the mails, registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, or by means of overnight delivery service when
delivered to such service addressed or by facsimile to the respective party at
the following address:

            To Harnco:       Harnischfeger Corporation
                             4400 W. National Avenue
                             Milwaukee, WI 53124-3684
                             Attn: Michael Salsieder
                                   Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

            To MMH:          Morris Material Handling, Inc.
                             315 W. Forest Hill Avenue
                             Oak Creek, WI 53154-2999
                             Attn: General Counsel

            with a copy to:  Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
                             1333 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
                             Suite 400
                             Washington, D.C.  20036
                             Attn: Russell W. Parks, Jr.

            12. Modification, Nonwaiver, Severability. No alleged waiver,
modification or amendment to this Agreement or to Annex A or Annex B attached
hereto shall be effective against either party hereto, unless in writing, signed
by the party against which such waiver, modification or amendment is asserted,
and referring specifically to the provision hereof alleged to be waived,
modified or amended. The failure or delay of either party to insist upon the
other party's strict performance of the provisions in this Agreement or to
exercise in any respect any right, power, privilege, or remedy provided for
under this Agreement shall not operate as a waiver or relinquishment thereof,
nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power, privilege, or
remedy preclude other or further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any other
right, power, privilege, or remedy; provided, however, that the obligations and
duties of either party with respect to the performance of any term or condition
in this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

            13. Interpretation. The headings and captions contained in this
Agreement and in Annex A and Annex B attached hereto are for reference purposes
only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this
Agreement. The use of the word "including" herein shall mean "including without
limitation."

            14. No Strict Construction. The language used in this Agreement
shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their
mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any
person.


                                       5
<PAGE>

            15. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Motor Rewind Agreements
with Harnco Affiliates and the Recapitalization Agreement contain the entire
agreement and understanding between the parties hereto with respect to the
subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings,
whether written or oral, relating to such subject matter.

            16. Relationship of Parties. Harnco shall perform all of the
services hereunder as an independent contractor and none of the parties shall
act or represent or hold itself out as having authority to act as an agent or
partner of the other parties, or in any way bind or commit the other party to
any obligations. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as
creating a partnership, joint venture, agency, trust or other association of any
kind, each party being individually responsible only for its obligations as set
forth in this Agreement.

            17. Force Majeure. If Harnco is prevented from complying, either
totally or in part, with any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement by
reason of fire, flood, storm, strike, lockout or other labor trouble, any law,
order, proclamation, regulation, ordinance, demand or requirement of any
governmental authority, riot, war, rebellion or other causes beyond the
reasonable control of Harnco or other acts of God, then upon written notice to
MMH, the affected provisions and/or other requirements of this Agreement shall
be suspended during the period of such disability and Harnco shall have no
liability to MMH or any other party in connection therewith, other than using
commercially reasonable efforts to provide an alternative, if possible, and at
the end of such suspended period to continue to provide any affected
Manufactured Products for the balance of the term hereof and at the price
therefor as set forth in "Annex A".

            18. Effectiveness. The parties' obligations under this Agreement are
conditional upon the closing of the Recapitalization Agreement (the "Closing"),
the occurrence of which is subject to various conditions set forth in the
Recapitalization Agreement. This Agreement shall become operative if and when
the Closing occurs and shall be null and void if the Closing does not occur for
any reason. Nothing in this Agreement shall constitute a representation or
promise that any party hereto shall proceed with the Closing or obligate any
party to do so.

                            *     *     *     *     *

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the date and year first
set forth above.

                              HARNISCHFEGER CORPORATION


                              By: /s/ Eric Fonstad
                                 -------------------------

                              Title: Assistant Secretary
                                    ----------------------


                                       6
<PAGE>

                              MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.


                              By: /s/ Michael S. Erwin
                                 -------------------------

                              Title: President
                                    ----------------------


                                      7
<PAGE>

                                     ANNEX A

Manufactured Products

For purposes of this Agreement, "Manufactured Products" shall mean products,
repair parts and rebuilds as have been manufactured by Harnco at its National
Avenue and Orchard Street facilities for the MHE Business from and after
November 1, 1995.

Price

The price of the Manufactured Products shall be fully absorbed standard cost for
normal production products and repair parts as of the date of shipment.
Calculation of standard cost is to be consistent with practices in effect for
all other Harnco products as of the Closing Date.

The price for rebuilds and repairs, which have no standard cost, will be fully
absorbed job cost as of the date of shipment.

Prices quoted are exclusive of all Taxes (except taxes levied on Seller's
income) and MMH shall pay all taxes in full or shall reimburse Seller for any
such taxes paid by Seller.

Payment Terms

All invoices shall be paid not later than thirty (30) days following receipt by
MMH of Seller's bill or invoice. Payments made after thirty (30) days from
receipt of bills or invoices shall bear interest at the rate of 12% per annum.
<PAGE>

                                     ANNEX B

SHIPMENT: Unless expressly stated otherwise in this Agreement, all shipments are
F.C.A. Harnco's plant or warehouse and title and all risk of loss with respect
to any goods shipped shall pass to MMH when such goods are delivered to the
carrier at such plant or warehouse. All delivery dates are estimates of
approximate dates of delivery and do not constitute a guaranty of delivery on
such dates.

WARRANTIES: Harnco warrants Manufactured Products against failure due to defects
in materials and workmanship for 1 (one) year after first use of 3,000 operating
hours, whichever first occurs, but in no event longer than eighteen (18) months
from the shipment date (the "Warranty Period"). Components and accessories not
manufactured by Harnco which are warranted separately by their respective
manufacturers are not warranted by Harnco and Harnco shall assign to MMH
whatever rights Harnco obtains under any such warranties. Harnco warrants
Services to conform in all material respects to the description of Services
included in this agreement at the time of performance of such Services. All
warranties and any obligations of Harnco therewith shall automatically terminate
with respect to any products which are operated in excess of rated capacities or
are otherwise misused, are altered or repaired in any manner not authorized by
Harnco, are damaged or are not maintained in accordance with recommended
practices and instructions.

THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE IN LIEU OF, AND HARNCO EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS, ALL
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

WARRANTY REMEDIES: MMH's sole and exclusive remedy for nonconformance of any
Products with the Product description or for failure due to defects in materials
or workmanship in Products during the Warranty Period shall be, at Harnco's
election, either Harnco's repair or correction of such nonconformance or defect
or Harnco's furnishing without charge, F.C.A. Harnco's factory or warehouse, a
replacement for any such nonconforming or defective part provided that Harnco is
given immediate notice of any claimed nonconformance or defect and the part is
available for inspection or, at the request of Harnco and at MMH's expense,
delivered to Harnco. Harnco shall not be liable for the cost, including labor
costs, of dismantling and installing replacement parts or for any other expense
connected therewith or for any special, exemplary, incidental or consequential
damages. MMH's sole and exclusive remedy for nonconformance of any Services with
the foregoing warranty shall be Harnco's correction or reperformance of any such
nonconforming Services provided that Harnco is given notice of any claimed
nonconformance within 30 days of the performance of such Services. Except for
the Harnco's direct costs incurred in correcting or reperforming nonconforming
Services, Harnco shall not be liable for any other expense connected with the
correction or reperformance of any Services or for any special, exemplary,
incidental or consequential
<PAGE>

damages.

THE FOREGOING REMEDIES SHALL CONSTITUTE MMH'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES FOR
BREACH OF WARRANTY AND ALL OTHER REMEDIES ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.



                          TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT

            This TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is dated as of
March 30, 1998, by and between Harnischfeger Corporation, a Delaware corporation
("Harnco"), and Morris Material Handling, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("MMH").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

            WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Recapitalization Agreement dated
as of January 28, 1998, as amended to date, by and between MHE Investments,
Inc., Harnco and additional sellers named therein (the "Recapitalization
Agreement"), MHE Investments, Inc. will acquire a controlling interest in the
Companies;

            WHEREAS, in connection therewith, MMH and Harnco desire that Harnco
provide the Companies located in the United States with certain transition
services as set forth herein; and

            WHEREAS, capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined
herein have the meanings given to such terms in the Recapitalization Agreement;

            NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and covenants set
forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, Harnco and MMH agree as follows:

            1. Transition Services. During the term of this Agreement as set
forth in Section 4 below (the "Transition Period"), Harnco shall provide, or
cause its Affiliates to provide, to the Companies and their Subsidiaries located
in the United States the services set forth on Annex A hereto for the periods of
time set forth on Annex A hereto, in each case in the manner and at a relative
level of service consistent in all material respects with that provided by
Harnco or its Affiliates to the Companies and their Subsidiaries immediately
prior to the date hereof. Such services shall be provided at the price set forth
on Annex A hereto. MMH shall not be responsible for any allocated software
amortization charges. Harnco and MMH shall each pay fifty percent (50%) of (i)
any amounts that are required to be paid to any licensors of software that is
used in connection with the provision of any services hereunder; and (ii) any
amounts that are required to be paid to any such licensors to obtain the consent
of such licensors to provide any of the services hereunder. Subject to the
immediately preceding sentence, Harnco shall use reasonable efforts to obtain
any consents that may be required from such licensors in order to provide any of
the services hereunder.

            2. Billing and Payment. MMH shall promptly pay any bills and
invoices that it
<PAGE>

receives from Harnco or its Affiliates for services provided pursuant to this
Agreement, subject to receiving appropriate support documentation for such bills
and invoices. Such charges will be billed at the end of each fiscal month during
the Transition Period. All invoices shall be paid not later than thirty (30)
days following receipt by MMH of Harnco's bill or invoice. Payments made after
thirty (30) days from receipt of bills or invoices shall bear interest at the
rate of 12% per annum.

            3. General Intent. Harnco shall provide the transition services
which are set forth on Annex A hereto and such other transition assistance as
the parties may otherwise agree during the Transition Period. Nothing hereunder
shall be construed as a representation or warranty by Harnco that such services
shall be suitable or adequate for the conduct of the business of the Companies
by the MMH. Subject to Section 4 below, MMH shall cause the Companies and its
Subsidiaries to use reasonable commercial efforts to discontinue the use of such
assistance as soon as reasonably possible and (unless the parties otherwise
agree) in all events to discontinue such use with respect to each service
specified in Annex A hereto not later than the end of the period specified in
Annex A hereto (and any extensions thereto pursuant to Section 4) for the
provision of each such service.

            4. Term of Agreement. Subject to Section 5, the term of this
Agreement shall commence on the Closing Date and shall continue with respect to
each service described on Annex A hereto for the term of the service period with
respect to such service set forth on Annex A hereto, provided that MMH may
extend any such service from month-to-month for a period not to exceed twelve
(12) months after the expiration of the "Service Period" for such Service as is
set forth in "Annex A", at a price to which Harnco and MMH have agreed
(following their reasonable good faith efforts to reach agreement). Failing such
agreement, no service term shall be extended. Notwithstanding the provisions of
the Separation Agreement, MMH shall be responsible for and shall reimburse
Harnco for the costs of setting up software interfaces and migrating data upon
the expiration or termination of the term of any service period hereunder.

            5. Termination.

                  (a) Any service provided by Harnco or its Affiliates hereunder
may be terminated by MMH prior to the end of the period specified in Annex A
hereto upon twenty (20) days' prior written notice to Harnco. As soon as
reasonably practicable following receipt of any such notice, Harnco shall advise
MMH as to whether termination of such service will require the termination or
partial termination of, or otherwise affect the provision of, certain other
services specified in Annex A attached hereto because such other services cannot
be provided at the same cost or expense to Harnco following termination of such
service. If such is the case, MMH may withdraw its termination notice.
Otherwise, such termination shall be final.

                  (b) In addition, this Agreement may be terminated in its
entirety at any time as follows:


                                       2
<PAGE>

                        (i) by the mutual written agreement of the parties
                  hereto;

                        (ii) at the election of Harnco (such election to be made
                  in writing), in the event of a material default by MMH of its
                  obligations hereunder, which shall not have been cured within
                  sixty (60) days after written notice given by Harnco to MMH
                  or, in the event of a breach of a payment obligation, thirty
                  (30) days after written notice given by Harnco to MMH; or

                        (iii) at the election of MMH (such election to be made
                  in writing), in the event of a material default by Harnco of
                  its obligations hereunder, which shall not have been cured
                  within sixty (60) days after written notice given by MMH to
                  Harnco.

                  (c) No termination of this Agreement, in whole or in part,
shall discharge, affect or otherwise modify in any manner the rights and
obligations of the parties hereto which have accrued or have been incurred prior
to such termination, including, the obligation of MMH to pay to Harnco any and
all amounts payable hereunder in respect of Services theretofore provided, or of
Harnco to resolve pursuant to the terms hereof any claims identified by MMH.

            6. Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by either party
and shall not inure to the benefit of any third party without the prior written
consent of the other party, and any attempted assignment shall be null and void,
except that Harnco may assign this Agreement to any entity into which it merges
or reorganizes or to any current or future Harnco affiliate.

            The foregoing notwithstanding, MMH (and any permitted successor or
assign) may assign or transfer its rights hereunder (except for any rights to
the services described at Annex A, Sections (B)(1) and (B)(3) or any other
services which would permit access to any proprietary information of Harnco or
its Affiliates, which shall terminate upon any assignment or transfer) as part
of a merger or consolidation with, or the sale, exchange or other transfer of
all or substantially all of its assets to, any Person other than an HII
Competitor (as defined below). As used in this Agreement, "HII Competitor" means
any Person which engages in a business or enterprise which competes with (i) any
business or enterprise conducted by HII or its Subsidiaries immediately after
the Closing or (ii) any other business or enterprise conducted by HII or its
Subsidiaries in the future (other than as a result of the acquisition of HII by
a third party). Harnco shall have the right to terminate this Agreement on 90
days prior written notice at any time after an HII Competitor (x) acquires more
than 50% of MMH's (or its direct or indirect parent's) voting stock (or more
than 50% of the voting stock of a permitted successor or assign) or (y)
acquires, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of
MMH's (or a permitted successor's or assign's) management or policies (whether
through ownership of


                                       3
<PAGE>

securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or
otherwise).

            7. Confidentiality. Each party shall cause each of its Affiliates
and each of their officers, directors and employees to hold all information
relating to the business of the other party disclosed to it by reason of this
Agreement confidential and will not disclose any of such information to any
party unless legally compelled to disclose such information; provided, however,
that to the extent that any of them may become so legally compelled they may
only disclose such information if they shall first have used reasonable efforts
to, and, if practicable, shall have afforded the other party the opportunity to
obtain, an appropriate protective order or other satisfactory assurance of
confidential treatment for the information required to be so disclosed.

            8. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Wisconsin, without regard
to its conflicts of law principles.

            9. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. HARNCO SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY TO MMH
WITH RESPECT TO THE PROVISION OF SERVICES HEREUNDER FOR LOST PROFITS OR FOR
SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND WHETHER
ARISING IN CONTRACT, TORT, PRODUCT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF
THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOST PROFITS OR DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT SHALL HARNCO BE
LIABLE TO MMH FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER IN EXCESS OF THE PRICE OF SERVICES AT
ISSUE PROVIDED HEREUNDER, OTHER THAN DAMAGES CAUSED BY HARNCO'S GROSS NEGLIGENCE
OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT.

      In the event that any warranty of Harnco fails of its essential purpose,
or is held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, in consideration of
the other provisions of this Agreement, the parties understand and agree that
all limitations of liability for special, incidental, and consequential damages
will nevertheless remain in effect.

            10. Dispute Resolution; Submission to Jurisdiction.

            (a) In the event of any dispute or disagreement between Harnco and
MMH as to the interpretation of any provision of this Agreement (or the
performance of obligations hereunder), the matter, upon written request of
either party, shall be referred to representatives of the parties for decision,
each party being represented by a senior executive officer who has no direct
operational responsibility for the matters contemplated by this Agreement (the
"Representatives"). The Representatives shall promptly meet in a good faith
effort to resolve the dispute. If the Representatives do not agree upon a
decision within 30 calendar days after reference of the matter to them, each of
Harnco and MMH shall be free to exercise the remedies available to it under
applicable law, subject to clause (b) below.


                                       4
<PAGE>

            (b) Each of Harnco and MMH consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of
the federal courts of the Eastern District of Wisconsin for any legal action,
suit or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, and
agrees that any such action, suit, or proceeding may be brought only in such
courts. If such forum is not available, MMH and Harnco consent to the exclusive
jurisdiction of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court for any such action, suit or
proceeding. Each of Harnco and MMH further waives any objection to the laying of
venue for any suit, action or proceeding in such courts. Each party agrees to
accept and acknowledge service of any and all process that may be served in any
suit, action or proceeding. Each party agrees that any service of process upon
it mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested to such
party at the address provided in Section 12 below shall be deemed in every
respect effective service of process upon such party in any such suit, action or
proceeding. Each party agrees to waive any right it might have to a trial by
jury in any such suit, action or proceeding.

            11. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and
shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of
the parties and delivered to the other parties.

            12. Notices. Unless otherwise indicated herein, all notices,
requests, demands or other communications to the respective parties hereto shall
be deemed to have been given or made when deposited in the mails, registered or
certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by means of
overnight delivery service when delivered to such service addressed or by
facsimile to the respective party at the following address:

            To Harnco:       Harnischfeger Corporation
                             4400 W. National Avenue
                             Milwaukee, WI 53214-3684
                             Attn: Michael Salsieder
                                   Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

            To MMH:          Morris Material Handling, Inc.
                             315 W. Forest Hill Avenue
                             Oak Creek, WI 53154-2999
                             Attn: General Counsel

            with a copy to:  Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
                             1333 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
                             Suite 400
                             Washington, D.C.  20036
                             Attn: Russell W. Parks, Jr.


                                       5
<PAGE>

            13. Modification, Nonwaiver, Severability. No alleged waiver,
modification or amendment to this Agreement or to Annex A attached hereto shall
be effective against either party hereto, unless in writing, signed by the party
against which such waiver, modification or amendment is asserted, and referring
specifically to the provision hereof alleged to be waived, modified or amended.
The failure or delay of either party to insist upon the other party's strict
performance of the provisions in this Agreement or to exercise in any respect
any right, power, privilege, or remedy provided for under this Agreement shall
not operate as a waiver or relinquishment thereof, nor shall any single or
partial exercise of any right, power, privilege, or remedy preclude other or
further exercise thereof, or the exercise of any other right, power, privilege,
or remedy; provided, however, that the obligations and duties of either party
with respect to the performance of any term or condition in this Agreement shall
continue in full force and effect.

            14. Interpretation. The headings and captions contained in this
Agreement and in Annex A attached hereto are for reference purposes only and
shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. The
use of the word "including" herein shall mean "including without limitation."

            15. No Strict Construction. The language used in this Agreement
shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their
mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any
person.

            16. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Recapitalization
Agreement contain the entire agreement and understanding between the parties
hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior
agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to such subject
matter.

            17. Relationship of Parties. Harnco shall perform all of the
services hereunder as an independent contractor and none of the parties shall
act or represent or hold itself out as having authority to act as an agent or
partner of the other parties, or in any way bind or commit the other party to
any obligations. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as
creating a partnership, joint venture, agency, trust or other association of any
kind, each party being individually responsible only for its obligations as set
forth in this Agreement.

            18. Force Majeure. If Harnco is prevented from complying, either
totally or in part, with any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement by
reason of fire, flood, storm, strike, lockout or other labor trouble, any law,
order, proclamation, regulation, ordinance, demand or requirement of any
governmental authority, riot, war, rebellion or other causes beyond the
reasonable control of Harnco or other acts of God, then upon written notice to
MMH, the affected provisions and/or other requirements of this Agreement shall
be suspended during the period of such disability and Harnco shall have no
liability to MMH or any other party in 


                                       6
<PAGE>

connection therewith, other than using commercially reasonable efforts to
provide an alternative, if possible, and at the end of such suspended period to
continue to provide any affected services for the balance of the term and at the
price therefor as set forth in "Annex A".

            19. Effectiveness. The parties' obligations under this Agreement are
conditional upon the closing of the Recapitalization Agreement (the "Closing"),
the occurrence of which is subject to various conditions set forth in the
Recapitalization Agreement. This Agreement shall become operative if and when
the Closing occurs and shall be null and void if the Closing does not occur for
any reason. Nothing in this Agreement shall constitute a representation or
promise that any party hereto shall proceed with the Closing or obligate any
party to do so.

                           *     *     *     *     *


                                       7
<PAGE>

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the date and year first
set forth above.

                              HARNISCHFEGER CORPORATION


                              By: /s/ Eric Fonstad
                                 -------------------------

                              Title: Assistant Secretary
                                    ----------------------

                              MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.


                              By: /s/ David D. Smith
                                 -------------------------

                              Title: Vice President
                                    ----------------------



                           TRADEMARK LICENSE AGREEMENT

      THIS TRADEMARK LICENSE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered
into as of March 30, 1998 (the "Effective Date"), by and between Harnischfeger
Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Licensor"), and Morris Material
Handling, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Licensee").

      WHEREAS, Affiliates of Licensor and Licensee are parties to that certain
Recapitalization Agreement made and entered into as of January 28, 1998, as
amended (the "Recapitalization Agreement"), pursuant to which this Agreement is
made and attached as Exhibit A.

      WHEREAS, Licensee acknowledges and agrees that Licensor owns all right,
title and interest in and to the Licensed Trademarks (as hereinafter defined);
and

      WHEREAS, Licensee desires to acquire from Licensor, and Licensor desires
to grant to Licensee, a sole and exclusive license to use the Licensed
Trademarks for the limited purposes set forth herein.

      NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants
hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties
hereto agree as follows:

1 DEFINITIONS

      1.1 General. Any term used herein with initial capital letters and not
otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the
Recapitalization Agreement.

      1.2 EBITDA. The term "EBITDA" shall mean, with respect to any particular
fiscal period, net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
for such period, calculated in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles used in the preparation of Audited Financial Statements. The
calculation of EBITDA in respect of any particular fiscal period shall be
discrete and without regard to such results of operations in any other preceding
or subsequent fiscal period.

      1.3 Licensed Equipment. The term "Licensed Equipment" shall mean Licensed
Original Equipment and Licensed Post-Original Equipment and Services,
collectively.

      1.4 Licensed Original Equipment. The term "Licensed Original Equipment"
shall mean original industrial cranes, hoists, winches, and other related types
of industrial "through-the-air" material handling equipment; provided, however,
that "Licensed Original Equipment" shall not include mining-related material
handling equipment or any other material handling equipment intended to be moved
from work-site to work-site on a regular basis.

      1.5 Licensed Post-Original Equipment and Services. The term "Licensed
Post-Original Equipment and Services" shall mean aftermarket products
(including repair parts, spare
<PAGE>

parts and modernizations) and services (including inspection, repair and
maintenance) related to Licensed Original Equipment.

      1.6 Licensed Trademarks. The term "Licensed Trademarks" shall mean the
trade names, trademarks and service marks "P&H" and "MAGNETORQUE," in any form
or design used in the MHE Business as of the Closing Date and any other form or
design, in each case consistent with the requirements of Section 5 of this
Agreement, whether or not registered, and all registrations and applications to
register in any country such trade name, trademark or service mark owned by
Licensor, including but not limited to those set forth on Exhibit 1 hereto.

      1.7 Net Sales Price. The term "Net Sales Price" shall mean Licensee's or
its Affiliates' net selling price to any unaffiliated third party after the
deduction of normal trade and cash discounts, returns accepted for credit and,
if separately itemized, applicable sales taxes, customs, duties and freight
charges.

2 LICENSE

      2.1 Grant.

            2.1.1 Licensed Original Equipment. Subject to the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement, Licensor hereby grants to Licensee, and
Licensee hereby accepts, a sole and exclusive, worldwide license to use the
Licensed Trademarks on or in connection with the manufacture, distribution,
marketing, advertising, promotion and sale of Licensed Original Equipment.

            2.1.2 Licensed Post-Original Equipment and Services. Subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Licensor hereby grants to
Licensee, and Licensee hereby accepts, a sole and exclusive, worldwide license
to use the Licensed Trademarks on or in connection with the manufacture,
distribution, provision, marketing, advertising, promotion and sale of Licensed
Post-Original Equipment and Services.

      2.2 Sublicenses. Licensee shall have the right to sublicense any of its
rights under this Agreement to any of its Affiliates and distributors according
to terms and conditions approved in writing by Licensor, which approval shall
not be unreasonably withheld. Excluding services from this limitation, any
sublicenses granted to Licensee's distributors shall be limited to use of the
Licensed Trademarks only in connection with Licensed Equipment manufactured by
and sold to such distributors by Licensee or its Affiliates at their respective
then-current normal prices. Licensee shall have no right to sublicense any of
its rights under this Agreement to any Person other than its Affiliates and
distributors, except with the prior written consent of Licensor and according to
terms and conditions approved in writing by Licensor. All sublicenses granted
under this Section 2.2 shall immediately terminate upon expiration or
termination of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever. To the extent that any
of Licensee's Affiliates or distributors are licensed, as of the Closing Date,
to use the Licensed Trademarks in connection with Licensed Equipment, Licensee
shall have the right to grant sublicenses to such Affiliates and distributors
under the same terms and conditions under which such Affiliates and distributors
are licensed as of the Closing
<PAGE>

Date, provided that: (i) such licenses are in writing or reduced to writing
within ninety (90) days following the Closing Date; (ii) Licensee uses its best
efforts to modify such sublicenses to the extent necessary to make them
consistent with this Agreement; and (iii) Licensee terminates any such
sublicenses that are inconsistent with this Agreement as soon as permitted by
the terms and conditions of such sublicenses.

      2.3 Limitations. No rights or licenses, express or implied, other than
those granted in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 of this Agreement, are granted by this
Agreement. The rights granted in Sections 2.1 and 2.2 of this Agreement extend
only to the Licensed Equipment and the Licensed Trademarks. Except as licensed
hereunder, Licensee shall not use any term, phrase or design that is confusingly
similar to, or a colorable imitation or translation of the Licensed Trademarks,
or any portion of the Licensed Trademarks, in any manner whatsoever, other than
as used in the MHE Business on actual Licensed Equipment in existence as of the
Closing Date, but only with respect to such actual Licensed Equipment in
existence as of the Closing Date.

      2.4 Reservation of Rights. Licensor expressly reserves the right to use
and license the Licensed Trademarks anywhere in the world for any purpose other
than on or in connection with the manufacture, distribution, provision,
marketing, advertising, promotion or sale of Licensed Equipment.

3 OWNERSHIP

      3.1 Licensor's Ownership. Licensee acknowledges and agrees that Licensor
is the owner of all right, title and interest in and to the Licensed Trademarks
(in any form or embodiment), and in and to any applications for registrations
and registrations thereof, and is also the owner of the goodwill associated with
or which shall become associated with the Licensed Trademarks in connection with
the business and goods in relation of which the Licensed Trademarks has been, is
or shall be used. Licensee acknowledges and agrees that the Licensed Trademarks
is famous, well-known and internationally recognized. Licensee shall at any
time, whether during or after the term of this Agreement, execute any documents
reasonably required by Licensor to confirm Licensor's ownership rights. Licensor
represents for the benefit of Licensee that it has not granted any licenses to
any third parties with respect to the Licensed Trademarks with respect to the
Licensed Equipment. Licensee acknowledges and agrees that it has received copies
of all of the licenses and amendments thereto set forth on Exhibit 2 hereto and
that those licenses are consistent with the foregoing representation made by
Licensor.

      3.2 Licensee's Use. Licensee acknowledges and agrees that all use of the
Licensed Trademarks by Licensee shall inure to the benefit of Licensor and
hereby assigns any and all right, title or interest in or to the Licensed
Trademarks and all the goodwill associated therewith that may accrue to the
benefit of, or be acquired by, Licensee as a result of its exercise of the
rights and licenses granted pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise. Sales by
Licensee of Licensed Equipment in connection with the Licensed Trademarks shall
be deemed to have been made by Licensor for purposes of trademark registrations
of the Licensed Trademarks and all uses of the Licensed Trademarks by Licensee
shall inure to the benefit of Licensor for such purposes.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>

      3.3 Licensor Representation as to Ownership. Licensor represents that it
is the owner of the Licensed Trademarks and that, to the Knowledge of the
Specified Employees, there are no third party rights that are inconsistent with
the license being granted herein to Licensee.

      3.4 Goodwill. Any reference to goodwill hereunder shall only mean the
consumer recognition or drawing power of a trade name, trademark or service
mark; provided that nothing in this Agreement shall entitle Licensor (or any of
its Affiliates) to any of Licensee's customer lists or to represent to customers
of Licensee that the business of Licensee is or was that of Licensor.

4 QUALITY CONTROL

      4.1 Quality of Licensed Equipment. Licensee recognizes the importance of
uniformity of the goods and services in connection with the Licensed Trademarks
and maintenance of the high quality of workmanship, service and materials and of
consistency in the merchandising, promotion and sale of such goods and services.
Licensee represents, warrants and covenants that all Licensed Equipment
manufactured, distributed, provided, marketed, advertised, promoted or sold by
Licensee in connection with the Licensed Trademarks or bearing the Licensed
Trademarks shall strictly conform to quality standards that are substantially
equivalent to those standards used in the MHE Business as of the Closing Date.
Licensor shall have the right, at any time and for good cause, to modify or
supplement the quality standards to be maintained by Licensee in a manner
consistent with the then-existing standards by providing reasonable advance
written notice thereof to Licensee, provided that complying with such
modifications or supplementations will not impose undue hardship on Licensee.

      4.2 Inspections. Licensor and its duly authorized representatives shall
have the right to inspect, upon reasonable written notice and during normal
business hours (unless requested by Licensee to be at other than normal business
hours), each of Licensee's premises one time during each of Licensee's fiscal
quarters during the term of this Agreement for the purpose of ensuring that
Licensee complies with Section 4.1 of this Agreement. Upon Licensor's request,
Licensee shall supply Licensor with all other information necessary to confirm
that Licensee is complying with Section 4.1 of this Agreement.

5 USE OF TRADEMARKS

      5.1 Prior Approval Required. Licensee shall not, without Licensor's prior
written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, use the
Licensed Trademarks, or any reproduction or variation thereof, in any manner
whatsoever (including advertising and promotion), except as used in the MHE
Business as of the Closing Date in a manner consistent with the requirements of
Section 5 of this Agreement. Licensee shall, at its own expense, submit to
Licensor for Licensor's prior written approval, examples of any proposed
modification or change to the uses of the Licensed Trademarks previously
approved by Licensor.

      5.2 Standards. Licensee shall comply with Licensor's written requirements
and 


                                      -4-
<PAGE>

guidelines for using the Licensed Trademarks, which requirements and guidelines
have been provided by Licensor to Licensee. Such requirements and guidelines
shall include examples of the styles, scripts, colors and devices prescribed by
Licensor. Licensor shall have the right, at any time and for good cause, to
modify or supplement such requirements and guidelines in a manner consistent
with the then-existing requirements or guidelines by providing reasonable
advance written notice thereof to Licensee, provided that complying with such
modifications or supplementations will not impose undue hardship on Licensee.

      5.3 Proper Usage. Licensee shall use the Licensed Trademarks in accordance
with generally acceptable proper trademark usage standards. Licensee shall place
all proper trademark notices after the Licensed Trademarks. Licensee shall
strictly comply with all laws and regulations pertaining to the Licensed
Trademarks in force at any time worldwide. Licensee shall not use the Licensed
Trademarks in any manner to disparage Licensor or the reputation of Licensor nor
take any action that will harm or jeopardize the Licensed Trademarks, or
Licensor's ownership thereof, in any way. Licensee shall not use the Licensed
Trademarks as part of a trademark, service mark or corporate name of any
corporation or business organization, except with Licensor's prior written
consent, which consent may be withheld in Licensor's sole discretion. Licensee
shall not use the Licensed Trademarks in connection with any other trademark,
service mark or trade name, except in the manner as presently used in the MHE
Business or except with Licensor's prior written consent, which consent may be
withheld in Licensor's sole discretion.

      5.4 Samples. At Licensor's reasonable request and at Licensee's expense,
Licensee shall provide Licensor with copies, photographs or representative
samples of advertising copy, promotional materials or other materials bearing
the Licensed Trademarks.

      5.5 Registered User. To the extent required by the laws of any
jurisdiction in which Licensee uses the Licensed Trademarks, Licensee agrees to
execute registered user applications or agreements in a form specified by
Licensor for the purposes of registration of Licensee as a registered user of
the Licensed Trademarks. For this purpose, Licensor shall execute and deliver
any and all documents and instruments as may be required for the purposes of
registration of Licensee as a registered user of the Licensed Trademarks.

6 PROTECTION OF TRADEMARKS

      6.1 Validity and Enforceability. Licensee shall not, during the term of
this Agreement or any time thereafter, contest or assist any other party in
contesting the validity or enforceability of or Licensor's ownership of all
right, title and interest in and to the Licensed Trademarks.

      6.2 Notice of Infringement. Licensee shall promptly notify Licensor of any
apparent infringement or dilution of the Licensed Trademarks of which Licensee
is aware.

      6.3 Enforcement. Licensor, at its sole cost and expense and in its own
name, may 


                                      -5-
<PAGE>

prosecute and defend any action or proceeding that Licensor deems necessary or
desirable to protect the Licensed Trademarks, including but not limited to
actions or proceedings involving infringement or dilution of the Licensed
Trademarks. Licensee, upon written request by Licensor, shall join Licensor in
any such action or proceeding at Licensor's sole cost and expense. Licensee
shall not commence any action or proceeding alleging infringement or dilution of
the Licensed Trademarks and shall not defend any such action unless it first
makes written demand upon Licensor to do so. Any and all damages recovered in
any action or proceeding commenced by Licensor based on the Licensed Trademarks
shall belong solely and exclusively to Licensor, except to the extent such
damages are based upon infringement of the Licensed Trademarks in connection
with the Licensed Equipment, in which case, Licensee shall be entitled to (a)
the amount of such damages that exceed the total cost to Licensor of bringing
such action or proceeding minus (b) a royalty equal to three-fourths of one
percent (3/4%) of such damages that relate to a period of time during which
royalties were due. With respect to any and all damages recovered in any action
or proceeding commenced by Licensee based on the Licensed Trademarks, Licensor
shall be entitled to (a) the amount of such damages that exceed the total cost
to Licensee of bringing such action or proceeding multiplied by (b) a royalty
rate equal to three-fourths of one percent (3/4%) with respect to such damages
that relate to a period of time during which royalties were due, and if
otherwise, zero.

      6.4 Cooperation. Licensee shall cooperate with Licensor in the execution,
filing and prosecution of any trademark applications or renewal documents that
Licensor files for the Licensed Trademarks and, for that purpose, Licensee shall
supply to Licensor from time to time such samples, containers, labels and
similar material as may reasonably be required. Licensee shall reasonably
cooperate with Licensor to do all acts necessary or desirable for maintaining,
renewing, protecting, strengthening, and enforcing the Licensed Trademarks.
Licensor shall, at Licensee's reasonable request and sole expense, in Licensor's
name, apply for new registrations of and renew existing registrations of the
Licensed Trademarks in connection with Licensed Equipment. The foregoing
sentence shall not limit or restrict Licensor's ability to apply for new
registrations or renew existing registrations of the Licensed Trademarks in
connection with Licensed Equipment at its own option and expense.

7 ROYALTIES AND PAYMENT

      7.1 Royalties. As compensation to Licensor for all rights granted to
Licensee hereunder, beginning twelve (12) months after the Effective Date and
continuing for a period of ten (10) years thereafter, Licensee shall pay
Licensor a royalty equal to three-fourths of one percent (3/4%) of the total Net
Sales Price of all Licensed Equipment (including newly developed or acquired
goods and services constituting Licensed Equipment) distributed, provided or
sold by Licensee and its Affiliates during such time period, regardless of
whether such Licensed Equipment bears the Licensed Trademarks (including but not
limited to Licensed Equipment distributed, provided or sold under trademarks
other than the Licensed Trademarks). In computing such Net Sales Price, no
deduction shall be made for uncollectible accounts or for any costs associated
with the manufacture, distribution, provision, marketing, advertising, promotion
or sale of Licensed Equipment. Such royalty shall be payable on all such
Licensed Equipment 


                                      -6-
<PAGE>

manufactured, distributed, provided, marketed, advertised, promoted or sold by
Licensee and its Affiliates even if such manufacture, distribution, provision,
marketing, advertising, promotion or sale is in violation of this Agreement. Any
payment of such royalty shall be without prejudice to Licensor's right to
terminate this Agreement on account of such violation. Only one royalty payment
shall be made as to any given item of Licensed Equipment, provided that such
royalty payment shall be based upon the highest Net Sales Price for such
Licensed Equipment.

      7.2 Payment Terms. No more than ninety (90) days following the end of each
of Licensee's fiscal years during which royalty payments are due (the first such
payment to be due January 30, 2000), Licensee shall pay to Licensor all
royalties due and payable for such fiscal year (including partial fiscal years
on a pro rata basis) pursuant to Section 7.1 of this Agreement. All such
payments shall be made in U.S. dollars to the address set forth below or at such
other address or addresses as Licensor may designate in writing from time to
time:

                      Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.
                      3513 Concord Pike, Suite 3001
                      Wilmington, DE  19803
                      Attn:  Accounts Receivable

      7.3 Royalty Deferral. In the event that the EBITDA of Licensee's parent,
MMH Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, for a particular fiscal year, after
deducting the royalty owed for such year, would be less than forty-five million
nine hundred thousand dollars ($45,900,000), Licensee may defer payment of such
royalty for up to two (2) fiscal years from the end of the royalty period to
which such payment relates. Licensee may exercise the right in the preceding
sentence twice during the term of this Agreement; provided, each right shall be
limited exclusively to the royalty payment relating to the current period for
which such right is exercised. Within thirty days of the end of a deferral
period, Licensee shall pay Licensor the deferred royalties plus simple interest
at the rate of twelve (12%) per annum. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary,
no royalty payment shall be deferred for a period of greater than two (2) fiscal
years.

8 ACCOUNTING; BOOKS AND RECORDS

      8.1 Accounting. Licensee shall provide to Licensor, within ninety (90)
days after the end of each of its fiscal years during which royalty payments are
due, complete and accurate statements, certified by the chief financial officer
of Licensee as accurate, showing all information necessary to calculate the
total Net Sales Price of all Licensed Equipment distributed, provided or sold by
Licensee and its Affiliates during such fiscal year. For this purpose, Licensee
shall use the form of statement provided by Licensor, or, if no such form is
provided by Licensor, such form or statement as may be reasonably acceptable to
Licensor.

      8.2 Books and Records. Licensee shall keep, during each of its fiscal
years during which royalty payments are due and for a period of six (6) months
following the end of the last such fiscal year, accurate books of account and
records covering all transactions relating to this Agreement and all other
records and information necessary to calculate the total Net Sales Price


                                      -7-
<PAGE>

of all Licensed Equipment distributed, provided or sold by Licensee and its
Affiliates during each of its fiscal years during which royalty payments are
due. Licensor and its duly authorized representatives, at Licensor's sole cost
and expense, upon reasonable notice, shall have the right, at least twice during
each of Licensee's fiscal years during which royalty payments are due and once
during the six (6) month period following the end of the last such fiscal year,
during normal business hours, to examine such books of account, records and
other information and all other accounts, records, information, materials and
inventory in the possession or under the control of Licensee with respect to the
subject matter of this Agreement. Licensor shall have full and free access
thereto and shall have the right to make copies and extracts therefrom.

      8.3 Audit. Once during each of Licensee's fiscal years during which
royalty payments are due and once during the six (6) month period following the
end of the last such fiscal year, upon demand of Licensor with reasonable
notice, Licensee shall, at Licensor's expense, furnish to Licensor a detailed
statement by an independent certified public accountant selected by Licensor
showing all information necessary to calculate the total Net Sales Price of all
Licensed Equipment distributed, provided or sold by Licensee and its Affiliates
during each of Licensee's fiscal years during which royalty payments are due.

      8.4 Errors. If as a result of an audit conducted pursuant to Section 8.3
of this Agreement Licensee is required to make additional payments to Licensor
in excess of ten percent (10%) of the total previously paid by Licensee during
Licensee's fiscal year that immediately precedes such audit, Licensee shall
reimburse Licensor for all expenses incurred in connection with such examination
or audit, and interest will accrue from the date such payment was originally due
at one percent (1%) per month or the highest lawful rate, whichever is lower.

9 TERM AND TERMINATION

      9.1 Term.

            9.1.1 Licensed Original Equipment. The term of the license granted
under Section 2.1.1 of this Agreement shall begin on the Closing Date and,
unless this Agreement is earlier terminated pursuant to Section 9.2 or Section
13.15 of this Agreement, continue until fifteen (15) years after the date of the
earlier to occur of the following: (i) the consummation of a public offering of
Licensee's or its direct or indirect parent's or successors' common stock
(excluding, for purposes hereof, transactions in connection with the Closing);
(ii) the sale of Licensee or its direct parent or successor to any unaffiliated
third party (whether by sale of a majority of stock, sale of a majority of
assets, merger, consolidation or otherwise); or (iii) a Change of Control (as
such term is defined in the Indenture dated March 30, 1998 relating to the
Licensee's 9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2008 (as in effect on the date hereof)).

            9.1.2 Licensed Post-Original Equipment and Services. The term of the
license granted under Section 2.1.2 of this Agreement shall begin on the Closing
Date and, unless this Agreement is earlier terminated pursuant to Section 9.2 or
Section 13.15 of this Agreement, continue until twenty two (22) years after the
date of the earlier to occur of the following: (i) the


                                      -8-
<PAGE>

consummation of a public offering of Licensee's or its direct or indirect
parent's or successors' common stock (excluding, for purposes hereof,
transactions in connection with the Closing); (ii) the sale of Licensee or its
direct parent to any unaffiliated third party (whether by sale of a majority of
stock, sale of a majority of assets, merger, consolidation or otherwise); or
(iii) a Change of Control (as such term is defined in the Indenture dated March
30, 1998 relating to the Licensee's 9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2008 (as in effect
on the date hereof)).

      9.2 Termination for Default. Either party may terminate this Agreement by
written notice at any time following the occurrence of any one or more of the
following events: (i) the other party ceases to do business; (ii) the other
party makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (iii) the other party
materially breaches this Agreement and does not cure such breach within ninety
(90) days after receiving written notice of such breach.

      9.3 Effect of Termination. Upon expiration or termination of this
Agreement for any reason whatsoever, Licensee shall, and shall cause all of its
sublicensees to, discontinue immediately all use of the Licensed Trademarks and,
with respect to all materials bearing the Licensed Trademarks, either: (i)
destroy immediately such materials; or (ii) remove the Licensed Trademarks from
such materials or overlabel the Licensed Trademarks appearing on such materials.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon termination of this Agreement for any reason
other than Licensee's breach of its obligations set forth in Section 4 of this
Agreement or pursuant to Section 13.15 of this Agreement, Licensee shall have
the right, during the period of nine (9) months following such termination, to
dispose of its inventory of materials, equipment or parts bearing the Licensed
Trademarks existing as of the date of such termination, so long as Licensee
complies with all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement during such nine
(9) month period. Licensee shall also have the right to use the Licensed
Trademarks (in the manner prescribed by this Agreement) to the extent necessary
to comply with the terms and conditions of any definite purchase orders accepted
by Licensee and in existence as of the date of such termination. Licensee shall
have no obligation to retrieve or recall any equipment, parts or material
distributed prior to such expiration or termination. Nothing herein shall
prohibit Licensee or any of its sublicensees from making reference to the fact
that the parts it or they sell or distribute are for P&H equipment, or a
statement to that effect; provided that any such reference or statement does not
infringe Licensor's rights in and to the Licensed Trademarks. An officer of
Licensee shall certify in writing to Licensor that Licensee has complied with
the requirements of this Section 9.3. Licensee shall execute any and all
documents necessary to terminate of record any of Licensee's rights hereunder,
which documents shall be prepared by Licensor at Licensor's expense.
Notwithstanding Licensee's discontinuance of use of the Licensed Trademarks, for
as long as Licensee or its successors are doing business in connection with
Licensed Equipment, Licensor and its Affiliates shall never use, or license
third parties to use, the Licensed Trademarks (or any mark confusingly similar
thereto) in connection with Licensed Equipment after termination or expiration
of this Agreement. Except as set forth above, or as otherwise permitted by law,
upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, Licensee and its Affiliates
shall never use the Licensed Trademarks (or any mark confusingly similar
thereto) in connection with Licensed Equipment at any time after such expiration
or termination.


                                      -9-
<PAGE>

10 DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, LICENSOR DISCLAIMS ALL
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH REGARD TO THE LICENSED
TRADEMARKS AND THIS AGREEMENT.

11 INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE

      11.1 Indemnification by Licensee. Licensee shall indemnify, defend,
protect and forever hold harmless Licensor and each of its Affiliates, and the
shareholders, officers, directors, representatives, partners, members,
employees, agents, successors and assigns of Licensor and each of its Affiliates
from and against all actual damages, losses, liabilities (including, but not
limited to, judgments and settlements entered into in good faith), taxes,
penalties, fines, claims, suits, injunctions, proceedings, liens, demands,
charges, costs and expenses paid or payable to third parties of any kind or
nature (including attorneys' fees and expenses of counsel selected by Licensor)
incurred by Licensor ("Indemnifiable Damages") for which they or any of them
become liable or may incur or be compelled to pay in any action or claim against
them or any of them, for or by reason of any breach of warranty, covenant or
agreement by Licensee contained herein or any acts, whether of omission or
commission, that may be committed or suffered by Licensee or any of its agents,
servants, officers, directors and employees in connection with Licensee's
performance or enjoyment of this Agreement, including without limitation: (i)
the manufacturing, distribution, provision, marketing, advertising, promotion,
sale or use of any Licensed Equipment bearing the Licensed Trademarks or with
which the Licensed Trademarks is associated; or (ii) any use by Licensee of the
Licensed Trademarks, except as set forth in Section 11.2 of this Agreement. The
limitations set forth in Section 12 of this Agreement shall not apply to this
Section 11.1.

      11.2 Indemnification by Licensor. Licensor shall indemnify and hold
harmless Licensee, its officers, directors, employees and Affiliates from any
and all liability arising out of any third party suit, action, legal proceeding,
claim or demand, of whatever kind or character, including claims of trademark or
service mark infringement or unfair competition, that the use by Licensee of the
Licensed Trademarks, as authorized and approved by Licensor pursuant to this
Agreement, violates the rights of such third party. Licensor's obligations under
this Section 11.2 shall apply only to those acts that occur during the period
during which royalties are due, and only if: (i) Licensee promptly notifies
Licensor of any claim giving rise to such liability and fully discloses to
Licensor all information relating to such claim; (ii) Licensee provides
reasonable cooperation to Licensor in the defense of all such claims, which
defense costs and expenses, and to the extent that Licensee incurs any legal
expenses that have been approved in writing by Licensor for providing assistance
in the defense of any such claims, shall be Licensor's responsibility; (iii)
Licensee neither acts nor fails to act in such manner as may jeopardize or
compromise such defense or hinder Licensor in providing such defense; and (iv)
the claim is by either (a) a third party licensed by Licensor to use the
Licensed Trademarks other than under any of the licenses set forth on Schedule
4(l)(i) of the Recapitalization Agreement or Exhibit 2 hereto, or (b) any other
third party whose rights the Specified Employees had Knowledge of as of the
Effective Date. The limitations set forth in Section 12 of this Agreement shall
not apply to this


                                      -10-
<PAGE>

Section 11.2.

      11.3 Insurance. In furtherance of Licensee's covenants contained in
Section 11.1 of this Agreement, Licensee shall maintain in full force and effect
during the term of this Agreement and for a period of five (5) years thereafter
policies of insurance against product liability and other liabilities with
financially sound and reputable insurance companies in at least such amounts,
against at least such risks and with such levels of self-retention as are
usually insured against in the same general area by companies engaged in the
same or similar business and, upon request by Licensor, to provide Licensor with
evidence of such policies.

12 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

EXCEPT TO THE MINIMUM EXTENT REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW, LICENSOR SHALL NOT BE
LIABLE TO LICENSEE OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY DIRECT DAMAGES OR FOR ANY SPECIAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
LOST OR ANTICIPATED REVENUES OR PROFITS) ARISING FROM ANY CLAIM ARISING UNDER OR
RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE LICENSED TRADEMARKS, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS
BASED ON WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO NEGLIGENCE AND
STRICT LIABILITY) OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
PARTY IS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OR LIKELIHOOD OF SAME. LICENSEE ACKNOWLEDGES
AND AGREES THAT THE FOREGOING LIMITATION SHALL NOT BE DEEMED OR ALLEGED BY
LICENSEE TO HAVE FAILED OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

13 MISCELLANEOUS

      13.1 Amendments and Waivers. No amendment of any provision of this
Agreement shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and signed by a
duly authorized representative of the party against whom it is being enforced.
No waiver by any party of any default, misrepre sentation, or breach of warranty
or covenant hereunder, whether intentional or not, shall be deemed to extend to
any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or
covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising by virtue of any
prior or subsequent such occurrence.

      13.2 Approvals. Licensee understands that this License may not constitute
all the consents or licenses required in order to manufacture, distribute,
provide, market, advertise, promote or sell the Licensed Equipment.

      13.3 Construction. The parties have participated jointly in the
negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or
question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed
as if drafted jointly by the parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall
arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of
the provisions of this Agreement. Any reference to any federal, state, local, or
foreign statute or law 


                                      -11-
<PAGE>

shall be deemed also to refer to all rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, unless the context requires otherwise. The word "including" shall
mean including without limitation.

      13.4 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

      13.5 Dispute Resolution. In the event of a dispute between the parties
arising under or relating to this Agreement, such dispute shall promptly be
resolved in accordance with the provisions for dispute resolution set forth in
the Recapitalization Agreement.

      13.6 Entire Agreement. This Agreement together with the Recapitalization
Agreement (including the documents incorporated herein) constitutes the entire
agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior understandings,
agreements or representations by or between the parties, written or oral, that
may have related in any way to the subject matter hereof.

      13.7 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the domestic laws of the State of New York without giving effect
to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of New
York or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of
any jurisdiction other than the State of New York.

      13.8 Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are
inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.

      13.9 Incorporation of Exhibits and Schedules. The Exhibits and Schedules
identified in this Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and made a
part hereof.

      13.10 No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall not confer any
rights or remedies upon any person other than the parties and their respective
successors and permitted assigns.

      13.11 Notices. All notices, requests, demands, claims, and other
communications hereunder will be in writing. Any notice, request, demand, claim,
or other communication hereunder shall be deemed duly given if (and then two
business days after) it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, and addressed to the intended recipient as set forth
below:

      If to Licensor:                     Copy to:
      ---------------                     --------
      Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.    Kirkland & Ellis
      3513 Concord Pike, Suite 3001       200 East Randolph Drive
      Wilmington, DE  19803               Chicago, IL 60601
      Attn:  President                    Attn:  Keith S. Crow
      Telephone No.: (302) 477-0644       Telephone No.:(312) 861-2000
      Facsimile No.: (302) 477-0578       Facsimile No.:(312) 861-2200


                                      -12-
<PAGE>

      If to Licensee:                     Copy to:
      ---------------                     --------
      Morris Material Handling, Inc.      Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, 
      315 West Forest Hill Avenue         L.L.P. Suite 400
      Oak Creek, WI  53154                1333 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
      Attn:  General Counsel              Washington, D.C.  20036
      Telephone No.:(414) 764-8593        Attn:  Russell W. Parks, Jr.
      Facsimile No.:(414) 764-8594        Telephone No.:(202) 887-4000
                                          Facsimile No.:(202) 887-4288

Any party may send any notice, request, demand, claim or other communication
hereunder to the intended recipient at the address set forth above using any
other means (including personal delivery, expedited courier, messenger service,
telecopy, telex, ordinary mail, or electronic mail), but no such notice,
request, demand, claim, or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly
given unless and until it actually is received by the intended recipient. Any
party may change the address to which notices, requests, demands, claims, and
other communications hereunder are to be delivered by giving the other party
notice in the manner herein set forth.

      13.12 Relationship of the Parties. This Agreement does not constitute
Licensee as the agent or legal representative of Licensor or Licensor as the
agent or legal representative of Licensee for any purpose whatsoever. Licensee
is not granted any right or authority to assume or to create any obligation or
responsibility, express or implied, on behalf of or in the name of Licensor or
to bind Licensor in any manner or thing whatsoever; nor is Licensor granted any
right or authority to assume or create any obligation or responsibility, express
or implied, on behalf of or in the name of Licensee or to bind Licensee in any
manner or thing whatsoever. No joint venture or partnership between Licensee and
Licensor is intended or shall be inferred.

      13.13 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement
shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective under applicable law, but
if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited by or invalid under
applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such
prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision
or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.

      13.14 Submission to Jurisdiction. Each of the parties consents to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the federal courts of the Eastern District of
Wisconsin for any legal action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or in
connection with this Agreement, and agree that any such action, suit, or
proceeding may be brought only in such courts. If such forum is not available,
each of the parties consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Milwaukee
County Circuit Court for any such action, suit or proceeding. Each of the
parties further waives any objection to the laying of venue for any such suit,
action, or proceeding in such courts. Each party agrees to accept and
acknowledge service of any and all process that may be served in any suit,
action, or proceeding. Each party agrees that any service of process upon it
mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested to such party
at the address provided in Section 13.11 of this Agreement shall be deemed in
every respect effective service of process upon such party in any such suit,
action,


                                      -13-
<PAGE>

or proceeding. Each party agrees to waive any right it might have to a trial by
jury in any such suit, action or proceeding.

      13.15 Succession and Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of the parties named herein, their respective Affiliates
and their permitted successors and assigns. Licensee (and any permitted
successor or assign) may assign or transfer its rights hereunder only as part of
a merger or consolidation with, or the sale, exchange or other transfer of all
or substantially all of its assets to, any Person other than a Licensor
Competitor (as defined below). Any attempted assignment made in violation of
this Agreement shall be null and void. As used in this Agreement, the term
"Licensor Competitor" shall mean any Person that engages in a business or
enterprise that competes on a significant level with (i) any business or
enterprise conducted by HII or its Subsidiaries immediately after the Closing
Date or (ii) any other business or enterprise conducted by HII or its
Subsidiaries in the future (other than as a result of the acquisition of HII by
a third party) that accounts for at least twenty percent (20%) of HII's gross
revenue on a consolidated basis. If a Licensor Competitor (x) acquires more than
fifty percent (50%) of Licensee's or its direct or indirect parent's voting
stock (or more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting stock of a permitted
successor or assign) or (y) acquires, directly or indirectly, the power to
direct or cause the direction of Licensee's (or a permitted successor's or
assign's) management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or
partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise), Licensee
shall immediately notify Licensor in writing of such acquisition or this
Agreement shall automatically terminate and be of no further force and effect.
Licensor shall have the right to terminate this Agreement, at its sole
discretion, within thirty (30) days after receiving such notice.

      13.16 Survival. To the extent the terms of this Agreement provide for
rights, interests, duties, claims, undertakings or obligations subsequent to the
termination or expiration of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall
survive such termination or expiration, including but not limited to the terms
contained in Articles 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of this Agreement.

      13.17 Confidentiality and Use Restriction. Any confidential information,
drawings, specifications and technical data furnished to Licensor under this
Agreement (including non-public information learned by Licensor as a result of
Licensor's inspection right under this Agreement) shall remain the property of
Licensee, shall be used by Licensor only for the purpose of exercising its
rights under this Agreement, and shall be retained in confidence by Licensor.
Licensor shall use the same degree of care as it uses to protect its own
confidential information of a similar nature, but no less than a reasonable
degree of care, to prevent the unauthorized use, dissemination or publication of
such confidential information, drawings, specifications and technical data. No
such confidential information, drawings, specifications or technical data shall
be copied or, except as set forth above, otherwise used without the prior
written consent of Licensee.

                                    * * * * *


                                      -14-
<PAGE>

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of
the date first above written.

MORRIS MATERIAL                     HARNISCHFEGER TECHNOLOGIES,  INC.
HANDLING, INC.


By: /s/ David D. Smith              By: /s/ John P. Garniewski, Jr.
    ----------------------------        ---------------------------

Name: David D. Smith                Name: John P. Garniewski, Jr.
     ---------------------------         --------------------------

Title: Vice President               Title: President
      --------------------------          -------------------------



                         MANAGEMENT CONSULTING AGREEMENT

      THIS MANAGEMENT CONSULTING AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated as of March
30, 1998, by and between Morris Material Handling, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), and Chartwell Investments Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Consultant").

      WHEREAS, the Company desires to avail itself of the expertise possessed by
the Consultant and consequently has requested that the Consultant provide it,
from time to time, with certain management consultant and advisory services
related to the business, strategy, administration and affairs of the Company and
the review and analysis of certain financial and other transactions; and

      WHEREAS, the Consultant and the Company agree that it is in their
respective interests to enter into a management consulting agreement whereby,
for the consideration specified herein, the Consultant shall provide such
services as an independent consultant to the Company.

      NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual premises and covenants
contained herein, the Company and the Consultant agree as follows:

      1. Retention of Consultant. The Company hereby retains the Consultant, and
the Consultant hereby accepts such retention, upon the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement.

      2. Effective Date/Term. This Agreement shall commence as of the Closing
Date (as such term is defined in the Recapitalization Agreement (the
"Recapitalization Agreement") dated as of January 28, 1998, as amended, by and
among Harnischfeger Corporation, a Delaware corporation, the Sellers named
therein and MHE Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation) and shall continue
through the period ending on the tenth anniversary of such date, subject to
renewal pursuant to paragraph 5 below (such period, including any renewal
hereinafter referred to as the "Term").

      3. Management Consulting Services.

            (a) The Consultant shall advise the Company concerning such
management matters relating to the Company's personnel, business and acquisition
strategy, administration and proposed financial transactions, and other senior
management matters relating to the Company as the Company shall reasonably and
specifically request. The Consultant shall not be required to devote any
specified amount of time to any such request, and

<PAGE>

shall be required to devote only so much time to any such request as the
Consultant shall, in its reasonable discretion, deem necessary to complete such
services. Such consulting services shall, in the Consultant's reasonable
discretion, be rendered in person or by telephone or other communication. The
Consultant shall (i) use its reasonable efforts to deal effectively with all
subjects submitted to it hereunder and (ii) endeavor to further, by performance
of its services hereunder, the policies and objectives of the Company.

            (b) The Consultant shall perform all such services as an independent
contractor to the Company. The Consultant is not an agent or representative of
the Company and has no authority to act for or to bind the Company without its
prior written consent.

            (c) This Agreement shall in no way prohibit the Consultant from
engaging in other activities, whether or not competitive with any business of
the Company. The parties hereto agree that, in the event additional services not
contemplated hereby are requested of the Consultant, the parties hereto shall
negotiate the scope of, and appropriate compensation for, such additional
services.

      4. Compensation.

            (a) As compensation for the services provided by the Consultant
hereunder, the Company shall pay to the Consultant, as provided herein, an
annual fee (the "Management Fee") of $1,000,000 for each fiscal year of the
Company during the Term hereof. The Management Fee shall be payable
semi-annually, in advance on the first day of the first and third quarters of
each fiscal year of the Company during the Term (except that the first payment
will be made on the date hereof), or, if such date is not a business day, on the
next succeeding business day.

            (b) In addition to the payment of the Management Fee, the Company
shall reimburse the Consultant for all out-of-pocket costs and expenses
reasonably incurred by the Consultant in connection with the provision of
services hereunder, including legal, accounting, temporary and overtime
secretarial, travel and entertainment fees and expenses, promptly upon receipt
of a statement of such expense from the Consultant.

            (c) If the Agreement is terminated at the Company's option upon 30
days prior notice to the Consultant (the "Company's Termination Option"), the
Consultant shall, within five business days of termination, receive a payment
equal to the amount of compensation the Consultant would have received
thereunder, absent the exercise of the Company's Termination Option, if the
Agreement had not been terminated until the date on which the Agreement would
next have expired if not renewed.

      5. Renewal. This Agreement shall automatically be renewed by the Board of
Directors of the Company (the "Board") for


                                      -2-
<PAGE>

additional 1-year periods unless the Board determines not to renew the Agreement
and gives written notice to the Consultant of non-renewal at least 60 business
days prior to the date in which the Agreement would otherwise have been renewed.

      6. Indemnification. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold the
Consultant, its officers, employees and agents (each an "Indemnified Party")
harmless against any liability, claim, loss or expenses (the "Damages") to which
an Indemnified Party may become subject as a result of the performance of the
Consultant's services hereunder, such claims, losses or expenses shall be paid
when and as incurred; provided that the Company shall not be liable to an
Indemnified Party for Damages resulting primarily and directly from the
Indemnified Party's bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct, and
Consultant shall so indemnify the Company, its officers, employees and agents
for Damages arising from its bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct.

      7. Notices. Any notice, request, demand or other communications required
or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
effective and deemed to have been duly given when delivered personally or on the
earlier to occur of (a) the date of delivery as shown by the return receipt; (b)
two (2) days after the mailing thereof by registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, with first class postage prepaid; (c) confirmation of receipt
of telecopy; or (d) the day after shipment by a nationally recognized overnight
delivery service. All notices shall be addressed to the person at the addresses
set forth on the signature page hereto. Any party hereto may at any time and
from time to time change its address for purpose of receiving notices by giving
notice thereof to the other party as provided in this Section 7. Any notice
which is required to be made within a stated period of time shall be deemed
timely if made before midnight of the last day of such period.

      8. Binding Agreement; Benefit. This Agreement shall bind and inure to the
benefit of any heirs or legal representatives of the Consultant and the Company.

      9. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the
laws of the State of Delaware regardless of applicable conflict of laws rules or
principles or the fact that either or both of the parties now is or may become a
resident of a different state or country.

      10. Headings. Section headings are used for convenience only and shall in
no way affect the construction of this Agreement.

      11. Entire Agreement; Additional Agreements; Amendments. This Agreement
contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to its subject
matter; provided, however, that


                                      -3-
<PAGE>

nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent the Company from
contracting with the Consultant for additional services pursuant to other,
separately documented agreements. Neither this Agreement nor any part hereof may
in any way be altered, amended, extended, waived, discharged or terminated
except by a written agreement signed by each of the parties.

      12. Successors and Assigns. The benefits of this Agreement shall inure to
the respective successors and assigns of the parties hereto and of the
Indemnified Parties hereunder and their successors and assigns and
representatives, and the obligations and liabilities assumed hereunder by the
parties hereto shall be binding upon their respective successors and assigns.
Consultant may not assign its rights and obligations hereunder except to an
entity controlled by or under common control with Consultant.

      13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by each of the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of
which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

      14. Confidentiality. The Consultant shall maintain the confidentiality of
all proprietary information received by it in the course of its engagement
hereunder relating to the Company, and shall not use the same for any purpose
other than as contemplated herein.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Consulting
Agreement as of the date first above written.


                                    MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.


                                    By: /s/ Michael S. Erwin
                                        --------------------------
                                    Name: Michael S. Erwin
                                         -------------------------
                                    Title: President
                                          ------------------------
                                    Address: 315 W. Forest Hill Ave.
                                            ----------------------
                                             Oak Creek, WI 53157

                                    CHARTWELL INVESTMENTS INC.


                                    By: /s/ Todd R. Berman
                                        --------------------------
                                    Name: Todd R. Berman
                                         -------------------------
                                    Title: President
                                          ------------------------
                                    Address: 717 Fifth Avenue, 23rd Floor
                                            ----------------------
                                             New York, New York 10022


                                      -5-


                           CHARTWELL INVESTMENTS INC.
                                717 Fifth Avenue
                                   23rd Floor
                            New York, New York 10022


                                 March 30, 1998

Morris Material Handling, Inc.
315 West Forest Hill Avenue
Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154

Attention:  President

Dear Sirs:

      This letter is to confirm our agreement that in connection with the
transactions (the "Transactions") contemplated in the Recapitalization Agreement
dated as of January 28, 1998, as amended, by and among Harnischfeger
Corporation, a Delaware corporation, the Sellers named therein and MHE
Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation, you have agreed to reimburse us at
the closing of the Transactions (the "Closing") for the reasonable out-of-pocket
costs and expenses which we have incurred in connection with the Transactions.
You have also agreed to pay us a fee for advisory services we have rendered to
you in connection with the financing of the Transactions (the "Financing") at
the Closing equal to: one percent (1%) of total capitalization of Morris
Material Handling, Inc. and MMH Holdings, Inc. (collectively hereinafter
referred to as "Morris") including, without limitation but without duplication,
all debt and facilities, and preferred and common equity interests (the
"Advisory Fee").

      These services are attributable to acting as exclusive financial advisor
with respect to the Transactions and the Financing and negotiating and assisting
with the documentation related to the Financing (collectively, the "Advisory
Services").

      Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that the Advisory Services for
which the Advisory Fee is to be paid hereunder have been heretofore rendered by
Chartwell Investments Inc. at your request in connection with the Financing as
described above.

      Morris agrees to indemnify and hold Chartwell Investments Inc., its
officers, employees and agents (each an "Indemnified Party") harmless against
any liability, claim, loss or expenses, as and when incurred ("Damages"), to
which an Indemnified Party may become subject as a result of the performance of
the services described herein; provided, however, that Morris shall not be

<PAGE>

liable to an Indemnified Party for Damages resulting primarily and directly from
the Indemnified Party's bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct, and
Chartwell Investments Inc. shall so indemnify Morris for damages arising from
its bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct.

      The benefits of this Agreement shall inure to the respective successors
and assigns of the parties hereto and of the indemnified parties hereunder and
their successors and assigns and representatives, and the obligations and
liabilities assumed hereunder by the parties hereto shall be binding upon their
respective successors and assigns.

      This Agreement shall not be assignable by the parties hereto without
mutual written consent.

      This Agreement shall be subject to and governed by the laws of the State
of Delaware without regard to its conflict of laws principles and rules.

      If the foregoing comports with your understanding of our agreement, please
sign below, whereupon this letter shall be a valid and binding agreement.


                                    Very truly yours,

                                    CHARTWELL INVESTMENTS INC.


                                    By: /s/ Todd R. Berman
                                        --------------------------
                                    Name: Todd R. Berman
                                         -------------------------
                                    Title: President
                                          ------------------------


ACCEPTED AND AGREED AS OF THIS
30th DAY OF MARCH, 1998

MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.


By: /s/ Michael S. Erwin
    --------------------------
Name:  Michael S. Erwin
     -------------------------
Title: President
      ------------------------


MMH HOLDINGS, INC.


By: /s/ Michael S. Erwin
    --------------------------
Name:  Michael S. Erwin
     -------------------------
Title: President
      ------------------------



                                                              [Execution Copy]




                              SEPARATION AGREEMENT

                                 by and between

                            HARNISCHFEGER CORPORATION

                                       and

                             MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC



                                October 26, 1997

<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

1.    Definitions............................................................1

2.    Exchange of Consideration..............................................6
      2.1   Consideration by HarnCo..........................................6
      2.2   Consideration by MHE LLC.........................................6

3.    Transferred Assets, Leased Personal Property, Retained Assets and 
      Shared Facilities......................................................6
      3.1   Transferred Assets...............................................6
      3.2   Leased Personal Property.........................................8
      3.3   Retained Assets..................................................8
      3.4   Consents and Approvals...........................................9
      3.5   Deferred Real Estate Conveyance.................................10
      3.6   Shared Facilities...............................................10

4.    Assumption of Liabilities.............................................10
      4.1   Assumed Liabilities.............................................10
      4.2   Absolute Assumption.............................................12
      4.3   Retained Liabilities............................................12
      4.4   Payments Due to Withheld Consents...............................12

5.    No Representations and Warranties.....................................12

6.    Authorizations........................................................13

7.    Employees and Employment..............................................13
      7.1   Employment......................................................13
      7.2   Collective Bargaining Agreements and Employment Contracts.......13

8.    Use of HarnCo's Trademarks............................................14

9.    Other Effective Date and Post-Effective Date Covenants................14
      9.1   Intercompany Cash Management....................................14
      9.2   Letters of Credit...............................................14

10.   Indemnification Matters...............................................14
      10.1  Indemnification.................................................14
      10.2  Notice of Circumstance..........................................16


                                      - i -

<PAGE>

      10.3  Scope of Indemnification........................................17
      10.4  Indemnity for Certain Environmental Liabilities.................17

11.   Limitation on Consequential Damages...................................17

12.   Further Assurances....................................................17

13.   Transfer Tax Matters..................................................17
      13.1  Transaction Taxes...............................................17
      13.2  Property Taxes..................................................17
      13.3  Unemployment Tax Experience.....................................18
      13.4  Preparation of W-2's, Etc.......................................18

14.   Post-Effective Date Tax Matters.......................................18
      14.1  Filing of Tax Returns...........................................18
      14.2  Payment of Taxes................................................18
      14.3  Cooperation and Records Retention...............................19
      14.4  Liability for Assessments or Refunds............................19

15.   Bulk Sales or Transfer Laws...........................................20

16.   Miscellaneous.........................................................20
      16.1  Entire Agreement................................................20
      16.2  Waivers.........................................................20
      16.3  Succession and Assignment.......................................20
      16.4  Headings........................................................20
      16.5  Notices. .......................................................20
      16.6  Counterparts....................................................21
      16.7  Expenses........................................................21
      16.8  Severability....................................................21
      16.9  Governing Law...................................................21
      16.10 Submission to Jurisdiction......................................21
      16.11 Construction....................................................22
      16.12 Incorporation of Exhibits and Schedules.........................22
      16.13 No Third Party Beneficiaries....................................22


                                     - ii -

<PAGE>

                                LIST OF SCHEDULES
                                  AND EXHIBITS


Schedule 1.24     Leased Personal Property 
Schedule 1.37     Other MHE Subsidiaries
Schedule 3.1.4    Excluded Tooling 
Schedule 3.1.11.1 Owned Real Estate 
Schedule 3.1.11.2 Leased Real Estate 
Schedule 3.6      Shared Facilities 
Schedule 4.1.6.2  Stock and Asset Purchase Agreements 
Schedule 4.1.8    Assumed Litigation


EXHIBIT A         MHE License Agreement

EXHIBIT B         P&H License Agreement


                                     - iii -

<PAGE>

                              SEPARATION AGREEMENT

      This SEPARATION AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated as of October 26, 1997,
is between Harnischfeger Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("HarnCo"), and
Material Handling, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("MHE LLC").

                                    RECITALS

      WHEREAS, HarnCo desires to convey, assign and lease certain assets of the
MHE Division to MHE LLC in exchange for MHE LLC's assumption of the Assumed
Liabilities and MHE LLC's issuance to HarnCo of the MHE LLC Interests; and

      WHEREAS, MHE LLC desires to accept the conveyance, assignment and lease
from HarnCo of such assets, to assume the Assumed Liabilities, and to issue the
MHE LLC Interests to HarnCo.

      THEREFORE, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Definitions. The following terms shall, for the purposes of this Agreement,
have the following meanings:

      1.1 "Active Employees" means all employees of the MHE Division who are
either actively employed or are on layoff, leave of absence or short-term
disability on the Effective Date.

      1.2 "Agreement" has the meaning set forth in the preface above.

      1.3 "Action" means any actual or threatened action, suit, arbitration,
inquiry, proceeding, or investigation by or before any court, agency, tribunal,
arbitrator, mediator, or Governmental Body.

      1.4 "Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that,
directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is
controlled by, or is under common control with, the first mentioned Person.

      1.5 "Assets" means the Transferred Assets and Leased Personal Property.

      1.6 "Assumed Liabilities" shall have the meaning specified in Section 4.1.

      1.7 "Business" means (i) the original equipment business for industrial
cranes, hoists, winches, and other related types of industrial "through-the-air"
material handling equipment, and (ii) aftermarket products and services for the
products described in clause (i), including inspection, repair, and maintenance,
in each case as performed immediately prior to the Effective Date by HarnCo and
the Other MHE Subsidiaries.

<PAGE>

      1.8 "Cash" means cash and cash equivalents (including marketable
securities and short term investments).

      1.9 "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

      1.10 "Contracts" means (i) contracts, agreements, undertakings,
commitments, licenses, permits, authorizations, instruments, representations and
warranties, certificates, instruments granting a Security Interest, guaranties,
arrangements, license and technology agreements (including software licenses),
asset and stock purchase and sale agreements, releases, settlements,
indemnities, leases and confidentiality or nondisclosure agreements, in each
case which were undertaken for or made on behalf of or for the MHE Division by
HarnCo; (ii) the right to receive payment for Products sold or services rendered
pursuant to, and to receive goods and services pursuant to, such contracts; and
(iii) the rights under any of the foregoing, including the right to assert
claims and take other rightful actions in respect of breaches, defaults and
other violations of such contracts.

      1.11 "Effective Date" shall mean October 26, 1997.

      1.12 "Effective Time" shall mean 12:01 a.m. on the Effective Date.

      1.13 "Employee Benefit Plan" means the employee welfare benefit plans as
defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA, and the employee pension benefit plans as
defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA currently or previously maintained by any
HarnCo Company for the benefit of employees of the MHE Division.

      1.14 "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.

      1.15 "Environmental and Safety Requirements" means all federal, state,
local and foreign statutes, regulations, ordinances and similar provisions
having the force or effect of law, all judicial and administrative orders and
determinations, all contractual obligations and all common law concerning public
health and safety, worker health and safety, and pollution or protection of the
environment, including without limitation all those relating to the presence,
use, production, generation, handling, transportation, treatment, storage,
disposal, distribution, labeling, testing, processing, discharge, release,
threatened release, control, or cleanup of any hazardous materials, substances
or wastes, as such of the foregoing are enacted or in effect prior to, on, or
after the Effective Date.

      1.16 "Environmental Liability" means any Liability or investigatory,
remedial or corrective obligation whatsoever arising under any Environmental and
Safety Requirements, including without limitation any liability pursuant to the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980
("CERCLA"), as amended, or otherwise relating to handling, treatment, storage,
onsite or offsite disposal, release or threatened release of hazardous
materials, substances or wastes, personal injury, property damage or natural
resources damage.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>

      1.17 "Governmental Body" means any country, any national body, any state,
province, municipality, subdivision of any of the foregoing, any agency,
governmental department, court, entity, commission, board, ministry, bureau,
locality or authority of any of the foregoing, or any quasi-governmental or
private body exercising any regulatory, taxing, importing, exporting, or other
governmental or quasi-governmental function.

      1.18 "HarnCo" has the meaning set forth in the preface above.

      1.19 "HarnCo Companies" means (i) HarnCo, (ii) HarnCo's Affiliates (but
excluding MHE LLC and the Other MHE Subsidiaries) and (iii) any direct or
indirect Predecessors of the Persons covered by clauses (i) and (ii).

      1.20 "HarnCo Indemnified Parties" means the HarnCo Companies and their
respective officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives,
shareholders, successors and assigns.

      1.21 "HCHC" means HCHC, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned
subsidiary of HarnCo.

      1.22 "Income Taxes" means all U.S. federal, state and local taxes on,
based on, measured by or with respect to income, net worth or capital (including
interest and penalties thereon).

      1.23 "Intellectual Property" means all (i) patents and pending patent
applications; (ii) trademark, service mark and trade name registrations and
applications therefor; (iii) copyright registrations and applications therefor;
and (iv) licenses (other than licenses for the use of commercially available
computer software and related documentation) and similar agreements for the use
of any intellectual property (including patents, unpatented inventions and
technology, trademarks, service marks and trade names, copyrights and
copyrightable works, know-how and trade secrets).

      1.24 "Leased Personal Property" means all leased machines, equipment,
software and other items of personal property, including those listed in
Schedule 1.24.

      1.25 "Liability" means any commitment, contract, agreement, obligation,
liability, debt, Tax, payment, expense, cost, fee, loss, damage, demand, claim,
breach, default, Action, fine, penalty, judgment, settlement, release,
indemnity, warranty, representation or misrepresentation, certification, injury,
death, accident, tort, or product liability, whether resulting from, arising out
of or relating to facts, actions, events or conditions that occurred or existed
in whole or in part before, on or after the Effective Date, whether accrued or
unaccrued, whether absolute, contingent or otherwise, whether liquidated or
unliquidated, whether due, to become due, or otherwise, whether known or
unknown, whether written, oral or otherwise, whether direct, indirect, special,
incidental, consequential, punitive or otherwise, and whether asserted or
unasserted, including those arising under any law (including any statute, the
common law or any rule, order, instruction, directive, regulation, by-law,
ordinance, or requirement of any 



                                      -3-
<PAGE>

Governmental Body or imposed by any court or any arbitrator in a binding
arbitration), and without regard to (i) whether based on theories of negligence,
breach of warranty, strict liability, breach of contract, violation of any
consumer protection legislation passed by any Governmental Body, absolute
liability or arising as an obligation of contribution, or the violation of any
other applicable legal duty or standard, (ii) the cause thereof or the
negligence of any Person, whether such negligence be sole, joint or concurrent,
active or passive, or (iii) whether arising before, on or after the Effective
Date. Unless otherwise qualified, all references to Liabilities herein shall
include Environmental Liabilities.

      1.26 "MHE Benefits" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.

      1.27 "MHE Division" means the P&H Material Handling Division of HarnCo,
through which HarnCo (along with the Other MHE Subsidiaries) conducted the
Business prior to the Effective Date; provided, the MHE Division shall not be
construed to include any of the Other MHE Subsidiaries.

      1.28 "MHE LLC" has the meaning set forth in the preface above.

      1.29 "MHE License Agreement" means the Patent, Invention, Know-How and
Trademark License Agreement between MHE LLC and MHE Technologies, Inc., attached
hereto as Exhibit A.

      1.30 "MHE LLC Interests" means the limited liability company membership
interests of MHE LLC.

      1.31 "Mining Division" means the P&H Mining Division of HarnCo.

      1.32 "National Avenue Facility" means the HarnCo facility located at 4400
W. National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53214-3684.

      1.33 "Oak Creek Facility" means the HarnCo facility located at 315 W.
Forest Hill Avenue, Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154-2199.

      1.34 "Orchard Street Facility" means that HarnCo Facility located at 4107
W. Orchard Street, Milwaukee, WI 53215-1707.

      1.35 "Ordinary Course of Business" means the ordinary course of business
consistent with past custom and practice.

      1.36 "Other Agreements" means (i) the MHE License Agreement and (ii) the
P&H License Agreement.

      1.37 "Other MHE Subsidiaries" means those Subsidiaries and Affiliates of
HarnCo which are listed on Schedule 1.37, each of which is principally engaged
in the Business.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>

      1.38 "P&H License Agreement" means the Corporate Name and Trademark
License Agreement between MHE LLC and Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc., attached
hereto as Exhibit B.

      1.39 "Parties" means HarnCo and MHE LLC, each of which is individually
referred to as a "Party."

      1.40 "Permit" means governmental licenses, permits, approvals,
authorizations, license applications, and license amendment applications and all
governmental or third party product registrations or approvals.

      1.41 "Person" means an individual, a partnership, a limited liability
company, a corporation, a division of a corporation (if applicable), an
association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated
organization, or a governmental entity (or any department, agency, or political
subdivision thereof).

      1.42 "Predecessor" means a Person who has previously held an interest in
another Person, including a Person who conveyed, transferred or assigned all or
substantially all of its assets to the succeeding Person or a Person who was
merged or amalgamated into or consolidated with the succeeding Person.

      1.43 "Products" means those industrial "through-the-air" material handling
equipment products (i) researched, developed, engineered, manufactured,
distributed, sold or marketed, or (ii) serviced, inspected, maintained, or
repaired by the MHE Division or its Predecessors, in each case prior to the
Effective Date, including original equipment cranes, hoists, and winches, other
related types of industrial "through-the-air" material handling equipment, and
aftermarket products; provided, however, that Products shall not include any
mobile construction material handling equipment or related products of the type
produced by the former Construction Equipment Division of HarnCo.

      1.44 "Retained Assets" shall have the meaning described in Section 3.3.

      1.45 "Retained Liabilities" shall have the meaning described in Section
4.3.

      1.46 "Retired and Inactive Employees" means all former employees of the
MHE Division who were not employed by the MHE Division or any HarnCo Company on
the Effective Date, or (to the extent applicable) beneficiaries of such former
employees.

      1.47 "Return" means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or
information return or statement relating to Income Taxes, including any schedule
or attachment thereto.

      1.48 "Security Interest" means any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance,
charge, or other security interest, other than (a) mechanic's, materialmen's,
and similar liens, (b) liens for taxes not yet due and payable or for taxes that
the taxpayer is contesting in good faith through appropriate proceedings, (c)
purchase money liens and liens securing rental payments under 


                                      -5-
<PAGE>

capital lease arrangements, and (d) other liens arising in the Ordinary Course
of Business and not incurred in connection with the borrowing of money.

      1.49 "Shared Facilities" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6.

      1.50 "Taxes" means all federal, state, provincial, local and foreign
income, profits, franchise, unincorporated business, withholding, capital,
general corporate, customs duties, environmental (including taxes under Code
Section 59A), disability, registration, alternative, add-on, minimum, estimated,
sales, goods and services, use, occupation, property, severance, production,
excise, recording, ad valorem, gains, transfer, value-added, unemployment
compensation, social security premium, privilege and any and all other taxes
(including interest, additions to tax and penalties thereon, and interest on
such additions to tax and penalties).

      1.51 "Termination Date" means the close of business on the date that the
MHE LLC Interests are transferred to a Person that is not an Affiliate of
HarnCo.

      1.52 "Transferred Assets" shall have the meaning described in Section 3.1.

      1.53 "Warranty Obligations" shall mean any obligation to repair or replace
defective products for a period of time of one (1) year after the date of
delivery by HarnCo to an end user.

      1.54 "Xtek Dispute" means the lawsuit entitled Harnischfeger Corporation
v. Xtek, currently pending in Cincinnati, Ohio.

2. Exchange of Consideration.

      2.1 Consideration by HarnCo. On the terms and subject to the conditions
set forth in this Agreement, HarnCo hereby (i) conveys and assigns to MHE LLC
all of HarnCo's right, title and interest in and to the Transferred Assets, (ii)
subleases to MHE LLC all of HarnCo's rights and interests in the Leased Personal
Property and (iii) leases or subleases the specified areas of the Shared
Facilities to MHE LLC. Such conveyances, assignments, leases and sub-leases
shall occur and be effective as of the Effective Time. In addition, HarnCo has
caused MHE Technologies, Inc. to execute and deliver the MHE License Agreement
and Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc. to execute and deliver the P&H License
Agreement.

      2.2 Consideration by MHE LLC. MHE LLC hereby assumes and agrees to pay,
honor, discharge and be fully liable for all of the Assumed Liabilities. Such
assumption shall occur and be effective as of the Effective Time. MHE LLC has
also executed and delivered both the MHE License Agreement and the P&H License
Agreement, and has issued to HarnCo the MHE LLC Interests.

3. Transferred Assets, Leased Personal Property, Retained Assets and Shared
Facilities.

      3.1 Transferred Assets. The term "Transferred Assets" shall mean those
assets of the 


                                      -6-
<PAGE>

MHE Division specified in Sections 3.1.1 through 3.1.14 which, immediately prior
to the Effective Time, are held by HarnCo and used exclusively by the MHE
Division. The Transferred Assets shall not include any Retained Assets.

            3.1.1 Receivables. Billed and unbilled accounts and notes receivable
(including intercompany and intracompany accounts and notes receivable held by
the MHE Division), net of reserves for bad debt.

            3.1.2 Inventories. Inventories and related reserves of or with
respect to Products manufactured by the MHE Division, its subsidiaries or
Predecessors, including finished goods, finished components, consigned
inventory, work-in-process, raw materials, scrap, purchased parts, packaging and
supplies, and perishable tools.

            3.1.3 Current Assets. Prepaid expenses and deposits.

            3.1.4 Fixed Assets. Machinery, equipment, furniture, furnishings,
personal computers and servers (and related peripheral hardware), office
equipment, printing machines, reproduction equipment tools, jigs, dies, molds
and parts and similar property (including any of the foregoing purchased subject
to any conditional sales or title retention agreement in favor of any other
Person, but excluding any of the foregoing which is Leased Personal Property),
and all fixed assets of the foregoing nature located at the Oak Creek Facility
and all tooling set forth on Schedule 3.1.4.

            3.1.5 Claims. Claims, deposits, prepayments, refunds, causes of
action, choses in action, rights of recovery, rights of set off, and rights of
recoupment (collectively a "claim" for the purposes of this Section 3.1.5). With
respect to the Xtek Dispute, such claim shall be for the full amount of the
final resolution of such claim (whether by adjudication or otherwise), despite
any shared nature or non-exclusive aspect of such claim.

            3.1.6 Contracts. All Contracts.

            3.1.7 Vehicles. Automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles listed on
Schedule 1.24.

            3.1.8 Office Supplies. Subject to Article 8, office supplies,
stationery and forms.

            3.1.9 Bonds and Letters of Credit. Bonds, letters of credit and
other evidences of indebtedness furnished by any other Person to the MHE
Division and the right to receive payments from any other Person under or in
respect of any such instrument.

            3.1.10 Books and Records. Books, records, manuals and other
materials, including advertising matter, catalogs, price lists, credit
information, cost information, correspondence, mailing lists, lists of
customers, distribution lists, photographs, production data, sales and
promotional materials and records, purchasing materials and records, personnel
records, 


                                      -7-
<PAGE>

manufacturing and quality control records and procedures, blueprints, research
and development files, records, data and laboratory books, patent disclosures,
media materials and plates, accounting records and sales order files.

            3.1.11 Real Estate.

                  3.1.11.1The owned real estate listed in Schedule 3.1.11.1
(together with the buildings, improvements, and fixtures thereon) and easements,
rights-of-way, and other appurtenants thereto, which shall be conveyed by
quitclaim deed.

                  3.1.11.2 Subject to each applicable lease (whether oral or
written), the leasehold interest in the leased real estate listed in Schedule
3.1.11.2. Where such conveyance or assignment involves a sublease of such real
property between HarnCo and MHE LLC, HarnCo shall enjoy the rights (but not the
obligations) under the applicable terms and conditions as if HarnCo were the
primary lessor under such lease.

            3.1.12 Permits. All Permits.

            3.1.13 Data Assets. All electronic data residing in the various
shared or HarnCo managed systems that is related to the MHE Division, including
information for processes, products, bills of material, routings, customers,
employees, financial information, vendors, drawings, inventory, and storerooms,
and any data stored off-line necessary for conducting the MHE Division's
business activities.

            3.1.14 Control Test Facility Equipment. The control test facility
equipment located at the Orchard Street Facility utilized solely for services to
the MHE Division.

      3.2 Leased Personal Property. Subject to Section 3.4, the Leased Personal
Property shall be subleased to MHE LLC, with MHE LLC being bound by and subject
to all such terms and conditions and entitled to all rights as if it were the
lessee thereunder. As between HarnCo and MHE LLC, HarnCo shall enjoy the rights
(but not the obligations) under the applicable terms and conditions as if HarnCo
were the primary lessor under each such lease.

      3.3 Retained Assets. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
HarnCo shall retain and not convey, assign or lease, and MHE LLC shall not
purchase, acquire or lease, the following assets (collectively, the "Retained
Assets"):

            3.3.1 Any and all stock and other ownership interests in the Other
MHE Subsidiaries, as well as any ownership interests in and notes receivable
from Century II, Inc. (formerly known as the Construction Equipment Division of
HarnCo and now known as PPM Cranes, Inc.)

            3.3.2 Any and all of the rights of HarnCo under this Agreement or
the Other Agreements.


                                      -8-
<PAGE>

            3.3.3 Any and all refunds that relate to Taxes paid by HarnCo prior
to the Effective Time.

            3.3.4 Any and all Employee Benefit Plans, including the plan assets
of the Harnischfeger Industries Salaried Employee's Retirement Plan and the
Harnischfeger Industries Hourly Employee's Retirement Pension Plan.

            3.3.5 All Intellectual Property, including jointly used or shared
Intellectual Property.

            3.3.6 Any and all Cash; provided that MHE LLC shall be able to draw
Cash from HarnCo pursuant to Section 9.1.

            3.3.7 Any real estate owned, operated, used or leased by HarnCo
other than that listed in Schedules 3.1.11.1 and 3.1.11.2.

            3.3.8 Any and all assets which, immediately prior to the Effective
Time, are not used exclusively by the MHE Division in conducting the Business,
whether or not such assets are otherwise listed in this Section 3.3.

            3.3.9 The Workers' Compensation reserve as set forth on the balance
sheet of the MHE Division as of the Effective Date.

            3.3.10 Telecommunications equipment and computer equipment on which
the Data Assets are stored.

            3.3.11 Any and all actions, claims, causes of action, rights of
recovery, choses in action and rights of set off of any kind arising before, on
or after the Effective Date relating to the Retained Assets set forth above.

      3.4 Consents and Approvals. This Agreement and the Other Agreements shall
not constitute an assignment, transfer or lease of any interest in any Asset (or
in any Shared Facility) if an assignment, transfer, lease or an attempt to make
such an assignment, transfer or lease (a) without the consent of or notice to a
third party would constitute a breach or violation or affect adversely the
rights of MHE LLC, HarnCo or any Affiliate of HarnCo thereunder or (b) is
restricted or prohibited by law, including all Environmental and Safety
Requirements. Any transfer, assignment or lease to MHE LLC by HarnCo of any
interest in any Asset (or in any Shared Facility) that requires filing with,
notice to, or the consent of a third party shall be made subject to such filing,
notice being given, or consent or approval being obtained. In the event such
consent or approval is not obtained on or prior to the Effective Date, HarnCo
shall continue to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any such
approval or consent until the earliest of (i) 180 days after the Effective Date,
(ii) such time as such consent or approval has been obtained or (iii) the date
HarnCo determines that the third party will not provide its consent or approval.
In the event HarnCo determines that the third party will not provide its consent
or approval (which determination shall be deemed to have been made if such
consent or approval has not been 


                                      -9-
<PAGE>

obtained 180 days after the Effective Date), HarnCo will cooperate with MHE LLC
in any lawful and feasible arrangement to provide MHE LLC with the benefits of
any such Asset (or Shared Facility), including performance by HarnCo as agent,
if commercially feasible; provided, however, that MHE LLC shall undertake to pay
or satisfy the corresponding Liabilities for the enjoyment of such benefits to
the extent MHE LLC would have been responsible therefor if such consent or
approval had been obtained. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the HarnCo Companies
shall have the right to terminate or cancel any Permit or Contract that is not
assigned within 180 days of the Effective Date. MHE LLC shall pay and discharge
any and all Liabilities incurred by any HarnCo Company after the Effective Date
in seeking to obtain or obtaining any consent or approval. MHE LLC acknowledges
that the benefits under certain Contracts are available to MHE LLC only until
the Termination Date. MHE LLC shall be responsible for negotiating with other
Persons that are parties to such Contracts to obtain future commitments, if any,
for such products or services after the Termination Date.

      3.5 Deferred Real Estate Conveyance. Subject to Section 3.4, any real
estate that HarnCo is unable to convey or lease as required hereunder as of the
Effective Date will be conveyed or leased as soon as reasonably practicable
thereafter.

      3.6 Shared Facilities. From and after the Effective Date and until the
Termination Date, MHE LLC may continue to occupy the shared facilities which are
identified in Schedule 3.6 (collectively the "Shared Facilities") in the manner
and in the areas and otherwise to the extent such occupancy has been conducted
immediately prior to the Effective Date.

4. Assumption of Liabilities.

      4.1 Assumed Liabilities. The term "Assumed Liabilities" shall mean any and
all Liabilities of any HarnCo Company that result from, arise out of or relate
to (i) the MHE Division, (ii) the Business, (iii) the Transferred Assets, or
(iv) real property formerly owned or leased by any HarnCo Company and
exclusively or primarily operated or used for purposes of the MHE Division or
the Business, including any and all Liabilities associated with or of the nature
of those listed in Sections 4.1.1 through 4.1.12. The Assumed Liabilities shall
not include any Retained Liabilities.

            4.1.1 Any and all billed or unbilled accounts and notes payable and
accrued liabilities (including intercompany and intracompany accounts and notes
payable and accrued liabilities of the MHE Division).

            4.1.2 Active Employees and Retired and Inactive Employees, including
(i) liability for any salaries, wages, bonuses, incentive compensation, profit
sharing, tax equalization payments, vacation pay, sick leave, personal leave,
severance pay, wrongful dismissal and discrimination claims; (ii) except as set
forth in Section 4.3, liability for or under MHE Benefits and (iii) liability
arising from claims or litigation and liability arising from any injury, death,
loss, disability, occupational disease or claims under any workers' compensation
laws.

            4.1.3 Claims by any Active Employee or Retired and Inactive Employee
under 


                                      -10-
<PAGE>

any law in respect of termination of employment or dismissal.

            4.1.4 The owned and leased real estate listed on Schedules 3.1.11.1
and 3.1.11.2, respectively, the areas of the Shared Facilities occupied by MHE
LLC pursuant to Section 3.6, or any current or previous facility or office space
used in whole or primarily by the MHE Division, the operations of any of the
foregoing, and any on-site or off-site Environmental Liabilities related to any
of the foregoing.

            4.1.5 Real and personal property taxes arising out of or related to
the MHE Division, whether for taxable periods before, on or after the Effective
Date.

            4.1.6 All Contracts, including:

                  4.1.6.1 Any consulting, severance or employment agreements or
indemnities to officers or employees of the MHE Division.

                  4.1.6.2 Any stock purchase or asset purchase agreement, other
transfer agreement or merger document or any other agreement concerning the
acquisition or divestiture of any assets of the MHE Division or of the Business,
or any other agreement in any way concerning the MHE Division, the Assets or the
Business, or any portion thereof, including those listed on Schedule 4.1.6.2.

                  4.1.6.3 All Liabilities arising from, relating to or
associated with any breach or failure to perform with respect to such Contracts,
including liabilities arising from termination of distributors of the MHE
Division, except for Warranty Obligations for components manufactured by the
Mining Division delivered to end users prior to the Effective Date.

            4.1.7 All Environmental Liabilities.

            4.1.8 All Actions pending or threatened against, or otherwise
affecting, the MHE Division or the Business, including those listed on Schedule
4.1.8.

            4.1.9 Warranty claims and product liability claims, including claims
for personal injury and exposure to asbestos, with respect to Products and
Services manufactured, sold or provided by any HarnCo Company or the Other MHE
Subsidiaries on or prior to the Effective Date.

            4.1.10 All Leased Personal Property.

            4.1.11 All Liabilities for violations of law relating to or arising
out of operations of the MHE Division or the Business prior to and on the
Effective Date, including Liabilities for actions taken or omissions made by
directors, officers, employees, agents or other representatives of HarnCo or any
Affiliate of HarnCo which relate to the MHE Division or the Business (regardless
of whether or not such actions were taken or omissions were made in the Ordinary
Course of Business), including any legal or regulatory consequences of such
actions or omissions.


                                      -11-
<PAGE>

            4.1.12 Any other agreements, commitments or obligations in any way
relating to the MHE Division or the Business by any HarnCo Company or the Other
MHE Subsidiaries under which any HarnCo Company has or may have any liability or
obligation after the Effective Time (whether primary or contingent).

      4.2 Absolute Assumption. It is the intent of the parties that MHE LLC's
assumption of the Assumed Liabilities (including Environmental Liabilities)
under Section 2.2 shall be absolute. Upon, from and after the Effective Date,
MHE LLC shall, without any further responsibility or liability of or recourse to
any of the HarnCo Companies, absolutely and irrevocably assume and be solely
liable and responsible for the Assumed Liabilities. Neither HarnCo nor any of
the HarnCo Companies shall be liable to MHE LLC (or any of its Affiliates,
officers, directors, employees, agents or assigns) for any reason whatsoever (i)
on account of the Assumed Liabilities or (ii) on account of any obligations,
liabilities or expenses arising out of or associated with (or any litigation and
claims alleged to arise out of or be associated with) (A) the assets, business
and operations of MHE LLC following the Effective Date, (B) this Agreement or
any of the other agreements or instruments executed pursuant hereto or (C) any
other activities of the MHE Division (whether or not in the Ordinary Course of
Business and whether occurring before, on or after the Effective Date). MHE LLC
hereby waives and releases for itself and on behalf of the Other MHE
Subsidiaries (and their Affiliates) any claims, defenses, or claims for
contribution that they may have against HarnCo or any other HarnCo Company with
respect to the Assumed Liabilities.

      4.3 Retained Liabilities. The term "Retained Liabilities" shall mean (i)
any and all Liabilities of MHE LLC for transaction taxes that HarnCo has agreed
to pay pursuant to Section 13.1, (ii) subject to Article 14, any and all
liabilities of MHE LLC for Taxes accrued on or before the Effective Date not
described in Section 4.1.5, (iii) any deferred compensation liability previously
deducted for book purposes but not yet deducted for tax purposes, (iv) any and
all liabilities with respect to medical, pension and savings plans of Retired
and Inactive Employees, including all liabilities relating to the Harnischfeger
Industries Salaried Employee's Retirement Plan and the Harnischfeger Industries
Hourly Employee's Retirement Pension Plan, (v) any and all Environmental
Liabilities of the HarnCo Companies relating to the ownership, operation or use
of the Shared Facilities or the Orchard Street Facility, and (vi) any and all
non-trade intercompany accounts payable to HCHC.

      4.4 Payments Due to Withheld Consents. In connection with MHE LLC's
assumption of the Assumed Liabilities, HarnCo shall use commercially reasonable
efforts to obtain any necessary consents; provided, however, that HarnCo shall
not be obligated to incur any Liability with respect to or remain liable for any
Assumed Liability. With respect to any Contracts for which all necessary
consents have not been obtained within 180 days following the Effective Date,
HarnCo may, in its sole discretion, (i) require MHE LLC to pay to the applicable
payee(s) the amount necessary to settle the entire outstanding obligations in
accordance with the applicable Contracts, or any payoff associated with
termination or cancellation of such Contracts (pursuant to Section 3.4), (ii)
require MHE LLC to make the payments to the applicable payee as they 


                                      -12-
<PAGE>

become due in accordance with the applicable Contracts, or (iii) pay to the
applicable payee(s) the amount necessary to settle the entire outstanding
obligation in accordance with the applicable Contracts on behalf of MHE LLC,
with such payments being subject to reimbursement pursuant to Article 10. MHE
LLC agrees to make any such payments in accordance with instructions provided by
HarnCo.

5. No Representations and Warranties. Notwithstanding any contrary provisions
herein or in the Other Agreements, it is the explicit understanding of MHE LLC,
and MHE LLC hereby agrees, that neither HarnCo nor any other HarnCo Company, nor
any officer, director, employee or agent of any of the foregoing, is making any
representation or warranty whatsoever, express or implied. HARNCO, FOR ITSELF
AND ON BEHALF OF SUCH PERSONS, EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND NEGATES ANY EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
OR OF MERCHANTABILITY, THE CONDITION OR VALUE OF THE ASSETS, THE COLLECTIBILITY
OF RECEIVABLES, OR VALIDITY OF LEASES. HarnCo does not warrant any forecast or
financial performance information relating to the MHE Division or the Business.
HarnCo does not warrant the valuation of inventory, assets or the adequacy of
reserves on the books of the MHE Division or the Business. MHE LLC accepts the
Assets in their "AS IS, WHERE IS" CONDITION, WITH ALL FAULTS. Without in any way
limiting the disclaimer above, HarnCo further disclaims any and all warranties
or representations, whether express or implied, with respect to environmental,
health or safety matters, including any matters arising under Environmental and
Safety Requirements. MHE LLC hereby acknowledges the foregoing disclaimer and
limitation of warranty.

6. Authorizations. Each of HarnCo and MHE LLC covenants to, as promptly as
practicable after the Effective Date, (a) make, or cause to be made, all such
filings and submissions under laws, rules and, regulations as may be required to
consummate (i) the transfer of the Transferred Assets, the lease of the Leased
Personal Property and the occupancy arrangements for the Shared Facilities, (ii)
the assumption of the Assumed Liabilities and (iii) the other transactions
contemplated hereby in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and (b) use
commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all other actions
necessary, proper or advisable in order to fulfill the obligations hereunder. In
furtherance thereof, HarnCo and MHE LLC each agree to coordinate and cooperate
with one another in exchanging such information and supplying such assistance as
may be reasonably required by each in connection with the foregoing.

7. Employees and Employment.

      7.1 Employment. As of the Effective Date, MHE LLC shall offer to employ
all Active Employees. All Active Employees shall become employees of MHE LLC on
the Effective Date. MHE LLC shall promptly notify HarnCo of any Active Employee
that does not accept employment. MHE LLC shall, until the Termination Date and
at its own expense, provide all Active Employees with the same pension benefit
plans and welfare benefit plans that are provided under the Employee Benefit
Plans and other benefit programs, policies and arrangements (the "MHE Benefits")
for such Active Employees immediately prior to the Effective Date. In general, 


                                      -13-
<PAGE>

under such MHE Benefits adopted by MHE LLC, all periods of service with any
HarnCo Company shall be counted for all purposes.

      7.2 Collective Bargaining Agreements and Employment Contracts. As soon as
practicable after the Effective Date, MHE LLC shall enter into a new collective
bargaining agreement with United Steelworkers of America, Local No. 1114
covering Active Employees and Retired and Inactive Employees. On the Effective
Date, MHE LLC shall assume all liability for all individual or group employment
contracts that are in effect between HarnCo and any Active Employee or Retired
and Inactive Employee or group of Active Employees or Retired and Inactive
Employees.

8. Use of HarnCo's Trademarks. Except with respect to Intellectual Property set
forth in the License Agreement and the P&H License Agreement (the use of which
shall be governed by each such agreement), MHE LLC shall be entitled on a
non-exclusive, non-transferable, royalty free basis to distribute their sales
aids, sales literature, advertising materials, catalogues, inventory and
packaging materials, invoicing or purchasing forms existing on the Effective
Date that bear any trademark, logo, or corporate name of Harnischfeger
Corporation, Harnischfeger Industries, Inc. or any other HarnCo Company
(collectively, the "Harnischfeger Marks"), but only until the existing inventory
is depleted or for a period of nine months after the Effective Date, whichever
first occurs. MHE LLC shall have no other rights to use the Harnischfeger Marks
as all or part of any trademark, logo, trade name or corporate name, except as
provided in the License Agreement. Within 30 days following the Termination
Date, MHE LLC agrees to mark all inventory, packaging materials, sales aids,
sales literature, advertising materials or catalogues that contain any of the
Harnischfeger Marks to indicate that MHE LLC is the seller of such Products.

9. Other Effective Date and Post-Effective Date Covenants.

      9.1 Intercompany Cash Management. From the Effective Date until the end of
business on the day preceding the Termination Date, HarnCo shall provide Cash
to, and collect Cash from, MHE LLC in accordance with practices consistent with
the practices with respect to the MHE Division in effect as of the Effective
Date. Therefore, Cash equal to the excess of the aggregate daily deposits in MHE
LLC's collection accounts over the aggregate daily disbursement from MHE LLC's
disbursement accounts shall be provided by MHE LLC to HarnCo and, conversely,
Cash equal to the excess of the aggregate daily disbursement from MHE LLC's
disbursement accounts over the aggregate daily deposits in MHE LLC's collection
accounts shall be provided by HarnCo to MHE LLC.

      9.2 Letters of Credit. From the Effective Date through the Termination
Date, HarnCo shall assist MHE LLC in and procuring letters of credit for the
benefit of MHE LLC which MHE LLC alone can not issue or procure. HarnCo shall
use reasonable efforts to assist MHE LLC in drawing under letters of credit
issued prior to the Effective Date in the name of any HarnCo Company for the
benefit of the MHE Division or MHE LLC.

10. Indemnification Matters.


                                      -14-
<PAGE>

      10.1 Indemnification. Subject to Sections 10.3 and 10.4, MHE LLC shall
indemnify, defend, save and hold harmless the HarnCo Indemnified Parties from
and against all claims, liabilities, obligations, losses, costs, costs of
defense (as and when incurred, and including all outside attorneys' and
consultants' fees) expenses, fines, taxes, levies, imposts, duties,
deficiencies, assessments, charges, penalties, allegations, demands, damages
(including but not limited to actual, punitive or consequential, foreseen or
unforeseen, known or unknown), settlements, awards, or judgments of any kind or
nature whatsoever, arising out of or associated with the Assumed Liabilities
(including the Environmental Liabilities) or that otherwise are or are alleged
to be related to, arising from, or associated with the ownership, use,
possession, operation or conduct of (i) the MHE Division, (ii) the Business, or
(iii) the Transferred Assets, in each case before, on or after the Effective
Date. The indemnities provided by MHE LLC hereunder shall extend to any and all
Assumed Liabilities with respect to environment, health, safety, personal
injury, property damage, employment, benefits, compensation, claims arising out
of contracts, product liability, warranty, merchantability or fitness for any
particular purpose of goods, conformity of goods to contractual requirements,
deceptive trade practice, misrepresentation, fraud or any other alleged or
actual breach or violation of any obligation or requirement arising out of, or
in connection with (i) the MHE Division, (ii) the Business, or (iii) the
Transferred Assets. MHE LLC's indemnification includes any Liability (including
reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys, accountants, consultants, and
experts) that the HarnCo Indemnified Parties incur, are subject to a claim for,
or are subject to, that are based upon, arising out of, relating to or otherwise
in respect of:

            10.1.1 Any breach of any covenant or agreement of MHE LLC contained
in this Agreement or the Other Agreements.

            10.1.2 The acts or omissions of any of the HarnCo Companies on
behalf of the MHE Division before or on the Effective Date and the acts or
omissions of MHE LLC after the Effective Date;

            10.1.3 The conduct of the Business before, on or after the Effective
Date.

            10.1.4 The conduct of the Business by any HarnCo Company or any of
the Other MHE Subsidiaries after the Effective Date;

            10.1.5 The Assumed Liabilities (regardless of whether any such
Assumed Liability is assigned by any HarnCo Company or assumed by MHE LLC);

            10.1.6 The Assets, regardless of MHE LLC's prior or continued use of
any such asset;

            10.1.7 The conveyance, assignment, sale, lease or making available
of the Assets, or the license of the Intellectual Property pursuant to the
License Agreement;

            10.1.8 Any and all amounts for which HarnCo may be liable on account
of any claims, administrative charges, self-insured retentions, deductibles,
retrospective premiums or 


                                      -15-
<PAGE>

fronting provisions in insurance policies, including as the result of any
uninsured period, insolvent insurance carriers or exhausted policies, arising
from or out of claims by or against MHE LLC, or the employees of any of the
foregoing, or claims by insurance carriers of any HarnCo Company for indemnity
arising from or out of claims by or against MHE LLC, acts or omissions of MHE
LLC, or related to the Business or any Product;

            10.1.9 Any settlement or judgments in any litigation commenced by
one or more insurance carriers against any HarnCo Company on account of claims
by or against MHE LLC or the employees of the MHE Division or MHE LLC;

            10.1.10 Any and all Liabilities incurred by any HarnCo Company
pursuant to its obligations hereunder or under any of the Other Agreements after
the Effective Date in seeking to obtain or obtaining any consent or approval to
assign, transfer or lease any interest in any asset or instrument, contract,
lease (whether oral or written), permit or benefit arising thereunder or
resulting therefrom;

            10.1.11 Any Liability incurred by any HarnCo Company as a result of
the drawing against any letter of credit or performance bond issued by any
HarnCo Company on behalf of MHE LLC or the MHE Division;

            10.1.12 Any Liability relating to the failure to comply with any
bulk sales or transfers laws in connection herewith or with any of the Other
Agreements; and

            10.1.13 Any Liability relating to an Active Employee or Retired and
Inactive Employee (other than Retained Liabilities).

      This indemnity obligation shall apply without regard to (i) whether the
Liability (including any Environmental Liability) is based on theories of
negligence, breach of warranty, strict liability, breach of contract, violation
of any consumer protection legislation passed by any Governmental Body, absolute
liability or arising as an obligation of contribution, or the violation of any
other applicable legal duty or standard, (ii) whether the Liability (including
any Environmental Liability) was caused by the negligence of any of the HarnCo
Indemnified Parties (whether such negligence be sole, joint or concurrent,
active or passive), or (iii) whether the Liability (including any Environmental
Liability) arose before, on or after the Effective Date.

      10.2 Notice of Circumstance. After receipt by HarnCo of notice, or
HarnCo's actual discovery, of any action, proceeding, claim, demand, or
potential claims, which could give rise to a right of indemnification pursuant
to any provision of this Agreement (any of which is individually referred to as
a "Circumstance"), HarnCo shall give MHE LLC written notice describing the
Circumstance in reasonable detail; provided, however, that no delay by HarnCo in
notifying MHE LLC shall relieve MHE LLC from any Liability hereunder unless (and
then solely to the extent) MHE LLC's position is actually prejudiced by such
delay. In the event MHE LLC notifies HarnCo within 30 days after such notice
that MHE LLC is assuming the defense thereof, (i) MHE LLC will defend the HarnCo
Indemnified Parties against the Circumstance with counsel of its choice,
provided such counsel is reasonably satisfactory to HarnCo, (ii) the HarnCo


                                      -16-
<PAGE>

Indemnified Parties may retain separate co-counsel at its or their sole cost and
expense (except that MHE LLC will be responsible for the fees and expenses for
the separate co-counsel to the extent HarnCo concludes reasonably that the
counsel selected by MHE LLC has a conflict of interest), (iii) the HarnCo
Indemnified Parties will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into
any settlement with respect to the Circumstance without the written consent of
MHE LLC and (iv) MHE LLC will not consent to the entry of any judgment with
respect to the Circumstance, or enter into any settlement which does not include
a provision whereby the plaintiff or claimant in the matter releases the HarnCo
Indemnified Parties from all Liability with respect thereto, without the written
consent of HarnCo. In the event MHE LLC does not notify HarnCo within 30 days
after HarnCo has given notice of the Circumstance that MHE LLC is assuming the
defense thereof, the HarnCo Indemnified Parties may defend against, or enter
into any settlement with respect to, the Circumstance in any manner the HarnCo
Indemnified Parties reasonably deem appropriate, at MHE LLC's cost.

      10.3 Scope of Indemnification. Indemnification under this Article 10 shall
be in addition to any remedies the HarnCo Companies may have at law or equity.
There shall be no time limit as to MHE LLC's indemnification obligations
hereunder.

      10.4 Indemnity for Certain Environmental Liabilities. MHE LLC understands
and agrees that its right to indemnification for matters described in Section
4.3(v) hereof shall constitute its sole recourse against the HarnCo Companies
with respect to environmental, health or safety matters and that it shall have
no other right of indemnification or any other right or remedy against the
HarnCo Companies with respect to any environmental, health or safety matters
(including without limitation all matters arising under CERCLA or any other
Environmental and Safety Requirements) arising from this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated thereby (collectively "Environmental, Health and
Safety Matters") and hereby waives, and releases the HarnCo Companies and their
respective officers, directors, employees and agents from, any and all claims,
demands, or causes of action with respect to Environmental, Health and Safety
Matters.

11. Limitation on Consequential Damages. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING HEREIN TO THE
CONTRARY, NO HARNCO COMPANY SHALL BE LIABLE TO MHE LLC, ANY OTHER MHE SUBSIDIARY
OR ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL
OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS, LOSS OF SALE OR USE, OR OPPORTUNITY COSTS,
REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE.

12. Further Assurances. After the Effective Date and upon HarnCo's request, and
for no further consideration, MHE LLC shall use its best efforts to obtain full
releases of any and all HarnCo Companies' Liability with respect to the Assumed
Liabilities; provided, however, that until MHE LLC obtains such releases, MHE
LLC shall not take any action that has the effect of amending or otherwise
modifying any provisions of any of the Assumed Liabilities for which any HarnCo
Company may have continuing liability, either primary or contingent, except for
amendments or modifications which do not (i) increase in any respect any
Liability of any HarnCo Company thereunder, or (ii) extend the period of time
during which any HarnCo Company will be


                                      -17-
<PAGE>

obligated or liable thereunder.

13. Transfer Tax Matters.

      13.1 Transaction Taxes. HarnCo shall be liable for any and all sales, use,
transfer, stamp, stamp duty, stamp duty reserve tax, conveyance, documentary, or
similar taxes, duties, excises or governmental charges imposed by any taxing
jurisdiction, including recording fees, notarial fees and other similar costs
incurred in connection with the conveyance of the Assets to MHE LLC pursuant to
this Agreement. MHE LLC shall, on the Effective Date, execute and deliver to
HarnCo a sales tax resale exemption certificate for each state in which
inventory is transferred to MHE LLC pursuant to this Agreement.

      13.2 Property Taxes. MHE LLC shall be liable for, shall pay and shall
indemnify and hold HarnCo harmless against any and all real and personal
property taxes and assessments relating to the Assets, regardless of the taxable
periods to which such taxes relate. If HarnCo is contesting any such taxes
before a taxing authority, administrative tribunal or in a judicial proceeding,
as of the Effective Date MHE LLC shall assume responsibility for and control any
such proceeding at its own expense and with its own counsel. HarnCo shall
execute all contracts, authorizations or other documents necessary to enable MHE
LLC to have proper standing to conduct any such proceedings.

      13.3 Unemployment Tax Experience. The state unemployment tax experience
(the "Experience") of HarnCo may be transferred to MHE LLC for such states, if
any, as HarnCo may select in its sole discretion. The decision to transfer such
Experience may be made separately for each state in which the business of MHE
LLC is conducted. If HarnCo elects to transfer the Experience in a particular
state, MHE LLC shall timely execute any and all necessary governmental filings
to accomplish this transfer.

      13.4 Preparation of W-2's, Etc. HarnCo and MHE LLC agree that MHE LLC has
received substantially all of the property used in a trade or business
previously operated by HarnCo, and in connection therewith MHE LLC shall employ
individuals who immediately before the Effective Date were employed in such
trade or business by HarnCo. Accordingly, if the Effective Date is such that the
alternative procedure set forth in Revenue Procedure 84-77, 1984-2 C.B. 753 for
reporting by predecessors-successors is applicable and provided that HarnCo
provides MHE LLC with all necessary (as determined in HarnCo's sole discretion)
payroll records for the calendar year which includes the Effective Date, then
MHE LLC shall furnish or cause to be furnished a Form W-2 to each employee
employed by MHE LLC who had been employed by HarnCo disclosing all wages and
other compensation paid for such calendar year, and taxes withheld therefrom,
and HarnCo shall be relieved of the responsibility to do so.

14. Post-Effective Date Tax Matters.

      14.1 Filing of Tax Returns. HarnCo agrees to prepare and file or cause to
be prepared and filed on a timely basis all appropriate Returns in respect of
the MHE Division that (i) are required to be filed before the Effective Date; or
(ii) are required to be filed on or after the 


                                      -18-
<PAGE>

Effective Date that (a) are required to include, on a consolidated or combined
basis, the operations of the MHE Division for any tax period ending before the
Effective Date; or (b) are required to be filed by the MHE Division on a
separate return basis for any tax period ending before the Effective Date. To
the extent requested by HarnCo, MHE LLC shall participate in the filing of and
shall file any required Returns with respect to any period that ends before the
Effective Date. MHE LLC shall prepare the schedules in respect of MHE LLC and
the MHE Division containing the information necessary for HarnCo to prepare any
consolidated or combined returns. MHE LLC shall also prepare or cause to be
prepared and shall file or cause to be filed all other Returns required of MHE
LLC and the MHE Division, or in respect of its activities, for any taxable
period ending on or after the Effective Date that includes the operations of MHE
LLC or the MHE Division prior to the Effective Date.

      14.2 Payment of Taxes.

            14.2.1 HarnCo agrees to pay timely all Income Taxes in respect of
MHE LLC or the MHE Division that are (i) due with respect to Returns that HarnCo
is required to prepare and file pursuant to Section 14.1 hereof, or (ii) due
before the Effective Date for which no Return is required to be filed. In
addition, HarnCo agrees to pay all other Income Taxes that may be due after the
Effective Date that are attributable to the period prior to the Effective Date.
The parties hereto will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, elect with
the relevant Tax authority to treat for all purposes the day prior to the
Effective Date as the last day of a taxable period of the MHE Division, and such
period shall be treated as a "Short Period" for purposes of this Agreement.

            14.2.2 In any case where applicable law does not permit MHE LLC to
treat the day prior to the Effective Date as the last day of a Short Period,
then for purposes of this Agreement the portion of such Income Taxes that is
attributable to the operations of the MHE Division for such Interim Period (as
defined below) shall be (i) in the case of Income Taxes that are not based in
whole or in part on income or gross receipts, the total amount of such Income
Taxes for the period in question multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of
which is the number of days in the Interim Period, and the denominator of which
is the total number of days in the entire period in question, and (ii) in the
case of Income Taxes that are based in whole or in part on income or gross
receipts, the Income Taxes that would be due with respect to the Interim Period,
if such Interim Period were a Short Period. "Interim Period" means with respect
to any Income Taxes imposed on MHE LLC on a periodic basis for which the day
prior to the Effective Date is not the last day of a Short Period, the period of
time beginning on the first day of the actual taxable period that includes (but
does not end on) the day prior to the Effective Date and ending on the day prior
to the Effective Date. Any franchise Tax shall be allocated to the taxable
period during which the right to do business obtained by the payment of such
franchise Tax relates, regardless of whether such franchise tax is measured by
income, operations, assets or capital relating to another taxable period.

      14.3 Cooperation and Records Retention. HarnCo and MHE LLC shall (i) each
provide the other with such assistance as may reasonably be requested by either
of them in connection with the preparation of any Tax return, audit or other
examination by any taxing authority or judicial or administrative proceedings
relating to liability for Taxes, (ii) each retain 


                                      -19-
<PAGE>

and provide the other with any records or other information which may be
relevant to such Return, audit or examination or proceeding, and (iii) each
provide the other with any final determination of any such audit or examination
or proceeding that affects any amount required to be shown on any Tax return of
the other for any period. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
HarnCo and MHE LLC shall retain, until the applicable statutes of limitations
(including any extensions) have expired, copies of all Tax returns, supporting
work schedules and other records or information which are relevant to such
returns for all taxable periods or portions thereof ending before or including
the Effective Date and shall not thereafter destroy or otherwise dispose of any
such records without first providing the other party with a reasonable
opportunity to review and copy the same.

      14.4 Liability for Assessments or Refunds. HarnCo shall pay any
assessments for additional Income Taxes and be entitled to receive all refunds
of Income Taxes (i) with respect to all periods ending prior to the Effective
Date; and (ii) with respect to any period beginning before the Effective Date
and ending after the Effective Date, but only with respect to the portion of
such period up to and including the day prior to the Effective Date allocated in
accordance with Section 14.2.2 above. HarnCo shall have sole and exclusive
discretion to contest or not to contest, negotiate and settle proposed
adjustments relating to the inclusion in any Return of the income, deductions,
credits, allowances or other tax items of MHE LLC for any period ending before
the Effective Date. Any proceeding with respect to Income Taxes for a period
which includes but does not end on the day prior to the Effective Date shall be
controlled jointly by HarnCo and MHE LLC.

15. Bulk Sales or Transfer Laws. MHE LLC acknowledges that HarnCo will not
comply with the provision of any bulk sales or transfer laws of any jurisdiction
in connection with the transaction contemplated by this Agreement. MHE LLC
hereby waives compliance by HarnCo with the provisions of the bulk sales or
transfer law of any jurisdiction.

16. Miscellaneous.

      16.1 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Other Agreements constitute
the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof
and thereof, supersede all prior agreements, understandings and representations
between them with respect to such subject matter, written or oral, and shall not
be modified, amended or terminated except by a written agreement specifically
referring to the applicable agreement signed by all of the parties thereto.

      16.2 Waivers. No waiver by any Party of any breach or default hereunder
shall be considered valid unless in writing and signed by the party giving such
waiver, and no such waiver shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach or
default of the same or similar nature.

      16.3 Succession and Assignment. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit
of, and be binding upon, HarnCo and MHE LLC and their successors and permitted
assigns, and may be assigned in whole or in part by them to any of their
respective Affiliates (with the assignor remaining primarily liable thereon),
but otherwise this Agreement is not assignable by any party hereto, either in
whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the other party, and any


                                      -20-
<PAGE>

such attempted assignment without such consent shall be null and void. In the
event that such an assignment is made to any such Affiliate such assignment
shall include an obligation on such Affiliate to transfer all rights and
interests assigned thereto back to such assigning party (or to some other
Affiliate thereof) promptly upon such assignee ceasing to be an Affiliate of the
assignor.

      16.4 Headings. The paragraph headings contained herein or in the Other
Agreements are for the purposes of convenience only and are not intended to
define or limit the contents of such paragraphs and shall be given no effect in
the construction or interpretation of this Agreement or the Other Agreements.

      16.5 Notices. All notices, requests, demands, claims, and other
communications hereunder will be in writing. Any notice, request, demand, claim,
or other communication hereunder shall be deemed duly given if (and then two
business days after) it is sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, and addressed to the intended recipient as set forth
below:

      If to HarnCo:                         Copy to:
                                            
      Harnischfeger Corporation             Kirkland & Ellis
      3600 South Lake Drive                 200 East Randolph Drive
      St. Francis, WI 53235-3716            Chicago, IL  60601
      Attn: James A. Chokey                 Attn: Keith S. Crow
                                            
      If to MHE:                            Copy to:
                                            
      Material Handling, LLC                Material Handling, LLC
      315 W. Forest Hill Avenue             315 W. Forest Hill Avenue
      Oak Creek, WI  53154                  Oak Creek, WI  53154
      Attn: President                       Attn:  General Counsel
                                        
Any Party may send any notice, request, demand, claim, or other communication
hereunder to the intended recipient at the address set forth above using any
other means (including personal delivery, expedited courier, messenger service,
telecopy, telex, ordinary mail, or electronic mail), but no such notice,
request, demand, claim, or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly
given unless and until it actually is received by the intended recipient. Any
Party may change the address to which notices, requests, demands, claims, and
other communications hereunder are to be delivered by giving the other Parties
notice in the manner herein set forth.

      16.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, all of which taken together shall be deemed one original.

      16.7 Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in Articles 4 and 10 and
Section 3.4, MHE LLC shall bear the expenses, costs and fees (including those of
attorneys, accountants, consultants, or experts) incurred by MHE LLC and the MHE
Division, and HarnCo shall bear the 


                                      -21-
<PAGE>

expenses, costs and fees (including those of attorneys, accountants,
consultants, or experts) incurred by HarnCo, in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby, including the preparation and execution of this Agreement
and the Other Agreements and compliance herewith and therewith.

      16.8 Severability. Any provision of this Agreement or any of the Other
Agreements that is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall not affect
the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or
the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other
situation or in any other jurisdiction.

      16.9 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the domestic laws of the State of New York without giving effect
to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of New
York or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of
any jurisdiction other than the State of New York.

      16.10 Submission to Jurisdiction. Each of the Parties consents to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the federal courts of the Eastern District of
Wisconsin for any legal action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or in
connection with this Agreement or the Other Agreements, and agree that any such
action, suit, or proceeding may be brought only in such courts. If such forum is
not available, each of the Parties consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of the
Milwaukee County Circuit Court for any such action, suit or proceeding. Each of
the Parties further waives any objection to the laying of venue for any such
suit, action, or proceeding in such courts. Each Party agrees to accept and
acknowledge service of any and all process that may be served in any suit,
action, or proceeding. Each Party agrees that any service of process upon it
mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested to such Party
at the address provided in Section 16.5 above shall be deemed in every respect
effective service of process upon such Party in any such suit, action, or
proceeding. Each Party agrees to waive any right it might have to a trial by
jury in any such suit, action or proceeding.

      16.11 Construction. Each of the Parties agree that (a) the rule of
construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the
drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation or construction of
this Agreement or the Other Agreements and (b) except as specifically provided
in an agreement, no usage of trade, course of dealing, course of performance or
enforcement or surrounding circumstances shall be used in interpreting or
construing this Agreement or the Other Agreements. The terms "including" or
"include" shall mean "including, without limitation," and the subsequent listing
of any matter or matters shall in no event be construed to limit or narrow the
breadth of the preceding clause of matter.

      16.12 Incorporation of Exhibits and Schedules. The schedules and exhibits
to this Agreement shall be construed with and as integral parts of this
Agreement to the same extent as if they were set forth verbatim herein;
provided, however, that in the event of any conflict between any such schedule
or exhibit (including the Other Agreements) and this Agreement, this Agreement
shall control.

      16.13 No Third Party Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement, whether
express or


                                      -22-
<PAGE>

implied, is intended to confer any rights or remedies under or by reason of this
Agreement on any Persons other than the parties hereto and their Affiliates and
respective permitted successors and assigns.

                                     ******


                                      -23-
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the date first above written.


                                     HARNISCHFEGER CORPORATION              
                                     
                                     
                                     By: /s/ Kenneth J. Stark
                                         -----------------------------
                                     
                                     Its: Assistant Teasurer
                                         -----------------------------
                                     
                                     
                                     MATERIAL HANDLING, LLC
                                     
                                     
                                     By: /s/ Eric Fonstad
                                         -----------------------------
                                     
                                     Its: Manager
                                         -----------------------------


                                      -24-



                       SHARE AND ASSET PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                     BETWEEN

                              PHMH HOLDING COMPANY

                                       AND

                 JAMES GANN, SR., JAMES GANN, JR., AND GAIL GANN

                                     FOR THE

                            STOCK OF MPH CRANE, INC.

                                     AND THE

           REAL ESTATE LOCATED AT 213 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE, FRANKLIN, OHIO

                                FEBRUARY 14, 1997
<PAGE>

                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT

      This Purchase Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into effective
February 14, 1997 by the following:

1.    PHMH Holding Company is a Delaware holding company with its principal
      place of business located in Wilmington, Delaware ("Buyer");

2.    James Gann, Sr. and James Gann, Jr. (collectively referred to as the
      "Sellers"), and Gail Gann (together with the Sellers referred to as the
      "Shareholders");

3.    MPH Crane, Inc., an Ohio Corporation with its principal place of business
      located in Franklin, Ohio ("Purchased Company").

The Buyer, Shareholders, and the Purchased Company are referred to collectively
as the "Parties".

      In consideration of the representations, warranties, and covenants
discussed below, the Parties agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I
                                   DEFINITIONS

      1.01 Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms
shall have the meanings set forth below:

      "Acquired Shares" means all right, title, and interest in all classes of
the issued and outstanding shares of MPH Crane, Inc.

      "Acquired Real Estate" shall mean the real estate located at 213
Industrial Drive, Franklin, Ohio.

      "Affiliate" of a Party means a Person or company that directly, or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries, owns or controls, or is
controlled or owned by, or is under common control or ownership with, that
Party.

      "Business" means all business operations and activities in which the
Purchased Company is now engaged or has been engaged in the past, other than 1)
selling and servicing Landoll roll back trailers, 2) owning farmland, 3) owning
lakefront property, and 4) the assets listed on Exhibit 1.01(a).

      "Closing Date Balance Sheet" means the statement of assets, liabilities,
and shareholders equity of the Purchased Company on the date of the Closing.

<PAGE>

      "Contracts" means all arrangements, agreements or contracts of any type or
nature whatsoever, including government contracts.

      "Indemnified Liabilities" means:

      (a) any Environmental Liabilities of the Purchased Company as set forth in
Article (V) of this Agreement;

      (b) any Liability of the Shareholders or the Purchased Company for Taxes
(i) arising in connection with this Transaction (including any Taxes arising
because the Shareholders are transferring the Acquired Shares and/or the Sellers
are transferring the Acquired Real Estate) or (ii) which arose, were incurred,
or accrued for periods on or prior to the Closing Date which are not reflected
in the Closing Date Balance Sheet (whether or not the liability for such Taxes
exists as of such date);

      (c) any Liability of the Shareholders or the Purchased Company for costs
and expenses incurred in connection with this Transaction;

      (d) any Liability of the Purchased Company which arises out of activities
other than its Business (specifically included as Indemnified Liabilities under
this sub-section include, without limitation, any claims or Liabilities which
arise out of the Landoll roll back trailer sales and service, the boat, the
farmland located in Prebble County, Ohio, the lakefront property located in
Prebble County, Ohio and other real estate previously owned not used in the
Business);

      (e) any Liability arising from the Shareholders' or the Purchased
Company's violation before the Closing Date of any laws, ordinances or
regulations;

      (f) any Liability, arising from the Purchased Company breaching a contract
prior to the Closing Date, other than as reflected on its financial statements;

      (g) any Liability arising out of a contract or agreement which
Shareholders have not disclosed on the Disclosure Schedule, and which may be
considered breached or terminated because of this Transaction;

      (h) subject to the provisions of Section 10.16, any Liability of the
Purchased Company arising from products or services delivered or performed in
the field prior to the Closing Date, for all claims of loss of profits, loss of
capital, or loss of use by the Purchased Company's customer or the product end
user, but only to the extent that such claims are made within three (3) years of
the Closing Date; and

      (i) 50% of any Liability arising out of negligence and/or product
liability claims made by third parties against the Purchased Company for
accidents and/or incidents occurring within two (2) years after the Closing
Date, including the cost of 


                                      -2-
<PAGE>

defense of such claims, which involve products and/or services sold or provided
by the Purchased Company prior to the Closing Date, with a maximum aggregate cap
of $50,000 to be paid under this provision.

      "Intellectual Property" means all of the following owned by Purchased
Company or Shareholders, and pertaining to the Business: (a) all patents, patent
applications, patent disclosures, and their improvements, (b) all trademarks,
service marks, trade dress, logos, trade names, corporate names and
registrations, and their applications for registration, together with all of the
associated goodwill, including, but not limited to, "MPH Crane", (c) all
copyrights, registrations, and applications for their registration, to the
extent assignable, (d) all mask works, registrations, and applications for their
registration, (e) all computer software, data, and documentation, (f) all trade
secrets and confidential business information (including ideas, formulas,
compositions, inventions [whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not
reduced to practice], know-how, manufacturing and production processes and
techniques, research and development information, drawings, specifications,
designs, plans, proposals, technical data, copyrightable works, service manuals,
parts lists, financial, marketing, and business data, pricing and cost
information, business and marketing plans, and customer and supplier lists and
information), (g) all other proprietary rights, and (h) all copies and tangible
embodiments (in whatever form or medium) of any of the above.

      "Knowledge" means all information actually known by the Shareholders,
after due and appropriate review of documents in the possession of or located at
the Purchased Company, and interviews with Larry Ramsey, Doug Stump, Joe Cox,
Vic Stempler, and Talmedge Buckle, after Sellers have requested such individuals
to undertake a due and appropriate review of documents and collection of
information.

      "Liability" or "Liabilities" means any responsibility or obligation
whether known or unknown, whether absolute or contingent, whether liquidated or
unliquidated, whether due or to become due, whether disputed or undisputed, and
whether legal or equitable.

      "Material" means of a magnitude such that it had, has, or may in the
future have an economic effect, gain or loss with respect to the Buyer or the
Purchased Company, in excess of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).

      "Net Book Value" means the excess of assets over liabilities as shown on a
balance sheet prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting
practices, and based in principle on the agreed to July 1996 financial
statements as adjusted to exclude those assets to be divested prior to Closing,
a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 1.01(b).

      "Ordinary Course of Business" means the ordinary course of business
consistent with past custom and practice and shall include matters such as
quantity and frequency.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>

      "Person" means any individual, partnership, joint venture, corporation or
any other type of entity.

      "Security Interest" means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, claim,
encumbrance, charge, or other lien.

      "Tax" means any income, gross receipts, capital stock, employment,
franchise, profits, withholding, social security, unemployment, disability, real
property, personal property, stamp, excise, occupation, import or custom duties,
goods and services, sales, use, transfer, value added, alternative minimum,
estimated, or other tax, including any interest, penalty, or addition thereto,
whether disputed or not, and regardless of the country, state, or jurisdiction
in which it arises.

      "Transaction" means all activities involving the Buyer purchasing from
Shareholders the Acquired Shares and the Acquired Real Estate, including (l)
drafting, executing and delivering this Agreement and other related documents,
(2) the conduct of due diligence, (3) the Closing, (4) the transfer of the
Acquired Shares and Acquired Real Estate, and (5) all post closing rights and
obligations.

                                   ARTICLE II
                                BASIC TRANSACTION

      2.01. Purchase and Sale of Shares. Subject to all terms and conditions
contained in this Agreement, (1) the Buyer agrees to purchase from the
Shareholders, and the Shareholders agree to sell and deliver to the Buyer, good,
marketable and indefeasible title to all of the Acquired Shares at the Closing
and (2) Buyer, or its designee, agrees to purchase from Sellers, and Sellers
agree to sell and deliver to the Buyer, or its assignee, good, marketable and
indefeasible title to the Acquired Real Estate at the Closing. The Acquired
Shares shall be free and clear of all Security Interests, Liabilities and other
restrictions.

      2.02 Purchase Price. The amount to be paid by Buyer to Shareholders for
the Acquired Shares shall be $7,400,000.00, minus the outstanding principal
balance, together with any and all accrued and unpaid interest, costs and fees,
of all long term debt and lines of credit (hereafter the "Share Purchase
Price"), based on the Purchased Company having $1,627,030.00 in Net Book Value
on the Closing Date. The amount to be paid by Buyer to Sellers for the Acquired
Real Estate shall be $4,000,000.00 (hereafter the "Real Estate Purchase Price").
The Share Purchase Price shall be adjusted downward dollar for dollar to the
extent the Net Book Value of the Purchased Company is less than $1,627,030.00 on
the Closing Date. The Share Purchase Price shall be adjusted upward dollar for
dollar to the extent that the Net Book Value of the Purchased Company exceeds
$1,627,030.00 on the Closing Date. At the Closing, Buyer shall l) pay to Sellers
the entire amount of the Real Estate Purchase Price, and 2) pay the entire
amount of the Share Purchase Price in cash or immediately available funds, other
than $700,000, which 


                                      -4-
<PAGE>

(subject to the $400,000 offset balance under Section 9.05) shall not be payable
until 30 days after the Purchased Company has received the funds for selling the
Dayton, Ohio facility. The sale of the Dayton facility shall be conducted in
accordance with the procedures outlined in Section 8.06.

      2.03 The Closing. The closing of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement (the "Closing") shall take place at the offices of Coolidge, Wall,
Wamsley & Lombard commencing at 10:00 a.m. Dayton, Ohio time, on February 14,
1997 or such other date as the Parties may mutually determine (the "Closing
Date").

      2.04 Deliveries at the Closing. At the Closing: (a) the Shareholders will
deliver to the Buyer the various certificates, instruments, and documents
referred to in ss.6.01 herein, (b) the Buyer will deliver to the Shareholders
the various certificates, instruments, and documents referred to in ss.6.02
herein, (c) the Shareholders and the Purchased Company will execute, acknowledge
(if appropriate), and deliver to the Buyer such other documents as the Buyer and
its counsel reasonably may request, (d) the Buyer will execute, acknowledge (if
appropriate), and deliver to the Shareholders such other documents as the
Shareholders and their counsel reasonably may request, and (e) the Buyer will
deliver to the Shareholders and Sellers for their respective accounts the
consideration specified in ss.2.02 above.

      2.05 Preparation of Closing Date Balance Sheet.

      (a) Within 60 days after the Closing Date, the Shareholders will prepare
and deliver to the Buyer a draft Closing Date Balance Sheet. The Shareholders
will prepare the draft Closing Date Balance Sheet on a basis consistent with the
preparation of their July 1996 financial statements, attached as Exhibit 1.01(b)
(a), along with the adjustments agreed to by all Parties prior to the Closing.
Buyer shall give Shareholders and their accountants, employees and other agents
reasonable access to the books, records and assets of the Purchased Company for
purposes of preparing the draft Closing Date Balance Sheet;

      (b) If the draft Closing Date Balance Sheet is not acceptable to Buyer,
the Buyer will deliver to the Shareholders within 30 days after receiving the
draft Closing Date Balance Sheet a detailed statement describing its objections.
The Buyer and the Shareholders will use reasonable efforts to resolve any such
objections, but if they do not obtain a final resolution within 30 days after
Shareholders have received the statement of objections, the Buyer and
Shareholders will select an accounting firm mutually acceptable to them to
resolve any remaining objections. If the Buyer and Shareholders are unable to
agree on the choice of an accounting firm, they will select the accounting firm
of Ernst & Young;

      (c) The Parties will share the fees and expenses of this accounting firm
in proportion to the degree to which the accounting firm has accepted the
position of the other Party;


                                      -5-
<PAGE>

      (d) The determination of any accounting firm so selected will be
conclusive and binding upon the Parties as to the final Closing Date Balance
Sheet;

      (e) Within 15 days following the determination of the final Closing Date
Balance Sheet, the amount of any increase in the Share Purchase Price, if any,
shall be paid by the Buyer in cash or by immediately available funds; and

      (f) any reduction in the Share Purchase Price following the determination
of the Closing Date Balance Sheet shall be subject to the same set off
procedures and limitations as set forth in Article 9.05.

                                   ARTICLE III
               REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SHAREHOLDERS

      The Sellers, the Purchased Company, and the Shareholders where
specifically noted represent and warrant to the Buyer that the statements
contained in this Article III are correct and complete as of the date of this
Agreement. The Disclosure Schedule will be arranged in paragraphs corresponding
to the numbered and lettered paragraphs contained in this Article III. Terms
used in the Disclosure Schedule and not specifically otherwise defined shall
have the same meanings as in this Agreement.

      3.01 Corporate Organization. MPH Crane, Inc is a corporation duly
organized, valid and subsisting, and in good standing under the laws of Ohio.
Its authorized capital consists of 50 Class A voting shares, and 450 Class B
non-voting shares. All shares have been issued and are outstanding as fully paid
and non-assessable. The Shareholders have delivered to the Buyer true, correct,
complete and up to date copies of the articles of incorporation and code of
regulations of MPH Crane, Inc. (as amended to date). The minute books containing
the records of meetings of the shareholders and the board of directors are
correct and complete in all Material respects. MPH Crane, Inc. is not in default
under, or in violation of, any provision of its articles or code of regulations.
In addition:

      (a) Except with respect to the rights granted to Buyer pursuant to this
Agreement, there are no outstanding options, warrants, contracts, subscriptions,
commitments or other rights of any character which may entitle any Person to
acquire any of the issued or unissued capital stock of the Purchased Company
prior or subsequent to the Closing; and

      (b) Shareholders have good, lawful and marketable title to, and record and
beneficial ownership of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the capital
stock of the Purchased Company. All such outstanding shares of the Purchased
Company have been duly authorized and issued, and are fully paid and are
nonassessable. Shareholders own all such shares free and clear of all liens,
security agreements, shareholders' agreements, 


                                      -6-
<PAGE>

voting trust agreements and other claims and encumbrances. At the Closing, upon
Shareholders' delivery of the shares to Buyer, Buyer will own all of the issued
and outstanding capital stock of the Purchased Company, free and clear of all
liens, security agreements, shareholders' agreements, voting trust agreements
and other claims and encumbrances, except those that are the result of Buyer's
actions.

      3.02 Authorization of Transaction. Shareholders and the Purchased Company
have full individual and corporate power and authority to execute and deliver
this Agreement and to perform their obligations to consummate the Transaction.
This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the
Shareholders and constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation on their
behalf, and upon the Purchased Company, enforceable and effective in accordance
with its terms. Further, Sellers and Shareholders own respectively, with good
and marketable title, unencumbered by any Liability, option, right of first
refusal, or Security Interest, all of Acquired Real Estate and the Acquired
Shares, respectively, subject only to those items listed on the Disclosure
Schedule.

      3.03 Noncontravention. Except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedule, the
execution and the delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of this
Transaction will not (1) violate any statute, regulation, rule, judgment, order,
decree, stipulation, injunction, charge, or other restriction of any government,
government agency or court, (2) violate any provision of the charter or code of
regulations of the Purchased Company, (3) conflict with, result in a breach of,
constitute a default under, result in the acceleration of, create in any party
the right to accelerate, terminate, modify, or cancel, or require any notice
under any contract, lease, sublease, license, assignment, sublicense, franchise,
permit, indenture, agreement, mortgage, promissory note or other evidence of
indebtedness, Security Interest, or any other agreement to which the
Shareholders or the Purchased Company is a party or bound, or to which the
Business is subject, or (4) result in the imposition of any Security Interest
upon any of the Purchased Company's assets or the Acquired Real Estate.

      3.04 Financial Statements. All financial statements of the Purchased
Company provided to Buyer for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995 and the
July 1996 financial statements, attached as Exhibit 1.01(b) (as agreed to after
adjustments) have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principals applied consistently, and are attached as Exhibit 3. 04.

      3.05 Events Subsequent to Most Recent Fiscal Year End. Other than as
listed on the Disclosure Schedule, since the most recent fiscal year end for the
Purchased Company (and other than as reflected on the July 1996 financial
statements), there has not been any Material adverse change in the assets,
Liabilities, Business, financial condition, operations (including any
substantial reduction in backlog or new orders, technical problems or delays in
availability of materials), or results of operations. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, since that date:


                                      -7-
<PAGE>

      (a) The Purchased Company has not sold, leased, transferred, or assigned
any of its assets, tangible or intangible, other than for fair and adequate
consideration in the Ordinary Course of Business (and other than as required by
this Transaction);

      (b) The Purchased Company has not entered into any contract, lease,
sublease, license, or sublicense either (l) involving more than $10,000 other
than to a product customer or vendor in the Ordinary Course of Business (other
than for the vehicle acquisitions which are listed on the Disclosure Schedule),
or (2) outside the Ordinary Course of Business;

      (c) No Person has accelerated, terminated, modified, or canceled (other
than termination at the end of a scheduled term) any contract, lease, sublease,
license, or sublicense with the Purchased Company, involving more than $10,000;

      (d) The Purchased Company has not granted, or become aware of the
existence of, any Security Interest upon any of its assets, tangible or
intangible;

      (e) The Purchased Company has not made any capital expenditure (or series
of related capital expenditures) involving more than $50,000 in the aggregate;

      (f) The Purchased Company has not created, incurred, assumed, or
guaranteed any indebtedness other than its trade payables, in excess of $10,000;

      (g) The Purchased Company has not delayed or postponed beyond its normal
practice the payment of accounts payable and other Liabilities;

      (h) The Purchased Company has not canceled, compromised, waived, or
released any right or claim (or series of related rights and claims) involving
more than $10,000 in the aggregate;

      (i) The Purchased Company has not granted any license or sublicense of any
rights under, or with respect to, any Intellectual Property;

      (j) The Purchased Company has not declared, set aside, or paid any
dividend or distribution with respect to its capital stock or redeemed,
purchased, or otherwise acquired any of its capital stock;

      (k) The Purchased Company has not experienced any damage, destruction, or
loss in excess of $10,000 in the aggregate (whether or not covered by insurance)
to its property and assets;

      (l) The Purchased Company has not made any loan to, or entered into any
other transaction with, any of its directors, officers, and employees giving
rise to any claim or right on its part against any such person, or on the part
of any such person 


                                      -8-
<PAGE>

against it, which exceeds $10,000, other than reflected on the financial
statements of the Purchased Company or as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule;

      (m) The Purchased Company has not entered into any new employment contract
or collective bargaining agreement, written or oral, or substantially modified
the terms of any existing such contract or agreement;

      (n) The Purchased Company has not granted any increase outside the
Ordinary Course of Business in the base compensation of any of its directors,
officers, and employees (other than normal raises made consistent with past
practices and the salary doubling to Shareholders James Gann, Sr. and James
Gann, Jr.);

      (o) The Purchased Company has not adopted any new (1) bonus, (2)
profit-sharing, (3) incentive compensation, (4) pension, (5) retirement, (6)
medical, hospitalization, life, or other insurance, (7) severance, or (8) other
plan, contract, or commitment for any of its directors, officers, and employees,
or substantially modified or terminated any existing such plan, contract, or
commitment;

      (p) The Purchased Company has not made any other change in employment
terms for any of its directors, officers, or employees, either (l) outside the
Ordinary Course of Business, or (2) inconsistent with or substantially different
from, its prior practices.

      (q) The Purchased Company has not made or pledged to make any charitable
or political contribution in excess of $5,000 in the aggregate;

      (r) The Purchased Company has not entered into any merger, acquisition, or
consolidation agreement;

      (s) The Purchased Company has not entered into an agreement, contract,
understanding or other transaction with, or made a payment to, any Affiliate of
the Purchased Company, or entered into or agreed to an amendment or modification
to an existing agreement, contract, understanding or other transaction with any
Affiliate, whether or not in the Ordinary Course of Business other than as set
forth on the Disclosure Schedule; and

      (t) There has not been any other occurrence, event, incident, action,
failure to act, or transaction involving the Purchased Company (l) in excess of
$100,000 in the Ordinary Course of Business, or (2) in excess of $10,000 outside
the Ordinary Course of Business.

      3.06 Undisclosed Liabilities. Other than as set forth on the Disclosure
Schedule, the Shareholders and the Purchased Company have no Knowledge of any
Material Liabilities except for (a) Liabilities set forth on the face of the
most recent 


                                      -9-
<PAGE>

balance sheet and (b) Liabilities which have arisen after the most recent
balance sheet in the Ordinary Course of Business.

      3.07 Tax Matters.

      (a) The Purchased Company has filed all Tax reports and returns that it
was required to file. All such reports and returns were correct and complete in
all Material respects. All Taxes owed by the Purchased Company have been paid or
adequate reserves for Taxes have been established on the books of the Purchased
Company. Other than as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule, the Purchased
Company is not currently the beneficiary of any extension of time within which
to file any report or return. No claim has been made within the last five years
by an authority in a jurisdiction where the Purchased Company does not file
returns that it is, or may be, subject to taxation by that jurisdiction. There
are no Security Interests in any of the assets of the Purchased Company that
arose in connection with any alleged failure to pay any Tax;

      (b) The Purchased Company has withheld and paid all Taxes required to have
been withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any employee,
creditor, independent contractor, or other third party; and

      (c) To the Knowledge of the Shareholders and the Purchased Company, there
is no, nor has there ever been a dispute, threat, claim, notice of examination,
or an examination concerning any Tax Liability of the Purchased Company by any
governmental authority, other than for the resolved dispute with the IRS for tax
years 1990 through 1992, and except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedule.

      3.08 Tangible Assets. The Purchased Company owns or leases all tangible
assets used in the conduct of the Business. Section 3.08 of the Disclosure
Schedule lists all of the leased property. To the Knowledge of Shareholders and
the Purchased Company, each tangible asset is free from substantial defects, has
been maintained in accordance with normal industry practice, is in good
operating condition and repair (subject to normal wear and tear), and is
functioning properly for the purposes for which it presently is used.

      3.09 Owned and Leased Real Property. The Purchased Company owns or leases
the real estate set forth on ss.3.09 of the Disclosure Schedule. The Purchased
Company does not now own or lease real estate other than that set forth on the
Disclosure Schedule, other than for an office in an office park in Centerville,
Ohio during the mid-1980's. To Sellers' Knowledge with respect to the Acquired
Real Estate and the Dayton facility, there are no (1) pending or threatened
expropriation proceedings or planned special assessments relating to the
property, (2) pending or threatened litigation or administrative actions
relating to the property, (3) orders or rulings by any court or governmental
agency requiring repairs, alterations or corrections of any existing conditions
of the property, or (4) other matters Materially affecting adversely the current



                                      -10-
<PAGE>

business use, occupancy, or value thereof. In regard to the Acquired Real Estate
and the Dayton facility, the Sellers and the Purchase Company represent that:

      (a) To the Knowledge of Sellers and the Purchased Company, (1) the legal
descriptions for the parcels contained in the respective deeds describes such
parcels fully and adequately, (2) the buildings and improvements are located
within the boundary lines of the described parcels of land, are not in violation
of applicable setback requirements, zoning laws, and ordinances (and none of the
properties or buildings or improvements thereon are subject to "permitted
non-conforming use" or "permitted nonconforming structure" classifications), and
do not encroach on any easement which may burden the land, (3) the properties
are not located within any flood plain or subject to any similar type
restriction for which any permits or licenses necessary to the use have not been
obtained, and (4) access to the properties is provided by paved public
right-of-way with adequate curb cuts available;

      (b) All facilities have received all approvals of governmental authorities
(including licenses and permits) required in connection with their ownership and
operation, and have been operated and maintained in all Material respects for
current business purposes in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and
regulations;

      (c) There are no outstanding options or rights of first refusal to third
parties to purchase any interest in any portion of the real property which is
owned by the Purchased Company;

      (d) There are no parties in possession of the parcels of real properties
other than the Purchased Company;

      3.10 Intellectual Property.

      (a) To the Knowledge of Sellers and the Purchased Company, the Purchased
Company owns, or has the right to use pursuant to a license, sublicense,
agreement, or permission, all Intellectual Property used in the operation of the
Business. No claim or notice has been made by a third party that the Purchased
Company has inappropriately used Intellectual Property, or that a third party
intends to cancel a license, sublicense or agreement which currently allows the
Purchased Company to use certain Intellectual Property;

      (b) To the Knowledge of Sellers and the Purchased Company, ss.3.10 (b) of
the Disclosure Schedule identifies each patent or registration which has been
issued to the Purchased Company with respect to any of its Intellectual
Property, identifies each trademark and registered copyright, identifies each
pending patent application or application for registration which the Purchased
Company has made with respect to any of its Intellectual Property, and
identifies each license, agreement, or other permission which the Purchase
Company has granted to any third party with respect to any of its Intellectual
Property;


                                      -11-
<PAGE>

      (c) To the Knowledge of Sellers and the Purchased Company, ss.3.10 (c) of
the Disclosure Schedule identifies each item of Intellectual Property that any
third party owns and that the Purchased Company uses pursuant to license,
sublicense, agreement, or permission (other than non-proprietary computer
software and similar licenses); and

      (d) All licenses are in good standing, with all fees having been paid on a
timely basis.

      3.11 Inventory. The inventory owned by the Purchased Company consists of
raw materials, supplies, manufactured and purchased parts, work in process and
finished goods, all of which is of a quality and quantity useable and saleable
at greater than or equal to the value on the financial statements in the
Ordinary Course of Business. The inventory is free and clear of any Security
Interest, except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule. All reserves for
excess and obsolete inventory are adequate.

      3.12 Contracts. ss.3.12 of the Disclosure Schedule lists (by Subparagraph)
the following contracts, agreements, and other written arrangements to which the
Purchased Company is a party to:

      (a) Any written agreement or arrangement concerning a partnership or joint
venture;

      (b) Any written agreement (or group of related written arrangements) under
which it has created, incurred, assumed, or guaranteed (or may create, incur,
assume, or guarantee) non-trade indebtedness involving more than $5,000, or
under which it has granted or permitted (or may grant or permit) a Security
Interest on any of its assets, tangible or intangible;

      (c) Any written agreement concerning confidentiality or noncompetition;

      (d) Any written agreement between or involving the Purchased Company and
any of its Affiliates;

      (e) Any written agreement with any of the directors, officers, and
employees of the Purchased Company in the nature of a collective bargaining
agreement, employment agreement, or severance agreement;

      (f) Any written agreement to which a government department is a party;

      (g) Any written agreement providing for indemnification for or against any
Liabilities of any third party;

      (h) Any written agreement in which the Purchased Company anticipates
taking a Material loss;


                                      -12-
<PAGE>

      (i) Any written agreement under which the consequences of a default or
termination could have a Material adverse effect on the assets, Liabilities,
Business, financial condition, operations, results of operations, or future
prospects of the Purchased Company taken as a whole; and

      (j) Any other written agreement not entered into in the Ordinary Course of
Business.

The Shareholders have delivered to the Buyer, or showed to Buyer with an offer
to provide to Buyer, a correct and complete copy of each written agreement
listed above, or has set forth a description of the written agreement in the
Disclosure Schedule. To the Knowledge of the Shareholders and the Purchased
Company, with respect to each written agreement so listed: (1) the written
agreement is legal, valid, binding, enforceable, and in full force and effect in
accordance with its terms and conditions, (2) other than as set forth on the
Disclosure Schedule, the written agreement will continue to be legal, valid,
binding, and enforceable and in full force and effect on identical terms
following the Closing, (3) no party is in breach or default, and no event has
occurred which would constitute a breach or default or permit termination,
modification, or acceleration, under the written agreement, and (4) no party has
repudiated any provision of the written arrangement.

To the Knowledge of the Shareholders and the Purchased Company, the Purchased
Company is not a party to any verbal contract, agreement, or other arrangement
which, if reduced to written form, would be required to be listed in ss.3.12 of
the Disclosure Schedule. To the Knowledge of Shareholders and the Purchased
Company, there is no contract bid currently outstanding which, if accepted,
would result in any loss. All purchase orders and commitments of the Purchased
Company were entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business. To the Knowledge
of Shareholders and the Purchased Company, no supplier has indicated within the
past year that it will stop, or decrease the rate of, supplying materials,
products, or services and no customer has indicated within the past year that it
will stop, or decrease the rate of, buying materials, products, or services from
the Purchased Company.

      3.13 Powers of Attorney. There are no outstanding powers of attorney
executed on behalf of the Purchased Company other than as disclosed in the
Disclosure Schedule.

      3.14 Insurance. ss.3.14 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth the
following information with respect to each insurance policy (including policies
providing property, casualty, cargo liability, workers' compensation coverage,
and bond and surety arrangements) to which the Purchased Company is currently a
party, a named insured, or otherwise the beneficiary of coverage, including:

      (a) the name, address, and telephone number of the agent;


                                      -13-
<PAGE>

      (b) as an exhibit to the Disclosure Schedule, a list of each such policy
(or binders for current policies) and;

      (c) a list of any retroactive premium adjustments or other loss-sharing
arrangements.

Sellers and the Purchased Company warrant that there are no retroactive premium
adjustments, self insured retentions, or other loss-sharing arrangements.

      To the Knowledge of Sellers and the Purchased Company, and other than as
set forth on the Disclosure Schedule, for each insurance policy currently in
effect (1) the policy is legal, valid, binding, enforceable, and in full force
and effect, (2) the policy will continue to be legal, valid, binding,
enforceable, and in full force and effect on identical terms up to and on the
Closing Date, (3) neither the Purchased Company nor any other insured party is
in breach, (4) no event has occurred which is a breach or default or which would
permit termination, modification, or acceleration under the policy, and (5) no
party to the policy has repudiated any of its provisions.

      3.15 Litigation. ss.3.15 of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth each
instance in which the Purchased Company (1) is subject to any unsatisfied
judgment, order, decree, stipulation, injunction, or charge or (2) is a party to
or, to the Knowledge of the Shareholders or the Purchased Company, is threatened
to be made a party to, any charge, complaint, action, claim, suit, proceeding,
hearing, or investigation in any court, government department, agency,
commission, board, authority, other administrative agency, or before any
arbitrator to the extent that such instance would have a Material adverse effect
on the Business.

      3.16 Product Warranty. Each product manufactured, sold, leased, or
delivered by the Purchased Company in the Ordinary Course of Business has been
in conformity in all Material respects with all applicable commitments and all
express and implied warranties. Other than as set forth on the Disclosure
Schedule, no product manufactured, sold, leased, or delivered by the Purchased
Company is subject to any guaranty, warranty, or other indemnity which exposes
the Purchased Company to Material Liability beyond the standard terms and
conditions of sale or lease generally used by the Purchased Company.

      3.17 Product Liability. Other than as set forth on the Disclosure
Schedule, the Shareholders and the Purchased Company have no Knowledge of any
facts which are likely to give rise to any Liability arising out of any death or
injury to persons or damage to property as a result of the ownership,
possession, maintenance, or use of any product designed, manufactured, sold,
leased, or delivered by the Purchased Company.

      3.18 Employees. To the Knowledge of Sellers and the Purchased Company (1)
no key employee or group of employees has any plans to terminate employment with
the 


                                      -14-
<PAGE>

Purchased Company, (2) the Purchased Company is in compliance with all federal
and state laws respecting employment, wages, and hours, and (3) the Purchased
Company has not engaged in any discriminatory hiring or employment practices, or
any unfair labor practices, nor have any employment discrimination or unfair
labor practice complaints against the Purchased Company been filed, or
threatened to be filed, with any federal or state agency having jurisdiction
over labor matters, except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule. To the
Knowledge of the Sellers and the Purchased Company, no employee has asserted or
threatened to assert that the Purchased Company is liable for any arrears of
wages, benefits, damages or any taxes or penalties for failure to comply with
any of the foregoing.

      3.19 Employee Benefits. ss.3.19 of the Disclosure Schedule lists all
employee benefit plans that the Purchased Company maintains or to which it
contributes for the benefit of any current or former employee. In addition:

      (a) To the Knowledge of the Sellers and the Purchased Company, there have
been no inappropriate transactions with respect to any employee benefit plan
which could result in a Material Liability to the Purchased Company. No charge,
complaint, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, investigation, claim, or demand
with respect to the administration or the investment of the assets of any
employee benefit plan (other than routine claims for benefits) is pending or, to
the knowledge of the Shareholders or the Purchased Company, threatened. The
Shareholders and the Purchased Company have no knowledge of any basis for any
such charge, complaint, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, investigation, claim
or demand;

      (b) all employee benefit plans are fully funded, and no plan is under
funded;

      (c) the Shareholders and the Purchased Company do not contribute to, nor
have they ever been required to contribute to, any multi employer plan which
exposes the Purchased Company to Liability; and

      (d) the Purchased Company has no post-retirement medical obligations or
plans.

      3.20 Guaranties. The Purchased Company is not a guarantor or indemnitor,
and is not otherwise liable, for any Liability (including indebtedness) of an
Affiliate or any other Person, other than for the items set forth on the
Disclosure Schedule.

      3.21 Health and Safety.

      (a) To the Knowledge of the Shareholders and the Purchased Company, the
Purchased Company has obtained all permits, licenses and other authorizations
which are legally required concerning public health and safety, and worker
health and safety;


                                      -15-
<PAGE>

      (b) To the Knowledge of the Shareholders and the Purchased Company, the
Purchased Company is in compliance with all terms and conditions of all health
and safety permits, licenses, and required authorizations; and

      (c) To the Knowledge of the Shareholders and the Purchased Company, the
Purchased Company is in compliance with all health and safety laws. Further, to
the Knowledge of the Shareholders and the Purchased Company, no facts, events or
conditions with respect to any past or present operations or facilities of the
Purchased Company, interfere with, or prevent continued compliance with, health
and safety laws, nor are there any investigations, inquiries, notices or
proceedings pending or threatened with regard to violation of any health or
safety law.

      3.22 Legal Compliance.

      (a) To the Knowledge of the Shareholders and the Purchased Company, other
than as set forth on the Disclosure Schedule, the Purchased Company is in
compliance with all laws (including rules, regulations, and orders hereunder) .
Further, the Purchased Company has not received any notice of non-compliance
with any law (including rules, regulations, and orders hereunder) with an
exposure in excess of $50,000. No charge, complaint, action, suit, proceeding,
hearing, investigation, claim, demand, or notice has been filed or commenced
against the Purchased Company alleging any failure to comply with a law.

      (b) To the Knowledge of Shareholders and the Purchased Company, the
Purchased Company has not:

            (1) made or agreed to make any contribution, payment, or gift of
      funds or property to any governmental official, employee, or agent where
      the contribution, payment, or gift or its purpose, was illegal;

            (2) established or maintained any unrecorded fund or asset for any
      purpose, or made any false entries on any books or records for any reason;
      and

            (3) made or agreed to make any contribution, or reimbursed any
      political gift or contribution made by any other person, to any candidate
      for federal, state, provincial, municipal, local, or other public office.

      (c) To the Knowledge of Shareholders and the Purchased Company, the
Purchased Company has possession of all records and documents it was required to
retain under all laws and regulations.

      (d) To the Knowledge of the Shareholders and the Purchased Company, the
Purchased Company possesses all licenses, permits, authorizations, franchises
and other approvals adequate in all Material respects for the current conduct of
the Business, and none of these will be canceled or terminated by virtue of this
Transaction.


                                      -16-
<PAGE>

      3.23 Brokers' Fees. The Shareholders and the Purchased Company have no
Liability or obligation to pay any fees or commissions to any broker, finder, or
agent with respect to this Transaction, other than fees to its lawyers and
accountants which shall be fully satisfied prior to Closing or reserved on the
Closing Date Balance Sheet.

      3.24 Disclosure. To the Knowledge of Shareholders and the Purchased
Company, neither this Agreement, nor any of the related schedules, exhibits, and
attachments contain any untrue statement of a Material fact or omit a Material
fact necessary to make each statement accurate. To the Knowledge of Shareholders
and the Purchased Company, there is no fact not disclosed to the Buyer in
writing and which has had, or would be anticipated to have, a Material adverse
effect upon the Purchased Company or upon the existing or expected financial
condition, operating results, assets, customer or supplier relations, employee
relations or business prospects of the Business.

      3.25 Energy. To the Knowledge of the Shareholders and the Purchased
Company, except as set forth on the Disclosure Schedules, no source of energy or
utility service has, within two (2) years prior to this Agreement, reduced or
terminated services to the Purchased Company, nor has the Purchased Company
received any notice threatening to reduce, terminate, ration or subject to
allotment any supply of energy or utility services in the future.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BUYER

      The Buyer represents and warrants to the Shareholders that the statements
contained in this Article IV are correct and complete as of the date of this
Agreement and will be correct and complete as of the Closing Date.

      4.01 Organization of the Buyer. The Buyer is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of Delaware.

      4.02 Authorization of Transaction. The Buyer has full power and authority
(including full corporate power and authority) to execute and deliver this
Agreement and to perform its obligations. This Agreement constitutes the valid
and legally binding obligation of the Buyer, enforceable and effective in
accordance with its terms and conditions.

      4.03 Noncontravention. The execution and the delivery of this Agreement
and the consummation of this Transaction will not (l) violate any statute,
regulation, rule, judgment, order, decree, stipulation, injunction, charge, or
other restriction of any government, government agency or court, (2) violate any
provision of the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the Buyer, (3) or
conflict with, result in a breach of, constitute a default under, any
contractual obligation of the Buyer.


                                      -17-
<PAGE>

      4.04 Brokers' Fees. The Buyer has no Liability or obligation to pay any
fees or commissions to any broker, finder, or agent with respect to this
Transaction.

                                    ARTICLE V
                              ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

      5.01 Definitions. As used in this Agreement:

            (a) "Environment" shall mean ambient air, land surface, subsurface
soil, surface and subsurface water, groundwater, and/or natural resources,
wherever located.

            (b) "Environmental Claim" shall mean any claim, demand, suit,
action, notice order, direction, notice of noncompliance, notice of violation,
lien, investigation, administrative proceeding, judicial proceeding or civil
action by or from any person, including any Governmental Authority, alleging
liability, responsibility, obligation or commitment under any Environmental Law.

            (c) "Environmental Condition" shall mean (i) any Environmental
Release which occurred or existed prior to the Closing Date on, at, in, under or
from any property ever owned or used by the Purchased Company ("Real Property");
(ii) any Environmental Release which occurred or existed prior to the Closing
Date on, at, in, under or from any location in the world other than the Real
Property, to the extent such Hazardous Material is related to or from the
Business; (iii) any violation or non-compliance of any Environmental Law which
occurred or existed prior to the Closing Date in any way involving or related to
the Real Property or Business; (iv) any injury (including but not limited to
bodily injury, personal injury or Death) to any natural person where such injury
arises out of or arises from any exposure to, contact with, absorption of, or
infestation of any Hazardous Material which is or was the subject of an
Environmental Release; (v) any damage or injury (including but not limited to
diminution in value, loss of use, or economic loss) to real or tangible property
of any person or entity which occurs prior to the Closing Date, where such
injury arises out of or arises from any Hazardous Material which is or was the
subject of an Environmental Release.

            (d) "Environmental Law" shall mean any Legal Requirement in any way
pertaining to the Environment and/or the regulation of pollution, human health
or welfare as affected by the Environment (including, without limitation, any
Legal Requirement relating to any Environmental Release or Remedial Action, or
relating to the presence, use, possession, control, manufacture, processing,
distribution, production, generation, handling, labeling, storage,
transportation or treatment of any Hazardous Material), including without
limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 9601 et seq. and 40 C.F.R. Sec. 302.1 et seq.), the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 


                                      -18-
<PAGE>

6901 et seq.), the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended by the Clean
Water Act of 1977 (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.), the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.
Sec. 7401 et seq.), the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (42
U.S.C. Sec. 11000 et seq.), the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49
U.S.C. Sec. 1801 et seq.), the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 2601
et seq.), and any similar state or local laws.

            (e) "Environmental Liabilities of the Purchased Company" shall mean
all obligations, responsibilities, commitments and liabilities under any
Environmental Law in any way arising from, arising out of, or related to any
Environmental Condition for which Buyer provides written notice to Shareholders
within four (4) years after the Closing Date, and provided such Environmental
Condition was caused by the Purchased Company prior to the Closing Date.

            (f) "Environmental Permits" shall mean any permit, license,
certificate, consent, approval or authorization under any Environmental Law.

            (g) "Environmental Release" shall mean any deposit, disposal,
discharge, dispersal, emission, leaching, leaking, injection, migration,
presence, release, or spill of Hazardous Material into the Environment or
property.

            (h) "Governmental Authority" means the government of the United
States of America, any state in the United States of America, and any municipal
entity or body politic in any state, or any agency, authority, board, bureau,
district, department, commission or instrumentality (including any court or
other tribunal) of any of the foregoing.

            (i) "Hazardous Material" means: (i) any material, substance,
chemical, waste, contaminant or pollutant which is regulated, listed or defined
as hazardous, extremely hazardous, toxic, dangerous, infectious, ignitable,
corrosive, flammable irritant, explosive, radioactive, nuclear, restricted, or a
nuisance, or words of similar import, under any Environmental Law; (ii) any
petroleum substance, petroleum product, underground storage tank, underground
receptacle, above ground storage tank, asbestos containing material, urea
formaldehyde foam insulation, or any transformer or other equipment containing
PCBs; or (iii) any other material substance, chemical, waste, contaminant or
pollutant, the exposure to, Environmental Release of or presence in the
Environmental Law or which has been determined to be harmful to human health,
welfare or the Environment.

            (j) "Legal Requirement" means any statute, law, code, ordinance,
regulation, rule, directive, requirement (including those contained in
Environmental Permits), order, judgment, writ, injunction, ruling, decree,
bylaw, case law, or common law, whether presently in effect or hereinafter
enacted, adopted, promulgated or issued, of any Governmental Authority.


                                      -19-
<PAGE>

            (k) "Remedial Action" means any action to investigate, evaluate,
assess, test, monitor, remove, respond to, treat, neutralize, contain, isolate,
prevent, restore, rehabilitate, abate, repair, replace, remedy, correct,
clean-up or otherwise remediate the Environmental Release or presence of any
Hazardous Material in the Environment.

      5.02. Representations and Warranties.

      (a) Environmental Compliance.

            (1) The Real Property, when owned or used by the Purchased Company,
was, and is, not in direct or indirect violation of any Environmental Law; and

            (2) The Purchased Company (i) is in compliance with all applicable
Environmental Laws (other than Environmental Laws and Liabilities imposed solely
under statutes enacted after the Closing Date which impose a new scope of
liability not existing under previous law) and Environmental Permits; (ii) has
never received any Environmental Claim; (iii) knows of no basis for an
Environmental Claim; (iv) has never received any written communication from any
person, including any Governmental Authority, alleging that it is in
noncompliance with or in violation of any Environmental Law; (v) to the
Knowledge of the Shareholders and the Purchased Company is not under
investigation by any Governmental Authority for the failure to comply with any
Environmental Law; (vi) has never been required to take any Remedial Action with
respect to any property; (vii) has never paid any fine, forfeiture, penalty or
assessment to any Governmental Authority under any Environmental Law, and (viii)
has never made any untrue or misleading statement, certification, warranty or
representation in any document submitted to any Governmental Authority in
connection with any Environmental Law.

      (b) Environmental Permits.

            (1) The Purchased Company has obtained all Environmental Permits as
are necessary or required under Environmental Laws (other than Environmental
Laws and Liabilities imposed solely under statutes enacted after the Closing
Date which impose a new scope of liability not existing under previous law) in
connection with the operation of the Business. All such Environmental Permits
are in good standing; and

            (2) The Purchased Company is in compliance with all terms and
conditions of all Environmental Permits, and it has never violated any term or
condition of any Environmental Permit.

      (c) Pending Claim.

            (1) The Real Property is not subject to any private or governmental
lien or judicial or administrative notice or action relating to any Hazardous
Material; and


                                      -20-
<PAGE>

            (2) There is no Environmental Claim pending or to the Knowledge of
the Shareholders and the Purchased Company threatened (i) against the Purchased
Company in connection with the Real Property or the operation of the Business,
(ii) against any person whose liability the Purchased Company has retained or
assumed either contractually or by operation of law, or (iii) against any real
property, personal property or operation which was formerly owned, used, leased
or operated by the Purchased Company.

      (d) Disposal of Hazardous Materials. The Purchased Company nor any person
acting on behalf of it have ever transported for the disposal, treatment, or
recycling, or made arrangements for transportation, disposal, treatment or
recycling, of any Hazardous Material from any real property at anytime owned,
operated, used or leased by the Purchased Company to any other location, other
than in compliance with Environmental Law.

      (e) Environmental Condition of Property. To the Knowledge of the
Shareholders and the Purchased Company, the Real Property, including any
improvements thereon and any soil, subsurface water, surface water and
groundwater at or under such Property:

            (l) is not contaminated by any Hazardous Material;

            (2) does not contain any Hazardous Material;

            (3) specifically does not contain any petroleum product, asbestos
containing material, or urea formaldehyde foam;

            (4) does not contain any fill material which contains a Hazardous
Material;

            (5) never contained any above ground storage tank, underground
storage tank or other underground storage receptacle;

            (6) has never been used for the treatment, disposal, deposit,
recycling, land filling, or dumping of any Hazardous Material;

            (7) has never been affected by an Environmental Release;

            (8) does not contain a condition that is a threat to the Environment
in such a way as to give rise to an Environmental Claim;

            (9) to the Knowledge of Shareholders and the Purchased Company, does
not face any risk of contamination of any Hazardous Material from any nearby
property;


                                      -21-
<PAGE>

            (10) has never been the subject of any Remedial Action, or have any
action taken to abate, restore, repair or remedy any nuisance or other condition
adversely affecting the Environment; and

            (11) does not contain any wetlands.

      5.03. Environmental Indemnity. Subject to the limitations set forth in
Section 9.05:

      (a) Shareholders shall defend, indemnify and hold Buyer and the Purchased
Company harmless from and against any and all losses, damages, costs, expenses,
liabilities and obligations, including, without limitation, settlement costs,
judgments, interest, penalties and reasonable attorneys' fees and other
reasonable legal costs and expenses for investigating or defending any actions,
claims or proceedings which Buyer or the Purchased Company may incur, or become
subject to, based upon, arising out of, relating to, or resulting from any
Environmental Liabilities of the Purchased Company.

      (b) Regarding Remedial Action. Shareholders shall undertake any Remedial
Action, or provide indemnification for any Remedial Action, where (1) Remedial
Action is required by any Governmental Authority, or (2) a Hazardous Material is
present at any location subject to a Remedial Action at a level which exceeds
any applicable standard or limit under any Environmental Law.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                        CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATION TO CLOSE

      6.01 Conditions to Obligation of the Buyer. The obligation of the Buyer to
close this Transaction is subject to the following conditions:

      (a) The Shareholders and the Purchased Company will have taken all
necessary individual and corporate actions to approve and authorize this
Agreement and this Transaction, including all necessary shareholder and Board of
Director actions;

      (b) The representations and warranties set forth in Article III above
shall be true and correct in all Material respects as of the Closing Date;

      (c) The Shareholders and the Purchased Company shall have performed and
been in substantial compliance with all of their covenants, agreements and
conditions required by this Agreement at that time;

      (d) No action, suit, or proceeding shall be finalized, pending or
threatened in which an unfavorable judgment, order, decree, finding,
stipulation, determination, ruling, injunction, or charge does, or would (1)
prevent consummation of any of this Transaction, (2) declare unlawful any
portion of this 


                                      -22-
<PAGE>

Transaction, (3) cause any portion of this Transaction to be rescinded following
consummation, or (4) Materially affect adversely the right of the Buyer to own,
operate, or control the Purchased Company;

      (e) The Shareholders Jim Gann, Sr. and Jim Gann, Jr. shall have entered
into a Consulting Agreement and an Employment Agreement, respectively, with the
Purchased Company and Harnischfeger Corporation substantially in the forms
attached hereto as Exhibits 6.01 (e) (1) and 6.01 (e) (2), and 2) the Purchased
Company shall have entered into employment contract with certain employees of
the Purchased Company substantially on the form attached hereto as Exhibit 6.01
(e) (3);

      (f) The Buyer shall have received from counsel to the Shareholders and the
Purchased Company an opinion with respect to the matters set forth in Article
6.01 in an acceptable form, addressed to the Buyer and dated as of the Closing
date;

      (g) The Shareholders and the Purchased Company will have delivered to the
Buyer all of the following documents:

            (1) a certificate (without qualification as to knowledge,
materiality or otherwise) to the effect that each of the conditions specified
above in ss.6.01(a) through ss.6.01(d), inclusive, is satisfied in all respects;
and

            (2) certified copies of the resolutions duly adopted by the
Purchased Company's board of directors authorizing the execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and this Transaction; 

      (h) All actions to be taken by the Shareholders and the Purchased Company
in connection with consummation of this Transaction will be adequate in form and
substance, in the opinion of Buyer, to close this Transaction;

      (i) Shareholders shall tender all share certificates of the Acquired
Shares to Buyer, and execute all documents necessary to transfer ownership;

      (j) Sellers shall deliver to Buyer (1) a general warranty deed for the
Acquired Real Estate, in form and substance acceptable to Buyer, conveying fee
simple title to the Acquired Real Estate free and clear of all liens,
restrictions and encumbrances except for permitted exceptions, (2) evidence of
fee simple ownership of the Dayton facility, satisfactory to Buyer, and (3) the
most recent title insurance policy on the Dayton facility;

      (k) Sellers shall tender all documents to Buyer necessary to effectuate
the transfer of the Acquired Real Estate, and the Buyer shall reimburse 50% of
the cost to Sellers, for the following:

      (l) The Buyer shall have received from a nationally recognized title
insurance company (the "Title Company") satisfactory to the Buyer a fee owner's
title insurance policy issued to the Buyer with respect to the Acquired Real
Estate, in form and substance satisfactory to the Buyer, together with
endorsements reasonably requested by 


                                      -23-
<PAGE>

the Buyer, in an amount determined by the Buyer, insuring the Buyer and issued
as of the Closing Date by the Title Company, showing the Buyer or one of Buyer's
subsidiaries to have a fee simple title to the Acquired Real Estate, and a valid
leasehold estate in the Acquired Real Estate, in each case subject only to
permitted encumbrances. Shareholders shall have delivered to the Title Company
any affidavits or indemnities required by the Title Company in connection with
the delivery of the owner's title policies and leasehold title policies;

            (2) The Buyer shall have received a survey of the Acquired Real
Estate, dated within 30 days of the Closing Date, prepared by a certified or
registered surveyor reasonably acceptable to the Buyer and the Title Company and
certified to the Buyer and the Title Company in form and substance satisfactory
to the Buyer and the Title Company, complying with the current Minimum Standard
Detail Requirements for ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys and (i) setting forth an
accurate description of the real estate, (ii) locating all improvements,
encumbrances (setting forth the recording information of any recorded
instruments), setback lines alleys, streets and roads, (iii) showing any
encroachments upon or by any improvements on such parcels, and (iv) showing all
dedicated public streets providing access to such parcels; and

            (3) The Buyer shall have received fully executed originals of all
documents required to effectuate the transfer of title in the Acquired Real
Estate.

      (l) Buyer shall have approved all forms to accomplish the divestiture by
the Purchased Company of the Landol roll back trailer business, the boat, and
any other asset agreed to by the Parties;

      (m) The Purchased Company's accounts payable are current in accordance to
the terms of sale and/or purchase with Harnischfeger Corporation and its
subsidiaries.

      (n) [intentionally left blank]

      (o) An insurance certificate is delivered by Shareholders which list the
Purchased Company as being insured for 2 years after the Closing Date for
selling and/or servicing Landoll Trailers;

      (p) Shareholders Jim Gann, Sr. and Jim Gann, Jr. shall have entered into
non-compete agreements which are acceptable to all Parties;

      (q) Buyer shall have received all documentation necessary to ensure that
the property tax abatement for the Franklin facility shall not be adversely
affected by this Transaction;

      (r) Shareholders and Buyer shall have entered into a separate contract for
handling the dispute with Fujitec;


                                      -24-
<PAGE>

      (s) The Purchased Company has negotiated a satisfactory resolution with
its lenders so as not to be in a default arising out of this Transaction; and

      (t) During the Closing, the Purchased Company will hold a Shareholders
Meeting at which the resignation of board members appointed by Shareholders will
take place and, simultaneously, the Buyer will appoint its own members to the
Board of Directors of the Purchased Company. At the same Shareholders Meetings,
any and all powers of attorneys granted by the Purchased Company as of the
Closing Date will be canceled and revoked and new powers of attorney granted.

The Buyer may waive any condition specified in this ss.6.01 if it executes a
writing so stating at or prior to the Closing.

      6.02 Conditions to Obligation of the Shareholders. The obligation of the
Shareholders to consummate the transactions to be performed by it in connection
with the Closing is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions:

      (a) The Buyer will have taken all necessary corporate actions to approve
and authorize this Agreement and this Transaction on terms and conditions
satisfactory to the Shareholders, including all necessary Board of Director
actions;

      (b) The representations and warranties set forth in Article IV above shall
be true and correct in all Material respects as of the Closing Date;

      (c) The Buyer shall have performed and been in substantial compliance with
all covenants, agreements and conditions;

      (d) No action, suit, or proceeding shall be finalized, pending or
threatened in which an unfavorable judgment, order, decree, finding,
stipulation, determination, ruling, injunction, or charge does, or would (1)
prevent consummation of any of this Transaction, (2) declare unlawful any
portion of this Transaction, or (3) cause any portion of this Transaction to be
rescinded following consummation;

      (e) The Shareholders shall have received from counsel to the Buyer an
opinion with respect to the matters set forth in Article 6.02 in a form
acceptable to Shareholders, addressed to the Shareholders and dated as of the
Closing Date;

      (f) Shareholders Jim Gann, Sr. and Jim Gann, Jr. shall have entered into a
Consulting Agreement and an Employment Agreement, respectively, with the
Purchased Company and Harnischfeger Corporation which are substantially in the
forms attached as Exhibits 6.01 (e) (1) and 6.01 (e) (2);

      (g) At or immediately after Closing, the Buyer shall pay off the bank
loans on the Acquired Real Estate and of the Purchased Company, and shall use
its reasonable efforts, which does not include payment of moneys or providing
other consideration, to 


                                      -25-
<PAGE>

obtain the release of Shareholders from all personal guarantees given by them in
respect of any obligations of the Purchased Company; and

      (h) Buyer shall have tendered the consideration required under the terms
of Section 2.02.

The Shareholders may waive any condition specified in this ss.6.02 if it
executes a writing so stating at or prior to the Closing.

                                   ARTICLE VII
                                   TERMINATION

      7.01 Termination of Agreement. The Parties may terminate this Agreement as
provided in ss.6.01, ss.6.02, and as provided below.

      (a) the Buyer and the Shareholders may terminate this Agreement by mutual
written consent at any time prior to the Closing;

      (b) the Buyer may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to the
Shareholders at any time prior to the Closing in the event the Shareholders or
the Purchased Company are in breach in any Material respect, and the
Shareholders and the Purchased Company may terminate this Agreement by giving
written notice to the Buyer at any time prior to the Closing in the event the
Buyer is in breach in any Material respect; provided, however, that should the
breach be curable, then the notice must provide a reasonable time and method for
the breaching Party to cure; and

      (c) any Party may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to the
other Parties should Closing not occur by February 14, 1997.

      7.02 Effect of Termination. If any Party terminates this Agreement
pursuant to ss.7.01 above, all obligations of the Parties for this Transaction
shall terminate without any Liability, except for any Liability of any Party
then in breach; provided, however, that the provisions of ss.10.02 and ss.10.12
of this Agreement shall survive any such termination.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                              ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

      The Parties agree as follows with respect to the period following the
Closing:

      8.01 General. Should any further action be necessary or desirable after
the Closing to carry out the purposes of this Agreement or this Transaction,
each of the Parties will take such further action and execute such further
documents as the other Party 


                                      -26-
<PAGE>

reasonably requests, at the sole cost and expense of the requesting Party
(unless the requesting Party is entitled to indemnification for the action under
Article IX below).

      8.02 Litigation Support. All Parties will, subject to any limitations that
are reasonably required to preserve applicable attorney-client and other
privileges, cooperate with the other Parties and their counsel in any lawsuit or
dispute resolution with third parties, make available its personnel, and provide
such reasonable testimony and access to its books and records as may be
necessary, all at the sole cost and expense of the requesting Party (unless the
requesting Party is entitled to indemnification for the action under Article IX
below).

      8.03 Transition. The Shareholders will not take any action that is
designed or intended to have the effect of discouraging any lessor, licensor,
customer, supplier, or other business associate of the Purchased Company from
maintaining the same business relationships with the Purchased Company as
maintained prior to the Closing. The Shareholders will refer (or handle as an
employee of the Purchased Company) all customer inquiries relating to the
Business of the Purchased Company to the Purchased Company after the Closing.

      8.04 Tax Matters. The Shareholders will be responsible for and will pay
all Taxes and fees incurred by the Shareholders or the Purchased Company (other
than as reflected on the Closing Date Balance Sheet), and Buyer will pay all
Taxes and fees incurred by Buyer, arising out of or in connection with this
Transaction. The Shareholders shall prepare and file the relevant Tax returns
and pay the taxes (other than as reflected on the Closing Date Balance Sheet)
shown to be due on such Tax returns.

      8.05 Access to Books and Records After Closing. The Parties agree that,
for the purposes of this section, the "Access Period" is defined as the longer
of (a) a period of five years following the Closing Date or (b) the period of
time beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the date on which Taxes may no
longer be assessed under the applicable statutes of limitations, including
period of waivers or extensions. The Shareholders covenant and agree to maintain
in a reasonably accessible place during the Access Period, the books and records
not delivered to Buyer relating to the Business, to provide Buyer and its
representatives reasonable access to such books and records during normal
business hours, and to provide copies of such books and records to Buyer or its
representative at Buyer's expense. Shareholders agree to notify Buyer prior to
disposing of any such books and records and, upon request made within 60 days
after receipt of such notice, to deliver such books and records to Buyer at
Buyer's expense. With respect to the books and records delivered to Buyer in
this Transaction, Buyer covenants and agrees to give the Shareholders the same
access for the same time period and agrees to give the Shareholders the same
notice and rights in the event of any proposed disposition of such books and
records.

      8.06 Dayton Facility Sale. The Purchased Company shall continue after the
Closing to attempt in good faith to sell the Dayton facility. The Sellers agree
to cooperate 


                                      -27-
<PAGE>

with the Purchased Company in marketing and selling the facility. The Parties
agree that the Purchased Company shall be under no obligation to accept any
offer to sell the Dayton facility within the first twenty-four (24) months after
the Closing Date for any amount less than $1.3 million, other than at a purchase
price which the Buyer, in its sole discretion, deems reasonable. If the
Purchased Company receives an offer during the 24 months equal to or greater
than $1.3 million, the Purchased Company must accept such offer to sell the
Dayton facility, net of any fees, commissions or other expenses related to the
sale, and which is not subject to any indemnification, tail liabilities, or
contingencies. After that time, the Purchased Company must accept any offer to
sell the Dayton facility which is in excess of $700,000.00, net of any fees,
commissions or other expenses related to the sale, and which is not subject to
any indemnification, tail liabilities, or contingencies.

                                   ARTICLE IX
                            SURVIVAL; INDEMNIFICATION

      9.01 Survival. All of the representations, warranties, covenants and
agreements of the Buyer, the Purchased Company, and the Shareholders contained
in this Agreement, the Disclosure Schedule, and any certificate or document
described pursuant to this Agreement, shall survive the Closing and continue in
full force and effect indefinitely, other than the non-Tax representations and
warranties which shall continue in full force and effect for only four (4)
years, at which time they shall expire. In the case of any conflict between this
Section and Section 9.05, Section 9.05 shall govern.

      9.02 Indemnification Provisions for Benefit of the Buyer and the Purchased
Company. Subject to Section 9.01, the Sellers agree to indemnify and save
harmless the Buyer and the Purchased Company, and each director, officer,
employee, agent or Affiliate of the Buyer (collectively the "Indemnities"), from
and against any Liability the Buyer, the Purchased Company, or the Indemnities
may incur (including reasonable attorney fees) which is caused by:

      (a) any breach of, or inaccuracy in, any of the Shareholders', Sellers',
or the Purchased Company's representations, warranties, covenants and agreements
contained in this Agreement;

      (b) any Indemnified Liability;

      (c) any failure by the Shareholders or Sellers to carry out, perform,
satisfy, or discharge any of their covenants, agreements, undertakings,
liabilities or obligations under this Agreement or under any of the documents
and materials required to be executed and delivered by the Shareholders prior to
or at Closing pursuant to this Agreement; and


                                      -28-
<PAGE>

      (d) any suit, action or other proceeding brought by any Person (including
the Buyer of the Purchased Company) arising out of, or in any way related to,
any of the matters referred to in the above subsections (a)-(c).

      9.03 Indemnification Provisions for Benefit of the Shareholders. Subject
to Section 9.01, the Buyer agrees to indemnify and save harmless the
Shareholders from and against any Liability the Shareholders may incur
(including reasonable attorney fees) which is caused by:

      (a) the breach of any of the Buyer's representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement;

      (b) any failure by the Buyer to carry out, perform satisfy and discharge
any of its covenants, agreements, undertakings, liabilities or obligations under
this Agreement or under any of the documents and materials required to be
delivered by the Buyer prior to or at Closing pursuant to this Agreement; and

      (c) any suit, action or other proceeding brought by any Person (including
the Shareholders) arising out of, or in any way related to, any of the matters
referred to in the above subsections (a) - (b).

      9.04 Matters Involving Third Parties. If any Party (the "Indemnified
Party") shall learn of any matter which may give rise to a claim for
indemnification against another Party (the "Indemnifying Party") under this
Article IX, then the Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the Indemnifying
Party promptly of the claim details; provided, however that no delay on the part
of the Indemnified Party in notifying the Indemnifying Party shall relieve the
Indemnifying Party from any liability or obligation except to the extent the
Indemnifying Party is damaged by the late notice. In the event the Indemnifying
Party notifies the Indemnified Party within 30 days after the Indemnified Party
has given notice of the matter that the Indemnifying Party is assuming its
defense, the Indemnifying Party will defend the Indemnified Party against the
matter with counsel of its choice reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified
Party.

      9.05 Indemnification Provision Limitations. The above indemnification
provisions are exclusive. In addition, the Sellers' Liability under Section 9.02
are subject to the following conditions:

      (a) Sellers' Liabilities 1) not arising out of the Business, not relating
to the Business or not based on the Business, or those portions of Liabilities
which do not arise out of the Business, not relate to the Business or are not
based on the Business and 2) under Indemnified Liability (i), shall be without
limit. Buyer and the Purchased Company may, at their option, require Sellers to
satisfy these liabilities and/or may set off amounts owed to Sellers under the
Non-Compete Agreements. Buyer and the Purchased Company may exercise their
rights of set off, or suspend payments, for both l) Liabilities 


                                      -29-
<PAGE>

actually incurred and 2) Liabilities which they reasonably believe may be
incurred, and for which Buyer or the Purchased Company has given Shareholders
notice; and

      (b) Other than for Indemnified Liability (i), Sellers' Liabilities arising
out of the Business, relating to the Business or based on the Business, or those
portions of Liabilities which arise out of the Business, related to the Business
or are based on the Business, are limited to an offset against the $700,000
balance owed to Shareholders for the Dayton real estate under Section 2.02, such
amount of Liability not to exceed a $400,000 maximum aggregate, and such amount
to be reduced by $100,000 each 12 months after the Closing Date, so long as the
Buyer and/or the Purchased Company has not made a claim for indemnification
against Shareholders for such an amount. It is expressly understood that the
reduction set forth in the prior sentence shall be decreased on a
dollar-for-dollar basis for any claims of indemnification. This $400,000 amount
shall not be deemed to be reduced by any insurance coverage procured by Sellers
for the Purchased Company under the terms of this Agreement; however, the
Purchased Company and the Buyer will take reasonable steps to recover under such
insurance after asserting any right of set off under this paragraph. Buyer and
the Purchased Company may exercise their rights of set off, or suspend payments,
for both 1) Liabilities actually incurred and 2) Liabilities which they
reasonably believe may be incurred, and for which Buyer or the Purchased Company
has given Shareholders notice. Should, after a claim for indemnification has
been made and monies have been suspended or set off, the Purchased Company
receive insurance monies that satisfy or resolve the claim, then the Purchased
Company shall reimburse the Sellers, but only to the extent that the Purchased
Company or Buyer has been made whole in relation to the claim for which
indemnity has been asserted or set off effected.

                                    ARTICLE X
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

      10.01 Press Releases and Announcements. No Party shall issue any press
release or announcement relating to this Agreement without the prior written
approval of the other Parties; provided, however, that any Party may make any
public disclosure it believes in good faith to be required by law or regulation
(in which case the disclosing Party will if legally permitted, advise the other
Party not less than three business days prior to making the disclosure).

      10.02 Confidentiality. If this Transaction is not consummated, the Buyer
will keep confidential and on the request of the Shareholders return to the
Shareholders, all written information and materials regarding the Shareholders
and the Business which were provided by Shareholders to Buyer and copies of such
information that were made by or on behalf of Buyer. This restriction does not
apply, however, to information (l) which is or was generally available to the
public from sources other than the Purchaser or its representatives, (2) is or
becomes available to Purchaser from a third party who did not obtain such
information directly or indirectly from the Shareholders or the Purchased
Company, (3) is already in the possession of Purchaser or developed by Purchaser


                                      -30-
<PAGE>

without reference to any of the Purchased Company's confidential information, or
(4) which Purchaser becomes obligated to disclose by any law, regulation or
judicial process. Further, Buyer shall keep one copy of any notes, which shall
be placed in storage and shall not be used by Buyer or its affiliates without
Sellers' prior written consent.

      10.03 No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall not confer any
rights or remedies upon any person other than the Parties and their respective
successors.

      10.04 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the referenced documents
constitute the entire agreement between the Parties and supersede any prior
understandings, agreements, or representations by or between the Parties,
written or oral, that may have related in any way to this Transaction.

      10.05 Succession and Assignment. No Party may transfer or assign either
this Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations without the prior
written approval of the other Parties; provided, however, that the Buyer may (a)
assign any or all of its rights and interests to one or more of its Affiliates
and (b) designate one or more of its Affiliates to perform its obligations.

      10.06 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.

      10.07 Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are
inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.

      10.08 Notices. All notices, requests, demands, claims, and other
communications will be in writing. Any notice, request, demand, claim, or other
communication requirement under this Agreement shall be deemed satisfied if it
is faxed or sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested,
postage prepaid, and addressed to the intended recipient as set forth below:

            If to the Shareholders:      James Gann, Sr.
                                         818 Lars Cove
                                         Eaton, Ohio 45320

            If to the Shareholders:      James Gann, Jr.
                                         9831 Taragon Road
                                         Centerville, Ohio 45458

            If to the Shareholders:      Gail Gann
                                         818 Lars Cove
                                         Eaton, Ohio 45320


                                      -31-
<PAGE>

            With a Copy to:              Coolidge, Wall, Womsley & Lombard
                                         33 W. First Street
                                         Dayton, Ohio 45402
                                         Attn: Barb Sager

            If to the Buyer:             PHMH HOLDING COMPANY
                                         c/o Harnischfeger Corporation
                                         315 W. Forest Hill Avenue
                                         Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154-2999
                                         Attention: President
                                         P&H Material Handling Division

            With a Copy to:              Harnischfeger Corporation
                                         315 W. Forest Hill Avenue
                                         Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154-2999
                                         Attention: General Counsel,
                                         P&H Material Handling Division

      10.09 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with Ohio, U.S.A. law.

      10.10 Amendments and Waivers. No amendment or waiver provision of this
Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by all Parties. No waiver
by any Party of any default, misrepresentation, promise, breach of warranty or
breach of covenant, whether intentional or not, shall be deemed to extend to any
prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation, breach of warranty or breach of
covenant, or affect in any way any rights arising by virtue of any prior or
subsequent similar occurrence.

      10.11 Severability. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is
invalid or unenforceable shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the
remaining terms and provisions. If the final judgment of an arbitrator or a
court of competent jurisdiction declares that any term or provision contained in
this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, the Parties agree that the court or
arbitrator making the determination of invalidity or unenforceability shall have
the power to reduce the scope, duration, or area of the term or provision, to
delete specific words or phrases, and to replace any invalid or unenforceable
term or provision with a term or provision that is valid and enforceable, and
that comes closest to expressing intention of the invalid or unenforceable term
or provision. The Parties agree that this Agreement shall be enforceable as so
modified after the expiration of the time within which the judgment may be
appealed.

      10.12 Expenses. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this
Agreement, each Party will bear its respective own costs and expenses (including
fees and expenses of legal counsel, investment bankers, brokers and other
representatives and consultants) incurred in connection with this Agreement and
Transaction.


                                      -32-
<PAGE>

      10.13 Construction. The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to
be the language chosen by the Parties to express their mutual intent, and no
rule of strict construction shall be applied against any Party. Any reference in
this Agreement to any law shall be deemed also to refer to all rules and
regulations promulgated under the law, unless the context requires otherwise.
Whenever the term "including" is used in this Agreement in connection with a
listing of items, such listing shall be interpreted to be illustrative only, and
shall not be interpreted as a limitation on or an exclusive listing of the items
included within the prior reference.

      10.14 Incorporation of Exhibits and Schedules. The Exhibits and Schedules
identified in this Agreement are incorporated by reference.

      10.15 Binding Arbitration and Good Faith Discussions The Parties agree
that in the event a dispute arises out of or relating to this Agreement, the
Parties must attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute through discussion and
alternate dispute resolution according to the following procedure.

      (a) Good Faith Discussion - The complaining Party shall notify the other
Parties of the dispute. All involved Parties shall attempt to discuss the
dispute in good faith;

      (b) Mediation - Should the dispute remain unresolved after 30 days after
the initial notice under subsection (a), then either party may request Mediation
by a mutually acceptable neutral person not affiliated with any of the Parties.
If the Parties are unable to agree on a Mediator and the location of the
mediation, then the Mediation shall take place in Cleveland, Ohio, and the
Mediator shall be mutually agreed to by the Parties or, if no agreement is
reached, then by J.A.M.S./Endispute. The cost of the Mediation shall be split
equally;

      (c) Arbitration - Should the dispute remain unresolved after Mediation,
the Parties agree to arbitrate under the rules of conciliation and arbitration
of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration award shall be
considered the final and binding resolution of any dispute arising under this
Agreement. There shall be three arbitrators, one being selected by the Buyer and
one being selected by the Shareholders, and the third being selected by the two
arbitrators so selected. If a Party fails to nominate an arbitrator within 15
days from the date of the notification made to it of the other Party's request
for arbitration, or if the two arbitrators fail within 15 days from the date of
their appointment to reach agreement on the third arbitrator, then the third
arbitrator shall be appointed in accordance with the AAA rules. The place of
Arbitration shall be Cleveland, Ohio. The Arbitration expenses shall be paid by
the losing party. If the arbitrators do not find for one party's position in its
entirety, then the Parties shall share the arbitration expenses equally. The
Parties shall also be responsible for their own expenses, including attorney
fees;


                                      -33-
<PAGE>

      (d) Enforceability - This Agreement, including the Arbitration provision
and any award, shall be enforceable in any federal or state court in the United
States; and

      (e) Miscellaneous - The Parties waive the defense of inconvenient forum
and lack of personal jurisdiction in any proceeding brought in federal or state
court in Cleveland to enforce this Arbitration provision. Further, the Parties
agree that notice under this Agreement shall constitute acceptable and valid
service of process for all proceeding to enforce this Arbitration Clause.

      10.16 P&H Products. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement
to the contrary, the Shareholders and the Purchased Company make no
representations, warranties, or covenants with respect to any products, goods or
services supplied at any time by Buyer or any of its affiliates to Purchased
Company (or the Purchased Company's customers), to that extent such goods were
merely re-sold by the Purchased Company merely incorporated by the Purchased
Company into cranes within designs consistent with industry practices and
standards.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement on the above
date.

PHMH HOLDING COMPANY                      MPH CRANE, INC.


By /s/ Martin L. Ditkof                   By /s/ James F. Gann, Sr.
  ----------------------------------        -------------------------------

Title  Attorney                           Title  CEO
     -------------------------------            ---------------------------

                                          JAMES GANN, SR.

                                          /s/ James Gann, Sr.
                                          ---------------------------------

                                          GAIL GANN

                                          /s/ Gail Gann
                                          ---------------------------------

                                          JAMES GANN, JR.

                                          /s/ James Gann, Jr.
                                          ---------------------------------


                                      -34-


                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

      EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") by and between Morris Material
Handling, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Michael S. Erwin
("Executive").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

      WHEREAS, the Executive is a valued and important employee of the Company,
and possesses significant information about its strategic plans and other trade
secrets; and

      WHEREAS, the Executive has been offered the opportunity to purchase units
of Niles, LLC, in connection with the recapitalization contemplated by that
certain Recapitalization Agreement, among Harnischfeger Corporation, the Sellers
named therein and MHE Investments, Inc., dated January 28, 1998 (the
"Recapitalization Agreement"), and to acquire options to purchase additional
units of MMH Holdings, Inc., ("MMH") the owner of all of the stock of the
Company; and

      WHEREAS, the Executive desires to purchase such units and to acquire such
options, and understands that the offer to purchase units and acquire options is
contingent upon the execution of this Agreement; and

      WHEREAS, the Company wishes to secure the services of Executive after the
Recapitalization, and Executive wishes to furnish such services to the Company,
pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement;

      NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants
and obligations contained herein, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

ARTICLE I: EMPLOYMENT, TERM AND DUTIES
      
      Section 1.1. Condition Precedent. This Agreement shall take effect
immediately upon Harnischfeger Corporation or one of its Affiliates (as that
term is defined in the Recapitalization Agreement) selling 50 percent or more of
the outstanding shares of MMH to any party which is an affiliate of Chartwell
Investments Inc., (the "Effective Date"). Should Harnischfeger Corporation or
one of its Affiliates not sell 50 percent or more of the outstanding shares of
the Company to a party which is an affiliate of Chartwell Investments Inc. prior
to July 31, 1998, then this Agreement becomes void ab initio.

      Section 1.2. Term. Unless terminated sooner pursuant to the occurrence of
an "Employment Related Event" or a "Termination Event" (both terms as defined in
Article III) and subject to the other terms and provisions of this Agreement,
the Company agrees to employ Executive and Executive agrees to be employed by
the Company, for the period beginning as of the Effective Date and continuing
until the third anniversary of the Effective Date. The Agreement will be
extended for one year on the third anniversary of the Effective Date and on each
anniversary thereafter unless either party gives 60 days' written notice of
failure to renew or termination prior to any such anniversary date; provided,
however, that any such non-renewal by the Company shall void the Executive's
postemployment obligations contained in the Non-Competition Agreement referred
to in Article V of this Agreement. The Executive may voluntarily resign
employment at any time upon providing 60 days' written notice to the Company's
Board of Directors; provided, however, that the obligations of the Executive
under Article IV (Confidential Information) hereof, and the post-employment
obligations of Executive 
<PAGE>

contained in the separate Non-Competition Agreement referred to in Article V
hereof shall survive such resignation. The Executive's entitlement to any
severance benefits or payments following termination of employment shall be
governed solely by Article III of this Agreement, and the Executive shall have
no entitlement to any such benefits or payments other than as set forth in
Article III of this Agreement, or as required to be provided to the Executive by
operation of law.

      Section 1.3 Title. From and after the Effective Date, the Company shall
employ Executive in the position of President and Chief Executive Officer, or
such other title as mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Executive.

      Section 1.4 Duties. Executive agrees to serve in the position referred to
in Section 1.3 and to perform diligently and to the best of his abilities the
duties and services pertaining to such office, as well as such additional duties
and services appropriate to such office as the Board of Directors of the Company
("Board of Directors") may reasonably assign to Executive from time to time.

      Section 1.5 Business Time and Efforts. Executive agrees, during the period
of employment by the Company, to devote all of his business time, energy and
best efforts to the business and affairs of the Company and its affiliates and
not to engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business or businesses,
whether or not similar to that of the Company, except with the prior written
consent of the Board of Directors.

      Section 1.6 Board Seat. By its execution of this Agreement, MHE
Investments, Inc. agrees to take all necessary actions to cause Michael Erwin to
be elected and maintained as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company
and the board of directors of MMH for so long as the Executive is employed
pursuant to this Agreement. In addition, it is agreed that Michael Erwin shall
be entitled from time to time to recommend one other member of management to
serve as a director of the Company and as a director of MMH, subject to the
approval of their respective boards.

ARTICLE II: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

      Section 2.1 Base Salary. During the term of this Agreement, Executive
shall receive an annual base salary of $180,000, subject to annual review by the
Board of Directors.

      Section 2.2 Bonus. The Company and Executive shall annually establish an
objective, performance-based bonus plan for Executive. The percentages, targets,
and other terms of the plan will be as mutually agreed upon between the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. It is anticipated that, for fiscal year 1998,
the bonus plan will be based on Economic Value Added, while for fiscal 1999 and
after the plan will be based on EBITDA. Bonuses will be earned over the
Company's fiscal year ending October 31, and shall be paid by the Company to the
Executive as soon as practicable in accordance with the Company's bonus payment
procedures.

      Section 2.3 Equity.

                  (a) Equity Purchase. Executive shall be eligible to purchase
      an initial amount of Equity in Niles LLC for payment as agreed upon
      between Niles LLC and the Executive.

                  (b) Equity Options. Executive shall be eligible to receive an
      initial option 


                                       2
<PAGE>

      grant of 620 A Options, 620 B Options and 750 C Options pursuant to the
      terms of Schedule A, attached hereto.

      Section 2.4 Other Perquisites. During his employment hereunder, Executive
shall be afforded the following incidental benefits:

                  (a) Expenses. Executive shall be entitled to be reimbursed for
      all customary and reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in the
      performance of his duties and responsibilities, subject to such reasonable
      substantiation and documentation as may be required by the Company in
      accordance with its normal policies.

                  (b) Other Company Benefits. Subject to the terms of each plan,
      program or arrangement as the case may be, Executive and, to the extent
      applicable, Executive's family, dependents and beneficiaries, shall be
      allowed to participate in all benefits, plans and programs, including
      improvements or modifications of the same, which are now, or may hereafter
      be, available to similarly situated employees of the Company generally.
      The Company shall not, however, by reason of this paragraph be obligated
      to institute, maintain, or refrain from changing, amending or
      discontinuing, any such benefit plan or program, so long as such changes
      are similarly applicable to employees of the Company generally.

      Section 2.5 Withholding of Taxes. The Company may withhold from any
benefits or compensation payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city
or other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation
or ruling.

ARTICLE III: TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

      Section 3.1 Employment-Related Event. An "Employment-Related Event" means
any of the following: (a) Executive's resignation for Good Reason (as defined
below), (b) Executive's termination by the Company without Cause (as defined
below) or (c) Executive's death or permanent disability (as defined below).
Should an Employment Related Event occur, the Executive shall only be entitled
to the benefits and payments set forth below, and Executive specifically agrees
to sign a Release as drafted by the Company under which the Executive shall
agree to waive and release all other rights and entitlement, whether legal,
contractual or equitable (including waiving and releasing any claims alleging
discrimination and/or harassment to the maximum extent allowed by law) in order
to be entitled to such benefits and payments.

                  (a) Good Reason. The Executive may terminate his employment
      under this Agreement for Good Reason, after having given the Company
      written notice specifying the reason the Executive is terminating his
      employment and having given the Company thirty days after such notice
      within which to cure the condition specified. "Good Reason" means any of
      the following: (i) a material reduction of the Executive's duties or
      authority as provided in the Agreement or as later increased by the Board
      of Directors; (ii) a substantial change in work conditions; (iii) a
      material decrease in compensation or benefits; (iv) relocation of his
      principal workplace over 50 miles from his initial workplace without
      Executive's consent; (v) the breach of this Agreement by the Company or an
      affiliate of the Company; (vi) a change in control of the Company (as
      defined in Schedule D hereto); or (vii) the failure by the Company to
      obtain the assumption of this Agreement by any successor to or assignee of
      the Company or any purported termination of this Agreement which does not
      satisfy the requirements of this Agreement. If at the end of such notice
      period, the Company has not cured such condition, the written notice shall
      take effect, and the Executive will be entitled to the


                                       3
<PAGE>

      following: (A) continuation of his then current Base Salary (prior to any
      reduction that constitutes Good Reason) for twelve months from the date of
      termination payable in accordance with Company payroll practice; (B)
      continuation of health and life insurance benefits for twenty-four months
      at the Company's expense subject to applicable cost-sharing arrangements,
      co-payments, and deductibles in place immediately prior the Executive's
      termination (provided, however, that such health benefits shall not be
      counted toward the Executive's entitlement for COBRA, and that such health
      and life insurance benefits shall terminate immediately upon Executive
      obtaining employment with a third party which provides health and life
      insurance benefits); (C) a "pro-rated bonus" for the fiscal year in which
      the termination occurs which shall be payable at the time the Company
      customarily pays bonuses; (D) the continuation of all other perquisites
      for six months; (E) reasonable outplacement assistance for six months
      (including out of pocket expenses of the Executive to search for a job not
      to exceed $5000); and (F) payment, if requested by the Executive, for all
      equity in MMH or the Company owned by the Executive or his family
      (including but not limited to Equity Units), payable in equal quarterly
      installments over the thirty-six month period following termination,
      provided, however, that if this option is requested, the equity shall be
      valued as of the date of termination at its fair market value by the
      Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and shall be repurchased
      so long as permitted under the terms of any financing documents, including
      but not limited to indentures or loan agreements applicable to the Company
      or any direct or indirect parent entity of the Company at such time. For
      purposes of this Agreement, a "pro-rated bonus" means the portion of the
      bonus that is arrived at by using the number of days the Executive was
      employed by the Company in the year of termination as the numerator of a
      fraction of which 365 is the denominator and then multiplying the bonus
      the Executive was otherwise eligible to receive by such fraction.


                                       4
<PAGE>

                  (b) Termination by the Company without Cause. If the Company
      terminates the Executive's employment under this Agreement without Cause,
      the Executive shall be entitled to the following: (i) a lump sum payment
      equal to his then current annual Base Salary plus a lump sum payment equal
      to the Base Salary which would have otherwise been payable for the balance
      of the fiscal year in which termination occurs, and (ii) the same benefits
      and compensation and payable at the same time as provided in clauses (B)
      through (F) of Section 3.1(a). "Cause" means any of the following acts by
      the Executive which, if curable, have not been cured by Executive within
      30 days' written notice thereof: (i) willful failure to substantially and
      materially perform his duties as assigned to him by Board of Directors
      (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive's reasonable
      business judgment or incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii)
      commission of a fraud on the Company; (iii) breach of fiduciary duty
      involving material personal gain; or (iv) willful misconduct materially
      and demonstrably injurious or detrimental to the Company or its
      affiliates.

                  (c) Death or Permanent Disability. This Agreement shall
      terminate immediately upon the Executive's Death or Permanent Disability.
      Permanent Disability shall have the same meaning as set forth in the
      Company's long term disability policy. Upon termination for Death or
      Permanent Disability, the Executive, or his estate, shall receive the
      following: (i) all accrued Base Salary and other accrued entitlements
      earned through the date of termination, (ii) the continuation of Base
      Salary for 90 days after such termination, and (iii) the compensation and
      benefits set forth in clauses (B), (C), (D) and (F) of Section 3.1(a).

      Section 3.2 Termination Event. "Termination Event" means the Executive's
resignation without Good Reason or termination by the Company for Cause. In the
event of a termination due to a Termination Event, the Executive shall receive
his accrued Base Salary and accrued entitlements through the date of
termination. In the event the Executive resigns from the Company without Good
Reason, such resignation only becomes effective upon 60 days' written notice to
the Company.

      Section 3.3 Resignation from the Board of Directors and Offices. In the
event of Executive's termination of employment for any reason (including the
failure of the Company to renew the Agreement), such termination or non-renewal
shall also be considered a resignation as a member of the Board of Directors, a
resignation from the board of directors of any affiliates or subsidiaries of the
Company and a resignation from any offices held by the Executive with the
Company or with any of its affiliates or subsidiaries.

ARTICLE IV: MISCONDUCT AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

      Executive agrees to be bound by the provisions of the World Wide Business
Conduct Policy and the Employee Proprietary Rights and Confidentiality Agreement
attached hereto as Schedule B. The provisions of such documents are incorporated
into this Agreement.


                                       5
<PAGE>

ARTICLE V:  NON-COMPETITION; NON-SOLICITATION; INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

      Simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, Executive shall
execute and deliver to the Company a non-competition agreement in the form
attached hereto as Schedule C (the "Non-Competition Agreement"), which shall
become effective if and when this Agreement becomes effective as provided in
Section 1.1 hereof.

ARTICLE VI: INDEMNIFICATION

      The Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law
indemnify and hold harmless Executive from all claims or expenses that may be
asserted against the Company and affiliates thereof due to his employment, or
that may otherwise derive from Executive's employment as contemplated under this
Agreement, in accordance with the Company's charter and bylaws. The Company
shall purchase and maintain for the benefit of Executive a director's and
officer's liability policy.

ARTICLE VII: MISCELLANEOUS

      Section 7.1 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other
communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been duly given when personally delivered, sent by facsimile or when mailed
by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, addressed to such address or sent to such facsimile number as each
party may furnish to the other in writing from time to time. Unless notified
otherwise by Executive, copies of notices or other communications sent to
Executive shall be sent to the address noted on the signature page attached
hereto.

      Section 7.2 Applicable Law, Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement is
entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the
State of Wisconsin. In any such litigation, each party hereto waives personal
service of any summons, complaint or other process and agrees that the service
thereof may be made by certified mail directed to such party at his or its
address for purposes of notice under Section 7.1 hereof.

      Section 7.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto at any time to
give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with,
any condition or provision of this Agreement shall (i) be deemed a waiver of
similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or
subsequent time or (ii) preclude insistence upon strict compliance in the
future.

      Section 7.4 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines
that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the
invalidity or unenforceability of that provision all not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all other
provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

      Section 7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

      Section 7.6 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for
purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

      Section 7.7 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the
masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number
includes the plural and 


                                       6
<PAGE>

conversely.

      Section 7.8 Affiliate. As used in this Agreement, unless otherwise
indicated, "affiliate" shall have the same definition as set forth in the
Recapitalization Agreement.

      Section 7.9 Assignment. This Agreement, and the rights and obligations of
the parties hereunder, are personal and neither this Agreement, nor any right,
benefit or obligation of either party hereto, shall be subject to voluntary or
involuntary assignment, alienation or transfer, whether by operation of law or
otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other party except that
vested rights to payment shall be subject to devise, and shall descend in
accordance with applicable laws of inheritance.

      Section 7.10 Effects of Termination of Employment. Except as otherwise
provided herein or under any benefit plan or other agreement between the Company
and the Executive, termination of Executive's employment under this Agreement
shall not affect any right or obligation of either party hereto which is accrued
or vested prior to or upon such termination or the rights and obligations set
forth herein.

      Section 7.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, contains all
the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the
parties with respect to employment of Executive by the Company, and supersedes
all prior employment agreements between the Executive and the Company or any of
its predecessors. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no
representation, inducement, promise or agreement, oral or written, has been made
by either party, or by anyone acting on behalf of either party, which is not
embodied herein, and that no agreement, statement, or promise relating to the
employment of Executive by the Company, which is not contained in this
Agreement, shall be valid or binding. Any modification of this Agreement will be
effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

      Section 7.12 Attorney's Fees. Pursuant to the terms of a side letter (the
"Side Letter"), Executive shall be entitled to be reimbursed for reasonable
attorney's fees incurred in the negotiation of this Agreement to the limit
established in the Side Letter. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to
reimbursement of attorney's fees in any litigation between the Company and
Executive with respect to Executive's enforcement of this Agreement to the
extent Executive prevails in such litigation.


                                       7
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first written above.

                                    MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

                                    By: /s/ Martin L. Ditkof
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                    Name:  Martin L. Ditkof
                                    Title: Secretary
                                          /s/  Michael S. Erwin
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Executive

                                    Acknowledged by
                                    MHE INVESTMENTS, INC.

                                    By: /s/ Michael S. Shein
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                    Name:  Michael S. Shein
                                    Title: Vice President
                                          /s/  Michael S. Erwin
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Executive


                                       8


                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

      EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") by and between Morris Material
Handling, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and David D. Smith
("Executive").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

      WHEREAS, the Executive is a valued and important employee of the Company,
and possesses significant information about its strategic plans and other trade
secrets; and

      WHEREAS, the Executive has been offered the opportunity to purchase units
of Niles, LLC, in connection with the recapitalization contemplated by that
certain Recapitalization Agreement, among Harnischfeger Corporation, the Sellers
named therein and MHE Investments, Inc., dated January 28, 1998 (the
"Recapitalization Agreement"), and to acquire options to purchase additional
units of MMH Holdings, Inc., ("MMH") the owner of all of the stock of the
Company; and

      WHEREAS, the Executive desires to purchase such units and to acquire such
options, and understands that the offer to purchase units and acquire options is
contingent upon the execution of this Agreement; and

      WHEREAS, the Company wishes to secure the services of Executive after the
Recapitalization, and Executive wishes to furnish such services to the Company,
pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement;

      NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants
and obligations contained herein, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

ARTICLE I: EMPLOYMENT, TERM AND DUTIES

      Section 1.1. Condition Precedent. This Agreement shall take effect
immediately upon Harnischfeger Corporation or one of its Affiliates (as that
term is defined in the Recapitalization Agreement) selling 50 percent or more of
the outstanding shares of MMH to any party which is an affiliate of Chartwell
Investments Inc., (the "Effective Date"). Should Harnischfeger Corporation or
one of its Affiliates not sell 50 percent or more of the outstanding shares of
the Company to a party which is an affiliate of Chartwell Investments Inc. prior
to July 31, 1998, then this Agreement becomes void ab initio.

      Section 1.2. Term. Unless terminated sooner pursuant to the occurrence of
an "Employment Related Event" or a "Termination Event" (both terms as defined in
Article III) and subject to the other terms and provisions of this Agreement,
the Company agrees to employ Executive and Executive agrees to be employed by
the Company, for the period beginning as of the Effective Date and continuing
until the third anniversary of the Effective Date. The Agreement will be
extended for one year on the third anniversary of the Effective Date and on each
anniversary thereafter unless either party gives 60 days' written notice of
failure to renew or termination prior to any such anniversary date; provided,
however, that any such non-renewal by the Company shall void the Executive's
postemployment obligations contained in the Non-Competition Agreement referred
to in Article V of this Agreement. The Executive may voluntarily resign
employment at any time upon providing 60 days' written notice to the Company's
Board of Directors; provided, however, that the obligations of the Executive
under Article IV (Confidential Information) hereof, and the post-employment
obligations of Executive
                                     
<PAGE>

contained in the separate Non-Competition Agreement referred to in Article V
hereof shall survive such resignation. The Executive's entitlement to any
severance benefits or payments following termination of employment shall be
governed solely by Article III of this Agreement, and the Executive shall have
no entitlement to any such benefits or payments other than as set forth in
Article III of this Agreement, or as required to be provided to the Executive by
operation of law.

      Section 1.3 Title. From and after the Effective Date, the Company shall
employ Executive in the position of Vice President, or such other title as
mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Executive.

      Section 1.4 Duties. Executive agrees to serve in the position referred to
in Section 1.3 and to perform diligently and to the best of his abilities the
duties and services pertaining to such office, as well as such additional duties
and services appropriate to such office as the Board of Directors of the Company
("Board of Directors") may reasonably assign to Executive from time to time.

      Section 1.5 Business Time and Efforts. Executive agrees, during the period
of employment by the Company, to devote all of his business time, energy and
best efforts to the business and affairs of the Company and its affiliates and
not to engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business or businesses,
whether or not similar to that of the Company, except with the prior written
consent of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE II: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

      Section 2.1 Base Salary. During the term of this Agreement, Executive
shall receive an annual base salary of $111,300, subject to annual review by the
Board of Directors.

      Section 2.2 Bonus. The Company and Executive shall annually establish an
objective, performance-based bonus plan for Executive. The percentages, targets,
and other terms of the plan will be as mutually agreed upon between the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. It is anticipated that, for fiscal year 1998,
the bonus plan will be based on Economic Value Added, while for fiscal 1999 and
after the plan will be based on EBITDA. Bonuses will be earned over the
Company's fiscal year ending October 31, and shall be paid by the Company to the
Executive as soon as practicable in accordance with the Company's bonus payment
procedures.

      Section 2.3 Equity.

                  (a) Equity Purchase. Executive shall be eligible to purchase
      an initial amount of Equity in Niles LLC for payment as agreed upon
      between Niles LLC and the Executive.

                  (b) Equity Options. Executive shall be eligible to receive an
      initial option grant of 248 A Options, 248 B Options and 320 C Options
      pursuant to the terms of Schedule A, attached hereto.

      Section 2.4 Other Perquisites. During his employment hereunder, Executive
shall be afforded the following incidental benefits:

                  (a) Expenses. Executive shall be entitled to be reimbursed for
      all customary and reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in the
      performance of his 


                                       2
<PAGE>

      duties and responsibilities, subject to such reasonable substantiation and
      documentation as may be required by the Company in accordance with its
      normal policies.

                  (b) Other Company Benefits. Subject to the terms of each plan,
      program or arrangement as the case may be, Executive and, to the extent
      applicable, Executive's family, dependents and beneficiaries, shall be
      allowed to participate in all benefits, plans and programs, including
      improvements or modifications of the same, which are now, or may hereafter
      be, available to similarly situated employees of the Company generally.
      The Company shall not, however, by reason of this paragraph be obligated
      to institute, maintain, or refrain from changing, amending or
      discontinuing, any such benefit plan or program, so long as such changes
      are similarly applicable to employees of the Company generally.

      Section 2.5 Withholding of Taxes. The Company may withhold from any
benefits or compensation payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city
or other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation
or ruling.

ARTICLE III: TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

      Section 3.1 Employment-Related Event. An "Employment-Related Event" means
any of the following: (a) Executive's resignation for Good Reason (as defined
below), (b) Executive's termination by the Company without Cause (as defined
below) or (c) Executive's death or permanent disability (as defined below).
Should an Employment Related Event occur, the Executive shall only be entitled
to the benefits and payments set forth below, and Executive specifically agrees
to sign a Release as drafted by the Company under which the Executive shall
agree to waive and release all other rights and entitlement, whether legal,
contractual or equitable (including waiving and releasing any claims alleging
discrimination and/or harassment to the maximum extent allowed by law) in order
to be entitled to such benefits and payments.

                  (a) Good Reason. The Executive may terminate his employment
      under this Agreement for Good Reason, after having given the Company
      written notice specifying the reason the Executive is terminating his
      employment and having given the Company thirty days after such notice
      within which to cure the condition specified. "Good Reason" means any of
      the following: (i) a material reduction of the Executive's duties or
      authority as provided in the Agreement or as later increased by the Board
      of Directors; (ii) a substantial change in work conditions; (iii) a
      material decrease in compensation or benefits; (iv) relocation of his
      principal workplace over 50 miles from his initial workplace without
      Executive's consent; (v) the breach of this Agreement by the Company or an
      affiliate of the Company; (vi) a change in control of the Company (as
      defined in Schedule D hereto); or (vii) the failure by the Company to
      obtain the assumption of this Agreement by any successor to or assignee of
      the Company or any purported termination of this Agreement which does not
      satisfy the requirements of this Agreement. If at the end of such notice
      period, the Company has not cured such condition, the written notice shall
      take effect, and the Executive will be entitled to the following: (A)
      continuation of his then current Base Salary (prior to any reduction that
      constitutes Good Reason) for twelve months from the date of termination
      payable in accordance with Company payroll practice; (B) continuation of
      health and life insurance benefits for twenty-four months at the Company's
      expense subject to applicable cost-sharing arrangements, co-payments, and
      deductibles in place immediately prior the Executive's termination
      (provided, however, that such health benefits shall not be counted toward
      the Executive's entitlement for COBRA, and that such health and life
      insurance benefits shall terminate immediately upon Executive obtaining
      employment with a third 


                                       3
<PAGE>

      party which provides health and life insurance benefits); (C) a "pro-rated
      bonus" for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs which shall be
      payable at the time the Company customarily pays bonuses; (D) the
      continuation of all other perquisites for six months; (E) reasonable
      outplacement assistance for six months (including out of pocket expenses
      of the Executive to search for a job not to exceed $5000); and (F)
      payment, if requested by the Executive, for all equity in MMH or the
      Company owned by the Executive or his family (including but not limited to
      Equity Units), payable in equal quarterly installments over the
      twenty-four month period following termination, provided, however, that if
      this option is requested, the equity shall be valued as of the date of
      termination at its fair market value by the Compensation Committee of the
      Board of Directors and shall be repurchased so long as permitted under the
      terms of any financing documents, including but not limited to indentures
      or loan agreements applicable to the Company or any direct or indirect
      parent entity of the Company at such time. For purposes of this Agreement,
      a "pro-rated bonus" means the portion of the bonus that is arrived at by
      using the number of days the Executive was employed by the Company in the
      year of termination as the numerator of a fraction of which 365 is the
      denominator and then multiplying the bonus the Executive was otherwise
      eligible to receive by such fraction.

                  (b) Termination by the Company without Cause. If the Company
      terminates the Executive's employment under this Agreement without Cause,
      the Executive shall be entitled to the following: (i) a lump sum payment
      equal to his then current annual Base Salary plus a lump sum payment equal
      to the Base Salary which would have otherwise been payable for the balance
      of the fiscal year in which termination occurs, and (ii) the same benefits
      and compensation and payable at the same time as provided in clauses (B)
      through (F) of Section 3.1(a). "Cause" means any of the following acts by
      the Executive which, if curable, have not been cured by Executive within
      30 days' written notice thereof: (i) willful failure to substantially and
      materially perform his duties as assigned to him by Board of Directors
      (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive's reasonable
      business judgment or incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii)
      commission of a fraud on the Company; (iii) breach of fiduciary duty
      involving material personal gain; or (iv) willful misconduct materially
      and demonstrably injurious or detrimental to the Company or its
      affiliates.

                  (c) Death or Permanent Disability. This Agreement shall
      terminate immediately upon the Executive's Death or Permanent Disability.
      Permanent Disability shall have the same meaning as set forth in the
      Company's long term disability policy. Upon termination for Death or
      Permanent Disability, the Executive, or his estate, shall receive the
      following: (i) all accrued Base Salary and other accrued entitlements
      earned through the date of termination, (ii) the continuation of Base
      Salary for 90 days after such termination, and (iii) the compensation and
      benefits set forth in clauses (B), (C), (D) and (F) of Section 3.1(a).

      Section 3.2 Termination Event. "Termination Event" means the Executive's
resignation without Good Reason or termination by the Company for Cause. In the
event of a termination due to a Termination Event, the Executive shall receive
his accrued Base Salary and accrued entitlements through the date of
termination. In the event the Executive resigns from the Company without Good
Reason, such resignation only becomes effective upon 60 days' written notice to
the Company.

      Section 3.3 Resignation from the Board of Directors and Offices. In the
event of Executive's termination of employment for any reason (including the
failure of the Company to renew the Agreement), such termination or non-renewal
shall also be considered a resignation as


                                       4
<PAGE>

a member of the Board of Directors, a resignation from the board of directors of
any affiliates or subsidiaries of the Company and a resignation from any offices
held by the Executive with the Company or with any of its affiliates or
subsidiaries.

ARTICLE IV: MISCONDUCT AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

      Executive agrees to be bound by the provisions of the World Wide Business
Conduct Policy and the Employee Proprietary Rights and Confidentiality Agreement
attached hereto as Schedule B. The provisions of such documents are incorporated
into this Agreement.

ARTICLE V: NON-COMPETITION; NON-SOLICITATION; INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

      Simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, Executive shall
execute and deliver to the Company a non-competition agreement in the form
attached hereto as Schedule C (the "Non-Competition Agreement"), which shall
become effective if and when this Agreement becomes effective as provided in
Section 1.1 hereof.

ARTICLE VI:  INDEMNIFICATION

      The Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law
indemnify and hold harmless Executive from all claims or expenses that may be
asserted against the Company and affiliates thereof due to his employment, or
that may otherwise derive from Executive's employment as contemplated under this
Agreement, in accordance with the Company's charter and bylaws. The Company
shall purchase and maintain for the benefit of Executive a director's and
officer's liability policy.

ARTICLE VII: MISCELLANEOUS

      Section 7.1 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other
communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been duly given when personally delivered, sent by facsimile or when mailed
by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, addressed to such address or sent to such facsimile number as each
party may furnish to the other in writing from time to time. Unless notified
otherwise by Executive, copies of notices or other communications sent to
Executive shall be sent to the address noted on the signature page attached
hereto.

      Section 7.2 Applicable Law, Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement is
entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the
State of Wisconsin. In any such litigation, each party hereto waives personal
service of any summons, complaint or other process and agrees that the service
thereof may be made by certified mail directed to such party at his or its
address for purposes of notice under Section 7.1 hereof.

      Section 7.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto at any time to
give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with,
any condition or provision of this Agreement shall (i) be deemed a waiver of
similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or
subsequent time or (ii) preclude insistence upon strict compliance in the
future.

      Section 7.4 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines
that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the
invalidity or unenforceability of that provision all not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all other
provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

                                       5
<PAGE>

      Section 7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

      Section 7.6 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for
purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

      Section 7.7 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the
masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number
includes the plural and conversely.

      Section 7.8 Affiliate. As used in this Agreement, unless otherwise
indicated, "affiliate" shall have the same definition as set forth in the
Recapitalization Agreement.

      Section 7.9 Assignment. This Agreement, and the rights and obligations of
the parties hereunder, are personal and neither this Agreement, nor any right,
benefit or obligation of either party hereto, shall be subject to voluntary or
involuntary assignment, alienation or transfer, whether by operation of law or
otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other party except that
vested rights to payment shall be subject to devise, and shall descend in
accordance with applicable laws of inheritance.

      Section 7.10 Effects of Termination of Employment. Except as otherwise
provided herein or under any benefit plan or other agreement between the Company
and the Executive, termination of Executive's employment under this Agreement
shall not affect any right or obligation of either party hereto which is accrued
or vested prior to or upon such termination or the rights and obligations set
forth herein.

      Section 7.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, contains all
the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the
parties with respect to employment of Executive by the Company, and supersedes
all prior employment agreements between the Executive and the Company or any of
its predecessors. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no
representation, inducement, promise or agreement, oral or written, has been made
by either party, or by anyone acting on behalf of either party, which is not
embodied herein, and that no agreement, statement, or promise relating to the
employment of Executive by the Company, which is not contained in this
Agreement, shall be valid or binding. Any modification of this Agreement will be
effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

      Section 7.12 Attorney's Fees. Pursuant to the terms of a side letter (the
"Side Letter"), Executive shall be entitled to be reimbursed for reasonable
attorney's fees incurred in the negotiation of this Agreement to the limit
established in the Side Letter. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to
reimbursement of attorney's fees in any litigation between the Company and
Executive with respect to Executive's enforcement of this Agreement to the
extent Executive prevails in such litigation.


                                       6
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first written above.

                                    MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

                                    By: /s/ Michael S. Erwin
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                    Name:  Michael S. Erwin
                                    Title: President
                                        /s/ David D. Smith
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Executive

                                    Acknowledged by
                                    MHE INVESTMENTS, INC.

                                    By: /s/ Michael S. Shein
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                    Name: Michael S. Shein
                                    Title: Vice President

                                        /s/ David D. Smith
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Executive

                                       7


                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

      EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") by and between Morris Material
Handling, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Martin L. Ditkof
("Executive").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

      WHEREAS, the Executive is a valued and important employee of the Company,
and possesses significant information about its strategic plans and other trade
secrets; and

      WHEREAS, the Executive has been offered the opportunity to purchase units
of Niles, LLC, in connection with the recapitalization contemplated by that
certain Recapitalization Agreement, among Harnischfeger Corporation, the Sellers
named therein and MHE Investments, Inc., dated January 28, 1998 (the
"Recapitalization Agreement"), and to acquire options to purchase additional
units of MMH Holdings, Inc., ("MMH") the owner of all of the stock of the
Company; and

      WHEREAS, the Executive desires to purchase such units and to acquire such
options, and understands that the offer to purchase units and acquire options is
contingent upon the execution of this Agreement; and

      WHEREAS, the Company wishes to secure the services of Executive after the
Recapitalization, and Executive wishes to furnish such services to the Company,
pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement;

      NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants
and obligations contained herein, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

ARTICLE I: EMPLOYMENT, TERM AND DUTIES
      
      Section 1.1. Condition Precedent. This Agreement shall take effect
immediately upon Harnischfeger Corporation or one of its Affiliates (as that
term is defined in the Recapitalization Agreement) selling 50 percent or more of
the outstanding shares of MMH to any party which is an affiliate of Chartwell
Investments Inc., (the "Effective Date"). Should Harnischfeger Corporation or
one of its Affiliates not sell 50 percent or more of the outstanding shares of
the Company to a party which is an affiliate of Chartwell Investments Inc. prior
to July 31, 1998, then this Agreement becomes void ab initio.

      Section 1.2. Term. Unless terminated sooner pursuant to the occurrence of
an "Employment Related Event" or a "Termination Event" (both terms as defined in
Article III) and subject to the other terms and provisions of this Agreement,
the Company agrees to employ Executive and Executive agrees to be employed by
the Company, for the period beginning as of the Effective Date and continuing
until the third anniversary of the Effective Date. The Agreement will be
extended for one year on the third anniversary of the Effective Date and on each
anniversary thereafter unless either party gives 60 days' written notice of
failure to renew or termination prior to any such anniversary date; provided,
however, that any such non-renewal by the Company shall void the Executive's
postemployment obligations contained in the Non-Competition Agreement referred
to in Article V of this Agreement. The Executive may voluntarily resign
employment at any time upon providing 60 days' written notice to the Company's
Board of Directors; provided, however, that the obligations of the Executive
under Article IV (Confidential Information) hereof, and the post-employment
obligations of Executive 

<PAGE>

contained in the separate Non-Competition Agreement referred to in Article V
hereof shall survive such resignation. The Executive's entitlement to any
severance benefits or payments following termination of employment shall be
governed solely by Article III of this Agreement, and the Executive shall have
no entitlement to any such benefits or payments other than as set forth in
Article III of this Agreement, or as required to be provided to the Executive by
operation of law.

      Section 1.3 Title. From and after the Effective Date, the Company shall
employ Executive in the position of General Counsel and Secretary, or such other
title as mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Executive.

      Section 1.4 Duties. Executive agrees to serve in the position referred to
in Section 1.3 and to perform diligently and to the best of his abilities the
duties and services pertaining to such office, as well as such additional duties
and services appropriate to such office as the Board of Directors of the Company
("Board of Directors") may reasonably assign to Executive from time to time.

      Section 1.5 Business Time and Efforts. Executive agrees, during the period
of employment by the Company, to devote all of his business time, energy and
best efforts to the business and affairs of the Company and its affiliates and
not to engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business or businesses,
whether or not similar to that of the Company, except with the prior written
consent of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE II: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

      Section 2.1 Base Salary. During the term of this Agreement, Executive
shall receive an annual base salary of $96,600, subject to annual review by the
Board of Directors.

      Section 2.2 Bonus. The Company and Executive shall annually establish an
objective, performance-based bonus plan for Executive. The percentages, targets,
and other terms of the plan will be as mutually agreed upon between the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. It is anticipated that, for fiscal year 1998,
the bonus plan will be based on Economic Value Added, while for fiscal 1999 and
after the plan will be based on EBITDA. Bonuses will be earned over the
Company's fiscal year ending October 31, and shall be paid by the Company to the
Executive as soon as practicable in accordance with the Company's bonus payment
procedures.

      Section 2.3 Equity.

                  (a) Equity Purchase. Executive shall be eligible to purchase
      an initial amount of Equity in Niles LLC for payment as agreed upon
      between Niles LLC and the Executive.

                  (b) Equity Options. Executive shall be eligible to receive an
      initial option grant of 88 A Options, 88 B Options and 100 C Options
      pursuant to the terms of Schedule A, attached hereto.

      Section 2.4 Other Perquisites. During his employment hereunder, Executive
shall be afforded the following incidental benefits:

                  (a) Expenses. Executive shall be entitled to be reimbursed for
      all customary and reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in the
      performance of his 


                                       2
<PAGE>

      duties and responsibilities, subject to such reasonable substantiation and
      documentation as may be required by the Company in accordance with its
      normal policies.

                  (b) Other Company Benefits. Subject to the terms of each plan,
      program or arrangement as the case may be, Executive and, to the extent
      applicable, Executive's family, dependents and beneficiaries, shall be
      allowed to participate in all benefits, plans and programs, including
      improvements or modifications of the same, which are now, or may hereafter
      be, available to similarly situated employees of the Company generally.
      The Company shall not, however, by reason of this paragraph be obligated
      to institute, maintain, or refrain from changing, amending or
      discontinuing, any such benefit plan or program, so long as such changes
      are similarly applicable to employees of the Company generally.

      Section 2.5 Withholding of Taxes. The Company may withhold from any
benefits or compensation payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city
or other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation
or ruling.

ARTICLE III: TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

      Section 3.1 Employment-Related Event. An "Employment-Related Event" means
any of the following: (a) Executive's resignation for Good Reason (as defined
below), (b) Executive's termination by the Company without Cause (as defined
below) or (c) Executive's death or permanent disability (as defined below).
Should an Employment Related Event occur, the Executive shall only be entitled
to the benefits and payments set forth below, and Executive specifically agrees
to sign a Release as drafted by the Company under which the Executive shall
agree to waive and release all other rights and entitlement, whether legal,
contractual or equitable (including waiving and releasing any claims alleging
discrimination and/or harassment to the maximum extent allowed by law) in order
to be entitled to such benefits and payments.

                  (a) Good Reason. The Executive may terminate his employment
      under this Agreement for Good Reason, after having given the Company
      written notice specifying the reason the Executive is terminating his
      employment and having given the Company thirty days after such notice
      within which to cure the condition specified. "Good Reason" means any of
      the following: (i) a material reduction of the Executive's duties or
      authority as provided in the Agreement or as later increased by the Board
      of Directors; (ii) a substantial change in work conditions; (iii) a
      material decrease in compensation or benefits; (iv) relocation of his
      principal workplace over 50 miles from his initial workplace without
      Executive's consent; (v) the breach of this Agreement by the Company or an
      affiliate of the Company; (vi) a change in control of the Company (as
      defined in Schedule D hereto); or (vii) the failure by the Company to
      obtain the assumption of this Agreement by any successor to or assignee of
      the Company or any purported termination of this Agreement which does not
      satisfy the requirements of this Agreement. If at the end of such notice
      period, the Company has not cured such condition, the written notice shall
      take effect, and the Executive will be entitled to the following: (A)
      continuation of his then current Base Salary (prior to any reduction that
      constitutes Good Reason) for twelve months from the date of termination
      payable in accordance with Company payroll practice; (B) continuation of
      health and life insurance benefits for twenty-four months at the Company's
      expense subject to applicable cost-sharing arrangements, co-payments, and
      deductibles in place immediately prior the Executive's termination
      (provided, however, that such health benefits shall not be counted toward
      the Executive's entitlement for COBRA, and that such health and life
      insurance benefits shall terminate immediately upon Executive obtaining
      employment with a third 


                                       3
<PAGE>

      party which provides health and life insurance benefits); (C) a "pro-rated
      bonus" for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs which shall be
      payable at the time the Company customarily pays bonuses; (D) the
      continuation of all other perquisites for six months; (E) reasonable
      outplacement assistance for six months (including out of pocket expenses
      of the Executive to search for a job not to exceed $5000); and (F)
      payment, if requested by the Executive, for all equity in MMH or the
      Company owned by the Executive or his family (including but not limited to
      Equity Units), payable in equal quarterly installments over the
      twenty-four month period following termination, provided, however, that if
      this option is requested, the equity shall be valued as of the date of
      termination at its fair market value by the Compensation Committee of the
      Board of Directors and shall be repurchased so long as permitted under the
      terms of any financing documents, including but not limited to indentures
      or loan agreements applicable to the Company or any direct or indirect
      parent entity of the Company at such time. For purposes of this Agreement,
      a "pro-rated bonus" means the portion of the bonus that is arrived at by
      using the number of days the Executive was employed by the Company in the
      year of termination as the numerator of a fraction of which 365 is the
      denominator and then multiplying the bonus the Executive was otherwise
      eligible to receive by such fraction.

                                       4
<PAGE>

                  (b) Termination by the Company without Cause. If the Company
      terminates the Executive's employment under this Agreement without Cause,
      the Executive shall be entitled to the following: (i) a lump sum payment
      equal to his then current annual Base Salary plus a lump sum payment equal
      to the Base Salary which would have otherwise been payable for the balance
      of the fiscal year in which termination occurs, and (ii) the same benefits
      and compensation and payable at the same time as provided in clauses (B)
      through (F) of Section 3.1(a). "Cause" means any of the following acts by
      the Executive which, if curable, have not been cured by Executive within
      30 days' written notice thereof: (i) willful failure to substantially and
      materially perform his duties as assigned to him by Board of Directors
      (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive's reasonable
      business judgment or incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii)
      commission of a fraud on the Company; (iii) breach of fiduciary duty
      involving material personal gain; or (iv) willful misconduct materially
      and demonstrably injurious or detrimental to the Company or its
      affiliates.

                  (c) Death or Permanent Disability. This Agreement shall
      terminate immediately upon the Executive's Death or Permanent Disability.
      Permanent Disability shall have the same meaning as set forth in the
      Company's long term disability policy. Upon termination for Death or
      Permanent Disability, the Executive, or his estate, shall receive the
      following: (i) all accrued Base Salary and other accrued entitlements
      earned through the date of termination, (ii) the continuation of Base
      Salary for 90 days after such termination, and (iii) the compensation and
      benefits set forth in clauses (B), (C), (D) and (F) of Section 3.1(a).

      Section 3.2 Termination Event. "Termination Event" means the Executive's
resignation without Good Reason or termination by the Company for Cause. In the
event of a termination due to a Termination Event, the Executive shall receive
his accrued Base Salary and accrued entitlements through the date of
termination. In the event the Executive resigns from the Company without Good
Reason, such resignation only becomes effective upon 60 days' written notice to
the Company.

      Section 3.3 Resignation from the Board of Directors and Offices. In the
event of Executive's termination of employment for any reason (including the
failure of the Company to renew the Agreement), such termination or non-renewal
shall also be considered a resignation as a member of the Board of Directors, a
resignation from the board of directors of any affiliates or subsidiaries of the
Company and a resignation from any offices held by the Executive with the
Company or with any of its affiliates or subsidiaries.

ARTICLE IV: MISCONDUCT AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

      Executive agrees to be bound by the provisions of the World Wide Business
Conduct Policy and the Employee Proprietary Rights and Confidentiality Agreement
attached hereto as Schedule B. The provisions of such documents are incorporated
into this Agreement.

                                       5
<PAGE>

      ARTICLE V: NON-COMPETITION; NON-SOLICITATION; INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

      Simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, Executive shall
execute and deliver to the Company a non-competition agreement in the form
attached hereto as Schedule C (the "Non-Competition Agreement"), which shall
become effective if and when this Agreement becomes effective as provided in
Section 1.1 hereof.

ARTICLE VI: INDEMNIFICATION

      The Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law
indemnify and hold harmless Executive from all claims or expenses that may be
asserted against the Company and affiliates thereof due to his employment, or
that may otherwise derive from Executive's employment as contemplated under this
Agreement, in accordance with the Company's charter and bylaws. The Company
shall purchase and maintain for the benefit of Executive a director's and
officer's liability policy.

ARTICLE VII: MISCELLANEOUS

      Section 7.1 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other
communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been duly given when personally delivered, sent by facsimile or when mailed
by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, addressed to such address or sent to such facsimile number as each
party may furnish to the other in writing from time to time. Unless notified
otherwise by Executive, copies of notices or other communications sent to
Executive shall be sent to the address noted on the signature page attached
hereto.

      Section 7.2 Applicable Law, Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement is
entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the
State of Wisconsin. In any such litigation, each party hereto waives personal
service of any summons, complaint or other process and agrees that the service
thereof may be made by certified mail directed to such party at his or its
address for purposes of notice under Section 7.1 hereof.

      Section 7.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto at any time to
give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with,
any condition or provision of this Agreement shall (i) be deemed a waiver of
similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or
subsequent time or (ii) preclude insistence upon strict compliance in the
future.

      Section 7.4 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines
that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the
invalidity or unenforceability of that provision all not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all other
provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

      Section 7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

      Section 7.6 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for
purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

      Section 7.7 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the
masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number
includes the plural and


                                       6
<PAGE>

conversely.

      Section 7.8 Affiliate. As used in this Agreement, unless otherwise
indicated, "affiliate" shall have the same definition as set forth in the
Recapitalization Agreement.

      Section 7.9 Assignment. This Agreement, and the rights and obligations of
the parties hereunder, are personal and neither this Agreement, nor any right,
benefit or obligation of either party hereto, shall be subject to voluntary or
involuntary assignment, alienation or transfer, whether by operation of law or
otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other party except that
vested rights to payment shall be subject to devise, and shall descend in
accordance with applicable laws of inheritance.

      Section 7.10 Effects of Termination of Employment. Except as otherwise
provided herein or under any benefit plan or other agreement between the Company
and the Executive, termination of Executive's employment under this Agreement
shall not affect any right or obligation of either party hereto which is accrued
or vested prior to or upon such termination or the rights and obligations set
forth herein.

      Section 7.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, contains all
the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the
parties with respect to employment of Executive by the Company, and supersedes
all prior employment agreements between the Executive and the Company or any of
its predecessors. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no
representation, inducement, promise or agreement, oral or written, has been made
by either party, or by anyone acting on behalf of either party, which is not
embodied herein, and that no agreement, statement, or promise relating to the
employment of Executive by the Company, which is not contained in this
Agreement, shall be valid or binding. Any modification of this Agreement will be
effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

      Section 7.12 Attorney's Fees. Pursuant to the terms of a side letter (the
"Side Letter"), Executive shall be entitled to be reimbursed for reasonable
attorney's fees incurred in the negotiation of this Agreement to the limit
established in the Side Letter. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to
reimbursement of attorney's fees in any litigation between the Company and
Executive with respect to Executive's enforcement of this Agreement to the
extent Executive prevails in such litigation.

                                       7
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first written above.

                                    MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

                                    By: /s/ Michael S. Erwin
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                    Name: Michael S. Erwin
                                    Title: President
                                       /s/ Martin L. Ditkof
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Executive

                                    Acknowledged by
                                    MHE INVESTMENTS, INC.

                                    By: Michael S. Shein
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                    Name: Michael S. Shein
                                    Title:Vice President
                                       /s/ Martin L. Ditkof
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Executive

                                       8




                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


      EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") by and between Morris Material
Handling, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Richard J.
Niespodziani ("Executive").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

      WHEREAS, the Executive is a valued and important employee of the Company,
and possesses significant information about its strategic plans and other trade
secrets; and

      WHEREAS, the Executive has been offered the opportunity to purchase units
of Niles, LLC, in connection with the recapitalization contemplated by that
certain Recapitalization Agreement, among Harnischfeger Corporation, the Sellers
named therein and MHE Investments, Inc., dated January 28, 1998 (the
"Recapitalization Agreement"), and to acquire options to purchase additional
units of MMH Holdings, Inc., ("MMH") the owner of all of the stock of the
Company; and

      WHEREAS, the Executive desires to purchase such units and to acquire such
options, and understands that the offer to purchase units and acquire options is
contingent upon the execution of this Agreement; and

      WHEREAS, the Company wishes to secure the services of Executive after the
Recapitalization, and Executive wishes to furnish such services to the Company,
pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement;

      NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants
and obligations contained herein, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

ARTICLE I: EMPLOYMENT, TERM AND DUTIES
      
      Section 1.1. Condition Precedent. This Agreement shall take effect
immediately upon Harnischfeger Corporation or one of its Affiliates (as that
term is defined in the Recapitalization Agreement) selling 50 percent or more of
the outstanding shares of MMH to any party which is an affiliate of Chartwell
Investments Inc., (the "Effective Date"). Should Harnischfeger Corporation or
one of its Affiliates not sell 50 percent or more of the outstanding shares of
the Company to a party which is an affiliate of Chartwell Investments Inc. prior
to July 31, 1998, then this Agreement becomes void ab initio.

      Section 1.2. Term. Unless terminated sooner pursuant to the occurrence of
an "Employment Related Event" or a "Termination Event" (both terms as defined in
Article III) and subject to the other terms and provisions of this Agreement,
the Company agrees to employ Executive and Executive agrees to be employed by
the Company, for the period beginning as of the Effective Date and continuing
until the third anniversary of the Effective Date. The Agreement will be
extended for one year on the third anniversary of the Effective Date and on each
anniversary thereafter unless either party gives 60 days' written notice of
failure to renew or termination prior to any such anniversary date; provided,
however, that any such non-renewal by the Company shall void the Executive's
postemployment obligations contained in the Non-Competition Agreement referred
to in Article V of this Agreement. The Executive may voluntarily resign
employment at any time upon providing 60 days' written notice to the Company's
Board of Directors; provided, however, that the obligations of the Executive
under 


                                       
<PAGE>

Article IV (Confidential Information) hereof, and the post-employment
obligations of Executive contained in the separate Non-Competition Agreement
referred to in Article V hereof shall survive such resignation. The Executive's
entitlement to any severance benefits or payments following termination of
employment shall be governed solely by Article III of this Agreement, and the
Executive shall have no entitlement to any such benefits or payments other than
as set forth in Article III of this Agreement, or as required to be provided to
the Executive by operation of law.

      Section 1.3 Title. From and after the Effective Date, the Company shall
employ Executive in the position of Vice President, or such other title as
mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Executive.

      Section 1.4 Duties. Executive agrees to serve in the position referred to
in Section 1.3 and to perform diligently and to the best of his abilities the
duties and services pertaining to such office, as well as such additional duties
and services appropriate to such office as the Board of Directors of the Company
("Board of Directors") may reasonably assign to Executive from time to time.

      Section 1.5 Business Time and Efforts. Executive agrees, during the period
of employment by the Company, to devote all of his business time, energy and
best efforts to the business and affairs of the Company and its affiliates and
not to engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business or businesses,
whether or not similar to that of the Company, except with the prior written
consent of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE II: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

      Section 2.1 Base Salary. During the term of this Agreement, Executive
shall receive an annual base salary of $111,540, subject to annual review by the
Board of Directors.

      Section 2.2 Bonus. The Company and Executive shall annually establish an
objective, performance-based bonus plan for Executive. The percentages, targets,
and other terms of the plan will be as mutually agreed upon between the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. It is anticipated that, for fiscal year 1998,
the bonus plan will be based on Economic Value Added, while for fiscal 1999 and
after the plan will be based on EBITDA. Bonuses will be earned over the
Company's fiscal year ending October 31, and shall be paid by the Company to the
Executive as soon as practicable in accordance with the Company's bonus payment
procedures.

      Section 2.3 Equity.

                  (a) Equity Purchase. Executive shall be eligible to purchase
      an initial amount of Equity in Niles LLC for payment as agreed upon
      between Niles LLC and the Executive.

                  (b) Equity Options. Executive shall be eligible to receive an
      initial option grant of 200 A Options, 200 B Options and 276 C Options
      pursuant to the terms of Schedule A, attached hereto.

      Section 2.4 Other Perquisites. During his employment hereunder, Executive
shall be afforded the following incidental benefits:

                  (a) Expenses. Executive shall be entitled to be reimbursed for
      all 


                                       2
<PAGE>

      customary and reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in the performance
      of his duties and responsibilities, subject to such reasonable
      substantiation and documentation as may be required by the Company in
      accordance with its normal policies.

                  (b) Other Company Benefits. Subject to the terms of each plan,
      program or arrangement as the case may be, Executive and, to the extent
      applicable, Executive's family, dependents and beneficiaries, shall be
      allowed to participate in all benefits, plans and programs, including
      improvements or modifications of the same, which are now, or may hereafter
      be, available to similarly situated employees of the Company generally.
      The Company shall not, however, by reason of this paragraph be obligated
      to institute, maintain, or refrain from changing, amending or
      discontinuing, any such benefit plan or program, so long as such changes
      are similarly applicable to employees of the Company generally.

      Section 2.5 Withholding of Taxes. The Company may withhold from any
benefits or compensation payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city
or other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation
or ruling.

ARTICLE III: TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

      Section 3.1 Employment-Related Event. An "Employment-Related Event" means
any of the following: (a) Executive's resignation for Good Reason (as defined
below), (b) Executive's termination by the Company without Cause (as defined
below) or (c) Executive's death or permanent disability (as defined below).
Should an Employment Related Event occur, the Executive shall only be entitled
to the benefits and payments set forth below, and Executive specifically agrees
to sign a Release as drafted by the Company under which the Executive shall
agree to waive and release all other rights and entitlement, whether legal,
contractual or equitable (including waiving and releasing any claims alleging
discrimination and/or harassment to the maximum extent allowed by law) in order
to be entitled to such benefits and payments.

                  (a) Good Reason. The Executive may terminate his employment
      under this Agreement for Good Reason, after having given the Company
      written notice specifying the reason the Executive is terminating his
      employment and having given the Company thirty days after such notice
      within which to cure the condition specified. "Good Reason" means any of
      the following: (i) a material reduction of the Executive's duties or
      authority as provided in the Agreement or as later increased by the Board
      of Directors; (ii) a substantial change in work conditions; (iii) a
      material decrease in compensation or benefits; (iv) relocation of his
      principal workplace over 50 miles from his initial workplace without
      Executive's consent; (v) the breach of this Agreement by the Company or an
      affiliate of the Company; (vi) a change in control of the Company (as
      defined in Schedule D hereto); or (vii) the failure by the Company to
      obtain the assumption of this Agreement by any successor to or assignee of
      the Company or any purported termination of this Agreement which does not
      satisfy the requirements of this Agreement. If at the end of such notice
      period, the Company has not cured such condition, the written notice shall
      take effect, and the Executive will be entitled to the following: (A)
      continuation of his then current Base Salary (prior to any reduction that
      constitutes Good Reason) for twelve months from the date of termination
      payable in accordance with Company payroll practice; (B) continuation of
      health and life insurance benefits for twenty-four months at the Company's
      expense subject to applicable cost-sharing arrangements, co-payments, and
      deductibles in place immediately prior the Executive's termination
      (provided, however, that such health benefits shall not be counted toward
      the Executive's entitlement for COBRA, and that such health and life
      insurance 


                                       3
<PAGE>

      benefits shall terminate immediately upon Executive obtaining employment
      with a third party which provides health and life insurance benefits); (C)
      a "pro-rated bonus" for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs
      which shall be payable at the time the Company customarily pays bonuses;
      (D) the continuation of all other perquisites for six months; (E)
      reasonable outplacement assistance for six months (including out of pocket
      expenses of the Executive to search for a job not to exceed $5000); and
      (F) payment, if requested by the Executive, for all equity in MMH or the
      Company owned by the Executive or his family (including but not limited to
      Equity Units), payable in equal quarterly installments over the
      twenty-four month period following termination, provided, however, that if
      this option is requested, the equity shall be valued as of the date of
      termination at its fair market value by the Compensation Committee of the
      Board of Directors and shall be repurchased so long as permitted under the
      terms of any financing documents, including but not limited to indentures
      or loan agreements applicable to the Company or any direct or indirect
      parent entity of the Company at such time. For purposes of this Agreement,
      a "pro-rated bonus" means the portion of the bonus that is arrived at by
      using the number of days the Executive was employed by the Company in the
      year of termination as the numerator of a fraction of which 365 is the
      denominator and then multiplying the bonus the Executive was otherwise
      eligible to receive by such fraction.

                  (b) Termination by the Company without Cause. If the Company
      terminates the Executive's employment under this Agreement without Cause,
      the Executive shall be entitled to the following: (i) a lump sum payment
      equal to his then current annual Base Salary plus a lump sum payment equal
      to the Base Salary which would have otherwise been payable for the balance
      of the fiscal year in which termination occurs, and (ii) the same benefits
      and compensation and payable at the same time as provided in clauses (B)
      through (F) of Section 3.1(a). "Cause" means any of the following acts by
      the Executive which, if curable, have not been cured by Executive within
      30 days' written notice thereof: (i) willful failure to substantially and
      materially perform his duties as assigned to him by Board of Directors
      (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive's reasonable
      business judgment or incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii)
      commission of a fraud on the Company; (iii) breach of fiduciary duty
      involving material personal gain; or (iv) willful misconduct materially
      and demonstrably injurious or detrimental to the Company or its
      affiliates.

                  (c) Death or Permanent Disability. This Agreement shall
      terminate immediately upon the Executive's Death or Permanent Disability.
      Permanent Disability shall have the same meaning as set forth in the
      Company's long term disability policy. Upon termination for Death or
      Permanent Disability, the Executive, or his estate, shall receive the
      following: (i) all accrued Base Salary and other accrued entitlements
      earned through the date of termination, (ii) the continuation of Base
      Salary for 90 days after such termination, and (iii) the compensation and
      benefits set forth in clauses (B), (C), (D) and (F) of Section 3.1(a).

      Section 3.2 Termination Event. "Termination Event" means the Executive's
resignation without Good Reason or termination by the Company for Cause. In the
event of a termination due to a Termination Event, the Executive shall receive
his accrued Base Salary and accrued entitlements through the date of
termination. In the event the Executive resigns from the Company without Good
Reason, such resignation only becomes effective upon 60 days' written notice to
the Company.

      Section 3.3 Resignation from the Board of Directors and Offices. In the
event of Executive's termination of employment for any reason (including the
failure of the Company to 


                                       4
<PAGE>

renew the Agreement), such termination or non-renewal shall also be considered a
resignation as a member of the Board of Directors, a resignation from the board
of directors of any affiliates or subsidiaries of the Company and a resignation
from any offices held by the Executive with the Company or with any of its
affiliates or subsidiaries.

ARTICLE IV: MISCONDUCT AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

      Executive agrees to be bound by the provisions of the World Wide Business
Conduct Policy and the Employee Proprietary Rights and Confidentiality Agreement
attached hereto as Schedule B. The provisions of such documents are incorporated
into this Agreement.

ARTICLE V: NON-COMPETITION; NON-SOLICITATION; INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

      Simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, Executive shall
execute and deliver to the Company a non-competition agreement in the form
attached hereto as Schedule C (the "Non-Competition Agreement"), which shall
become effective if and when this Agreement becomes effective as provided in
Section 1.1 hereof.

ARTICLE VI: INDEMNIFICATION

      The Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law
indemnify and hold harmless Executive from all claims or expenses that may be
asserted against the Company and affiliates thereof due to his employment, or
that may otherwise derive from Executive's employment as contemplated under this
Agreement, in accordance with the Company's charter and bylaws. The Company
shall purchase and maintain for the benefit of Executive a director's and
officer's liability policy.

ARTICLE VII: MISCELLANEOUS

      Section 7.1 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other
communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been duly given when personally delivered, sent by facsimile or when mailed
by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, addressed to such address or sent to such facsimile number as each
party may furnish to the other in writing from time to time. Unless notified
otherwise by Executive, copies of notices or other communications sent to
Executive shall be sent to the address noted on the signature page attached
hereto.

      Section 7.2 Applicable Law, Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement is
entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the
State of Wisconsin. In any such litigation, each party hereto waives personal
service of any summons, complaint or other process and agrees that the service
thereof may be made by certified mail directed to such party at his or its
address for purposes of notice under Section 7.1 hereof.

      Section 7.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto at any time to
give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with,
any condition or provision of this Agreement shall (i) be deemed a waiver of
similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or
subsequent time or (ii) preclude insistence upon strict compliance in the
future.

      Section 7.4 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines
that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the
invalidity or unenforceability of that provision all not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all other
provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

                                       5
<PAGE>

      Section 7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

      Section 7.6 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for
purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

      Section 7.7 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the
masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number
includes the plural and conversely.

      Section 7.8 Affiliate. As used in this Agreement, unless otherwise
indicated, "affiliate" shall have the same definition as set forth in the
Recapitalization Agreement.

      Section 7.9 Assignment. This Agreement, and the rights and obligations of
the parties hereunder, are personal and neither this Agreement, nor any right,
benefit or obligation of either party hereto, shall be subject to voluntary or
involuntary assignment, alienation or transfer, whether by operation of law or
otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other party except that
vested rights to payment shall be subject to devise, and shall descend in
accordance with applicable laws of inheritance.

      Section 7.10 Effects of Termination of Employment. Except as otherwise
provided herein or under any benefit plan or other agreement between the Company
and the Executive, termination of Executive's employment under this Agreement
shall not affect any right or obligation of either party hereto which is accrued
or vested prior to or upon such termination or the rights and obligations set
forth herein.

      Section 7.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, contains all
the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the
parties with respect to employment of Executive by the Company, and supersedes
all prior employment agreements between the Executive and the Company or any of
its predecessors. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no
representation, inducement, promise or agreement, oral or written, has been made
by either party, or by anyone acting on behalf of either party, which is not
embodied herein, and that no agreement, statement, or promise relating to the
employment of Executive by the Company, which is not contained in this
Agreement, shall be valid or binding. Any modification of this Agreement will be
effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

      Section 7.12 Attorney's Fees. Pursuant to the terms of a side letter (the
"Side Letter"), Executive shall be entitled to be reimbursed for reasonable
attorney's fees incurred in the negotiation of this Agreement to the limit
established in the Side Letter. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to
reimbursement of attorney's fees in any litigation between the Company and
Executive with respect to Executive's enforcement of this Agreement to the
extent Executive prevails in such litigation.

                                       6
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first written above.

                                    MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

                                    By: /s/ Michael S. Erwin
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                    Name:  Michael S. Erwin
                                    Title: President
                                        /s/ Richard J. Niespodziani
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Executive


                                    Acknowledged by
                                    MHE INVESTMENTS, INC.

                                    By: /s/ Michael S. Shein
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                    Name: Michael S. Shein
                                    Title: Vice President
                                        /s/ Richard J. Niespodziani
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Executive


                                       7


                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


      EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") by and between Morris Material
Handling, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Peter A. Kerrick
("Executive").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

      WHEREAS, the Executive is a valued and important employee of the Company,
and possesses significant information about its strategic plans and other trade
secrets; and

      WHEREAS, the Executive has been offered the opportunity to purchase units
of Niles, LLC, in connection with the recapitalization contemplated by that
certain Recapitalization Agreement, among Harnischfeger Corporation, the Sellers
named therein and MHE Investments, Inc., dated January 28, 1998 (the
"Recapitalization Agreement"), and to acquire options to purchase additional
units of MMH Holdings, Inc., ("MMH") the owner of all of the stock of the
Company; and

      WHEREAS, the Executive desires to purchase such units and to acquire such
options, and understands that the offer to purchase units and acquire options is
contingent upon the execution of this Agreement; and

      WHEREAS, the Company wishes to secure the services of Executive after the
Recapitalization, and Executive wishes to furnish such services to the Company,
pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement;

      NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants
and obligations contained herein, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

ARTICLE I: EMPLOYMENT, TERM AND DUTIES

      Section 1.1. Condition Precedent. This Agreement shall take effect
immediately upon Harnischfeger Corporation or one of its Affiliates (as that
term is defined in the Recapitalization Agreement) selling 50 percent or more of
the outstanding shares of MMH to any party which is an affiliate of Chartwell
Investments Inc., (the "Effective Date"). Should Harnischfeger Corporation or
one of its Affiliates not sell 50 percent or more of the outstanding shares of
the Company to a party which is an affiliate of Chartwell Investments Inc. prior
to July 31, 1998, then this Agreement becomes void ab initio.

      Section 1.2. Term. Unless terminated sooner pursuant to the occurrence of
an "Employment Related Event" or a "Termination Event" (both terms as defined in
Article III) and subject to the other terms and provisions of this Agreement,
the Company agrees to employ Executive and Executive agrees to be employed by
the Company, for the period beginning as of the Effective Date and continuing
until the third anniversary of the Effective Date. The Agreement will be
extended for one year on the third anniversary of the Effective Date and on each
anniversary thereafter unless either party gives 60 days' written notice of
failure to renew or termination prior to any such anniversary date; provided,
however, that any such non-renewal by the Company shall void the Executive's
postemployment obligations contained in the Non-Competition Agreement referred
to in Article V of this Agreement. The Executive may voluntarily resign
employment at any time upon providing 60 days' written notice to the Company's
Board of Directors; provided, however, that the obligations of the Executive
under Article IV (Confidential Information) hereof, and the post-employment
obligations of Executive 

                                       
<PAGE>

contained in the separate Non-Competition Agreement referred to in Article V
hereof shall survive such resignation. The Executive's entitlement to any
severance benefits or payments following termination of employment shall be
governed solely by Article III of this Agreement, and the Executive shall have
no entitlement to any such benefits or payments other than as set forth in
Article III of this Agreement, or as required to be provided to the Executive by
operation of law.

      Section 1.3 Title. From and after the Effective Date, the Company shall
employ Executive in the position of Vice President, or such other title as
mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Executive.

      Section 1.4 Duties. Executive agrees to serve in the position referred to
in Section 1.3 and to perform diligently and to the best of his abilities the
duties and services pertaining to such office, as well as such additional duties
and services appropriate to such office as the Board of Directors of the Company
("Board of Directors") may reasonably assign to Executive from time to time.

      Section 1.5 Business Time and Efforts. Executive agrees, during the period
of employment by the Company, to devote all of his business time, energy and
best efforts to the business and affairs of the Company and its affiliates and
not to engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business or businesses,
whether or not similar to that of the Company, except with the prior written
consent of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE II: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

      Section 2.1 Base Salary. During the term of this Agreement, Executive
shall receive an annual base salary of $104,496, subject to annual review by the
Board of Directors.

      Section 2.2 Bonus. The Company and Executive shall annually establish an
objective, performance-based bonus plan for Executive. The percentages, targets,
and other terms of the plan will be as mutually agreed upon between the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. It is anticipated that, for fiscal year 1998,
the bonus plan will be based on Economic Value Added, while for fiscal 1999 and
after the plan will be based on EBITDA. Bonuses will be earned over the
Company's fiscal year ending October 31, and shall be paid by the Company to the
Executive as soon as practicable in accordance with the Company's bonus payment
procedures.

      Section 2.3 Equity.

                  (a) Equity Purchase. Executive shall be eligible to purchase
      an initial amount of Equity in Niles LLC for payment as agreed upon
      between Niles LLC and the Executive.

                  (b) Equity Options. Executive shall be eligible to receive an
      initial option grant of 200 A Options, 200 B Options and 276 C Options
      pursuant to the terms of Schedule A, attached hereto.

      Section 2.4 Other Perquisites. During his employment hereunder, Executive
shall be afforded the following incidental benefits:

                  (a) Expenses. Executive shall be entitled to be reimbursed for
      all customary and reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in the
      performance of his 


                                       2
<PAGE>

      duties and responsibilities, subject to such reasonable substantiation and
      documentation as may be required by the Company in accordance with its
      normal policies.

                  (b) Other Company Benefits. Subject to the terms of each plan,
      program or arrangement as the case may be, Executive and, to the extent
      applicable, Executive's family, dependents and beneficiaries, shall be
      allowed to participate in all benefits, plans and programs, including
      improvements or modifications of the same, which are now, or may hereafter
      be, available to similarly situated employees of the Company generally.
      The Company shall not, however, by reason of this paragraph be obligated
      to institute, maintain, or refrain from changing, amending or
      discontinuing, any such benefit plan or program, so long as such changes
      are similarly applicable to employees of the Company generally.

      Section 2.5 Withholding of Taxes. The Company may withhold from any
benefits or compensation payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city
or other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation
or ruling.

ARTICLE III: TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

      Section 3.1 Employment-Related Event. An "Employment-Related Event" means
any of the following: (a) Executive's resignation for Good Reason (as defined
below), (b) Executive's termination by the Company without Cause (as defined
below) or (c) Executive's death or permanent disability (as defined below).
Should an Employment Related Event occur, the Executive shall only be entitled
to the benefits and payments set forth below, and Executive specifically agrees
to sign a Release as drafted by the Company under which the Executive shall
agree to waive and release all other rights and entitlement, whether legal,
contractual or equitable (including waiving and releasing any claims alleging
discrimination and/or harassment to the maximum extent allowed by law) in order
to be entitled to such benefits and payments.

                  (a) Good Reason. The Executive may terminate his employment
      under this Agreement for Good Reason, after having given the Company
      written notice specifying the reason the Executive is terminating his
      employment and having given the Company thirty days after such notice
      within which to cure the condition specified. "Good Reason" means any of
      the following: (i) a material reduction of the Executive's duties or
      authority as provided in the Agreement or as later increased by the Board
      of Directors; (ii) a substantial change in work conditions; (iii) a
      material decrease in compensation or benefits; (iv) relocation of his
      principal workplace over 50 miles from his initial workplace without
      Executive's consent; (v) the breach of this Agreement by the Company or an
      affiliate of the Company; (vi) a change in control of the Company (as
      defined in Schedule D hereto); or (vii) the failure by the Company to
      obtain the assumption of this Agreement by any successor to or assignee of
      the Company or any purported termination of this Agreement which does not
      satisfy the requirements of this Agreement. If at the end of such notice
      period, the Company has not cured such condition, the written notice shall
      take effect, and the Executive will be entitled to the following: (A)
      continuation of his then current Base Salary (prior to any reduction that
      constitutes Good Reason) for twelve months from the date of termination
      payable in accordance with Company payroll practice; (B) continuation of
      health and life insurance benefits for twenty-four months at the Company's
      expense subject to applicable cost-sharing arrangements, co-payments, and
      deductibles in place immediately prior the Executive's termination
      (provided, however, that such health benefits shall not be counted toward
      the Executive's entitlement for COBRA, and that such health and life
      insurance benefits shall terminate immediately upon Executive obtaining
      employment with a third 


                                       3
<PAGE>

      party which provides health and life insurance benefits); (C) a "pro-rated
      bonus" for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs which shall be
      payable at the time the Company customarily pays bonuses; (D) the
      continuation of all other perquisites for six months; (E) reasonable
      outplacement assistance for six months (including out of pocket expenses
      of the Executive to search for a job not to exceed $5000); and (F)
      payment, if requested by the Executive, for all equity in MMH or the
      Company owned by the Executive or his family (including but not limited to
      Equity Units), payable in equal quarterly installments over the
      twenty-four month period following termination, provided, however, that if
      this option is requested, the equity shall be valued as of the date of
      termination at its fair market value by the Compensation Committee of the
      Board of Directors and shall be repurchased so long as permitted under the
      terms of any financing documents, including but not limited to indentures
      or loan agreements applicable to the Company or any direct or indirect
      parent entity of the Company at such time. For purposes of this Agreement,
      a "pro-rated bonus" means the portion of the bonus that is arrived at by
      using the number of days the Executive was employed by the Company in the
      year of termination as the numerator of a fraction of which 365 is the
      denominator and then multiplying the bonus the Executive was otherwise
      eligible to receive by such fraction.

                  (b) Termination by the Company without Cause. If the Company
      terminates the Executive's employment under this Agreement without Cause,
      the Executive shall be entitled to the following: (i) a lump sum payment
      equal to his then current annual Base Salary plus a lump sum payment equal
      to the Base Salary which would have otherwise been payable for the balance
      of the fiscal year in which termination occurs, and (ii) the same benefits
      and compensation and payable at the same time as provided in clauses (B)
      through (F) of Section 3.1(a). "Cause" means any of the following acts by
      the Executive which, if curable, have not been cured by Executive within
      30 days' written notice thereof: (i) willful failure to substantially and
      materially perform his duties as assigned to him by Board of Directors
      (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive's reasonable
      business judgment or incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii)
      commission of a fraud on the Company; (iii) breach of fiduciary duty
      involving material personal gain; or (iv) willful misconduct materially
      and demonstrably injurious or detrimental to the Company or its
      affiliates.

                  (c) Death or Permanent Disability. This Agreement shall
      terminate immediately upon the Executive's Death or Permanent Disability.
      Permanent Disability shall have the same meaning as set forth in the
      Company's long term disability policy. Upon termination for Death or
      Permanent Disability, the Executive, or his estate, shall receive the
      following: (i) all accrued Base Salary and other accrued entitlements
      earned through the date of termination, (ii) the continuation of Base
      Salary for 90 days after such termination, and (iii) the compensation and
      benefits set forth in clauses (B), (C), (D) and (F) of Section 3.1(a).

      Section 3.2 Termination Event. "Termination Event" means the Executive's
resignation without Good Reason or termination by the Company for Cause. In the
event of a termination due to a Termination Event, the Executive shall receive
his accrued Base Salary and accrued entitlements through the date of
termination. In the event the Executive resigns from the Company without Good
Reason, such resignation only becomes effective upon 60 days' written notice to
the Company.

      Section 3.3 Resignation from the Board of Directors and Offices. In the
event of Executive's termination of employment for any reason (including the
failure of the Company to renew the Agreement), such termination or non-renewal
shall also be considered a resignation as


                                       4
<PAGE>

a member of the Board of Directors, a resignation from the board of directors of
any affiliates or subsidiaries of the Company and a resignation from any offices
held by the Executive with the Company or with any of its affiliates or
subsidiaries.

ARTICLE IV: MISCONDUCT AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

      Executive agrees to be bound by the provisions of the World Wide Business
Conduct Policy and the Employee Proprietary Rights and Confidentiality Agreement
attached hereto as Schedule B. The provisions of such documents are incorporated
into this Agreement.

ARTICLE V: NON-COMPETITION; NON-SOLICITATION; INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

      Simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, Executive shall
execute and deliver to the Company a non-competition agreement in the form
attached hereto as Schedule C (the "Non-Competition Agreement"), which shall
become effective if and when this Agreement becomes effective as provided in
Section 1.1 hereof.

ARTICLE VI: INDEMNIFICATION

      The Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law
indemnify and hold harmless Executive from all claims or expenses that may be
asserted against the Company and affiliates thereof due to his employment, or
that may otherwise derive from Executive's employment as contemplated under this
Agreement, in accordance with the Company's charter and bylaws. The Company
shall purchase and maintain for the benefit of Executive a director's and
officer's liability policy.

ARTICLE VII: MISCELLANEOUS

      Section 7.1 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other
communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been duly given when personally delivered, sent by facsimile or when mailed
by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, addressed to such address or sent to such facsimile number as each
party may furnish to the other in writing from time to time. Unless notified
otherwise by Executive, copies of notices or other communications sent to
Executive shall be sent to the address noted on the signature page attached
hereto.

      Section 7.2 Applicable Law, Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement is
entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the
State of Wisconsin. In any such litigation, each party hereto waives personal
service of any summons, complaint or other process and agrees that the service
thereof may be made by certified mail directed to such party at his or its
address for purposes of notice under Section 7.1 hereof.

      Section 7.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto at any time to
give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with,
any condition or provision of this Agreement shall (i) be deemed a waiver of
similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or
subsequent time or (ii) preclude insistence upon strict compliance in the
future.

      Section 7.4 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines
that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the
invalidity or unenforceability of that provision all not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all other
provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

                                       5
<PAGE>

      Section 7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

      Section 7.6 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for
purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

      Section 7.7 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the
masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number
includes the plural and conversely.

      Section 7.8 Affiliate. As used in this Agreement, unless otherwise
indicated, "affiliate" shall has the same definition as set forth in the
Recapitalization Agreement.

      Section 7.9 Assignment. This Agreement, and the rights and obligations of
the parties hereunder, are personal and neither this Agreement, nor any right,
benefit or obligation of either party hereto, shall be subject to voluntary or
involuntary assignment, alienation or transfer, whether by operation of law or
otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other party except that
vested rights to payment shall be subject to devise, and shall descend in
accordance with applicable laws of inheritance.

      Section 7.10 Effects of Termination of Employment. Except as otherwise
provided herein or under any benefit plan or other agreement between the Company
and the Executive, termination of Executive's employment under this Agreement
shall not affect any right or obligation of either party hereto which is accrued
or vested prior to or upon such termination or the rights and obligations set
forth herein.

      Section 7.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, contains all
the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the
parties with respect to employment of Executive by the Company, and supersedes
all prior employment agreements between the Executive and the Company or any of
its predecessors. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no
representation, inducement, promise or agreement, oral or written, has been made
by either party, or by anyone acting on behalf of either party, which is not
embodied herein, and that no agreement, statement, or promise relating to the
employment of Executive by the Company, which is not contained in this
Agreement, shall be valid or binding. Any modification of this Agreement will be
effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

      Section 7.12 Attorney's Fees. Pursuant to the terms of a side letter (the
"Side Letter"), Executive shall be entitled to be reimbursed for reasonable
attorney's fees incurred in the negotiation of this Agreement to the limit
established in the Side Letter. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to
reimbursement of attorney's fees in any litigation between the Company and
Executive with respect to Executive's enforcement of this Agreement to the
extent Executive prevails in such litigation.

                                       6
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first written above.

                                    MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

                                    By: /s/ Michael S. Erwin
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                    Name: Michael S. Erwin
                                    Title: President
                                        /s/ Peter A. Kerrick
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Executive

                                    Acknowledged by
                                    MHE INVESTMENTS, INC.

                                    By: /s/ Michael S. Shein
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                    Name:  Michael S. Shein
                                    Title: Vice President
                                        /s/ Peter A. Kerrick
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Executive

                                       7

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


      EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") by and between Morris Material
Handling, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Edward J. Doolan
("Executive").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

      WHEREAS, the Executive is a valued and important employee of the Company,
and possesses significant information about its strategic plans and other trade
secrets; and

      WHEREAS, the Executive has been offered the opportunity to purchase units
of Niles, LLC, in connection with the recapitalization contemplated by that
certain Recapitalization Agreement, among Harnischfeger Corporation, the Sellers
named therein and MHE Investments, Inc., dated January 28, 1998 (the
"Recapitalization Agreement"), and to acquire options to purchase additional
units of MMH Holdings, Inc., ("MMH") the owner of all of the stock of the
Company; and

      WHEREAS, the Executive desires to purchase such units and to acquire such
options, and understands that the offer to purchase units and acquire options is
contingent upon the execution of this Agreement; and

      WHEREAS, the Company wishes to secure the services of Executive after the
Recapitalization, and Executive wishes to furnish such services to the Company,
pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Agreement;

      NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the mutual promises, covenants
and obligations contained herein, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

ARTICLE I: EMPLOYMENT, TERM AND DUTIES
      
      Section 1.1. Condition Precedent. This Agreement shall take effect
immediately upon Harnischfeger Corporation or one of its Affiliates (as that
term is defined in the Recapitalization Agreement) selling 50 percent or more of
the outstanding shares of MMH to any party which is an affiliate of Chartwell
Investments Inc., (the "Effective Date"). Should Harnischfeger Corporation or
one of its Affiliates not sell 50 percent or more of the outstanding shares of
the Company to a party which is an affiliate of Chartwell Investments Inc. prior
to July 31, 1998, then this Agreement becomes void ab initio.

      Section 1.2. Term. Unless terminated sooner pursuant to the occurrence of
an "Employment Related Event" or a "Termination Event" (both terms as defined in
Article III) and subject to the other terms and provisions of this Agreement,
the Company agrees to employ Executive and Executive agrees to be employed by
the Company, for the period beginning as of the Effective Date and continuing
until the third anniversary of the Effective Date. The Agreement will be
extended for one year on the third anniversary of the Effective Date and on each
anniversary thereafter unless either party gives 60 days' written notice of
failure to renew or termination prior to any such anniversary date; provided,
however, that any such non-renewal by the Company shall void the Executive's
postemployment obligations contained in the Non-Competition Agreement referred
to in Article V of this Agreement. The Executive may voluntarily resign
employment at any time upon providing 60 days' written notice to the Company's
Board of Directors; provided, however, that the obligations of the Executive
under Article IV (Confidential Information) hereof, and the post-employment
obligations of Executive
<PAGE>

contained in the separate Non-Competition Agreement referred to in Article V
hereof shall survive such resignation. The Executive's entitlement to any
severance benefits or payments following termination of employment shall be
governed solely by Article III of this Agreement, and the Executive shall have
no entitlement to any such benefits or payments other than as set forth in
Article III of this Agreement, or as required to be provided to the Executive by
operation of law.

      Section 1.3 Title. From and after the Effective Date, the Company shall
employ Executive in the position of Vice President, or such other title as
mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Executive.

      Section 1.4 Duties. Executive agrees to serve in the position referred to
in Section 1.3 and to perform diligently and to the best of his abilities the
duties and services pertaining to such office, as well as such additional duties
and services appropriate to such office as the Board of Directors of the Company
("Board of Directors") may reasonably assign to Executive from time to time.

      Section 1.5 Business Time and Efforts. Executive agrees, during the period
of employment by the Company, to devote all of his business time, energy and
best efforts to the business and affairs of the Company and its affiliates and
not to engage, directly or indirectly, in any other business or businesses,
whether or not similar to that of the Company, except with the prior written
consent of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE II: COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

      Section 2.1 Base Salary. During the term of this Agreement, Executive
shall receive an annual base salary of $109,800, subject to annual review by the
Board of Directors.

      Section 2.2 Bonus. The Company and Executive shall annually establish an
objective, performance-based bonus plan for Executive. The percentages, targets,
and other terms of the plan will be as mutually agreed upon between the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. It is anticipated that, for fiscal year 1998,
the bonus plan will be based on Economic Value Added, while for fiscal 1999 and
after the plan will be based on EBITDA. Bonuses will be earned over the
Company's fiscal year ending October 31, and shall be paid by the Company to the
Executive as soon as practicable in accordance with the Company's bonus payment
procedures.

      Section 2.3 Equity.

                  (a) Equity Purchase. Executive shall be eligible to purchase
      an initial amount of Equity in Niles LLC for payment as agreed upon
      between Niles LLC and the Executive.

                  (b) Equity Options. Executive shall be eligible to receive an
      initial option grant of 200 A Options, 200 B Options and 276 C Options
      pursuant to the terms of Schedule A, attached hereto.

      Section 2.4 Other Perquisites. During his employment hereunder, Executive
shall be afforded the following incidental benefits:

                  (a) Expenses. Executive shall be entitled to be reimbursed for
      all customary and reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in the
      performance of his 


                                       2
<PAGE>

      duties and responsibilities, subject to such reasonable substantiation and
      documentation as may be required by the Company in accordance with its
      normal policies.

                  (b) Other Company Benefits. Subject to the terms of each plan,
      program or arrangement as the case may be, Executive and, to the extent
      applicable, Executive's family, dependents and beneficiaries, shall be
      allowed to participate in all benefits, plans and programs, including
      improvements or modifications of the same, which are now, or may hereafter
      be, available to similarly situated employees of the Company generally.
      The Company shall not, however, by reason of this paragraph be obligated
      to institute, maintain, or refrain from changing, amending or
      discontinuing, any such benefit plan or program, so long as such changes
      are similarly applicable to employees of the Company generally.

      Section 2.5 Withholding of Taxes. The Company may withhold from any
benefits or compensation payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city
or other taxes as may be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation
or ruling.

ARTICLE III: TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

      Section 3.1 Employment-Related Event. An "Employment-Related Event" means
any of the following: (a) Executive's resignation for Good Reason (as defined
below), (b) Executive's termination by the Company without Cause (as defined
below) or (c) Executive's death or permanent disability (as defined below).
Should an Employment Related Event occur, the Executive shall only be entitled
to the benefits and payments set forth below, and Executive specifically agrees
to sign a Release as drafted by the Company under which the Executive shall
agree to waive and release all other rights and entitlement, whether legal,
contractual or equitable (including waiving and releasing any claims alleging
discrimination and/or harassment to the maximum extent allowed by law) in order
to be entitled to such benefits and payments.

                  (a) Good Reason. The Executive may terminate his employment
      under this Agreement for Good Reason, after having given the Company
      written notice specifying the reason the Executive is terminating his
      employment and having given the Company thirty days after such notice
      within which to cure the condition specified. "Good Reason" means any of
      the following: (i) a material reduction of the Executive's duties or
      authority as provided in the Agreement or as later increased by the Board
      of Directors; (ii) a substantial change in work conditions; (iii) a
      material decrease in compensation or benefits; (iv) relocation of his
      principal workplace over 50 miles from his initial workplace without
      Executive's consent; (v) the breach of this Agreement by the Company or an
      affiliate of the Company; (vi) a change in control of the Company (as
      defined in Schedule D hereto); or (vii) the failure by the Company to
      obtain the assumption of this Agreement by any successor to or assignee of
      the Company or any purported termination of this Agreement which does not
      satisfy the requirements of this Agreement. If at the end of such notice
      period, the Company has not cured such condition, the written notice shall
      take effect, and the Executive will be entitled to the following: (A)
      continuation of his then current Base Salary (prior to any reduction that
      constitutes Good Reason) for twelve months from the date of termination
      payable in accordance with Company payroll practice; (B) continuation of
      health and life insurance benefits for twenty-four months at the Company's
      expense subject to applicable cost-sharing arrangements, co-payments, and
      deductibles in place immediately prior the Executive's termination
      (provided, however, that such health benefits shall not be counted toward
      the Executive's entitlement for COBRA, and that such health and life
      insurance benefits shall terminate immediately upon Executive obtaining
      employment with a third 


                                       3
<PAGE>

      party which provides health and life insurance benefits); (C) a "pro-rated
      bonus" for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs which shall be
      payable at the time the Company customarily pays bonuses; (D) the
      continuation of all other perquisites for six months; (E) reasonable
      outplacement assistance for six months (including out of pocket expenses
      of the Executive to search for a job not to exceed $5000); and (F)
      payment, if requested by the Executive, for all equity in MMH or the
      Company owned by the Executive or his family (including but not limited to
      Equity Units), payable in equal quarterly installments over the
      twenty-four month period following termination, provided, however, that if
      this option is requested, the equity shall be valued as of the date of
      termination at its fair market value by the Compensation Committee of the
      Board of Directors and shall be repurchased so long as permitted under the
      terms of any financing documents, including but not limited to indentures
      or loan agreements applicable to the Company or any direct or indirect
      parent entity of the Company at such time. For purposes of this Agreement,
      a "pro-rated bonus" means the portion of the bonus that is arrived at by
      using the number of days the Executive was employed by the Company in the
      year of termination as the numerator of a fraction of which 365 is the
      denominator and then multiplying the bonus the Executive was otherwise
      eligible to receive by such fraction.

                                       4
<PAGE>

                  (b) Termination by the Company without Cause. If the Company
      terminates the Executive's employment under this Agreement without Cause,
      the Executive shall be entitled to the following: (i) a lump sum payment
      equal to his then current annual Base Salary plus a lump sum payment equal
      to the Base Salary which would have otherwise been payable for the balance
      of the fiscal year in which termination occurs, and (ii) the same benefits
      and compensation and payable at the same time as provided in clauses (B)
      through (F) of Section 3.1(a). "Cause" means any of the following acts by
      the Executive which, if curable, have not been cured by Executive within
      30 days' written notice thereof: (i) willful failure to substantially and
      materially perform his duties as assigned to him by Board of Directors
      (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive's reasonable
      business judgment or incapacity due to physical or mental illness); (ii)
      commission of a fraud on the Company; (iii) breach of fiduciary duty
      involving material personal gain; or (iv) willful misconduct materially
      and demonstrably injurious or detrimental to the Company or its
      affiliates.

                  (c) Death or Permanent Disability. This Agreement shall
      terminate immediately upon the Executive's Death or Permanent Disability.
      Permanent Disability shall have the same meaning as set forth in the
      Company's long term disability policy. Upon termination for Death or
      Permanent Disability, the Executive, or his estate, shall receive the
      following: (i) all accrued Base Salary and other accrued entitlements
      earned through the date of termination, (ii) the continuation of Base
      Salary for 90 days after such termination, and (iii) the compensation and
      benefits set forth in clauses (B), (C), (D) and (F) of Section 3.1(a).

      Section 3.2 Termination Event. "Termination Event" means the Executive's
resignation without Good Reason or termination by the Company for Cause. In the
event of a termination due to a Termination Event, the Executive shall receive
his accrued Base Salary and accrued entitlements through the date of
termination. In the event the Executive resigns from the Company without Good
Reason, such resignation only becomes effective upon 60 days' written notice to
the Company.

      Section 3.3 Resignation from the Board of Directors and Offices. In the
event of Executive's termination of employment for any reason (including the
failure of the Company to renew the Agreement), such termination or non-renewal
shall also be considered a resignation as a member of the Board of Directors, a
resignation from the board of directors of any affiliates or subsidiaries of the
Company and a resignation from any offices held by the Executive with the
Company or with any of its affiliates or subsidiaries.

ARTICLE IV: MISCONDUCT AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

      Executive agrees to be bound by the provisions of the World Wide Business
Conduct Policy and the Employee Proprietary Rights and Confidentiality Agreement
attached hereto as Schedule B. The provisions of such documents are incorporated
into this Agreement.

                                       5
<PAGE>

ARTICLE V: NON-COMPETITION; NON-SOLICITATION; INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

      Simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, Executive shall
execute and deliver to the Company a non-competition agreement in the form
attached hereto as Schedule C (the "Non-Competition Agreement"), which shall
become effective if and when this Agreement becomes effective as provided in
Section 1.1 hereof.

ARTICLE VI: INDEMNIFICATION

      The Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law
indemnify and hold harmless Executive from all claims or expenses that may be
asserted against the Company and affiliates thereof due to his employment, or
that may otherwise derive from Executive's employment as contemplated under this
Agreement, in accordance with the Company's charter and bylaws. The Company
shall purchase and maintain for the benefit of Executive a director's and
officer's liability policy.

ARTICLE VII: MISCELLANEOUS

      Section 7.1 Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other
communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to
have been duly given when personally delivered, sent by facsimile or when mailed
by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage
prepaid, addressed to such address or sent to such facsimile number as each
party may furnish to the other in writing from time to time. Unless notified
otherwise by Executive, copies of notices or other communications sent to
Executive shall be sent to the address noted on the signature page attached
hereto.

      Section 7.2 Applicable Law, Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement is
entered into under, and shall be governed for all purposes by, the laws of the
State of Wisconsin. In any such litigation, each party hereto waives personal
service of any summons, complaint or other process and agrees that the service
thereof may be made by certified mail directed to such party at his or its
address for purposes of notice under Section 7.1 hereof.

      Section 7.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto at any time to
give notice of any breach by the other party of, or to require compliance with,
any condition or provision of this Agreement shall (i) be deemed a waiver of
similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or
subsequent time or (ii) preclude insistence upon strict compliance in the
future.

      Section 7.4 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction determines
that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the
invalidity or unenforceability of that provision all not affect the validity or
enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and all other
provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

      Section 7.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
together will constitute one and the same Agreement.

      Section 7.6 Headings. The paragraph headings have been inserted for
purposes of convenience and shall not be used for interpretive purposes.

      Section 7.7 Gender and Plurals. Wherever the context so requires, the
masculine gender includes the feminine or neuter, and the singular number
includes the plural and 


                                       6
<PAGE>

conversely.

      Section 7.8 Affiliate. As used in this Agreement, unless otherwise
indicated, "affiliate" shall have the same definition as set forth in the
Recapitalization Agreement.

      Section 7.9 Assignment. This Agreement, and the rights and obligations of
the parties hereunder, are personal and neither this Agreement, nor any right,
benefit or obligation of either party hereto, shall be subject to voluntary or
involuntary assignment, alienation or transfer, whether by operation of law or
otherwise, without the prior written consent of the other party except that
vested rights to payment shall be subject to devise, and shall descend in
accordance with applicable laws of inheritance.

      Section 7.10 Effects of Termination of Employment. Except as otherwise
provided herein or under any benefit plan or other agreement between the Company
and the Executive, termination of Executive's employment under this Agreement
shall not affect any right or obligation of either party hereto which is accrued
or vested prior to or upon such termination or the rights and obligations set
forth herein.

      Section 7.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement of the parties with regard to the subject matter hereof, contains all
the covenants, promises, representations, warranties and agreements between the
parties with respect to employment of Executive by the Company, and supersedes
all prior employment agreements between the Executive and the Company or any of
its predecessors. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no
representation, inducement, promise or agreement, oral or written, has been made
by either party, or by anyone acting on behalf of either party, which is not
embodied herein, and that no agreement, statement, or promise relating to the
employment of Executive by the Company, which is not contained in this
Agreement, shall be valid or binding. Any modification of this Agreement will be
effective only if it is in writing and signed by the party to be charged.

      Section 7.12 Attorney's Fees. Pursuant to the terms of a side letter (the
"Side Letter"), Executive shall be entitled to be reimbursed for reasonable
attorney's fees incurred in the negotiation of this Agreement to the limit
established in the Side Letter. In addition, Executive shall be entitled to
reimbursement of attorney's fees in any litigation between the Company and
Executive with respect to Executive's enforcement of this Agreement to the
extent Executive prevails in such litigation.



                                       7
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the date first written above.

                                    MORRIS MATERIAL HANDLING, INC.

                                    By: /s/ Michael S. Erwin
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                    Name: Michael S. Erwin
                                    Title: President
                                        /s/ Edward J. Doolan
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Executive


                                    Acknowledged by
                                    MHE INVESTMENTS, INC.

                                    By: /s/ Michael S. Shein
                                      ---------------------------------------
                                    Name:  Michael S. Shein
                                    Title: Vice President
                                        /s/ Edward J. Doolan
                                    -----------------------------------------
                                    Executive

                                       8




                              DATED MARCH 30, 1998

                           MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING

                                      -and-

                                   M J MADDOCK

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

                                SERVICE AGREEMENT

                                 ---------------
<PAGE>

      THIS AGREEMENT is made the 30th day of March, One thousand nine hundred
and ninety-eight

      BETWEEN:-

      (1)   MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING whose registered office is at P.O. Box 7,
            North Road, Loughborough LE11 1RL.

      (2)   MICHAEL JOHN MADDOCK of Ulverscroft Close, Ashby Road, Gilmorton,
            Lutterworth LE17 5LY.

      WHEREBY IT IS AGREED THAT:-

      1. INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITONS

      1.1 In this Agreement the following words, phrases and expressions shall
      have the following meanings:-

            "the Board"                    the Directors of the Company present
                                           at a meeting of the Directors or at a
                                           duly convened meeting of a Committee
                                           of the Directors

            "the Commencement Date"        the date of this agreement

            "the Company"                  Morris Mechanical Handling Limited

            "the Executive"                Michael John Maddock

            "the Group"                    the Company and its subsidiaries (as
                                           defined in the Companies Act 1985 as
                                           amended by the Companies Act 1989)
                                           and any associated company (which
                                           expression shall mean any company
                                           which is not a subsidiary of which
                                           not less than 20% of its equity share
                                           capital is beneficially owned by the
                                           Company) of the Company together with
                                           MMH Holdings, Inc., a Delaware,
                                           U.S.A. corporation.

      1.2 Any reference to a statutory provision shall be deemed to include all
      re-enactments and modifications of it or the provision referred to and any
      regulations made under it or under the provision referred to.
<PAGE>

      1.3 The headings in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience
      only. They are not to affect its interpretation.

      2. THE EXECUTIVE'S APPOINTMENT

      2.1 The Company will employ the Executive and the Executive will serve the
      Company on and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

      2.2 The Executive's employment began on the Commencement Date. The
      Executive's period of continuous employment (taking into account any
      employment with a previous employer which counts towards that period)
      began on 2nd January 1989.

      2.3 The Executive's employment will continue from the Commencement Date
      and thereafter unless and until it is terminated pursuant to clause 10 or
      by either:-

            2.3.1 the Company giving to the Executive not less than twelve
                  months written notice; or

            2.3.2 The Executive giving to the Company not less than twelve
                  months written notice.

      3. THE EXECUTIVE'S DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS

      3.1 The Executive is to act as Vice President -- Middle East/Asia Pacific
      Region of Morris Mechanical Handling, Inc., reporting to the Chairman.

      3.2 Whilst the Executive is employed by the Company he will:-

            3.2.1 perform his duties with reasonable skill and care and to the
                  best of his ability

            3.2.2 comply with all reasonable directions from time to time given
                  to him by the Board and at all times keep the Board properly
                  informed of matters which come to his attention which may
                  materially affect the business of the Company or any member of
                  the Group

            3.2.3 devote the whole of his working time, abilities and attention
                  to his duties

            3.2.4 work such hours as the Company may reasonably require whether
                  or not these are outside normal business hours

            3.2.5 at all times serve the Company and the Group well and
                  faithfully.


                                       2
<PAGE>

      3.3 Whilst the Executive is employed by the Company he will not:-

            3.3.1 do anything which may in the reasonable opinion of the Board
                  bring any member of the Group into disrepute or harm the
                  goodwill or commercial image of any member of the Group or
                  which is or is likely to be damaging or prejudicial to the
                  business and/or commercial interests of the Company or the
                  Group

            3.3.2 be engaged or interested (except with the prior written
                  approval of the Board) in any other trade, profession,
                  business or occupation (including any public or private
                  activity which in the reasonable opinion of the Board may
                  interfere with the proper performance of his duties) or hold
                  any directorship or other office in any company or other body
                  whether incorporated or unincorporated.

      3.4 Nothing contained in this Agreement shall preclude the Executive from
      holding not more than 3% of the issued shares or other securities of any
      class of a company which are quoted or dealt in on a recognized Stock
      Exchange.

      3.5 The initial location of the Executive is at North Road, Loughborough.
      The Executive will however travel both within the UK and abroad as may be
      necessary for the proper performance of his duties and will spend nights
      away from the initial location and/or his home where that is necessary for
      the performance of his duties. The Executive will not be required without
      his consent to locate his office on a full time basis whether permanently
      or temporarily to any place outside a radius of 50 miles from the initial
      location.

      3.6 There are no disciplinary rules on the date of this Agreement which
      are specifically applicable to the Executive (other than the provisions of
      this Agreement). The Executive shall be expected to behave at all times in
      a manner appropriate to his position and responsibilities and to comply
      with any staff rules in force from time to time. The Board may however
      introduce and amend such disciplinary rules as it thinks fit.

      3.7 If the Executive is dissatisfied with any disciplinary action taken
      against him or has any grievance relating to his employment he may apply
      for redress to the Chairman of the Company whose decision shall be final
      and binding, subject to any recourse to law which the Executive may have.

      3.8 Unless the Board prescribes otherwise, and save as expressly provided
      in the Agreement there will be no specific terms or conditions relating to
      the Executive's hours of work. The Executive shall work such hours as may
      be necessary or appropriate from time to time to carry out his duties
      properly and effectively.


                                       3
<PAGE>

      4. RENUMERATION AND EXPENSES

      4.1 The Executive will receive a salary at the rate of (pound)80,900 per
      annum. This will be reviewed by the Board (or by any Compensation or
      Remuneration Committee established for that purpose) at least once a year.

      4.2 The salary is payable by equal monthly installments in arrears on the
      last day of each month (or such other day as the Board shall from time to
      time decide). It will be deemed to accrue from day to day.

      4.3 The salary includes all remuneration or fees to which the Executive
      shall be entitled as a Director or officer of any member of the Group.

      4.4 The Company or the relevant Group member will reimburse all reasonable
      travelling, hotel, entertaining and other expenses properly incurred by
      the Executive in the performance of his duties. The Executive will provide
      whatever receipts or other supporting documentation may be required and
      will comply with the Company's policy and rules relating to the incurring
      and reimbursement of expenditure as may be in force from time to time.

      4.5 The Executive will be entitled to receive a bonus calculated and paid
      in accordance with the provisions of the management bonus scheme from time
      to time maintained by the Company.

      4.6 For each of 1998 and 1999, the Executive shall receive an additional
      payment in the amount of (pound)56,250.

      4.7 The Executive shall be eligible to receive an initial option grant
      with respect to _____ "Equity Units" (as defined under the Company's
      Option Plan in accordance with the general terms set forth in Schedule A).

      5. BENEFITS

      5.1 The Company will provide for the private and business use of the
      Executive a suitable motor car in accordance with the policy of the
      Company as determined by the Board from time to time.

      5.2 The Company will pay the cost of insuring, taxing and maintaining the
      car and will reimburse the Executive all the business and private running
      expenses thereof. The Executive will ensure that the car is serviced in
      accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and that he complies at
      all time with the requirements and provisions of the policy of insurance
      in force in respect of the car from time to time.


                                       4
<PAGE>

      5.3 The car is to remain the property of the Company. On termination of
      this Agreement the Executive is to return it in good condition (fair wear
      and tear excepted) to the Company together with its keys and all documents
      relating to it.

      5.4 The Executive shall be entitled to benefits under such private health
      plan as the Board may determine from time to time (on the National Scale
      appropriate to the nearest hospital to the Executive's home) under its
      rules from time to time in force for the benefit of the Executive his
      spouse and his children who are resident in the United Kingdom and are
      under the age of 21 or who are more than that age but are engaged in a
      full time course of education.

      5.5 The Company will reimburse the Executive with all reasonable expenses
      incurred by the Executive arising out of the Executive's use of his home
      telephone.

      6. PENSION

      6.1 Subject to the terms of the Trust Deed, the Scheme rules and any other
      scheme documentation from time to time in force the Executive will be
      entitled to join and be a member of the pension scheme or schemes to be
      established by the Company and the Company will procure that the benefits
      to which the Executive is entitled pursuant to such scheme or schemes are
      equal in value overall to the benefits which the Executive would have been
      entitled to under the Trafalgar House Executive Pension Scheme ("the
      Scheme") in respect of the Executive's service in the scheme to the
      Commencement Date. If he does so he will make contributions to and will be
      entitled to benefits under the Scheme in accordance with the Trust Deed
      and rules relating to it for the time being in force.

      6.2 A Contracting-Out Certificate issued under the Social Security Pension
      Act 1975 is in force in respect of the Executive's employment.

      6.3 Under the terms of the Scheme currently in force and applicable to the
      Executive, the Executive is entitled to retire early with the prior
      written consent of both the Company and the trustees of the Scheme. The
      Company hereby expressly grants its consent to the Executive retiring on
      or at any time after his 62nd birthday should he wish to do so. The
      Executive may in his absolute discretion retire on or after his 62nd
      birthday but cannot be compelled by the Company to do so. The Company also
      agrees to use all reasonable endeavours to procure the consent of the
      trustees of the Scheme to the Executive retiring on or at any time after
      his 62nd birthday should he wish to do so. The Company agrees to secure
      the Executive's retirement on or at any time after his 62nd birthday on
      the same basis as if the Executive had retired at age 65 and there shall
      be no actuarial discounts applied to the Executive's entitlement for his
      choosing to take early retirement. Insofar as it is required to do so in
      order for this provision to be effective, the Company agrees to make such
      payments as are necessary into the Scheme on behalf of the Executive to


                                       5
<PAGE>

      secure his early retirement without discounting his pension or lump sum
      entitlement.

      6.4 In the event that the Executive does choose to retire early, the
      provisions relating to normal retirement age referred to elsewhere in this
      Agreement shall be deemed altered to reflect the actual age at which the
      Executive chooses to retire.

      7. HOLIDAYS

      7.1 The Executive will be entitled (in addition to normal pubic and Bank
      holidays) to 25 working days' paid holiday each year. For these purposes
      the holiday year. For these purposes the holiday year starts on the 1st
      January.

      7.2 If the employment of the Executive is terminated during any calendar
      year he will be entitled to accrued holiday pay of one day's salary for
      each day of his accrued entitlement which he has not taken. These
      provisions will not apply if this Agreement is terminated pursuant to
      clause 10.1 in which event the Executive will have no claim for accrued
      holiday pay.

      7.3 For the purposes of clause 7.2 holidays are deemed to accrue from day
      to day and any holiday entitlement in respect of any holiday year not
      utilized by the end of that year shall be forfeit.

      7.4 All holidays are to be taken at times approved by the Board.

      7.5 The Company may require the Executive to take any unused holiday
      during any period of notice given by either party to terminate this
      agreement.

      8. SICKNESS AND MEDICAL EXAMINATION

      8.1 If the Executive is prevented by sickness or injury from properly
      performing his duties under this Agreement:-

            8.1.1 during the first six continuous months of such absence he will
                  be entitled to continue to receive the salary and benefits set
                  out herein at full rate. After such period payment (other than
                  payment of any Statutory Sick Pay to which the Executive may
                  be entitled) will cease and the provisions of clause 8.3 will
                  apply.

            8.1.2 He will claim all state sickness benefits available to him and
                  account to the Company for these during the period in which he
                  receives sick pay.


                                       6
<PAGE>

      8.2 Any salary paid to the Executive by virtue of clause 8.1.1 shall be
      deemed to satisfy any entitlement of the Executive to receive Statutory
      Sick Pay for the period to which the salary relates.

      8.3 If the Executive continues for more than six continuous months to be
      prevented by sickness or injury from properly performing his duties the
      Executive will be entitled to such benefits as are available to him from
      time to time under the rules of the permanent health insurance scheme of
      the Company and the payment of salary or other benefits shall be at the
      discretion of the Board. This clause takes effect subject to clause 10.

      8.4 Salary paid by the Company to the Executive in respect of any period
      of absence resulting from the negligence of a third party shall be
      recoverable by the Company out of any damages he the is paid by or on
      behalf of that third party.

      8.5 The Board may at its discretion require the Executive to furnish
      evidence satisfactory to it of any sickness or injury of the Executive. It
      may also require him from time to time to undergo a medical examination by
      a medical practitioner nominated by the Company. The Company will bear the
      costs of any such examination and will be entitled to full disclosure of
      the results.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY

      9.1 By virtue of his senior position the Executive acknowledges that he
      will acquire detailed knowledge of the commercial affairs and business
      transactions of the Company and the Group including without limitation
      trade secrets and confidential information about customers, suppliers,
      terms of sale, terms of supply, plans for growth and expansion and
      technical and product improvements and developments. The Executive is
      hereby made expressly aware and agrees that all of such information ("the
      Confidential Information") is the property of and confidential to the
      Company and the Group.

      9.2 The Executive shall keep secret and shall not at any time (either
      during the continuance of this Agreement or after its termination
      howsoever arising) divulge to any person or use of copy for his own or
      another's benefit any of the Confidential Information. The Executive will
      use reasonable endeavours to prevent the publication or disclosure of any
      such information and will notify the Board forthwith of any instances of
      disclosure of which he is aware.

      9.3 The restrictions set out in clause 9.2 are not to apply to
      information:-

            9.3.1 divulged by the Executive in the proper performance of his
                  duties

            9.3.2 required by an order of the Board any Court of competent
                  jurisdiction to be disclosed by the Executive


                                       7
<PAGE>

            9.3.3 within the public domain through no fault of the Executive.

10. TERMINATION

      10.1 The company may (without prejudice to and in addition to any other
      remedy and notwithstanding the provisions of clause 2.3) terminate this
      Agreement (and Executive's employment) immediately and without notice or
      payment in lieu of notice upon the death of Executive, the expiration of
      the term hereof, or for "Cause". Cause shall exist if the Executive:-

           10.1.1 becomes a patient within the meaning of the Mental Health Act
                  1983 or is otherwise absent from work through sickness or
                  disability for a period exceeding six months in any twelve
                  month period

           10.1.2 is declared bankrupt by a court of competent jurisdiction,
                  applies for a receiving order or administration order, has a
                  receiving order or administration order made against him or
                  enters into any arrangement or composition with his creditors
                  or otherwise takes the benefit of any statutory provision for
                  the relief of insolvent debtors

           10.1.3 without reasonable cause neglects refuses or fails to perform
                  all or any of his duties under this Agreement to an extent
                  which is material and continues to do so after having been
                  warned in writing by the Board about such neglect refusal or
                  failure

           10.1.4 at any time and for whatever reason resigns from any
                  Directorship which he holds within the Group without the
                  consent of the Board or is disqualified from acting as a
                  Director.

      10.2 A decision to terminate the Executive's employment pursuant to the
      provisions of clause 10.1 shall be effective if taken or approved or
      ratified by the Board and shall be communicated to the Executive in
      writing.

      10.3 The employment of the Executive and this Agreement will come to an
      end automatically on the last day of the month in which the Executive
      reaches normal retirement age (currently age 65), provided, however, that
      the Executive may elect, in his sole discretion, to retire and terminate
      his Employment and this Agreement upon his attainment of age 62.

      10.4 Upon the termination of this Agreement under clause 10.1 or 10.3 the
      Executive will be entitled to receive only the Accrued Benefits described
      in clause 10.5.3(i). If Executive's employment is terminated during the
      term hereof other than for Cause, death or the attainment of age 65,


                                       8
<PAGE>

      Executive shall be entitled to receive all of the benefits described in
      clause 10.5.3.

      10.5 The Executive's termination of this Agreement is governed under the
      provisions set forth below.

           10.5.1 Upon termination of this Agreement by Executive other than for
                  "Good Reason" (as hereinafter defined), Executive shall be
                  entitled to receive only the Accrued Benefits described in
                  clause 10.5.3(i).

           10.5.2 Executive may terminate his employment under this Agreement
                  for Good Reason at any time during the term hereof unless this
                  Agreement has previously expired or been terminated by reason
                  of (i) the death of Executive, (ii) attainment by Executive of
                  age 65; (iii) termination of this Agreement by the Company for
                  Cause, or (iv) voluntary termination of this Agreement by
                  Executive other than for Good Reason. Termination by Executive
                  for "Good Reason" shall mean termination by Executive of his
                  employment hereunder because of:-

                  (i) the failure by the Company to pay or cause to be paid the
                  base salary, benefits, and bonus required by this Agreement
                  and a continuation of such failure for 10 days after the
                  Company receives notice thereof; or

                  (ii) a material diminishment in the responsibilities and
                  duties assigned to Executive by the Company or any other
                  material breach by the Company of any of the terms of this
                  Agreement and the continuation of such breach for thirty days
                  after the Company shall have received written notice of such
                  breach, which notice shall mean a notice that shall indicate
                  the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied
                  upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and
                  circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination under
                  the provision so indicated.

           10.5.3 Upon any termination by Executive of his employment under this
                  Agreement for Good Reason, the Company shall forthwith:-

                  (i) pay or cause to be paid to Executive in cash the following
                  accrued benefits ("Accrued Benefits"): (A) all salary earned
                  or accrued through the termination date; (B) reimburse
                  Executive for any and all monies advanced by the Executive in
                  connection with Executive's employment for reasonable and
                  necessary expenses incurred by Executive through the
                  termination date; and (C) pay all other amounts and benefits
                  to which Executive may be entitled under the terms of any


                                       9
<PAGE>

                  benefit plan of the Company. Payment of amounts other than
                  those described in subsection (C) hereof shall be made within
                  10 days after the termination date. Payment of amounts under
                  subsection (C) hereof shall be pursuant to the terms of any
                  such plans either by the Company or a trust implementing such
                  plan; and

                  (ii) pay or cause to be paid to Executive (a) for one year
                  after his termination, the annual base salary payable to
                  Executive hereunder immediately prior to such termination in
                  accordance with the Company's normal payroll practices, and
                  (b) a lump sum, payable upon termination, arrived at by
                  multiplying (pound)56,250 by a number equal to two minus "X",
                  where "X" equals the number of times Executive received the
                  additional amount payable pursuant to clause 4.6 hereof.

            In addition, for purposes of the Company's medical, dental and life
            insurance programs, Executive shall be considered and deemed for a
            period of one year following such termination or until Executive
            attains the age of 65 or until reasonably equivalent benefits are
            paid or extended by a new employer, whichever first occurs, to be a
            full-time employee of the Company and be entitled to all benefits,
            rights and privileges thereunder. If at the end of such year, if
            Executive has not attained the age of 65 or has not previously
            received or is not then receiving equivalent benefits from a new
            employer, the Company shall arrange, at its sole cost and expense
            (but not including premiums therefor), to enable Executive to
            convert the coverage under such polices to equivalent individual
            policies.

      10.6 On the termination of the Executive's employment for any reason:-

           10.6.1 the Executive will at the request of the Company immediately
                  resign from all directorships, offices and trusteeships within
                  the Group then held by him without compensation for loss of
                  office as such director, officer or trustee. The Executive
                  irrevocably authorizes the Company to appoint some person in
                  his name and on his behalf to sign any documents and do any
                  things necessary to effect such resignation should he fail to
                  do so himself.

           10.6.2 the Company may deduct from any salary or wages due from it to
                  the Executive any monies which are due from wages due the
                  Executive to it or to the Group.

           10.6.3 the Executive will return forthwith to the Company all books,
                  papers, records, correspondence, notes, memoranda, sketches,
                  technical drawings, specifications, and other documents and
                  all other property belonging to the Company or any Group


                                       10
<PAGE>

                  Company, to the Company's Head Office or as the Board shall
                  otherwise direct.

      10.7 Any provision of this Agreement which is expressed to have effect
      after its termination will continue in force in accordance with its terms.

      11. POST TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS

      11.1 The Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, during the period of
      twelve months immediately following the termination of this Agreement in
      any Specified Capacity:-

           11.1.1 solicit or endeavour to solicit orders from or entice away
                  from any Relevant Company as defined in clause 11.4.3 in
                  connection with any business falling within the definition of
                  "Specified Business" set out in clause 11.4.2 or deal with any
                  person, firm, company or organization who shall have been a
                  client or customer of any Relevant Company during the twelve
                  months preceding such termination; and

           11.1.2 attempt to induce or persuade any person who was employed by
                  any Relevant Company at the date of the termination of this
                  agreement or at any time during the twelve months preceding
                  such termination to leave such employment.

      11.2 The Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, during the period of
      twelve months after the termination of this agreement within the Specified
      Areas in any Specified Capacity carry on or be interested, engaged or
      concerned in all or any of the Specified Businesses in competition with
      (i) the Company or (ii) any member of the Group.

      11.3 The restrictions in clauses 11.1 and 11.2

           11.3.1 shall not apply to the Executive if this Agreement is
                  terminated by the Company in breach of contract or if an
                  industrial tribunal makes an award of compensation for unfair
                  dismissal against the Company in respect of the termination of
                  the Executive's employment; and

           11.3.2 any period of notice which is worked by the Executive
                  following termination or notice of termination by the Company
                  shall be deducted from the twelve month period for which
                  paragraphs 11.1 and 11.2 would otherwise apply; and


                                       11
<PAGE>

           11.3.3 are considered by the parties to be reasonable in all the
                  circumstances and for the legitimate and necessary protection
                  of the Confidential Information customer and trade connection
                  of the Company and the Group. If, however, any restriction is
                  found by a Court to be void as going beyond what is reasonable
                  in all the circumstances the restrictions will apply with such
                  modifications as may be necessary to render them valid and
                  effective.

      11.4 For the purposes of this clause:-

           11.4.1 "Specified Capacity" means each of the following capacities:-

                  11.4.1.1 as principal whether solely or jointly with any other
                           person

                  11.4.1.2 as partner with any other person

                  11.4.1.3 as agent for any other person

                  11.4.1.4 as an employee of any other person

                  11.4.1.5 as an officer of any company or

                  11.4.1.6 as the owner of any interest in any shares or other
                           securities in any company (other than in accordance
                           with clause 3.4).

           11.4.2 "Specified Business" means each of the following taken
                  separately:-

                  11.4.2.1 the design, manufacture, sale and distribution of
                           cranes, lifting equipment and associated and
                           component products and/or

                  11.4.2.2 each other business and/or activity of each member of
                           the Group with or in which the Executive has been
                           involved or had responsibility for during the 12
                           months immediately preceding the termination of this
                           agreement.

           11.4.3 "Relevant Company" means (i) the Company; and (ii) any member
                  of the Group.

           11.4.4 "Specified Areas" includes the United Kingdom and countries
                  forming part of the Middle East/Asia Pacific region.

      11.5 Each of the obligations contained in clause 11.1 above shall be a
      separate and several obligation.


                                       12
<PAGE>

      12. INVENTIONS

      12.1 If at any time during the continuance of this Agreement the Executive
      shall discover, make or conceive either by himself or jointly with any
      other person or persons any invention, discovery, formula, design,
      process, adaptation or improvement ("Intellectual Property") which relates
      to or is connected with or capable of being worked or employed in
      connection with any trade or business for the time being carried on by the
      Company and or the Group he shall forthwith supply in writing full
      particulars concerning the same to the Company.

      12.2 All ("Intellectual Property") which is either made in the course of
      the normal duties of the Executive or in the course of duties falling
      outside his normal duties but specifically assigned to him shall upon the
      discovery making or conception thereof belong to and vest in the Company
      absolutely and beneficially together with all rights to apply for patent
      or other protection thereby obtained. The Executive shall if so required
      by the Company and at the expense of the Company take all such steps and
      execute such documents as may be necessary fully and effectually to vest
      in the Company or as it may direct the full benefit of the said
      Intellectual Property and to give to the Company or its nominees such
      protection as it may require in respect thereof in any part of the world
      whether by way of patents or otherwise howsoever.

      12.3 In the event of any dispute arising between the Company and the
      Executive as to whether or not any invention communicated falls within the
      scope of sub-clause 12.2 hereof application will be made jointly by the
      Company and the Executive to the Comptroller General of Patents in
      accordance with Section 8 of the Patents Act 1977 for determination of the
      matter and his decision shall be final and binding.

      12.4 The Executive acknowledges that inventions may reasonably be expected
      to result from the carrying out of his normal duties and of any duties
      specifically assigned to him within the meaning of Section 39(1)(a) of the
      Patents Act 1977.

      12.5 The Executive acknowledges that because of the nature of his duties
      and the particular responsibilities arising from the nature of his duties
      he has a special obligation to further the interests of the undertaking of
      the Company and the Group within the meaning of Section 39(1)(a) of the
      Patents Act 1977.

      12.6 The Executive hereby irrevocably appoints the Company to be his
      attorney in his name and on his behalf to execute such instrument or do
      such things and generally to use his name for the purpose of giving to the
      Company (or its nominee) the benefit of the provisions of this clause and
      in favour of any third party a certificate in writing signed by any
      Director or Secretary of the Company that any instrument or act falls
      within the authority hereby conferred shall be conclusive evidence that
      such is the case. It is hereby agreed between the parties that the


                                       13
<PAGE>

      provisions of this Clause 12 shall survive in their entirety the
      termination of the Executive's employment for whatsoever reason.

      13. NOTICES

      13.1 Any notice to be given under this Agreement to the Executive may be
      given to him personally or sent to him by prepaid first class letter
      addressed to him at his last known place of residence. Any notice to be
      given to the Company may be served by leaving it at or sending it by
      prepaid first class letter to its registered office for the time being.

      13.2 Any notice served by post shall be deemed to have been served
      forty-eight hours after it was posted and proof that the notice was
      properly addressed, pre-paid and posted shall be sufficient evidence of
      service.

      14. GOVERNING LAW

      This agreement shall be interpreted and enforced in accordance with the
      laws of England.

      15. SUPERSESSION OF PREVIOUS AGREEMENTS

      This Agreement supersedes and is in substitution for any subsisting
      agreements between the Company (or any Group member) and the Executive
      relating to his employment. All such subsisting agreements are terminated
      by mutual consent with effect from the Commencement Date.


                                       14
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS whereof the parties have executed this Agreement on the date
      set out above.

EXECUTED as a Deed by

MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING LIMITED
in the presence of:- /s/ Steve Davis

      Director


SIGNED as a DEED by the 
said MICHAEL JOHN MADDOCK     /s/ Michael John Maddock
in the presence of:
                              /s/ L. J. Belton

                                       15



                              DATED MARCH 30, 1998

                           MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING

                                      -and-

                                  K B NORRIDGE

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

                                SERVICE AGREEMENT

                                 ---------------
<PAGE>

      THIS AGREEMENT is made the 30th day of March, One thousand nine hundred
and ninety-eight

      BETWEEN:-

      (1)   MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING whose registered office is at P.O. Box 7,
            North Road, Loughborough LE11 1RL.

      (2)   KENNETH BRUCE NORRIDGE of 28 Sanders Road, Quorn, Leicestershire.

      WHEREBY IT IS AGREED THAT:-

      1. INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITONS

      1.1 In this Agreement the following words, phrases and expressions shall
      have the following meanings:-

            "the Board"                 the Directors of the Company present at
                                        a meeting of the Directors or at a duly
                                        convened meeting of a Committee of the
                                        Directors

            "the Commencement Date"     the date of this agreement

            "the Company"               Morris Mechanical Handling Limited

            "the Executive"             Kenneth Bruce Norridge

            "the Group"                 the Company and its subsidiaries (as
                                        defined in the Companies Act 1985 as
                                        amended by the Companies Act 1989) and
                                        any associated company (which expression
                                        shall mean any company which is not a
                                        subsidiary of which not less than 20% of
                                        its equity share capital is beneficially
                                        owned by the Company) of the Company
                                        together with MMH Holdings, Inc., a
                                        Delaware, U.S.A. corporation.

      1.2 Any reference to a statutory provision shall be deemed to include all
      re-enactments and modifications of it or the provision referred to and any
      regulations made under it or under the provision referred to.
<PAGE>

      1.3 The headings in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience
      only. They are not to affect its interpretation.

      2. THE EXECUTIVE'S APPOINTMENT

      2.1 The Company will employ the Executive and the Executive will serve the
      Company on and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

      2.2 The Executive's employment began on the Commencement Date. The
      Executive's period of continuous employment (taking into account any
      employment with a previous employer which counts towards that period)
      began on 1st January 1979.

      2.3 The Executive's employment will continue from the Commencement Date
      and thereafter unless and until it is terminated pursuant to clause 10 or
      by either:-

            2.3.1 the Company giving to the Executive not less than twelve
                  months written notice; or

            2.3.2 The Executive giving to the Company not less than twelve
                  months written notice.

      3. THE EXECUTIVE'S DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS

      3.1 The Executive is to act as Vice President, Europe and Africa Region of
      Morris Mechanical Handling, Inc., reporting to the Chairman.

      3.2   Whilst the Executive is employed by the Company he will:-

            3.2.1 perform his duties with reasonable skill and care and to the
                  best of his ability

            3.2.2 comply with all reasonable directions from time to time given
                  to him by the Board and at all times keep the Board properly
                  informed of matters which come to his attention which may
                  materially affect the business of the Company or any member of
                  the Group

            3.2.3 devote the whole of his working time, abilities and attention
                  to his duties

            3.2.4 work such hours as the Company may reasonably require whether
                  or not these are outside normal business hours

            3.2.5 at all times serve the Company and the Group well and
                  faithfully.


                                       2
<PAGE>

      3.3   Whilst the Executive is employed by the Company he will not:-

            3.3.1 do anything which may in the reasonable opinion of the Board
                  bring any member of the Group into disrepute or harm the
                  goodwill or commercial image of any member of the Group or
                  which is or is likely to be damaging or prejudicial to the
                  business and/or commercial interests of the Company or the
                  Group

            3.3.2 be engaged or interested (except with the prior written
                  approval of the Board) in any other trade, profession,
                  business or occupation (including any public or private
                  activity which in the reasonable opinion of the Board may
                  interfere with the proper performance of his duties) or hold
                  any directorship or other office in any company or other body
                  whether incorporated or unincorporated.

      3.4 Nothing contained in this Agreement shall preclude the Executive from
      holding not more than 3% of the issued shares or other securities of any
      class of a company which are quoted or dealt in on a recognized Stock
      Exchange.

      3.5 The initial location of the Executive is at North Road, Loughborough.
      The Executive will however travel both within the UK and abroad as may be
      necessary for the proper performance of his duties and will spend nights
      away from the initial location and/or his home where that is necessary for
      the performance of his duties. The Executive will not be required without
      his consent to locate his office on a full time basis whether permanently
      or temporarily to any place outside a radius of 50 miles from the initial
      location.

      3.6 There are no disciplinary rules on the date of this Agreement which
      are specifically applicable to the Executive (other than the provisions of
      this Agreement). The Executive shall be expected to behave at all times in
      a manner appropriate to his position and responsibilities and to comply
      with any staff rules in force from time to time. The Board may however
      introduce and amend such disciplinary rules as it thinks fit.

      3.7 If the Executive is dissatisfied with any disciplinary action taken
      against him or has any grievance relating to his employment he may apply
      for redress to the Chairman of the Company whose decision shall be final
      and binding, subject to any recourse to law which the Executive may have.

      3.8 Unless the Board prescribes otherwise, and save as expressly provided
      in the Agreement there will be no specific terms or conditions relating to
      the Executive's hours of work. The Executive shall work such hours as may
      be necessary or appropriate from time to time to carry out his duties
      properly and effectively.


                                       3
<PAGE>

      4. RENUMERATION AND EXPENSES

      4.1 The Executive will receive a salary at the rate of (pound)79,000 per
      annum. This will be reviewed by the Board (or by any Compensation or
      Remuneration Committee established for that purpose) at least once a year.

      4.2 The salary is payable by equal monthly installments in arrears on the
      last day of each month (or such other day as the Board shall from time to
      time decide). It will be deemed to accrue from day to day.

      4.3 The salary includes all remuneration or fees to which the Executive
      shall be entitled as a Director or officer of any member of the Group.

      4.4 The Company or the relevant Group member will reimburse all reasonable
      travelling, hotel, entertaining and other expenses properly incurred by
      the Executive in the performance of his duties. The Executive will provide
      whatever receipts or other supporting documentation may be required and
      will comply with the Company's policy and rules relating to the incurring
      and reimbursement of expenditure as may be in force from time to time.

      4.5 The Executive will be entitled to receive a bonus calculated and paid
      in accordance with the provisions of the management bonus scheme from time
      to time maintained by the Company.

      4.6 For each of 1998 and 1999, the Executive shall receive an additional
      payment in the amount of (pound)56,250.

      4.7 The Company will pay any monies to which the Executive is entitled
      pursuant to this Agreement to such person as the Executive shall request
      in writing (anywhere in the world).

      4.8 The Executive shall be eligible to receive an initial option grant
      with respect to _____ "Equity Units" (as defined under the Company's
      Option Plan in accordance with the general terms set forth in Schedule A).

      5. BENEFITS

      5.1 The Company will provide for the private and business use of the
      Executive a suitable motor car in accordance with the policy of the
      Company as determined by the Board from time to time.

      5.2 The Company will pay the cost of insuring, taxing and maintaining the
      car and will reimburse the Executive all the business and private running
      expenses thereof. The Executive will ensure that the car is serviced in
      accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and that he complies 


                                       4
<PAGE>

      at all time with the requirements and provisions of the policy of
      insurance in force in respect of the car from time to time.

      5.3 The car is to remain the property of the Company. On termination of
      this Agreement the Executive is to return it in good condition (fair wear
      and tear excepted) to the Company together with its keys and all documents
      relating to it.

      5.4 The Executive shall be entitled to benefits under such private health
      plan as the Board may determine from time to time (on the National Scale
      appropriate to the nearest hospital to the Executive's home) under its
      rules from time to time in force for the benefit of the Executive his
      spouse and his children who are resident in the United Kingdom and are
      under the age of 21 or who are more than that age but are engaged in a
      full time course of education.

      5.5 The Company will reimburse the Executive with all reasonable expenses
      incurred by the Executive arising out of the Executive's use of his home
      telephone.

      5.6 The Executive will be paid an allowance of (pound)1,685 per month for
      housing, utilities and related expenses (net of taxation and national
      insurance which will be payable by the Company). Such sum will cease to be
      payable if the Executive ceases to reside in the United Kingdom.

      5.7 The Company will support an application for a new or extended work
      permit on expiry of the Executive's current work permit.

      5.8 The Company will pay the cost of all reasonable professional fees
      charged in connection with the Executive taking advice in relation to
      personal taxation and work permit matters not to exceed (pound)2,500 per
      annum.

      6. PENSION

      6.1 Subject to the terms of the Trust Deed, the Scheme rules and any other
      scheme documentation from time to time in force the Executive will be
      entitled to join and be a member of the pension scheme or schemes to be
      established by the Company and the Company will procure that the benefits
      to which the Executive is entitled pursuant to such scheme or schemes are
      equal in value overall to the benefits which the Executive would have been
      entitled to under the Trafalgar House Executive Pension Scheme ("the
      Scheme") in respect of the Executive's service in the scheme to the
      Commencement Date. If he does so he will make contributions to and will be
      entitled to benefits under the Scheme in accordance with the Trust Deed
      and rules relating to it for the time being in force.

      6.2 A Contracting-Out Certificate issued under the Social Security Pension
      Act 1975 is in force in respect of the Executive's employment.


                                       5
<PAGE>

      7. HOLIDAYS

      7.1 The Executive will be entitled (in addition to normal pubic and Bank
      holidays) to 25 working days' paid holiday each year. For these purposes
      the holiday year. For these purposes the holiday year starts on the 1st
      January.

      7.2 If the employment of the Executive is terminated during any calendar
      year he will be entitled to accrued holiday pay of one day's salary for
      each day of his accrued entitlement which he has not taken. These
      provisions will not apply if this Agreement is terminated pursuant to
      clause 10.1 in which event the Executive will have no claim for accrued
      holiday pay.

      7.3 For the purposes of clause 7.2 holidays are deemed to accrue from day
      to day and any holiday entitlement in respect of any holiday year not
      utilized by the end of that year shall be forfeit.

      7.4 All holidays are to be taken at times approved by the Board.

      7.5 The Company may require the Executive to take any unused holiday
      during any period of notice given by either party to terminate this
      agreement.

      8. SICKNESS AND MEDICAL EXAMINATION

      8.1 If the Executive is prevented by sickness or injury from properly
      performing his duties under this Agreement:-

            8.1.1 during the first six continuous months of such absence he will
                  be entitled to continue to receive the salary and benefits set
                  out herein at full rate. After such period payment (other than
                  payment of any Statutory Sick Pay to which the Executive may
                  be entitled) will cease and the provisions of clause 8.3 will
                  apply.

            8.1.2 He will claim all state sickness benefits available to him and
                  account to the Company for these during the period in which he
                  receives sick pay.

      8.2 Any salary paid to the Executive by virtue of clause 8.1.1 shall be
      deemed to satisfy any entitlement of the Executive to receive Statutory
      Sick Pay for the period to which the salary relates.

      8.3 If the Executive continues for more than six continuous months to be
      prevented by sickness or injury from properly performing his duties the
      Executive will be entitled to such benefits as are available to him from
      time to time under the rules of the permanent health insurance scheme of
      the Company and the payment of salary or other benefits shall be at the 


                                       6
<PAGE>

      discretion of the Board. This clause takes effect subject to clause 10.

      8.4 Salary paid by the Company to the Executive in respect of any period
      of absence resulting from the negligence of a third party shall be
      recoverable by the Company out of any damages he the is paid by or on
      behalf of that third party.

      8.5 The Board may at its discretion require the Executive to furnish
      evidence satisfactory to it of any sickness or injury of the Executive. It
      may also require him from time to time to undergo a medical examination by
      a medical practitioner nominated by the Company. The Company will bear the
      costs of any such examination and will be entitled to full disclosure of
      the results.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY

      9.1 By virtue of his senior position the Executive acknowledges that he
      will acquire detailed knowledge of the commercial affairs and business
      transactions of the Company and the Group including without limitation
      trade secrets and confidential information about customers, suppliers,
      terms of sale, terms of supply, plans for growth and expansion and
      technical and product improvements and developments. The Executive is
      hereby made expressly aware and agrees that all of such information ("the
      Confidential Information") is the property of and confidential to the
      Company and the Group.

      9.2 The Executive shall keep secret and shall not at any time (either
      during the continuance of this Agreement or after its termination
      howsoever arising) divulge to any person or use of copy for his own or
      another's benefit any of the Confidential Information. The Executive will
      use reasonable endeavours to prevent the publication or disclosure of any
      such information and will notify the Board forthwith of any instances of
      disclosure of which he is aware.

      9.3 The restrictions set out in clause 9.2 are not to apply to
      information:-

            9.3.1 divulged by the Executive in the proper performance of his
                  duties

            9.3.2 required by an order of the Board any Court of competent
                  jurisdiction to be disclosed by the Executive

            9.3.3 within the public domain through no fault of the Executive.

10. TERMINATION

      10.1 The company may (without prejudice to and in addition to any other
      remedy and notwithstanding the provisions of clause 2.3) terminate this
      Agreement (and Executive's employment) immediately and without notice or
      payment in lieu of notice upon the death of Executive, the expiration


                                       7
<PAGE>

      of the term hereof, or for "Cause". Cause shall exist if the Executive:-

           10.1.1 becomes a patient within the meaning of the Mental Health Act
                  1983 or is otherwise absent from work through sickness or
                  disability for a period exceeding six months in any twelve
                  month period

           10.1.2 is declared bankrupt by a court of competent jurisdiction,
                  applies for a receiving order or administration order, has a
                  receiving order or administration order made against him or
                  enters into any arrangement or composition with his creditors
                  or otherwise takes the benefit of any statutory provision for
                  the relief of insolvent debtors

           10.1.3 without reasonable cause neglects refuses or fails to perform
                  all or any of his duties under this Agreement to an extent
                  which is material and continues to do so after having been
                  warned in writing by the Board about such neglect refusal or
                  failure

           10.1.4 at any time and for whatever reason resigns from any
                  Directorship which he holds within the Group without the
                  consent of the Board or is disqualified from acting as a
                  Director.

      10.2 A decision to terminate the Executive's employment pursuant to the
      provisions of clause 10.1 shall be effective if taken or approved or
      ratified by the Board and shall be communicated to the Executive in
      writing.

      10.3 The employment of the Executive and this Agreement will come to an
      end automatically on the last day of the month in which the Executive
      reaches normal retirement age. This is currently 65 years of age.

      10.4 Upon the termination of this Agreement under clause 10.1 or 10.3 the
      Executive will be entitled to receive only the Accrued Benefits described
      in clause 10.5.3(i). If Executive's employment is terminated during the
      term hereof other than for Cause, death or the attainment of age 65,
      Executive shall be entitled to receive all of the benefits described in
      clause 10.5.3.

      10.5 The Executive's termination of this Agreement is governed under the
      provisions set forth below.

           10.5.1 Upon termination of this Agreement by Executive other than
                  for "Good Reason" (as hereinafter defined), Executive shall be
                  entitled to receive only the Accrued Benefits described in
                  clause 10.5.3(i).


                                       8
<PAGE>

           10.5.2 Executive may terminate his employment under this Agreement
                  for Good Reason at any time during the term hereof unless this
                  Agreement has previously expired or been terminated by reason
                  of (i) the death of Executive, (ii) attainment by Executive of
                  age 65; (iii) termination of this Agreement by the Company for
                  Cause, or (iv) voluntary termination of this Agreement by
                  Executive other than for Good Reason. Termination by Executive
                  for "Good Reason" shall mean termination by Executive of his
                  employment hereunder because of:-

                  (i) the failure by the Company to pay or cause to be paid the
                  base salary, benefits, and bonus required by this Agreement
                  and a continuation of such failure for 10 days after the
                  Company receives notice thereof; or

                  (ii) a material diminishment in the responsibilities and
                  duties assigned to Executive by the Company or any other
                  material breach by the Company of any of the terms of this
                  Agreement and the continuation of such breach for thirty days
                  after the Company shall have received written notice of such
                  breach, which notice shall mean a notice that shall indicate
                  the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied
                  upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and
                  circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination under
                  the provision so indicated.

           10.5.3 Upon any termination by Executive of his employment under
                  this Agreement for Good Reason, the Company shall forthwith:-

                  (i) pay or cause to be paid to Executive in cash the following
                  accrued benefits ("Accrued Benefits"): (A) all salary earned
                  or accrued through the termination date; (B) reimburse
                  Executive for any and all monies advanced by the Executive in
                  connection with Executive's employment for reasonable and
                  necessary expenses incurred by Executive through the
                  termination date; and (C) pay all other amounts and benefits
                  to which Executive may be entitled under the terms of any
                  benefit plan of the Company. Payment of amounts other than
                  those described in subsection (C) hereof shall be made within
                  10 days after the termination date. Payment of amounts under
                  subsection (C) hereof shall be pursuant to the terms of any
                  such plans either by the Company or a trust implementing such
                  plan; and

                  (ii) pay or cause to be paid to Executive (a) for one year
                  after his termination, the annual base salary payable to
                  Executive hereunder immediately prior to such termination in
                  accordance with the Company's normal payroll practices, and 


                                       9
<PAGE>

                  (b) a lump sum, payable upon termination, arrived at by
                  multiplying (pound)56,250 by a number equal to two minus "X",
                  where "X" equals the number of times Executive received the
                  additional amount payable pursuant to clause 4.6 hereof.

            In addition, for purposes of the Company's medical, dental and life
            insurance programs, Executive shall be considered and deemed for a
            period of one year following such termination or until Executive
            attains the age of 65 or until reasonably equivalent benefits are
            paid or extended by a new employer, whichever first occurs, to be a
            full-time employee of the Company and be entitled to all benefits,
            rights and privileges thereunder. If at the end of such year, if
            Executive has not attained the age of 65 or has not previously
            received or is not then receiving equivalent benefits from a new
            employer, the Company shall arrange, at its sole cost and expense
            (but not including premiums therefor), to enable Executive to
            convert the coverage under such polices to equivalent individual
            policies.

      10.6  On the termination of the Executive's employment for any reason:-

           10.6.1 the Executive will at the request of the Company immediately
                  resign from all directorships within the Group then held by
                  him. The Executive irrevocably authorizes the Company to
                  appoint some person in his name and on his behalf to sign any
                  documents and do any things necessary to effect such
                  resignation should he fail to do so himself.

           10.6.2 the Company may deduct from any salary or wages due from it
                  to the Executive any monies which are due from the Executive
                  to it or to the Group.

           10.6.3 the Executive will return forthwith to the Company all books,
                  papers, records, correspondence, notes, memoranda, sketches,
                  technical drawings, specifications, and other documents and
                  all other property belonging to the Company, to the company's
                  Head Office or as the Board shall otherwise direct.

      10.7 Any provision of this Agreement which is expressed to have effect
      after its termination will continue in force in accordance with its terms.


                                       10
<PAGE>

      11. POST TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS

      11.1 The Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, during the period of
      twelve months immediately following the termination of this Agreement in
      any Specified Capacity:-

           11.1.1 solicit or endeavour to solicit orders from or entice away
                  from any Relevant Company as defined in clause 11.4.3 in
                  connection with any business falling within the definition of
                  "Specified Business" set out in clause 11.4.2 or deal with any
                  person, firm, company or organization who shall have been a
                  client or customer of any Relevant Company during the twelve
                  months preceding such termination; and

           11.1.2 attempt to induce or persuade any person who was employed by
                  any Relevant Company at the date of the termination of this
                  agreement or at any time during the twelve months preceding
                  such termination to leave such employment.

      11.2 The Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, during the period of
      twelve months after the termination of this agreement within the Specified
      Areas in any Specified Capacity carry on or be interested, engaged or
      concerned in all or any of the Specified Businesses in competition with
      (i) the Company or (ii) any member of the Group.

      11.3  The restrictions in clauses 11.1 and 11.2

           11.3.1 shall not apply to the Executive if this Agreement is
                  terminated by the Company in breach of contract or if an
                  industrial tribunal makes an award of compensation for unfair
                  dismissal against the Company in respect of the termination of
                  the Executive's employment; and

           11.3.2 any period of notice which is worked by the Executive
                  following termination or notice of termination by the Company
                  shall be deducted from the twelve month period for which
                  paragraphs 11.1 and 11.2 would otherwise apply; and

           11.3.3 are considered by the parties to be reasonable in all the
                  circumstances and for the legitimate and necessary protection
                  of the Confidential Information customer and trade connection
                  of the Company and the Group. If, however, any restriction is
                  found by a Court to be void as going beyond what is reasonable
                  in all the circumstances the restrictions will apply with such
                  modifications as may be necessary to render them valid and
                  effective.


                                       11
<PAGE>

      11.4  For the purposes of this clause:-

           11.4.1 "Specified Capacity" means each of the following capacities:-

               11.4.1.1 as principal whether solely or jointly with any other
                        person

               11.4.1.2 as partner with any other person

               11.4.1.3 as agent for any other person

               11.4.1.4 as an employee of any other person

               11.4.1.5 as an officer of any company or

               11.4.1.6 as the owner of any interest in any shares or other
                        securities in any company (other than in accordance with
                        clause 3.4).

           11.4.2 "Specified Business" means each of the following taken
                  separately:-

               11.4.2.1 the design, manufacture, sale and distribution of
                        cranes, lifting equipment and associated and component
                        products and/or

               11.4.2.2 each other business and/or activity of each member of
                        the Group with or in which the Executive has been
                        involved or had responsibility for during the 12 months
                        immediately preceding the termination of this agreement.

           11.4.3 "Relevant Company" means (i) the Company; and (ii) any member
                  of the Group.

           11.4.4 "Specified Areas" includes the United Kingdom, Europe and
                  Africa.

      11.5 Each of the obligations contained in clause 11.1 above shall be a
      separate and several obligation.

      12. INVENTIONS

      12.1 If at any time during the continuance of this Agreement the Executive
      shall discover, make or conceive either by himself or jointly with any
      other person or persons any invention, discovery, formula, design,
      process, adaptation or improvement ("Intellectual Property") which relates
      to or is connected with or capable of being worked or employed in
      connection with any trade or business for the time being carried on by the
      Company and or the Group he shall forthwith supply in writing full
      particulars concerning the same to the Company.


                                       12
<PAGE>

      12.2 All ("Intellectual Property") which is either made in the course of
      the normal duties of the Executive or in the course of duties falling
      outside his normal duties but specifically assigned to him shall upon the
      discovery making or conception thereof belong to and vest in the Company
      absolutely and beneficially together with all rights to apply for patent
      or other protection thereby obtained. The Executive shall if so required
      by the Company and at the expense of the Company take all such steps and
      execute such documents as may be necessary fully and effectually to vest
      in the Company or as it may direct the full benefit of the said
      Intellectual Property and to give to the Company or its nominees such
      protection as it may require in respect thereof in any part of the world
      whether by way of patents or otherwise howsoever.

      12.3 In the event of any dispute arising between the Company and the
      Executive as to whether or not any invention communicated falls within the
      scope of sub-clause 12.2 hereof application will be made jointly by the
      Company and the Executive to the Comptroller General of Patents in
      accordance with Section 8 of the Patents Act 1977 for determination of the
      matter and his decision shall be final and binding.

      12.4 The Executive acknowledges that inventions may reasonably be expected
      to result from the carrying out of his normal duties and of any duties
      specifically assigned to him within the meaning of Section 39(1)(a) of the
      Patents Act 1977.

      12.5 The Executive acknowledges that because of the nature of his duties
      and the particular responsibilities arising from the nature of his duties
      he has a special obligation to further the interests of the undertaking of
      the Company and the Group within the meaning of Section 39(1)(a) of the
      Patents Act 1977.

      12.6 The Executive hereby irrevocably appoints the Company to be his
      attorney in his name and on his behalf to execute such instrument or do
      such things and generally to use his name for the purpose of giving to the
      Company (or its nominee) the benefit of the provisions of this clause and
      in favour of any third party a certificate in writing signed by any
      Director or Secretary of the Company that any instrument or act falls
      within the authority hereby conferred shall be conclusive evidence that
      such is the case. It is hereby agreed between the parties that the
      provisions of this Clause 12 shall survive in their entirety the
      termination of the Executive's employment for whatsoever reason.

      13. PAYMENT

      Subject to applicable law, any payment to which the Executive is entitled
      to under the Agreement (including without limitation the bonus to which
      the is entitled to be paid pursuant to clause 4.6 and the pension
      contributions which the Company is to pay pursuant to clause 6.1) shall be
      paid to such person as the Executive shall direct (anywhere in the world).


                                       13
<PAGE>

      14. NOTICES

      14.1 Any notice to be given under this Agreement to the Executive may be
      given to him personally or sent to him by prepaid first class letter
      addressed to him at his last known place of residence. Any notice to be
      given to the Company may be served by leaving it at or sending it by
      prepaid first class letter to its registered office for the time being.

      14.2 Any notice served by post shall be deemed to have been served
      forty-eight hours after it was posted and proof that the notice was
      properly addressed, pre-paid and posted shall be sufficient evidence of
      service.

      15. GOVERNING LAW

      This agreement shall be interpreted and enforced in accordance with the
      laws of England.

      16. SUPERSESSION OF PREVIOUS AGREEMENTS

      This Agreement supersedes and is in substitution for any subsisting
      agreements between the Company (or any Group member) and the Executive
      relating to his employment. All such subsisting agreements are terminated
      by mutual consent with effect from the Commencement Date.


                                       14
<PAGE>

      IN WITNESS whereof the parties have executed this Agreement on the date
      set out above.

EXECUTED as a Deed by

MORRIS MECHANICAL HANDLING LIMITED
in the presence of:-  /s/ Steve Davis

      Director

SIGNED as a DEED by the 
said KENNETH BRUCE NORRIDGE   /s/ Kenneth Bruce Norridge
in the presence of:


                                       15



                         Morris Material Handling, Inc.
                  Statement of Computation of Financial Ratios

                       (In thousands, except for ratios)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Fiscal Year Ended October 31,            For the Quarter Ended January 31,
                                                -----------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------
                                                                                      Pro Forma                          Pro Forma
                                                1993  1994    1995     1996    1997      1997     1997         1998        1998
                                                -----------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------
                                                                                     (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited)
<S>                                              <C>   <C>  <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>          <C>         <C>
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (1):

    Income (loss) before income taxes 
      and minority interest                      N/A   N/A  $21,901  $29,934  $34,745  $ 9,896  $ 6,690      $ 4,112     $(2,124)
                                                                                                                         
    Add:                                                                                                                 
         Interest Expense                        N/A   N/A      200      245      792   26,503       48          845       6,684
         Rental Expense                          N/A   N/A      786    1,109    1,456    1,456      277          364         364
                                                -----------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
    Earnings (loss) adjusted for fixed charges   N/A   N/A   22,887   31,288   36,993   37,855    7,015        5,321       4,924
                                                -----------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
    Fixed Charges                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                         
         Interest Expense                        N/A   N/A      200      245      792   26,503       48          845       6,684
         Rental Expense                          N/A   N/A      786    1,109    1,456    1,456      277          364         364
                                                -----------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
    Total fixed charges                          N/A   N/A      986    1,354    2,248   27,959      325        1,209       7,048
                                                -----------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------
                                                                                                                         
    Ratio of earnings to fixed charges           N/A   N/A    23.21    23.11    16.46     1.35    21.58         4.40          --
                                                ===============================================   =================================
                                                                                                                         
    Deficiency of earnings to fixed charges      N/A   N/A       --       --       --       --       --           --     $(2,124)
                                                ===============================================   =================================

</TABLE>

(1)   For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
      earnings are defined as net income before income taxes and minor interest
      plus interest expenes (including amortization of debt issuance costs) and
      the portion of rental expense that is representative of the interest
      factor (deemed to be one third of annual rent expense).



                         MMH Holdings, Inc. Subsidiaries

==============================================
                               Jurisdiction
                                    of        
           Name                Organization   
==============================================
3016117 Nova Scotia ULC        Nova Scotia    
                                              
- ----------------------------------------------
Birmingham Crane & Hoist, Inc. Alabama        
- ----------------------------------------------
Butters Engineering                           
Services Limited               Scotland       
                                              
- ----------------------------------------------
CMH Material Handling, LLC     South Carolina 
                                              
                                              
                                              
- ----------------------------------------------
EPH Material Handling, LLC     Pennsylvania   
                                              
                                              
                                              
- ----------------------------------------------
Harnischfeger Distribution
& Service, LLC                 Wisconsin      
                                              
                                              
                                              
- ----------------------------------------------
Hercules S.A. de C.V.          Mexico         
                                              
                                              
- ----------------------------------------------
HPH Material Handling, LLC     Wisconsin      
                                              
                                              
                                              
- ----------------------------------------------
Hydramach ULC                  Nova Scotia    
- ----------------------------------------------
Invercoe Engineering Limited   Scotland       
- ----------------------------------------------
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC    Nova Scotia    
- ----------------------------------------------
Linear Motors Limited          U.K.           
                                              
- ----------------------------------------------
Lowfile Limited                U.K.           
- ----------------------------------------------
Material Handling                             
Equipment Nevada                              
Corporation                    Nevada         
- ----------------------------------------------
Morris Material                Delaware       
Handling, LLC                                 
- ----------------------------------------------
MHE Technologies, Inc.         Delaware       
- ----------------------------------------------
MHE Canada ULC                 Canada         
                                              
- ----------------------------------------------
MMH (Holdings) Limited         U.K.           
==============================================


                                        1
<PAGE>

==============================================
                               Jurisdiction
                                 of           
           Name                Organization   
==============================================
MMH International Limited      U.K.           
- ----------------------------------------------
Mondel ULC                     Nova Scotia    
- ----------------------------------------------
Morris Blooma Pte Ltd.         Singapore      
                                              
                                              
- ----------------------------------------------
Merwin, LLC                    Delaware       
- ----------------------------------------------
Morris Material Handling
Limited                        U.K.           
                                              
- ----------------------------------------------
Morris Mechanical
Handling, Inc.                 Delaware       
                                              
- ----------------------------------------------
Morris Mechanical Handling                    
Limited                        U.K.           
- ----------------------------------------------
Morris Mechanical Handling                    
(Pty.) Limited                 South Africa   
                                              
- ----------------------------------------------
MPH Crane, Inc.                Ohio           
- ----------------------------------------------
NPH Material Handling, Inc.    Michigan      
                                              
                                              
                                              
- ----------------------------------------------
P&H Middle East Ltd.           Cayman Islands 
- ----------------------------------------------
PHME Service, Inc.             Delaware       
- ----------------------------------------------
PHMH Holding Co. Inc.          Delaware       
                                              
- ----------------------------------------------
RedCrown, ULC                  U.K.           
                                              
                                              
                                              
- ----------------------------------------------
Royce Limited                  U.K.           
- ----------------------------------------------
SPH Crane & Hoist, Inc.        Delaware       
- ----------------------------------------------
U.K. Crane Services Limited    U.K.           
- ----------------------------------------------
The Vaughan Crane Company                     
Limited                        U.K.           
==============================================



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting part of this
Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Morris Material Handling, Inc. of our
report dated December 30, 1997, except as to Note 13 which is as of March 30,
1998, relating to the combined financial statements of the Material Handling
Equipment Business of Harnischfeger Industries, Inc., which appears in such
Prospectus. We also consent to the application of such report to the Financial
Statement Schedule for the three years ended October 31, 1997 appearing in Part
II of this Registration Statement when such schedule is read in conjunction with
the financial statements referred to in our report. The audits referred to in
such report also included the schedule. We also consent to the reference to us
under the heading "Experts" in such Prospectus.



PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
May 12, 1998



                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
                           --------------------------

                                    FORM T-1

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                    UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF
                   A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
                           --------------------------

                      CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE
                      ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO
                            SECTION 305(b)(2) _______
                           --------------------------

                     UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
               (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

                       New York                            13-3818954
            (Jurisdiction of incorporation             (I. R. S. Employer
             if not a U. S. national bank)             Identification No.)

                 114 West 47th Street                      10036-1532
                  New York,  New York                      (Zip Code)
                 (Address of principal
                  executive offices)

                           --------------------------
                         Morris Material Handling, Inc.
               (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

                       Delaware                             39-1924039
            (State or other jurisdiction of             (I. R. S. Employer
            incorporation or organization)              Identification No.)

               4915 South Howell Avenue                        53207
                       2nd Floor                            (Zip code)
                     Milwaukee, WI
       (Address of principal executive offices)

                           --------------------------
<PAGE>

                                 OTHER OBLIGORS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          State or other             I.R.S. Employer
                                                          jurisdiction of            Identification
         Name                                             incorporation                  Number
         ----                                             -------------                  ------
<S>                                                       <C>                      <C>
3016117 Nova Scotia ULC                                   Nova Scotia                Not Applicable
Birmingham Crane & Hoist, Inc.                            Alabama                    63-0932648
Butters Engineering Services Limited                      Scotland                   Not Applicable
CMH Material Handling, LLC                                South Carolina             39-1836554
EPH Material Handling, LLC                                Pennsylvania               39-1836620
Harnischfeger Distribution & Service, LLC                 Wisconsin                  39-1836557
Hercules S.A. de C.V.                                     Mexico                     Not Applicable
HPH Material Handling, LLC                                Wisconsin                  39-1836624
Hydramach ULC                                             Nova Scotia                Not Applicable
Invercoe Engineering Limited                              Scotland                   Not Applicable
Kaverit Steel and Crane ULC                               Nova Scotia                Not Applicable
Lowfile Limited                                           United Kingdom             Not Applicable
Material Handling Equipment Nevada
         Corporation                                      Nevada                     88-0376697
Merwin, LLC                                               Delaware
MHE Canada ULC                                            Nova Scotia                Not Applicable
MHE Technologies, Inc.                                    Delaware                   52-2058706
MMH (Holdings) Limited                                    United Kingdom             Not Applicable
MMH International Limited                                 United Kingdom             Not Applicable
Mondel ULC                                                Nova Scotia                Not Applicable
Morris Material Handling Limited                          United Kingdom             Not Applicable
Morris Material Handling, LLC                             Delaware                   39-1909984
Morris Mechanical Handling Limited                        United Kingdom             Not Applicable
Morris Mechanical Handling, Inc.                          Delaware                   94-3203134
MPH Crane, Inc.                                           Ohio                       31-1075991
NPH Material Handling, Inc.                               Michigan                   39-1836621
PHME Service, Inc.                                        Delaware                   39-1836623
PHMH Holding Company                                      Delaware                   52-2013056
RedCrown, ULC                                             United Kingdom             Not Applicable
SPH Crane & Hoist, Inc.                                   Delaware                   75-2752978
</TABLE>

                           --------------------------
                          9 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2008
                       (Title of the indenture securities)

================================================================================
<PAGE>

                                      - 3 -


                                     GENERAL


1. General Information

      Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

      (a)   Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which
            it is subject.

             Federal Reserve Bank of New York (2nd District), New York, New York
                  (Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System)
             Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.
             New York State Banking Department, Albany, New York

      (b)   Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

            The trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

2. Affiliations with the Obligor

      If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
      affiliation.

            None

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15:

      The obligor currently is not in default under any of its outstanding
      securities for which United States Trust Company of New York is Trustee.
      Accordingly, responses to Items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
      and 15 of Form T-1 are not required under General Instruction B.

16. List of Exhibits

       T-1.1  --  Organization Certificate, as amended, issued by the State of
                  New York Banking Department to transact business as a Trust
                  Company, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit T-1.1 to Form
                  T-1 filed on September 15, 1995 with the Commission pursuant
                  to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended by the Trust
                  Indenture Reform Act of 1990 (Registration No. 33-97056).

      T-1.2  --   Included in Exhibit T-1.1.

      T-1.3  --   Included in Exhibit T-1.1.
<PAGE>

                                      - 4 -


16. List of Exhibits
    (cont'd)

      T-1.4  --   The By-Laws of United States Trust Company of New York, as
                  amended, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit T-1.4 to Form
                  T-1 filed on September 15, 1995 with the Commission pursuant
                  to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended by the Trust
                  Indenture Reform Act of 1990 (Registration No. 33-97056).

      T-1.6  --   The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the
                  Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended by the Trust Indenture
                  Reform Act of 1990.

      T-1.7  --   A copy of the latest report of condition of the trustee
                  pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or
                  examining authority.

NOTE

As of May 4, 1998, the trustee had 2,999,020 shares of Common Stock outstanding,
all of which are owned by its parent company, U.S. Trust Corporation. The term
"trustee" in Item 2, refers to each of United States Trust Company of New York
and its parent company, U. S. Trust Corporation.

In answering Item 2 in this statement of eligibility as to matters peculiarly
within the knowledge of the obligor or its directors, the trustee has relied
upon information furnished to it by the obligor and will rely on information to
be furnished by the obligor and the trustee disclaims responsibility for the
accuracy or completeness of such information.

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

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the trustee,
United States Trust Company of New York, a corporation organized and existing
under the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of
eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, all in the City of New York, and State of New York, on the 5th day
of May 1998.

UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY
    OF NEW YORK, Trustee

By:      /s/ James E. Logan
         --------------------
         James E. Logan
         Vice President

JEL/kk
<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit T-1.6

        The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.

                     United States Trust Company of New York
                              114 West 47th Street
                               New York, NY 10036


September 1, 1995


Securities and Exchange Commission 
450 5th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC  20549

Gentlemen:

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
as amended by the Trust Indenture Reform Act of 1990, and subject to the
limitations set forth therein, United States Trust Company of New York ("U.S.
Trust") hereby consents that reports of examinations of U.S. Trust by Federal,
State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities
to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request therefor.


Very truly yours,


UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY
       OF NEW YORK

    /s/ Gerard F. Ganey
    -------------------------
By: Gerard F. Ganey
    Senior Vice President
<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT T-1.7

                     UNITED STATES TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CONDITION
                                DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                ($ IN THOUSANDS)

ASSETS
Cash and Due from Banks                                               $   80,246

Short-Term Investments                                                   386,006

Securities, Available for Sale                                           661,596

Loans                                                                  1,774,551
Less:  Allowance for Credit Losses                                        16,202
                                                                      ----------
      Net Loans                                                        1,758,349
Premises and Equipment                                                    61,477
Other Assets                                                             124,499
                                                                      ----------
      Total Assets                                                    $3,072,173
                                                                      ==========
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
      Non-Interest Bearing                                            $  686,507
      Interest Bearing                                                 1,773,254
                                                                      ----------
         Total Deposits                                                2,459,761

Short-Term Credit Facilities                                             295,342
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities                                 149,775
                                                                      ----------
      Total Liabilities                                               $2,904,878
                                                                      ==========
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common Stock                                                              14,995
Capital Surplus                                                           49,541
Retained Earnings                                                        100,235
Unrealized Gains on Securities
     Available for Sale (Net of Taxes)                                     2,524
                                                                      ----------

Total Stockholder's Equity                                               167,295
                                                                      ----------
    Total Liabilities and
     Stockholder's Equity                                             $3,072,173
                                                                      ==========

I, Richard E. Brinkmann, Senior Vice President & Comptroller of the named bank
do hereby declare that this Statement of Condition has been prepared in
conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate regulatory authority
and is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Richard E. Brinkmann, SVP & Controller

February 9, 1998


<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<MULTIPLIER>                        1,000
<CURRENCY>                          U.S.
       
<S>                                 <C>          <C>          <C>          
<PERIOD-TYPE>                       YEAR         YEAR         YEAR         
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                   OCT-31-1997  OCT-31-1996  JAN-31-1998  
<PERIOD-START>                      NOV-01-1996  NOV-01-1995  NOV-01-1997  
<PERIOD-END>                        OCT-31-1997  OCT-31-1996  JAN-31-1998  
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                               1            1            1
<CASH>                                    1,532        3,821        6,317  
<SECURITIES>                                  0            0            0  
<RECEIVABLES>                            83,539       76,669       76,797  
<ALLOWANCES>                              1,330        1,408        1,252  
<INVENTORY>                              33,497       37,239       36,509  
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                        122,003      124,365      124,719  
<PP&E>                                   60,763       48,527       60,456 
<DEPRECIATION>                           21,396       18,340       22,462
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                          199,600      189,058      200,379  
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                    70,760       89,842       63,167  
<BONDS>                                   1,043        1,181        1,009  
                         0            0            0  
                                   0            0            0  
<COMMON>                                      0            0            0  
<OTHER-SE>                              124,318       94,201      132,684  
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>            199,600      189,058      200,379  
<SALES>                                 353,350      323,735       76,483  
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                        355,999      324,884       76,767  
<CGS>                                   260,794      247,559       56,653  
<TOTAL-COSTS>                           320,462      294,868       71,810  
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                              0            0            0  
<LOSS-PROVISION>                              0            0            0  
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                          792           82          845  
<INCOME-PRETAX>                          34,745       29,934        4,112  
<INCOME-TAX>                             13,874       11,488        1,987  
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                      20,853       18,446        2,139  
<DISCONTINUED>                                0            0            0  
<EXTRAORDINARY>                               0            0            0  
<CHANGES>                                     0            0            0  
<NET-INCOME>                             20,853       18,446        2,139  
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                 0            0            0  
<EPS-DILUTED>                                 0            0            0  
                                                                           
                                                                           

</TABLE>


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