BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO
PRE 14C, 1995-09-19
CUTLERY, HANDTOOLS & GENERAL HARDWARE
Previous: BEST LOCK CORP, PRE 14C, 1995-09-19
Next: CATERPILLAR INC, 8-K, 1995-09-19





                                SCHEDULE 14C
               Information Required in Information Statement
                          SCHEDULE 14C INFORMATION
              Information Statement Pursuant to Section 14(c)
                   of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
                              (AMENDMENT NO. )

     Check the appropriate box:

     [X]  Preliminary Information Statement

     [ ]  Confidential, For use of the Commission Only (as permitted
          by Rule 14c-5(d)(2))

     [ ]  Definitive Information Statement


                          BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO.

              (Name Of Registrant As Specified In Its Charter)

     Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
     [X]  $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii) or 14c-5(g).

     [ ]  Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14c-5(g)
          and 0-11.
          (1)  Title of each class of securities to which transaction
               applies:
          (2)  Aggregate number of securities to which transaction
               applies:
          (3)  Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
               computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 [set forth
               the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and
               state how it was determined]:
          (4)  Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
          (5)  Total fee paid:
<PAGE>



     [ ]  Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

     [ ]  Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by
          Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for
          which the offsetting fee was paid previously.  Identify the
          previous filing by registration statement number, or the
          Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
          (1)  Amount Previously Paid:
          (2)  Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
          (3)  Filing Party:
          (4)  Date Filed:
<PAGE>



                                     PRELIMINARY INFORMATION STATEMENT
                                                 September _____, 1995







                          Best Universal Lock Co.

                    1995 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

                           Information Statement

                             October ___, 1995
<PAGE>



                          BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO.

                NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SHAREHOLDERS

                        To be Held October ___, 1995


        The annual meeting of Shareholders of Best Universal Lock Co.
     (the "Corporation") will be held on ____________, the _____ day
     of October, 1995, at _______ __.m., Indianapolis Time, at the
     Omni Indianapolis North Hotel, 8181 North Shadeland Avenue,
     Indianapolis, Indiana for the following purposes:

        1.   To consider and act upon a proposal to change the
     Corporation's state of incorporation from the State of Washington
     to the State of Delaware by approval and adoption of an Agreement
     and Plan of Merger pursuant to which the Corporation will merge
     into a newly formed Delaware corporation which is a wholly-owned
     subsidiary of the Corporation.

        2.   To elect a Board of three Directors for the ensuing year.

        3.   To ratify and approve the selection of Arthur Andersen
     LLP as auditors for the year 1995.

        4.   To transact such other business as may properly come
     before the meeting.

        Only Shareholders of record on [September ____, 1995] are
     entitled to notice of and to vote at this meeting.  You are
     cordially invited to attend the meeting.

                                 By Order of the Board of Directors,


                                 Gregg A. Dykstra
                                 Secretary
     September ____, 1995
     Indianapolis, Indiana
<PAGE>



                          BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO.
                               P.O. Box 50444
                        Indianapolis, Indiana 46250

                           INFORMATION STATEMENT

        WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO
     SEND US A PROXY.  The principal executive offices of Best
     Universal Lock Co. (the "Corporation") are located at 6161 E.
     75th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250.  This Information
     Statement will be mailed to Shareholders on or about September
     ____, 1995.

              VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF

        Common stock, issued in Series A and Series B, and Preferred
     Stock are the only voting securities of the Corporation.  As of
     September 12, 1995, there were 386,469 shares of Common Stock
     outstanding.  Each share is entitled to one vote.  Only holders
     of Common Stock of record at the close of business on [September
     ___, 1995] will be entitled to vote at the annual meeting of the
     Shareholders.  On July 1, 1995, the Corporation s Board of
     Directors unanimously approved a resolution directing the
     redemption of the Corporation's sixty-three (63) outstanding
     shares of preferred stock as of July 1, 1995 and declaring a
     dividend upon such stock payable to shareholders of record on
     June 30, 1995.  The retirement was effected in accordance with
     the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation.  In accordance with
     the resolution, the Corporation paid $441.00 in dividends and
     $6,615.00 in exchange for the surrender and cancellation of the
     preferred shares.

     Stock Ownership in the Corporation by Principal Holders

        The following table sets forth the information as of
     September 12, 1995 with respect to shares of the Corporation's
     Common Stock which are held by the only persons known to the
     Corporation to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of such
     stock based upon information received from such persons.  For
     purposes of this report, beneficial ownership of securities is
     defined in accordance with the rules of the Securities and
     Exchange Commission.
     <TABLE>
     <CAPTION>
               Name and Address (1)                      Amount and Nature of              Percent
                           of Beneficial Owner                      Beneficial Ownership              of Class
         <S>                                                        <C>                               <C>
                          Frank E. Best, Inc.(Series B)             300,000                           78%

                          The NBD Bank, N.A.(4)                      27,262                            7%
                          One Indiana Square
                          Indianapolis, Indiana  46204

                          Russell C. Best                           338,176 (2)(3)                    88%

                          Mariea L. Best                             27,263 (3)                        7%

                          Gregg A. Dykstra                           27,262 (3)                        7%

         <FN>
<PAGE>



     ___________________________

     (1)  Unless otherwise specified, all addresses are c/o Best Lock
          Corporation, P.O. Box 50444, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250.

     (2)  Includes 300,000 shares held by Frank E. Best, Inc. in which
          Russell C. Best is a director, president and a controlling
          shareholder and 8,787 shares held by the Best Lock
          Partnership in which Russell C. Best, a corporation all the
          voting securities of which are owned by Russell C. Best and
          Best Lock Corporation are general partners.

     (3)  Includes 27,262 shares held by the Best Lock Stock Bonus
          Plan with respect to which such person as a member of the
          Administrative Committee has shared power to direct voting
          and disposition.

     (4)  As Trustee under the Best Lock Stock Bonus Plan.  Prior to
          1995, the Trustee voted the shares pursuant to the
          instructions of the Administrative Committee.  Commencing in
          1995, pass-through voting rights have been extended to the
          participants with the Administrative Committee retaining the
          right to vote shares for which no voting instructions have
          been received from participants.

     </TABLE>
<PAGE>



     Stock Ownership in the Corporation by Directors and Executive
     Officers

          The following table sets forth information as of
     September 12, 1995 with respect to beneficial ownership of the
     Corporation's Common Stock by its directors, director nominees,
     named executive officers and all directors and executive officers
     as a group.
     <TABLE>
     <CAPTION>
                                                                             Amount and Nature of              Percent
                          Name and Office (1)
                                                                             Beneficial Ownership              of Class

         <S>                                                                 <C>                               <C>
                          Russell C. Best, President,
                          Chief Executive Officer and
                          Director (4)                                       338,176 (2)(3)                       88%

                          Mariea L. Best, Director (4)                        27,263 (3)                           7%

                          Gregg A. Dykstra, Secretary/
                          Treasurer; Director Nominee                         27,262 (3)                           7%

                          All directors and executive                        338,177 (2)(3)                       88%
                          officers as a group (4 in number
                          including directors named above)

         <FN>

     ______________________

     (1)  Walter E. Best resigned all of his positions with the
          Corporation effective February 15, 1995.  R. Gene McCullum
          resigned as a director on December 30, 1994 and ceased to be
          employed by the Corporation as of March 1, 1995.  Roger E.
          Beaverson was replaced as Secretary/Treasurer of the
          Corporation on March 24, 1995 by Gregg A. Dykstra formerly
          general counsel of Best Lock Corporation.  Mr. Beaverson
          resigned from employment on June 16, 1995.  None of these
          individuals owns any shares of Common Stock of the
          Corporation, Best Lock Corporation or Frank E. Best, Inc.

     (2)  Includes 300,000 shares held by Frank E. Best, Inc. in which
          Russell C. Best is a director, president and a controlling
          shareholder and 8,787 shares held by the Best Lock
          Partnership in which Russell C. Best, a corporation all the
          voting securities of which are owned by Russell C. Best and
          Best Lock Corporation are general partners.

     (3)  Includes 27,262 shares held by the Best Lock Stock Bonus
          Plan with respect to which such person as a member of the
          Administrative Committee has shared power to direct voting
          and disposition.

     (4)  Russell C. Best is the spouse of Mariea L. Best.

     </TABLE>
<PAGE>



     Stock Ownership in Best Lock Corporation by Directors and
     Executive Officers

          The following table sets forth information as of
     September 12, 1995 with respect to beneficial ownership of the
     common stock of Best Lock Corporation ("Lock"), a subsidiary of
     the Corporation, by the directors, director nominees and named
     executive officers of the Corporation and all such directors and
     executive officers as a group:

     <TABLE>
     <CAPTION>

                                                                    Amount and Nature of              Percent
                          Name and Office                           Beneficial Ownership              of Class
         <S>                                                        <C>                               <C>
                          Russell C. Best, President, Chief
                          Executive Officer and Director (4)         107,799.53 (1)(2)(3)                89%

                          Mariea L. Best, Director (4)                10,558.19 (2)                       9%

                          Gregg A. Dykstra, Secretary/Treasurer       10,557.19 (2)                       9%

                          All directors and executive officers
                          as a group (4 persons)                     107,800.53 (2)(3)                   89%
         <FN>

     ____________________

     (1)  Russell C. Best owns beneficially 44% of the outstanding
          Series A Common Stock, no par value, of the Corporation and
          Frank E. Best, Inc. ("Best") owns 100% of the outstanding
          Series B Common Stock, no par value, of the Corporation. 
          Russell C. Best owns beneficially 66% of the outstanding
          Common Stock of Frank E. Best, Inc.  Russell C. Best is a
          director, president and chief executive officer of each of
          the Corporation, Lock and Best.  The Corporation is the
          record owner of 95,556.34 shares of Common Stock of Lock.

     (2)  Includes 10,557.19 shares held by the Best Lock Corporation
          Stock Bonus Plan with respect to which such person as a
          member of the Administrative Committee has shared power to
          direct voting and disposition.

     (3)  Includes 95,556.34 shares held by the Corporation in which
          Russell C. Best is a director, president and controlling
          shareholder.

     (4)  Russell C. Best is the spouse of Mariea L. Best.

     </TABLE>
<PAGE>




     Stock Ownership in Frank E. Best, Inc. by Directors and Executive
     Officers

          The following table sets forth information as of
     September 12, 1995 with respect to beneficial ownership of the
     Common Stock of Frank E. Best, Inc. ("Best"), the parent of the
     Corporation, by the directors, director nominees and named
     executive officers of the Corporation and all such directors and
     executive officers as a group.

     <TABLE>
     <CAPTION>

                                                                    Amount and Nature of              Percent
                          Name and Office                           Beneficial Ownership              of Class
         <S>                                                        <C>                               <C>
                          Russell C. Best, President,
                          Chief Executive Officer and
                          Director (3)                              395,299 (1)(2)                       66%

                          Mariea L. Best, Director (3)               77,936 (2)                          13%

                          Gregg A. Dykstra, Secretary/
                          Treasurer                                  77,935 (3)                          13%

                          All directors and executive
                          officers as a group (4 persons)           395,300 (1)(2)                       66%

     <FN>
     _____________________

     (1)  Includes 204,053 shares held by Best Lock Partnership in
          which Russell C. Best, a corporation all of the voting
          securities of which are owned by Russell C. Best and Best
          Lock Corporation and general partners.

     (2)  Includes 77,935 shares held by the Best Lock Corporation
          Stock Bonus Plan with respect to which such person as a
          member of the Administrative Committee of the Plan has
          shared power to direct voting and disposition.

     (3)  Russell C. Best is the spouse of Mariea L. Best.

     </TABLE>


                             CHANGE IN CONTROL

          A change in control of the Corporation occurred on May 18,
     1994.  On that date, Russell C. Best, then Vice-President and a
     Director of the Corporation purchased 114,325 shares of the
     common stock of Best.  Best has 598,710 shares of common stock
     issued and outstanding.  After the purchase, Russell C. Best
     controlled, directly or indirectly, 50.27% of the outstanding
     common stock of Best.  This voting control of Best was based on
     the following stock ownership in Best:
<PAGE>



               Name of Shareholder                Number of Shares

               Russell C. Best                    115,812

               Walter E. Best Co., Inc.*          185,188
                                                  -------
               Total                              301,000
                                                  =======

                *   Russell C. Best owns all of the voting
                    common stock of Walter E. Best Co., Inc.
                    ("WEBCO").  Accordingly, he is in
                    effective control of the manner in which
                    Best shares owned by WEBCO are voted.

          Best owns 300,000 of the 386,469 issued and outstanding
     shares of common stock of the Corporation.  The person in control
     of Best controls the Corporation because Best owns approximately
     78% of the outstanding common stock of the Corporation.

          After the purchase of Best stock as described above, Russell
     C. Best beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, approximately
     78% of the voting securities of the Corporation, taking into
     consideration the 300,000 shares of the Corporation's common
     stock owned by Best and the 2,128 shares of the Corporation's
     common stock individually owned by Russell C. Best.  Currently,
     Russell C. Best beneficially owns approximately 88% of the voting
     securities of the Corporation as a result of the attribution to
     him of shares held by the Best Lock Partnership in which he and
     WEBCO are general partners, shares held by Best and shares held
     by the Best Lock Stock Bonus Plan with respect to which he has
     shared powers of voting and disposition in addition to the shares
     held by him individually.

          Russell C. Best purchased the 114,325 shares of Best from
     Bank One, Indianapolis, NA, as Trustee of the Walter E. Best
     Irrevocable Trust, under a Trust Agreement dated December 18,
     1972, at a price of $29.36 per share, for a total consideration
     of $3,356,582.  Russell C. Best purchased the 114,325 Best shares
     with the proceeds of a loan in the amount of $3,400,000 from
     Lock, a subsidiary of the Corporation.  The loan was made in
     accordance with the terms of the Employment Agreement between
     Lock and Russell C. Best, dated May 5, 1994 and described in
     "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation --
     Employment Agreement and Agreement Respecting Sale of Stock." 
     Russell C. Best refinanced this loan on or about September ____,
     1995 and the entire outstanding principal balance together with
     accrued interest was repaid to Lock on that date.  Prior to the
     acquisition of control by Russell C. Best, no single person
     possessed control of the Corporation.
<PAGE>



                     NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS

        At the meeting three directors are to be elected to serve for
     a term of one year and until their successors shall be elected
     and qualified.  The following slate of three nominees has been
     chosen by the Board of Directors and the Board recommends that
     each be elected.

     <TABLE>
     <CAPTION>
                                 
                                                            Position Held
                                                          With Corporation                                Director
         Name
                                      Age              Or Principal Occupation                            Since

         <S>                          <C>              <C>                                                <C>
         Russell C. Best (1)          34               Chairman of the Board of Best                      1991
                                                       Lock Corporation since March, 1995;
                                                       President of Best Lock Corporation since
                                                       February 15, 1995; Chief Executive Officer
                                                       of Best Lock Corporation since May,
                                                       1994; Executive Vice President
                                                       of Best Lock Corporation from June, 1992
                                                       to May, 1994; Marketing Director
                                                       of Best Lock Corporation from 1989-1992;
                                                       President and Chief Executive Officer
                                                       of the Corporation and Frank E.
                                                       Best, Inc. since February 15,
                                                       1995; prior thereto Vice President of
                                                       the Corporation and Frank E. Best, Inc.
                                                       from prior to 1990; director
                                                       of Frank E. Best, Inc. and
                                                       Best Lock Corporation

         Mariea L. Best (1)           32               Sole shareholder and president of Best             1995
                                                       Event and Travel, Inc., a travel agency,
                                                       from 1991-1994; Special Event Coordinator
                                                       for Wiersma from 1987-1990;
                                                       Director of Frank E. Best, Inc.
                                                       and Best Lock Corporation


         Gregg A. Dykstra             39               Secretary/Treasurer of the Corporation,            nominee
                                                       Best Lock Corporation and Frank E. Best,
                                                       Inc. since March, 1995; General Counsel
                                                       of Best Lock Corporation since November, 1989

         If the Reincorporation Proposal hereinafter described is approved
     by the Shareholders, the Board of Directors will consist of five
     members.  The directors currently intend to elect the following
     individuals to fill the vacancies created thereby.

     Larry W. Rottmeyer           39               Director of Business Development
                                                       of Best Lock Corporation since
                                                       ________, 1994; chief executive
                                                       officer and senior marketing
                                                       consultant for Marcon Corporation,
                                                       an independent marketing and
                                                       research firm, from 1987 to ____, 1994

         Eric M. Fogel                40               Partner in the law firm of Holleb &
<PAGE>



                                                       Coff, Chicago, Illinois, since 
                                                       December 1993; associate in the law
                                                       firm of Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal,
                                                       Chicago, Illinois, from July, 1989
                                                       to November, 1993
         <FN>
     ______________________

     (1)  Russell C. Best is the spouse of Mariea L. Best.

     </TABLE>

          The Board of Directors does not have standing audit,
     nominating or compensation committees.

          The Board of Directors of the Corporation held one meeting
     and conducted business by unanimous written consent in lieu of
     meeting one time during 1994.  All directors were present for
     such meeting.

          Effective April 1, 1995, each member of the Board of
     Directors of Best Lock Corporation ("Lock") will be entitled to
     fees for services rendered in his or her capacity as a director
     in the amount of $25,000 per calendar year.


                           EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     Board of Directors Compensation Report

     In General

          All of the compensation received by the Corporation's
     executives is paid by Lock, the Corporation's primary operating
     subsidiary.  Accordingly, all executive compensation decisions
     are made by the Board of Directors of Lock, the members of which
     typically constitute the Board of Directors of the Corporation. 
     The Board of Directors of Lock does not have a compensation
     committee or other board committee performing similar functions. 
     The compensation for executive officers of the Corporation
     consists primarily of salary and a cash bonus.  Executive
     officers also participate, along with other employees, in the
     Best Lock Corporation Stock Bonus Plan, a qualified non-
     contributory defined benefit pension plan, a bonus plan and a
     401(k) plan.  In 1994, the Corporation implemented the 401(k)
     plan and ceased making contributions to the stock bonus plan.

          In determining the levels of salary and bonus, the Board of
     Directors of Lock considers a number of factors, including
     corporate performance, internal compensation equity, external pay
     practices for comparable companies and the executive's level of
     responsibility, experience and expertise as well as their
     subjective evaluation of the performance of the executive.  The
     Directors refer to several outside surveys and studies of
     companies similarly situated in size and profitability, and
     utilize consultants and other outsiders in establishing the
     various pay levels of the executives.
<PAGE>



     Chief Executive Officer

          On May 5, 1994, Lock and Russell C. Best entered into an
     Employment Agreement pursuant to which Russell C. Best assumed
     the duties of Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.  The
     initial term of this agreement expires December 31, 1998;
     however, the term is automatically extended by one additional
     year on December 31 of each year unless earlier terminated by
     notice of either party to the other at least thirty (30) days
     prior to December 31 of each year.  The agreement provides for a
     base salary of $425,000 per year, subject to increases for
     inflation, individual performance of Mr. Best, overall corporate
     performance and adjustments to salary of other senior management,
     plus the participation of Russell C. Best in all general and
     executive compensation and benefit plans of Lock, including any
     incentive or bonus plans.

          In March, 1995, the Board of Directors of Lock reviewed the
     performance of Mr. Best since he assumed the duties of Chief
     Executive Officer in May, 1994 and recognized the following
     factors as evidence of the excellent performance of Mr. Best:

          1.   Lock's net income before provision for income taxes
               increased from $1,149,518 in the year ended December
               31, 1993 to $2,208,155 in the year ended December 31,
               1994;

          2.   Lock's earnings per share increased by 92% from $8.76
               for the 1993 year to $16.83 for the 1994 year;

          3.   Lock's sales revenues increased by 6.24% from
               $98,521,396 for the 1993 year to $104,669,003 for the
               1994 year;


     Certain members of the Board of Directors also reviewed certain
     compensation survey research data analyzed by an outside
     consultant with respect to compensation levels of chief executive
     officers of corporations comparable to Lock.  In light of these
     factors and the review of compensation survey research data and
     consistent with the terms of the employment agreement, the Board
     of Directors of Lock determined that Mr. Best should be paid a
     bonus in the amount of $340,000 for his performance in calendar
     year 1994 and as an incentive for him to continue to perform at
     an excellent level.  In light of these same factors and in
     accordance with the employment agreement, the Board of Directors
     also determined to increase Mr. Best's annual base compensation
     from $425,000 to $615,000 effective as of April 1, 1995.

                              Submitted by Board of Directors



                              Russell C. Best, Mariea L. Best
<PAGE>



     Compensation

          The information in the following table discloses all
     remuneration paid to the five most highly compensated executive
     officers of the Corporation, for services in all capacities to
     the Corporation and its parent and subsidiaries during the fiscal
     years ended December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992.
     <TABLE>
     <CAPTION>
                              Summary Compensation Table
                                                              Annual Compensation
                                                                                                      All Other (6)
         Name and Principal Position            Year         Salary              Bonus (5)            Compensation
         <S>                                    <C>          <C>                 <C>                  <C>
         Walter E. Best (1)                     1994         $444,965            $  3,655             $  1,450
         Chairman and President                 1993          435,668               1,779             $  1,817
                                                1992          430,443                 420                1,997

         Russell C. Best (2)                    1994         $406,657            $343,665                -0-
         Chief Executive Officer                1993          250,705               1,779             $  1,750
         Director                               1992          238,591                 420                1,920

         R. Gene McCullum                       1994         $191,473            $  2,015             $  3,000
         Vice-President,                        1993          196,706               1,779                1,474
           Administration                       1992          209,674                 420                1,762
         Director (3)

         Roger E. Beaverson                     1994         $182,019            $  2,015             $  3,000
         Secretary/Treasurer (4)                1993          189,777               1,779                1,438
                                                1992          204,099                 420                1,733

         Gregg A. Dykstra                       1994         $165,732            $ 11,475             $  1,067
         Secretary/Treasurer (4)                1993          147,148               1,779                1,099
                                                1992          124,891                 420                1,045
         <FN>
     _____________________

     (1)  Resigned February 15, 1995.

     (2)  Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Best Lock Corporation
          effective May, 1994.

     (3)  Resigned as Director on December 30, 1994.  Employment
          terminated March 1, 1995.

     (4)  Roger E. Beaverson was replaced as Secretary/Treasurer of
          the Corporation on March 24, 1995, by Gregg A. Dykstra
          formerly General Counsel of Lock.  Mr. Beaverson resigned
          from employment on June 16, 1995.

     (5)  In 1992 and 1993, the bonus payments were flat amounts.  In
          1994, the bonus payments consisted of a flat base amount
          plus a percentage based on the employee's achievement of
          certain business objectives.  In the case of Gregg A.
          Dykstra, the bonus amount for 1994 includes $9,900 in
          recognition of services performed in connection with the
          internal reorganization of the Corporation.  In the case of
          Russell C. Best, the bonus amount for 1994 includes an
          amount equal to $340,000 in recognition of services
          performed in calendar year 1994, payable in accordance with
<PAGE>



          the employment agreement with Russell C. Best as described
          in the Board of Directors Compensation Report.

     (6)  For 1992 and 1993, these amounts represent contributions by
          Lock to the Best Lock Corporation Stock Bonus Plan, a
          defined contribution plan, on behalf of the named executive
          officers.  For 1994, these amounts represent contributions
          by Lock to the 401(k) plan on behalf of the named executive
          officers.

     </TABLE>


     Compensation Pursuant To Plans

          The Best Lock Corporation Stock Bonus Plan is a qualified
     noncontributory defined contribution plan available to all
     employees above the age of 21 with one year of full-time service. 
     Voluntary contributions by Lock, a subsidiary of the Corporation,
     to the plan are made upon the authority of the Board of
     Directors, and are allocated on the basis of annual compensation
     and years of service.  The funds of the Plan are to be invested
     primarily in securities of the Corporation or its affiliates. 
     Amounts are distributed from the Plan upon the resignation,
     retirement, termination, or death of the employee in accordance
     with Plan provisions.  Employer contributions for the account of
     the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table are
     included in that table under All Other Compensation.

          Lock implemented a 401(k) profit sharing plan during 1994
     covering all employees who had completed one year of continuous
     service and had reached the age of 21 years as of October 1,
     1994.  Employer contributions to the 401(k) Plan are determined
     by the Board of Directors.  Participants begin vesting in
     employer contributions after 1 year of service at which time they
     are 20% vested.  Employees become 100% vested after 5 years of
     service.  Employer contributions for the account of the
     individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table are included
     in that table under All Other Compensation.

          Messrs. Roger E. Beaverson, Russell C. Best and R. Gene
     McCullum, along with all other employees as of September 1989,
     participate in a qualified noncontributory defined benefit
     pension plan approved by Lock's Board of Directors in 1989.  The
     monthly benefit payable thereunder is based on the employee's
     compensation and years of past service as of September 1, 1989. 
     The benefits under the Plan are stated in terms of a monthly
     payment at age 65 determined by the product of three components:
     (1) September 1, 1989 basic monthly pay rate; (2) one percent;
     and (3) the greater of (a) two or (b) the participant's period of
     employment (in years and months) through August 31, 1989.  Normal
     retirement age is 65, with provisions for earlier retirement with
     reduced benefits.  Such payments are to be made for their
     lifetime, following which 50% of the monthly amount will be
     provided for the lifetime of a surviving spouse.  The estimated
     annual benefits payable upon retirement at 65 to each of Mr.
     Best, Mr. McCullum and Mr. Beaverson are $5,920, $37,489 and
     $35,870, respectively.
<PAGE>



          Effective in 1989, Lock executed a Supplemental Retirement
     Benefit Agreement with Walter E. Best.  The payments to be made
     under this agreement are based on his compensation and years of
     past service as of September 1, 1989, and are payable on a
     monthly basis following his retirement.  Such payments are to be
     made for his lifetime, following which 50% of the monthly amount
     will be provided for the lifetime of his surviving spouse.  The
     estimated annual benefits payable to Walter E. Best under this
     benefit agreement as of December 31, 1994 are $132,300.

     Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

          Russell C. Best, President and Chief Executive Officer of
     the Corporation, Walter E. Best, former President and director of
     the Corporation, and R. Gene McCullum, former Vice-President
     Administration and director of the Corporation participated in
     deliberations of the Board of Directors of Lock concerning
     executive officer compensation.  During calendar year 1994, each
     of these individuals was also a member of the Board of Directors
     and an executive officer of Frank E. Best, Inc. ("Best") and
     Lock, each of which is an affiliate of the Corporation.  The
     Board of Directors of  Lock sets the compensation for executive
     officers and does not have a compensation committee.

          On February 15, 1995, Lock settled all claims arising from a
     derivative action threatened against it by a director, as well as
     all claims against Lock's Chief Executive Officer and another
     officer.  The material components of the settlement include:  (1)
     the resignation of Walter E. Best from the Board of Directors and
     as President of each of the Corporation, Lock and Best; (ii) the
     resignation of Richard E. Best and Marshall W. Best as officers
     and employees of Lock, Best and the Corporation and the
     resignation of Robert W. Best as an employee; (iii) the payment
     of the total sum of $2,134,349 as severance, vacation and bonus
     payments to Walter E. Best, Robert W. Best, Richard E. Best,
     Marshall W. Best and Edwina McLemore, an employee of Lock; (iv)
     the payment of the total sum of $1,240,000 in exchange for
     covenants not to compete from Walter E. Best, Robert W. Best,
     Richard E. Best and Marshall W. Best; and (v) the payment of the
     total sum of $8,178,296 for the acquisition of shares of Lock and
     interests in a partnership as described below.  

          On February 15, 1995, Lock purchased an eighty-seven percent
     (87%) non-voting partnership interest in Best Lock Partnership, a
     newly formed Indiana general partnership (the "Partnership") for
     the total consideration of $5,582,625.59.  This acquisition was
     made in two steps.  First, On February 15, 1995, Lock acquired an
     eighty-four and one-half percent (84.5%) interest in the
     Partnership by purchasing non-voting interests in the Partnership
     from the following persons for the following amounts:

             Best Lock Partnership
             (Non-Voting Interest)      Purchase Price

             Robert W. Best             $  250,323.45
             Denise Best                    31,223.14
             Richard E. Best               250,323.45
             Amber Best                     31,223.14
             Marshall W. Best              250,323.45
             Tracey Best                    31,223.14
<PAGE>



             Walter E. Best as the 
               trustee of the Walter E. 
               Best Revocable Trust      3,532,521.46
             Dona J. Best as the trustee 
               of the Dona J. Best 
               Revocable Trust             144,272.44
                                        -------------
             Total                      $4,521,433.67
                                        =============

          Second, Lock acquired a two and one-half percent (2.5%)
     interest in the Partnership directly from the Partnership for
     $1,061,191.92.

          On February 15, 1995, the Partnership acquired shares of
     capital stock in the Corporation and in Best, an affiliated
     corporation of the Corporation, for the aggregate purchase price
     of $1,061,191.92.  The sellers of such shares and the purchase
     price paid for the shares of these corporations are as follows:

             Frank E. Best, Inc.
             (Common Shares)            Purchase Price

             Walter E. Best             $    293.60
             Robert W. Best               43,746.40
             Richard E. Best              43,658.32
             Marshall W. Best             43,658.32
             The Huntington Trust 
               Company, NA, as the trustee 
               of the Walter E. Best 
               Irrevocable Trust         349,119.76
                                        -----------
             Total                      $480.476.40
                                        ===========


             The Corporation
             (Common Shares)            Purchase Price

             Walter E. Best             $    329.80
             Robert W. Best              140,362.88
             Richard E. Best             140,362.88
             Marshall W. Best            140,362.88
             Dona J. Best as the trustee
               of the Dona J. Best 
               Revocable Trust           158,172.08
                                        -----------
             Total                      $579,590.52
                                        ===========


             The Corporation
             (Preferred Shares)         Purchase Price

             Robert W. Best             $    375.00
             Richard E. Best                 375.00
             Marshall W. Best                375.00
                                        -----------
             Total                      $  1,125.00
                                        ===========
<PAGE>



          Also, on February 15, 1995, Lock acquired shares of its own
     common stock at an aggregate purchase price of $2,595,670.00. 
     The sellers of such shares and the purchase price for such shares
     are as follows:

             Best Lock Corporation
             (Common Shares)            Purchase Price

             Walter E. Best             $      770.00
             Robert W. Best                734,195.00
             Richard E. Best               649,495.00
             Marshall W. Best              649,495.00
             Dona J. Best as the trustee 
               of the Dona J. Best 
               Revocable Trust             561,715.00
                                        -------------
             Total                      $2,595,670.00
                                        =============

          The total assets of the Partnership are $6,571,711.60. 
     Russell C. Best, President of the Corporation and a member of the
     Corporation's Board of Directors, and Walter E. Best Company,
     Inc., an affiliated corporation the voting shares of which are
     all owned by Russell C. Best, are the holders of the remaining
     thirteen percent (13%) interest in the Partnership, which
     thirteen percent (13%) interest represents the entire voting
     interests of the Partnership.

          The relationships among the parties are as follows:  Prior
     to February 15, 1995, Walter E. Best was President, Chairman, and
     a member of the Board of Directors of each of the Corporation,
     Lock, Best, and Walter E. Best Company, Inc.  He is the father of
     the Corporation's current President, Russell C. Best, Robert W.
     Best, Richard E. Best and Marshall W. Best.  Prior to
     February 15, 1995, Robert W. Best was Assistant to the President
     of Lock.  He is a brother of the Corporation's current President,
     Russell C. Best.  Prior to February 15, 1995, Richard E. Best was
     a Vice President of Lock.  He also is a brother of the
     Corporation's current President, Russell C. Best.  Prior to
     February 15, 1995, Marshall W. Best was a Vice President of Lock. 
     He also is a brother of the Corporation's current President,
     Russell C. Best.  The Walter E. Best Revocable Trust is a
     revocable trust established by Walter E. Best.  The Dona J. Best
     Revocable Trust is a revocable trust established by Dona J. Best
     who is the mother of Russell C. Best.  Denise Best is the spouse
     of Robert W. Best; Amber Best is the spouse of Richard E. Best;
     and Tracey Best is the spouse of Marshall W. Best.

          The purchase price of the shares of the Corporation, Best,
     and Lock were based on the respective appraised values of such
     shares as of December 31, 1993 as determined by an independent
     appraiser, Sigurd R. Wendin & Associates, Inc. of Birmingham,
     Michigan.

          Lock's acquisition of its interest in the Partnership and
     its redemption of its own common shares were funded through a
     line of credit obtained by Lock from Huntington National Bank of
     Indianapolis, Indiana.
<PAGE>



          The series of transactions described above was approved
     unanimously by the Boards of Directors of the Corporation and of
     Lock and was undertaken pursuant to an Agreement dated
     February 15, 1995.  An opinion was rendered by Merrill Lynch,
     Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporation to Lock's Board of Directors
     that the settlement transactions were fair to Lock.

     Employment Agreement and Agreement Respecting Sale of Stock

          On May 5, 1994, Lock and Russell C. Best entered into an
     Employment Agreement  pursuant to which Russell C. Best assumed
     the duties of Chief Executive Officer of Lock.  The initial term
     of the Employment Agreement expires December 31, 1998; however,
     the term is automatically extended by one additional year on
     December 31 of each year unless earlier terminated by notice by
     either party to the other at least thirty (30) days prior to
     December 31 of such year.

          The Employment Agreement provides for a base salary of a
     minimum of $425,000 per year, subject to increases for inflation
     and other factors, plus the participation of Russell C. Best in
     all general and executive compensation and benefit plans of Lock,
     including any incentive or bonus plans.  See "Board of Directors
     Compensation Report - Chief Executive Officer."  The Employment
     Agreement further provides for a loan of up to $3,400,000 to
     Russell C. Best, to be repaid to Lock over a thirty year period
     with interest at 7.2% per annum.

          The Employment Agreement also provides severance benefits in
     the event of termination of employment under certain
     circumstances.  In the event of termination of employment by Lock
     without "cause" or by Russell C. Best with "cause" (as such terms
     are defined in the Employment Agreement), he will receive in each
     year throughout the unexpired portion of the term of the
     Employment Agreement, including any extensions occurring prior to
     the date of termination, his then current base salary, plus the
     average of the aggregate amounts of any bonuses, incentive
     payments, and/or contingent compensation received by him in each
     of the three immediately preceding calendar years.  If Lock
     terminates Russell C. Best's employment with "cause," or if he
     terminates employment without "cause," Russell C. Best would
     forfeit all compensation and benefits following such termination.

          Consistent with the terms of the Employment Agreement, on
     May 18, 1994, Lock loaned $3,400,000 to Russell C. Best pursuant
     to the terms of a Loan Agreement dated May 5, 1994, to which Lock
     and Russell C. Best are parties.  The terms of the loan were as
     provided in the Employment Agreement.  The current outstanding
     principal balance of the loan is $3,357,562.  The loan is secured
     by ____ shares of Best common stock acquired with the proceeds. 
     Russell C. Best refinanced this loan on or about September ___,
     1995 and the entire outstanding principal balance together with
     accrued interest was repaid to Lock on that date.  See "Change In
     Control."  Such shares will be released pro rata from the pledge
     as the principal of the loan is repaid to Lock.

          On May 16, 1994, Lock entered into an Agreement Respecting
     Sale of Stock (the "Put Agreement") with Russell C. Best.  The
     Put Agreement provides that Russell C. Best has the right,
     exercisable at any time on or before December 31, 1994, to
<PAGE>



     require Lock to purchase from him any shares of Best owned by him
     at the time of exercise at a price of $29.36 per share.  That
     right was not exercised and the Put Agreement has expired.

     Other Transactions

          Walter E. Best is the president and owns in excess of 10% of
     the stock of Best Aircraft Corporation.  During the past fiscal
     year, Lock leased aircraft and automobiles from Best Aircraft
     Corporation, paying $180,656 for such services.  Larry Rottmeyer,
     who became Director of New Business of Lock in 1994, was the
     president of, and owned in excess of 10% of, Marcon, Inc.  Lock
     purchased market research services from Marcon, Inc. during 1994
     paying $291,716 for such services.  Mr. Rottmeyer is no longer an
     officer or shareholder of Marcon, Inc.


                             PERFORMANCE GRAPH

          The information in the following line graph compares the
     yearly change in the cumulative total shareholder return on the
     Corporation's Series A common stock with the cumulative total
     return of the S & P Composite 500 Index and a selected peer group
     of companies for the period of five years commencing December 31,
     1989 and ending December 31, 1994.

          The graph and table that follows assume that $100 was
     invested on December 31, 1989 in Best Universal Lock Co., Series
     A common stock, the S & P 500 Index and stock of the peer group. 
     The peer group consists of publicly traded companies in
     industries similar to the Company:  Ingersoll-Rand Co., Knape &
     Vogt Mfg. Co., Masco Corporation, Stanley Works and L.S. Starrett
     Co. Total return assumes that all dividends are reinvested.



















     <TABLE>

                         1989      1990      1991      1992      1993      1994
     <S>                <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
     Best Universal
        Lock Co.        $100.00   $101.99   $111.95   $147.85   $154.19   $154.19
     S & P 500          $100.00   $  97.00  $126.00   $136.00   $150.00   $152.00
     Peer Group         $100.00   $  75.14  $109.13   $127.20   $159.12   $129.14
<PAGE>



     </TABLE>


             RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.

          The Board of Directors has selected the firm of Arthur
     Andersen LLP as independent auditors of the accounts of the
     Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries for the fiscal year
     1995.

          The Board of Directors recommends a vote for the proposal to
     approve the appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP.  In the event the
     appointment of Arthur Andersen LLP should not be approved by the
     Shareholders, the Board of Directors will make another
     appointment to be effective at the earliest feasible time, either
     this fiscal year or the next.

          Representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP are not expected to
     be at the shareholders' meeting.


                   PROPOSAL TO REINCORPORATE IN DELAWARE

          The following discussion summarizes certain aspects of the
     proposed reincorporation of the Corporation from the State of
     Washington to the State of Delaware (the "Reincorporation")
     pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger
     Agreement") between the Corporation and Best Universal Lock Co.,
     a Delaware corporation ("Universal-Delaware") (the
     "Reincorporation Proposal").  This summary is not intended to be
     complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by,
     reference to the Delaware General Corporation Law ("Delaware
     Law") and the Washington Business Corporation Act ("Washington
     Law"), the Merger Agreement, a copy of which is attached to this
     Information Statement as Exhibit A, the Certificate of
     Incorporation of Universal-Delaware (the "Delaware Certificate"),
     a copy of which is attached to this Information Statement as
     Exhibit B, and the Bylaws of Universal-Delaware (the "Delaware
     Bylaws"), a copy of which is attached to this Information
     Statement as Exhibit C.

          THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, AND FOR THE
     REASONS DESCRIBED BELOW UNDER "PRINCIPAL REASONS FOR THE
     REINCORPORATION" UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS
     APPROVE AND ADOPT, THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE REINCORPORATION
     PROPOSAL.

     Principal Reasons for the Reincorporation

          For many years the State of Delaware has followed a policy
     of encouraging incorporation in that state and, in furtherance of
     that policy, has adopted comprehensive, modern and flexible
     corporate laws which are periodically updated and revised to meet
     changing business needs.  As a result, many corporations have
     been initially incorporated in Delaware or have subsequently
     reincorporated in Delaware in a manner similar to that proposed
     by the Corporation.  Because of Delaware's prominence as a state
     of incorporation for many corporations, the Delaware courts have
     developed considerable expertise in dealing with corporate issues
     and a substantial body of case law has developed construing the
<PAGE>



     Delaware Law and establishing public policies with respect to
     corporations incorporated in Delaware.  Consequently, Delaware
     Law is comparatively well known and understood.  It is
     anticipated that, as in the past, Delaware Law will continue to
     be interpreted and explained in a number of significant court
     decisions.  The Board of Directors believes that reincorporation
     in Delaware should provide greater predictability with respect to
     the Corporation's corporate affairs.

     Principal Features of the Reincorporation

          The Reincorporation will be effected by the merger (the
     "Merger") of the Corporation with and into Universal-Delaware, a
     wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation which will be
     incorporated under Delaware Law for purposes of the Merger. 
     Universal-Delaware will be the surviving corporation in the
     Merger and will continue under the name of Best Universal Lock
     Co.  The Corporation will cease to exist as a result of the
     Merger.

          The Merger will not become effective until the requisite
     shareholder approval of the Reincorporation Proposal has been
     obtained and the Merger Agreement or an appropriate certificate
     of merger is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
     Delaware and the Secretary of State of the State of Washington.

          At the effective time of the Merger, the Corporation will be
     governed by the Delaware Certificate, the Delaware Bylaws and
     Delaware Law.

          Upon completion of the Merger, each outstanding share of
     Common Stock of the Corporation will be converted into one share
     of Common Stock of Universal-Delaware.  As a result, the existing
     shareholders of the Corporation will automatically become
     shareholders of Universal-Delaware, the Corporation will cease to
     exist and Universal-Delaware will continue to operate the
     business of the Corporation under the name Best Universal Lock
     Co.  The stock certificates of the Corporation will be deemed to
     represent the same number of Universal-Delaware shares as were
     represented by the Corporation's stock certificates prior to the
     Reincorporation.  IT WILL NOT BE NECESSARY FOR SHAREHOLDERS TO
     EXCHANGE THEIR STOCK CERTIFICATES FOR Universal-Delaware STOCK
     CERTIFICATES.  Following the Reincorporation, previously
     outstanding stock of the Corporation will constitute "good
     delivery" in connection with sales through a broker, or
     otherwise, of shares of Universal-Delaware.  Upon completion of
     the Reincorporation, the authorized capital stock of Universal-
     Delaware will consist of 300,000 shares of Series A Common Stock,
     without par value, 300,000 shares of Series B Common Stock
     without par value and 20,000 shares of preferred stock, par value
     $100 per share, which is identical to the authorized capital
     stock of the Corporation.

          The Reincorporation will not result in any change to the
     daily business operations of the Corporation or the present
     location of the principal executive offices of the Corporation in
     Indianapolis, Indiana.  The consolidated financial condition and
     results of operations of Universal-Delaware immediately after the
     consummation of the Reincorporation will be identical to that of
     the Corporation immediately prior to the consummation of the
<PAGE>



     Reincorporation.  In addition, at the effective time of the
     Merger the Board of Directors of Universal-Delaware will consist
     of those persons elected directors of the Corporation at the
     Annual Meeting.  The size of the Board of Directors will be
     increased to five and the directors intend to elect the persons
     described in "Nominees for Election As Directors" to fill the
     vacancies.  In addition, the individuals serving as executive
     officers of the Corporation immediately prior to the Merger will
     serve as executive officers of Universal-Delaware upon the
     effectiveness of the Merger.

          A vote for approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and
     Reincorporation Proposal will also constitute specific approval
     of the Delaware Certificate and the Delaware Bylaws.

          Confirmation and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the
     Reincorporation Proposal will affect certain rights of
     shareholders.  Accordingly, shareholders are urged to read
     carefully this entire Information Statement and the Exhibits to
     the Information Statement before voting.

     Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal

          In China Products North America, Inc. v. Manewal, et al, 69
     Wash. App. 767, 850 P.2d 565 (1993), the Washington Court of
     Appeals held that although a merger is among the corporate
     actions that would trigger dissenters' rights under the
     Washington Law, a merger of an existing corporation into a shell
     subsidiary corporation formed for the sole purpose of changing
     corporate domicile from the State of Washington to the State of
     Delaware is not a significant enough change in the scope of the
     business enterprise or in shareholders rights to warrant the
     triggering of dissenters' rights.  In reaching this conclusion
     the court was persuaded by the fact that the majority shareholder
     group in China Products owned more than two-thirds of the voting
     stock.  The court reasoned that since the controlling shareholder
     group had the power to eliminate most of the statutory
     differences between Washington and Delaware law by approving
     amendments to the articles and bylaws of the Washington
     corporation, this substantially undermined a claim that a change
     in the state of incorporation would have significance to the
     dissenters.  Similarly, Russell C. Best beneficially owns 66% of
     the Corporation's shares and, thus, has the power to cause the
     adoption of most of the changes in shareholders rights which will
     result from reincorporation through amendments to the
     Corporation's Articles and Bylaws.  Accordingly, although under
     Washington Law shareholders have the right, under certain
     circumstances, to dissent from certain corporate reorganizations
     and receive cash for their shares, Washington Law does not permit
     dissenters' rights in connection with the Reincorporation.

     Amendment, Deferral or Termination of the Merger Agreement

          If approved by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting, it is
     anticipated that the Reincorporation will become effective at the
     earliest practicable time.  However, the Merger Agreement
     provides that the Merger Agreement may be amended, modified or
     supplemented before or after approval by the shareholders of the
     Corporation; but no such amendment, modification or supplement
     may be made if it would have a material adverse effect upon the
<PAGE>



     rights of the Corporation's shareholders unless it has been
     approved by the shareholders.  The Merger Agreement also provides
     that the Corporation may terminate and abandon the Merger or
     defer its consummation for a reasonable period, notwithstanding
     shareholder approval, if in the opinion of the Board of Directors
     such action would be in the best interests of the Corporation and
     its shareholders.  The Merger Agreement provides that the
     consummation of the Merger is subject to certain conditions,
     including the absence of pending or threatened litigation
     regarding the Reincorporation.

     Comparison of Washington and Delaware Corporate Law and Summary
     of Charter and Bylaw Changes

          Washington Law and Delaware Law are similar in many respects
     but there are differences that may affect the rights of
     stockholders.  The following includes a summary of certain
     similarities and differences between Washington Law and Delaware
     Law.  Approval by stockholders of the Reincorporation will also
     constitute approval of the Delaware Certificate and Delaware
     Bylaws.  The following discussion also highlights certain
     differences in stockholder rights which will result from the
     implementation of the Delaware Certificate and Delaware Bylaws. 
     This discussion is not exhaustive and is qualified in its
     entirety by reference to the specific provisions of Delaware Law
     and Washington Law, the Delaware Certificate and Delaware Bylaws.

     Vote Required For Mergers, Consolidations and Dissolution

          Delaware Law relating to mergers and other corporate
     reorganizations differs from Washington Law in several respects. 
     Both Washington and Delaware Law provide for a shareholder vote
     (except as indicated below and for certain "short-form" mergers
     between a parent corporation and its 90% subsidiaries) of both
     the acquiring and acquired corporations to approve mergers and of
     the selling corporation for the sale by such corporation of all
     or substantially all of its assets.  Both Washington and Delaware
     Law provide for a shareholder vote to approve the dissolution of
     a corporation.  In addition, Washington Law requires the approval
     of the shareholders of an "acquired corporation" (which is
     defined as a corporation whose shares will be acquired in the
     transaction) in a share exchange transaction.  Delaware Law does
     not have specific provisions relating to share exchanges.

          Delaware Law does not require a shareholder vote of the
     surviving corporation in a merger if (i) the merger agreement
     does not amend the existing certificate of incorporation; (ii)
     each outstanding or treasury share of the surviving corporation
     in the merger is unchanged after the merger; and (iii) the number
     of shares to be issued by the surviving corporation in the merger
     does not exceed 20% of the shares outstanding immediately prior
     to such issuance.  By contrast, Washington Law requires a
     shareholder vote of the surviving corporation in a merger if the
     merger results in any increase in the number of "participating
     shares" (defined as shares that entitle their holders to
     participate without limitation in distributions) or "voting
     shares" (defined as shares that entitle their holders to vote
     unconditionally in elections of directors) outstanding.
<PAGE>



          To obtain shareholder approval of a merger or consolidation,
     or a sale of all or substantially all of its assets, Delaware Law
     requires a corporation to receive an affirmative vote of holders
     of at least a majority of the outstanding stock of the
     corporation entitled to vote thereon.  Generally, Washington Law
     provides that shareholder approval of a merger, share exchange or
     sale of all or substantially all of the assets requires the
     affirmative vote of holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) of all
     shares entitled to vote on the matter.  Additionally, separate
     voting by voting groups may be required in connection with such
     transactions under Washington Law.  See "Separate Voting by
     Voting Groups."  Delaware Law also requires an affirmative vote
     of holders of a majority of the outstanding stock to approve a
     dissolution of the corporation.  By contrast, Washington Law
     generally requires approval by holders of at least two-thirds
     (2/3) of all votes entitled to be cast on a dissolution proposal.

          Washington Law also permits the board of directors to
     condition its submission of a proposal for a merger, share
     exchange, sale of all or substantially of the assets or
     dissolution on any basis, including a greater vote and separate
     voting by voting groups (if not otherwise required).

     Appraisal Rights

          Both Delaware Law and Washington Law allow stockholders,
     under certain circumstances, to dissent from certain corporate
     transactions and to receive fair value for their shares in lieu
     of the consideration they would otherwise receive in the
     transactions.  Unless a corporation's certificate of
     incorporation provides otherwise, Delaware Law does not require
     such dissenters' rights of appraisal with respect to a merger or
     consolidation by (i) holders of shares a class of which is either
     listed on a national securities exchange or held by more than
     2,000 stockholders if such stockholders receive consideration
     consisting solely of one or more of the following:  (a) shares of
     the surviving corporation, (b) shares of such a listed or widely
     held corporation or (c) cash in lieu of fractional shares, or
     (ii) holders of shares of a surviving corporation in a merger if
     the merger does not require approval of such stockholders. 
     Delaware Law does not provide stockholders of a corporation with
     appraisal rights in a merger of the corporation into a subsidiary
     of the corporation or in a reorganization where the corporation
     acquires another business through the issuance of its stock in
     exchange for the assets or the outstanding stock of the business
     to be acquired.  Washington Law allows for appraisal rights in
     connection with, among other transactions, (i) a merger requiring
     shareholder approval, (ii) a short form merger with a subsidiary
     of the corporation, and (iii) a share exchange requiring
     shareholder approval.  However, as discussed under
     "Reincorporation Proposal -- Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal,"
     Washington Law does not generally recognize dissenters' rights of
     appraisal with respect to a reincorporation merger.

     Cumulative Voting

          Under Delaware Law, cumulative voting (which permits holders
     of less than a majority of the voting securities of a corporation
     to cumulate their votes and elect a director in certain
     situations) is not available unless expressly provided for in the
<PAGE>



     corporation's certificate of incorporation.  Washington Law
     provides for cumulative voting for elections of directors, but
     permits the elimination of cumulative voting if such exclusion is
     specified in the corporation's articles of incorporation.  If
     cumulative voting is authorized (i.e., not expressly eliminated
     in the articles of incorporation), Washington Law requires that
     at least three (3) directors be elected at each annual meeting. 
     Also, under Washington Law, directors may not be removed by the
     shareholders if the number of votes sufficient to elect that
     director under cumulative voting is cast against the director's
     removal.  The Corporation's Articles of Incorporation are silent
     on the subject of cumulative voting, and the Corporation's
     shareholders, thus, currently possess the ability to cumulate
     votes in the election of directors.  However, since the Delaware
     Certificate does not provide for cumulative voting, the
     shareholders will not have cumulative voting rights after the
     consummation of the Merger.  Accordingly, after the Merger,
     holders of a majority of the Corporation's common stock will be
     able to elect all directors to be elected at each annual meeting
     and to remove any director at a special meeting held for such
     purpose.  Members of the Corporation's Board of Directors
     currently own or control the majority of the Corporation's
     outstanding common stock.  

          When cumulative voting for the election of directors
     applies, a small minority shareholder or shareholders may be able
     to elect a member to the Corporation's Board of Directors, over
     the wishes of the majority, by casting all of his cumulated votes
     for that individual.  For example, if seven directors are elected
     annually, one or more stockholders holding more than 12.5% of the
     voting power could elect a director.  With conventional voting,
     on the other hand, each director is elected by a simple majority
     vote.

          The Board of Directors believes that cumulative voting
     should be eliminated for certain reasons.  First, one of the
     principal effects of cumulative voting is to make it more likely
     that an individual or group of individuals who own less than a
     plurality of the voting stock would be able to obtain
     representation on the Board of Directors.  Such an individual or
     group may have interests and goals which are not consistent with
     and may be in conflict with those of a majority of the
     shareholders.  The Corporation's Board of Directors believes that
     each Director should represent the interests of all the
     shareholders, rather than the interests of any special
     constituency, and that the presence on the Board of one or more
     directors representing such a constituency could disrupt and
     impair the efficient management of the Corporation.  Second, if
     cumulative voting were eliminated, minority shareholders would
     not in the future be able to use cumulative voting as a coercive
     device, such as by threatening to obtain representation on the
     Board of Directors as a means of forcing the Corporation to
     purchase their stock at a price above market or by otherwise
     unduly influencing management.

          While the Board of Directors does not consider the
     elimination of cumulative voting to be an anti-takeover measure,
     the elimination may have the effect of discouraging certain
     purchases of the Corporation's stock because of the reduced
     likelihood of obtaining board representation.  Under certain
<PAGE>



     circumstances, the elimination might also render more difficult
     or discourage a merger, tender offer or proxy contest, the
     assumption of control by a holder of a large block of the
     Corporation's stock or the removal of incumbent managers.  The
     Board of Directors is not currently aware of any accumulation of
     its stock for the purpose of utilizing cumulative voting to
     obtain board representation.  Further, the Board of Directors is
     not aware of the nomination of a candidate for the office of
     director in opposition to management-nominated director
     candidates at any time since the organization of the Corporation
     in the 1920's.

          The Board is not aware of, and this proposal is not in
     response to, any effort to invoke cumulative voting or to remove
     any directors.

     Preemptive Rights

          Under Washington Law, holders of certain shares of capital
     stock of a corporation have preemptive rights (which permit them
     to maintain their percentage ownership in the corporation by
     enabling them to purchase a portion of newly-issued shares),
     unless preemptive rights are expressly eliminated in the articles
     of incorporation.  A shareholder generally may waive his or her
     preemptive rights under Washington Law.  By contrast, Delaware
     Law provides that shareholders of a corporation do not have
     preemptive rights unless the certificate of incorporation
     expressly specifies the existence of such rights.

          Since the Corporation's Articles of Incorporation do not
     expressly eliminate pre-emptive rights, the Corporation's
     shareholders currently possess these rights.  The Delaware
     Certificate does not specify the existence of pre-emptive rights
     and, upon consummation of the Merger, the shareholders will no
     longer be entitled to exercise these rights.  As a result, the
     Corporation will be able to issue its capital stock to any public
     or private investor without first offering such stock to the
     Corporation's current shareholders.  If any such shares are
     issued, present shareholders' ownership as a percentage of the
     total outstanding stock would be diluted.  Any such issuances
     would be on such terms as determined by the Board of Directors in
     its lawfully exercised discretion.

          Compliance with the requirements of preemptive rights, if
     the Corporation should desire to issue additional common stock or
     securities convertible into common stock in the future, would
     involve considerable delay and substantial expense to the
     Corporation.  In most situations, the Corporation would be
     required to initiate and complete a rights offering or solicit
     and obtain Shareholders' consent to a waiver of the preemptive
     rights before issuing any shares of stock.  This may limit the
     Corporation's flexibility to take advantage of opportunities to
     raise capital for business growth or to finance acquisitions that
     may become available in the rapidly changing financial markets.

          Historically, preemptive rights originated at a time when
     companies were generally small and had relatively few
     stockholders, shares were not widely traded and there was little
     opportunity to purchase additional shares at a reasonable price
     except when the company had a new issue.  Today, investors
<PAGE>



     wishing to maintain or increase their holdings of the
     Corporation's stock may do so by purchasing shares through a
     broker-dealer making a market in the Corporation's shares.

          The Board of Directors believes that preemptive rights are
     not a significant benefit to the Shareholders, and that any
     benefit to shareholders of preemptive rights is outweighed by the
     benefit to the shareholders of increased flexibility and reduced
     costs in financing the operations of the Corporation.

     Distributions to Shareholders

          Delaware Law permits a corporation to declare and pay
     dividends out of surplus or, if there is no surplus, out of net
     profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared
     and/or for the immediately preceding fiscal year, provided that
     the amount of capital of the corporation is not less than the
     aggregate amount of capital represented by the issued and
     outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the
     distribution of assets.  In addition, Delaware Law provides that
     a corporation may redeem or repurchase its shares if such
     redemption or repurchase would not impair the capital of the
     corporation.  In determining the amount of surplus of a
     corporation under Delaware Law, the assets of the corporation may
     be valued at their fair market value as determined by the board
     of directors.

          Under Washington Law, the payment of dividends and
     repurchases or redemptions of stock are permitted if, after
     giving effect to such action, the corporation is able to pay its
     debts as they become due in the ordinary course of business and
     the corporation's total assets exceed its total liabilities plus
     the amount that would be needed for preferential rights upon
     dissolution.  The board of directors may base its determination
     that these requirements have been met on the corporation's
     financial statements prepared on the basis of accounting
     practices and principles that are reasonable under the
     circumstances or on a fair valuation or other method that is
     reasonable under the circumstances.

     Removal of Directors

          Under Delaware Law, any director or the entire board of
     directors generally may be removed with or without cause by a
     majority vote of shareholders.  Delaware Law also provides,
     however, that a director of a corporation with a classified board
     of directors may be removed only for cause unless the certificate
     of incorporation provides otherwise.  Under Washington Law,
     shareholders may remove directors with or without cause unless
     the articles of incorporation provide for removal only for cause. 
     The Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation do not provide
     for removal only for cause.  Under both Delaware and Washington
     Law, if a director is elected by a voting group consisting of the
     holders of any class or series of shares, only shareholders of
     that voting group may participate in a vote to remove that
     director.
<PAGE>



     Shareholders' Action by Written Consent

          Delaware Law provides that, unless the corporation's
     certificate of incorporation specifies otherwise, shareholders
     may take any action without a meeting by written consent 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 thereon were present and voted.  Washington Law also permits
     shareholders to take action by written consent, but requires such
     written consent to be unanimous.

     Power to Amend Articles or Certificate of Incorporation

          Under Delaware Law, all amendments to a corporation's
     certificate of incorporation must be approved by a majority of
     the outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon; provided,
     however, that voting by class is required if a proposed amendment
     would increase or decrease the aggregate number of authorized
     shares of such class, increase or decrease the par value of
     shares of such class, or alter or change the powers, preferences
     or special rights of shares of such class so as to affect
     adversely them.

          The Corporation's Articles of Incorporation contain no
     provision governing the amendment of the Articles of
     Incorporation.  Under Washington Law, in the case of a "public
     company," the Articles may be amended by the affirmative vote of
     a majority of the shares entitled to vote.  A public company is
     defined to include a company which has a class of shares
     registered with the federal Securities and Exchange Commission
     pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or
     any successor statute, and which has more that 300 shareholders. 
     The Corporation has more than 300 shareholders and thus is a
     "public company" for this purpose.  Accordingly, the
     Corporation's Articles of Incorporation may currently be amended
     by a majority of the outstanding stock under the statute.  In
     addition, should the Corporation have 300 or fewer  shareholders
     at any time, Washington Law would provide that amendments to the
     Articles of Incorporation must have the approval of 2/3 of the
     outstanding stock for approval.  Washington Law does, however,
     permit the articles of incorporation to specify that the articles
     may be amended by holders of a majority of outstanding voting
     stock regardless whether the corporation is public or not.  The
     Board of Directors believes that a simple majority is the
     appropriate standard regardless of the number of the
     Corporation's shareholders.

          Upon consummation of the Merger the holders of a majority of
     the Corporation's outstanding stock will have the authority under
     Delaware Law to amend the Corporation's Certificate of
     Incorporation at any annual or special meeting of shareholders,
     regardless of the then current number of such shareholders. 
     Since Russell C. Best, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
     Executive Officer of the Corporation, currently owns beneficially
     approximately 88% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of
     the Corporation, the Reincorporation would not have the effect of
     enhancing the ability of the incumbent Board of Directors or
     management to amend the corporate charter, even if the
     Corporation were not a public company under Washington Law.  The
<PAGE>



     Board of Directors does not intend this proposed change as an
     anti-takeover measure.

          Voting by separate voting groups on amendments to the
     articles is also required under Washington Law in certain
     circumstances.  In addition, Washington Law also permits the
     board of directors to condition its submission of a proposal to
     amend the articles of incorporation on any basis, including a
     greater vote and separate voting by voting groups (if not
     otherwise required).

     Power to Adopt, Amend or Repeal Bylaws

          Delaware Law gives the power to adopt, amend or repeal
     bylaws to the corporation's shareholders, provided that the
     corporation's certificate of incorporation may give concurrent
     power to the board of directors.  The Delaware Certificate
     includes such a concurrent grant of authority to the Board. 
     Washington Law provides that a corporation's board of directors
     may amend or repeal a corporation's bylaws, or adopt new bylaws,
     unless (a) the articles of incorporation or Washington Law
     reserve such power exclusively to the shareholders; or (b) the
     shareholders, in amending or repeating a particular bylaw,
     provide expressly that the board of directors may not amend or
     repeal that bylaw.  Washington Law also provides that a
     corporation's shareholders may also amend or repeal the
     corporation's bylaws, or adopt new bylaws, even though the board
     of directors also has such powers.  Article VIII of the
     Corporation's Bylaws currently provides that the Board of
     Directors may amend the bylaws by a majority vote.

          After consummation of the Merger, the Board of Directors as
     well as the shareholders will have concurrent authority to amend,
     repeal or adopt the Delaware Bylaws provided, however, that the
     Board of Directors will not have the power to amend or repeal any
     by-law with respect to which the shareholders have provided may
     not be amended or repealed by the Board.  The Board of Directors
     believes that it is in the best interests of the shareholders
     that the Board be in a position to adopt, amend or repeal the
     Bylaws whenever such action becomes desirable for the benefit of
     the Corporation and its Shareholders, without the necessity and
     expense of obtaining shareholder approval at an annual or special
     shareholders meeting.  The Bylaws generally pertain to matters of
     internal corporate governance within the particular competence of
     the Board of Directors and management of the Corporation.  This
     change is not intended to have any anti-takeover effect.  Since
     Russell C. Best, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
     Executive Officer of the Corporation, currently beneficially owns
     approximately 88% of the outstanding Common Stock of the
     Corporation, he currently effectively has the power to cause the
     amendment, repeal or making of the Bylaws.

     Shareholder Demand for Special Meeting

          Under Delaware Law, only the board of directors and persons
     authorized in the corporation's bylaws may call a special meeting
     of shareholders.  The Delaware Bylaws provide that the Chairman
     of the Board, the President, the Board and holders of 50% of the
     shares entitled to be voted at the meeting may call a special
     meeting of shareholders.  By contrast, Washington Law provides
<PAGE>



     that in addition to the board of directors and persons authorized
     in the corporation's articles of incorporation, holders of 10% of
     the shares entitled to be cast at the meeting may call a special
     meeting of shareholders.  Washington Law also provides that the
     articles of incorporation or bylaws of a non-public corporation
     may contain provisions that increase the percentage of shares
     needed to call a special meeting up to 25%, and that the articles
     of incorporation of a publicly-held corporation may deny or
     otherwise limit a shareholder's right to call a special meeting. 
     The articles of incorporation of the Corporation do not contain
     any provisions relating to shareholders' rights to call a special
     meeting.

          Upon consummation of the Reincorporation, only the holders
     of a majority of shares entitled to vote will be permitted to
     call a special meeting thereby eliminating the possibility that a
     minority shareholder could force stockholder consideration of a
     proposal over the opposition of the Board of Directors by calling
     a special meeting of stockholders prior to such time as the Board
     of Directors believes such consideration to be appropriate.  This
     change is not intended to have any anti-takeover effect.  Since
     Russell C. Best, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
     Executive Officer of the Corporation, currently beneficially owns
     approximately 88% of the outstanding common stock of the
     Corporation, no shareholder proposal can be adopted without his
     concurrence.

     Director Liability

          Delaware Law permits Delaware corporations, in their
     certificates of incorporation, to limit or eliminate director
     liability for money damages for a breach of the fiduciary duty,
     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 violation of law, (iii) arising from the
     payment of a dividend or approval of a stock repurchase in
     violation of the Delaware Law, or (iv) for any transaction from
     which the director derived an improper personal benefit.  The
     Delaware Certificate contains a provision eliminating such
     liability.  The proposed change would not eliminate the
     directors' duty of care, but it would eliminate the financial
     exposure of directors of the Corporation for certain breaches of
     such duty.  Directors would remain liable to the Corporation and
     its stockholders for the acts that are specifically excluded from
     the scope of the provision as listed above.  The change would not
     be retroactive and therefore would not limit the liability of
     directors for any act or omission occurring prior to the adoption
     of the proposed amendment.  Washington Law contains comparable
     provisions and prohibits retroactive application of any provision
     eliminating or limiting the liability of a director.

          Although the Corporation has had little difficulty in
     attracting and retaining directors, the Board of Directors
     believes that the Corporation should take all reasonable steps to
     ensure that it will continue to be able to attract and retain
     qualified persons for such positions and that directors will not
     be inhibited in their decision-making because of undue concerns
     about personal liability.  Further, the change should have the
     effect of reducing the cost to the Corporation of obtaining
<PAGE>



     directors and officers liability insurance as well as the risk
     that the Corporation's assets will be depleted in defending and
     indemnifying its officers and directors against frivolous
     stockholder litigation.  After the Merger, a stockholder will be
     able to prosecute an action against a director for monetary
     damages only if the stockholder alleges a breach of the duty of
     loyalty, a failure to act in good faith, intentional misconduct,
     a knowing violation of law, an unlawful dividend payment or stock
     purchase or redemption or a breach of duty resulting in receipt
     of an improper personal benefit.  A stockholder will not be able
     to prosecute such an action (including an action relating to an
     attempted takeover of the Corporation) based on "negligence" or
     "gross negligence" of a director in the performance of the
     director's duties.  However, the proposed change will not limit
     or eliminate the right of the Corporation or any stockholder to
     seek an injunction, rescission or other form of non-monetary
     relief in the event of a breach of the duty of care by a director
     (although such relief may not be an effective remedy in certain
     circumstances).  In addition, the proposed change applies only to
     claims against a director arising out of service in such capacity
     and, depending upon judicial interpretation, it may not be
     effective to relieve a director from liability under the laws of
     jurisdictions other than Delaware, such as liabilities imposed
     under the federal securities laws.  The proposed change will have
     no effect on tort or other claims by third parties against
     directors.  The proposed change will not preclude indemnification
     of a director by the Corporation for any liability which has not
     been eliminated by the change as permitted by the Delaware
     General Corporation Law and the Corporation's Bylaws.

          The Corporation has not received notice of any pending or
     threatened litigation to which any current director is a party or
     threatened to be made a party in such capacity to which the
     protections and benefits under the proposed change might apply;
     and the proposed change is not being proposed in response to any
     specific resignation, threat of resignation or refusal to serve
     by any director or potential director of the Corporation.

          The Board of Directors believes that the diligence exercised
     by directors stems primarily from their fiduciary duty and desire
     to act in the best interests of the Corporation and its
     Stockholders and not from fear of monetary damages. Consequently,
     they believe that the level of care exercised by them in the
     performance of their duties would not be lessened by the adoption
     of the proposed change.  The Board of Directors recognizes that
     it and future members of the Board of Directors could personally
     benefit from approval of the proposed change, but for the reasons
     stated above, the Board of Directors believes that the proposed
     change is in the best interests of the Corporation and its
     Stockholders.

     Indemnification

          Delaware Law permits indemnification of officers, directors,
     employees and agents against liabilities and expenses incurred in
     proceedings if such person 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, had
     no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. 
     Indemnification in connection with a proceeding by or in the
<PAGE>



     right of a corporation is limited to expenses actually and
     reasonably incurred by the indemnified person, and no
     indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or
     matter as to which such person has been adjudged to be liable to
     the corporation unless indemnification is otherwise authorized by
     a court.  Delaware Law requires indemnification of officers,
     directors, employees and agents to the extent such person has
     been successful on the merits or otherwise in proceedings in
     which the person was involved by reason of his or her status as
     an officer, director, employee or agent.  Delaware Law also
     provides that the statutory indemnification is not exclusive of
     rights to indemnification provided in the charter, bylaws or
     agreement, or through resolutions of its board of directors or
     shareholders.

          Washington Law permits indemnification of officers,
     directors, employees and agents against liabilities and expenses
     incurred in proceedings if the individual acted in good faith and
     reasonably believed (1) in the case of conduct in his official
     capacity with the corporation, that his conduct was in its best
     interests, and (2) in all other cases, that his conduct was at
     least not opposed to its best interests.  In the case of any
     criminal proceeding, the individual must either have had
     reasonable cause to believe the conduct was lawful or had no
     reasonable cause to believe the conduct was unlawful.  Washington
     Law prohibits indemnification of any person adjudged to be liable
     to the corporation and, unlike Delaware, does not permit a court
     to authorize indemnification in such a circumstance.  Washington
     Law contains a mandatory indemnification provision similar to
     Delaware's provisions, but Washington Law permits a corporation
     to limit such indemnification in its articles of incorporation.

     Anti-Takeover Law

          In general, Delaware Law prevents an "interested
     stockholder" (which is defined as any person who, individually or
     with others, owns 15% or more of the outstanding voting
     securities of a corporation), from engaging in certain business
     combinations (including, among other transactions, any merger or
     consolidation with, or sale or disposition of a substantial
     amount of assets to, an interested stockholder) with a Delaware
     corporation for three (3) years following the date such person
     became an interested stockholder unless certain conditions (such
     as approval by the Board of Directors prior to such date or by
     the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
     outstanding voting stock not owned by the interested stockholder
     on or after such date) are met.  These anti-takeover provisions
     under Delaware Law do not apply to certain corporations
     (including those which do not have a class of voting stock listed
     on a national securities exchange, authorized for quotation on an
     inter-dealer quotation system, or held of record by more than
     2,000 stockholders).  However, these provisions will apply to any
     corporation which so specifies in its certificate of
     incorporation (or an amendment thereto).

          Washington Law contains provisions regulating "interested
     shareholder transactions" and "significant business transactions"
     which are more restrictive than the above-described provisions
     under Delaware Law.  Washington Law prohibits an "interested
     shareholder transaction" unless such transaction is approved by
<PAGE>



     each voting group entitled to vote separately on the transaction
     by two-thirds (2/3) of the votes of disinterested holders of each
     such voting group.  These provisions do not apply to a
     transaction (i) by a corporation with fewer than 300 holders of
     record of its shares (unless its articles of incorporation
     provide otherwise); (ii) approved by a majority of the
     corporation's disinterested directors; (iii) in which a majority
     of the disinterested directors determines that the fair market
     value of the consideration to be received by noninterested
     shareholders for shares of any class for which shares are owned
     by any interested shareholder is not less than the highest fair
     market value of the consideration paid by any interested
     shareholder in acquiring shares of the same class within 24
     months of the proposed transaction; (iv) by a corporation whose
     original Articles of Incorporation includes a provision, or whose
     shareholders adopt an amendment to its Articles of Incorporation
     by two-thirds (2/3) of the votes of disinterested shareholders,
     expressly electing not to be covered by these statutory
     provisions.  For purposes of these provisions, an "interested
     shareholder" is defined to include any person or group of
     affiliated persons who beneficially own 20% or more of the
     outstanding voting shares of a corporation.

          Washington Law also prohibits a Washington corporation from
     engaging in any "significant business transaction" (which is
     defined as (i) a merger or consolidation with an acquiring person
     or an affiliate or an associate of an acquiring person; or (ii) a
     sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition or
     encumbrance to or with an acquiring person or an affiliate or an
     associate of an acquiring person of assets of the corporation (x)
     having an aggregate market value equal to 5% or more of the
     aggregate market value of all assets, (y) having an aggregate
     market value equal to 5% or more of all outstanding shares, or
     (z) representing 5% or more of the earning power or net income of
     the target corporation) for a period of 5 years following the
     date on which the acquiring person obtained such status unless
     such transaction is approved prior to such date by a majority of
     the members of the Board of Directors.  A corporation that
     engages in a significant business transaction without obtaining
     such approval will have its certificate of incorporation revoked,
     and such significant transaction is void.  For purposes of these
     provisions, an acquiring person is defined as a person or group
     of persons who beneficially owns 10% or more of the outstanding
     voting shares of the target corporation.  The provisions
     restricting significant business transactions do not apply to a
     corporation which does not have a class of securities registered
     under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
     amended.

     Separate Voting by Voting Groups

          Under certain circumstances, Washington Law requires
     separate voting by voting groups in connection with a merger,
     share exchange, and sale of all or substantially all assets. 
     Delaware Law generally does not require such class voting, except
     in circumstances where the transaction involves certain
     amendments to the certificate of incorporation.
<PAGE>



     Number of Directors

          Unless the articles of incorporation specify otherwise,
     Washington Law permits the Board of Directors, as well as the
     shareholders, to increase the number of directors by a simple
     majority vote.  Currently, the Corporation's Articles of
     Incorporation provide that the shareholders may increase the
     number of the Corporation's directors from three to a greater
     number not exceeding seven by a vote of 75% of the outstanding
     stock of the Corporation.  Delaware Law provides that the number
     of directors shall be fixed by, or in the manner provided in, the
     bylaws unless the certificate of incorporation fixes the number. 
     The Delaware Bylaws provide that the board shall be composed of
     five members.  The number of directors can be changed from time
     to time by amending the bylaws.  Thus, after the Merger, either
     the Board or the shareholders can amend the bylaws by a majority
     vote to change the number of directors without any minimum or
     maximum constraints.

          The Board believes that it is capable, just as the
     shareholders are, of determining the advisability of expansion of
     the Board of Directors, due to the Board's familiarity with the
     Corporation's management and opportunities.  The Board of
     Directors desires to have the flexibility to respond quickly to
     the availability of an excellent candidate for an additional
     director position, without the burden and expense of calling a
     special meeting of the shareholders.  With respect to the
     reduction in the percentage of the stockholders who must approve
     an expansion of the board, the Board of Directors believes that
     such a decision is not one of such gravity that a supermajority
     decision standard is appropriate.

     Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reincorporation

          The Reincorporation will constitute a reorganization
     described in Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code of
     1986, as amended.  Accordingly, no gain or loss will be
     recognized by the holders of Common Stock as a result of the
     consummation of the Reincorporation and no gain or loss will be
     recognized by the Corporation or Universal-Delaware.  Each holder
     of Common Stock will have the same basis in the Universal-
     Delaware Common Stock received pursuant to the Reincorporation as
     such holder had in the Common Stock held immediately prior to the
     Reincorporation, and the holding period with respect to the
     Universal-Delaware Common Stock will include the period during
     which such holder held the corresponding Common Stock of the
     Corporation, so long as the Common Stock was held as a capital
     asset at the time of consummation of the Reincorporation.

          ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT ANTICIPATED THAT STATE OR LOCAL INCOME
     TAX CONSEQUENCES TO SHAREHOLDERS WILL VARY FROM THE FEDERAL
     INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES DESCRIBED ABOVE, SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD
     CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE EFFECT OF THE
     REINCORPORATION UNDER STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN INCOME TAX LAWS.

          The Corporation has also been advised by legal tax counsel
     that Universal-Delaware will succeed without adjustment to the
     tax attributes of the Corporation.  If the Reincorporation is
     approved, Universal-Delaware will be obligated to pay an annual
     franchise tax in Delaware.
<PAGE>



          The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the
     shareholders vote "FOR" the approval and adoption of the Merger
     Agreement and the Reincorporation Proposal.


                      VOTE REQUIRED TO APPROVE MATTERS

          A quorum for the meeting requires the presence in person or
     by proxy of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
     the common stock of the Corporation.  Votes cast by proxy or in
     person at the meeting will be tabulated by the inspector(s) of
     election appointed for the meeting.  Abstentions, "broker non-
     votes" (i.e., where brokers or nominees indicate that such
     persons have not received instructions from the beneficial owner
     or other person entitled to vote shares as to a matter with
     respect to which the brokers or nominees do not have
     discretionary power to vote) and votes withheld will be treated
     as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. 
     Brokers that do not receive instructions are entitled to vote on
     the election of directors and the ratification of appointment of
     auditors.  With respect to the Reincorporation Proposal, no
     broker may vote shares held for beneficial owners or other
     persons entitled to vote without specific instructions from such
     persons.

          The election of each director requires a plurality of the
     votes cast.  Votes withheld will be deemed not to have been cast. 
     Pursuant to Washington Law, shareholders are currently entitled
     to cumulate votes in the election of directors by multiplying the
     number of votes they are entitled to cast by the number of
     directors for whom they are entitled to vote and to cast the
     product for a single candidate or distribute the product among
     two or more candidates.  If, however, Proposal Number 1 which
     would permit the reincorporation of the Corporation in Delaware
     is approved by the requisite vote of shareholders, thereby
     eliminating cumulative voting upon the effectiveness of the
     Merger, the Corporation intends to file Articles of Merger with
     the Washington Secretary of State and the Delaware Secretary of
     State promptly.

          The approval of the Merger Agreement and Reincorporation
     Proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of shares
     representing two-thirds of the shares outstanding on the record
     date.

          Russell C. Best, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
     Executive Officer of the Corporation, currently beneficially owns
     approximately 88% of the outstanding Common Stock of the
     Corporation and intends to vote his shares in favor of the
     Reincorporation Proposal.  With respect to such proposed
     amendments, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same
     effect as a vote against the proposal.

          The ratification of the appointment of the auditors requires
     the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in
     person and entitled to vote at the annual meeting.


                               OTHER BUSINESS
<PAGE>



          As of the date of this Information Statement, the Board of
     Directors knows of no other business which will be presented for
     consideration at the meeting.


                        AVAILABILITY OF 10-K REPORT

          Copies of the 1994 Annual Report on Form 10-K will be
     forwarded without charge to security holders as of the record
     date upon written request to the Secretary.

                              By Order of the Board of Directors,

                              Gregg A. Dykstra, Secretary
                              P.O. Box 50444
                              Indianapolis, Indiana 46250
<PAGE>



     EXHIBITS TO INFORMATION STATEMENT

     Exhibit A      Merger Agreement
     Exhibit B      Certificate of Incorporation
     Exhibit C      Bylaws
<PAGE>



                              EXHIBIT A

                        AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
                          BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO.


     Parties:

          THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER ("Merger Agreement") is
     entered into by and between Best Universal Lock Co., a Washington
     corporation ("Universal-Washington") and Best Universal Lock Co.,
     a Delaware corporation ("Universal-Delaware").

     Recitals:

          1.   Universal-Washington is a corporation duly organized
     and existing under the laws of the State of Washington.

          2.   Universal-Delaware is a corporation duly organized and
     existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

          3.   On the date of this Merger Agreement, Universal-
     Washington's authorized capital consists of ______ shares of
     stock, consisting of ___ shares of Common Stock, par value ___
     per share (the "Universal-Washington Common Stock"), of which
     ______ shares are issued and outstanding, and __________ shares
     of preferred stock, par value $____ per share, none of which
     shares are issued and outstanding.

          4.   On the date of this Merger Agreement, Universal-
     Delaware's authorized capital consists of __________ shares of
     stock, consisting of __________ shares of Common Stock, par value
     $___ per share (the "Universal-Delaware Common Stock"), of which
     ____ shares are issued and outstanding and owned by Universal-
     Washington and __________ shares of preferred stock, par value
     $____ per share, none of which shares are issued and outstanding.

          5.   The respective Boards of Directors of Universal-
     Washington and Universal-Delaware have determined that it is
     advisable and in the best interests of each such corporation that
     Universal-Washington merge with and into Universal-Delaware upon
     the terms and subject to the conditions of this Merger Agreement
     for the purpose of effecting the reincorporation of Universal-
     Washington in the State of Delaware.

          6.   The respective Boards of Directors of Universal-
     Washington and Universal-Delaware have approved and adopted this
     Merger Agreement. Universal-Washington has adopted this Merger
     Agreement as the sole stockholder of Universal-Delaware and the
     Board of Directors of Universal-Washington has directed that this
     Merger Agreement be submitted to a vote of its shareholders.  The
     affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the shares of
     Universal-Washington Common Stock outstanding must approve this
     Merger Agreement for the merger to become effective.

          7.   The parties intend by this Merger Agreement to effect a
     "reorganization" under Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code
     of 1986, as amended.

     Terms and Provisions:
<PAGE>



          In consideration of the foregoing recitals and of the
     following terms and provisions, and subject to the following
     conditions, it is agreed:

          1.   Merger.  At the Effective Time (as defined in this
     Section 1), Universal-Washington shall be merged with and into
     Universal-Delaware (the "Merger").  Universal-Delaware shall be
     the surviving corporation of the Merger (hereinafter sometimes
     referred to as the "Surviving Corporation") and the separate
     corporate existence of Universal-Washington shall cease.  The
     Merger shall become effective upon the filing of a Certificate of
     Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.  The
     date and time when the Merger shall become effective is herein
     referred to as the "Effective Time."

          2.   Governing Documents.

               a.   The Certificate of Incorporation Universal-
     Delaware as it may be amended or restated subject to applicable
     law, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall
     constitute the Certificate of Incorporation of the Surviving
     Corporation without further change or amendment until thereafter
     amended in accordance with the provisions thereof and applicable
     law.

               b.   The Bylaws of Universal-Delaware as in effect
     immediately prior to the Effective Time shall constitute the
     Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation without change or amendment
     until thereafter amended in accordance with the provisions
     thereof and applicable law.

          3.   Officers and Directors.  The persons who are officers
     and directors of Universal-Washington immediately prior to the
     Effective Time shall, after the Effective Time, be the officers
     and directors of the Surviving Corporation, without change until
     their successors have been duly elected or appointed and
     qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in
     accordance with the Surviving Corporation's Certificate of
     Incorporation and Bylaws and applicable law.

          4.   Name.  The name of the Surviving Corporation shall
     continue to be Best Universal Lock Co.

          5.   Succession.  At the Effective Time, the separate
     corporate existence of Universal-Washington shall cease, and the
     Surviving Corporation shall possess all the rights, privileges,
     powers and franchises of a public or private nature and be
     subject to all the restrictions, disabilities and duties of
     Universal-Washington and all the rights, privileges, powers and
     franchises of Universal-Washington, and all property, real,
     personal and mixed, and all debts due to Universal-Washington on
     whatever account, as well for share subscriptions and all other
     things in action, shall be vested in the Surviving Corporation;
     and all property, rights, privileges, powers and franchises, and
     all and every other interest shall be thereafter as effectively
     the property of the Surviving Corporation as the same were of
     Universal-Washington, and the title to any real estate vested by
     deed or otherwise shall not revert or be in any way impaired by
     reason of the Merger, but all rights of creditors and liens upon
     any property of Universal-Washington shall be preserved
<PAGE>



     unimpaired, and all debts, liabilities and duties of Universal-
     Washington shall thenceforth attach to the Surviving Corporation
     and may be enforced against it to the same extent as if such
     debts, liabilities and duties have been incurred or contracted by
     it; provided, however, that such liens upon property of
     Universal-Washington will be limited to the property affected
     thereby immediately prior to the Merger.  All corporate acts,
     plans, policies, agreements, arrangements, approvals and
     authorizations of Universal-Washington, its shareholders, Board
     of Directors and committees thereof, officers and agents which
     were valid and effective immediately prior to the Effective Time,
     shall be taken for all purposes as the acts, plans, policies,
     agreements, arrangements, approvals and authorizations of the
     Surviving Corporation, its stockholders, Board of Directors and
     committees thereof, respectively, and shall be as effective and
     binding thereon as the same were with respect to Universal-
     Washington.

          6.   Conversion of Shares.  At the Effective Time, by virtue
     of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holder
     thereof:

               a.   Each share of Universal-Washington Common Stock
     outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be
     converted into, and shall become, one fully paid and
     nonassessable share of Universal-Delaware Common Stock.

               b.   The _____ shares of Universal-Delaware Common
     Stock issued and outstanding in the name of Universal-Washington
     shall be cancelled and retired, and no payment shall be made with
     respect thereto, and such shares shall resume the status of
     unauthorized and unissued shares of Universal-Delaware Common
     Stock.

          7.   Stock Certificates.  At and after the Effective Time,
     all of the outstanding certificates which immediately prior to
     the Effective Time represented shares of Universal-Washington
     Common Stock shall be deemed for all purposes to evidence
     ownership of, and to represent shares of, Universal-Delaware
     Common Stock into which the shares of Universal-Washington Common
     Stock formerly represented by such certificates have been
     converted as herein provided.  The registered owner on the books
     and records of Universal-Washington or its transfer agent of any
     such outstanding stock certificate shall, until such certificate
     shall have been surrendered for transfer or otherwise accounted
     for to the Surviving Corporation or its transfer agent, have and
     be entitled to exercise any voting or other rights with respect
     to and to receive any dividends and other distributions upon the
     shares of Universal-Delaware Common Stock evidenced by such
     outstanding certificate as above provided.  Nothing contained
     herein shall be deemed to require the holder of any shares of
     Universal-Washington Common Stock to surrender the certificate or
     certificates representing such shares in exchange for a
     certificate or certificates representing shares of Universal-
     Delaware Common Stock.

          8.   Other Employee Benefit Plans.  As of the Effective
     Time, the Surviving Corporation hereby assumes all obligations of
     Universal-Washington under any and all employee benefit plans in
     effect as of the Effective Time or with respect to which employee
<PAGE>



     rights or accrued benefits are outstanding as of the Effective
     Time.

          9.   Conditions.  The consummation of the Merger is subject
     to satisfaction of the following conditions prior to the
     Effective Time.

               a.   The Merger shall have received the requisite
     approval of the holders of Universal-Washington Common Stock and
     all necessary action shall have been taken to authorize the
     execution, delivery and performance of the Merger Agreement by
     Universal-Washington and Universal-Delaware.

               b.   All approvals and consents necessary or desirable,
     if any, in connection with the consummation of the Merger shall
     have been obtained.

               c.   No suit, action, proceeding or other litigation
     shall have been commenced or threatened to be commenced which, in
     the opinion of Universal-Washington or Universal-Delaware, would
     pose a material restriction on or impair consummation of the
     Merger, performance of this Merger Agreement or the conduct of
     the business of Universal-Delaware after the Effective Time, or
     create a risk of subjecting Universal-Washington or Universal-
     Delaware, or their respective shareholders, officers or
     directors, to material damages, costs, liability or other relief
     in connection with the Merger or this Merger Agreement.

          10.  Governing Law.  This Merger Agreement shall be governed
     by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
     Delaware applicable to contracts entered into and to be performed
     wholly within the State of Delaware, except to the extent that
     the laws of the State of Washington are mandatorily applicable to
     the Merger.

          11.  Amendment.  Subject to applicable law and subject to
     the rights of Universal-Washington's shareholders further to
     approve any amendment which would have a material adverse effect
     on such shareholders, this Merger Agreement may be amended,
     modified or supplemented by written agreement of the parties
     hereto at any time prior to the Effective Time with respect to
     any of the terms contained herein.

          12.  Deferral or Abandonment.  At any time prior to the
     Effective Time, this Merger Agreement may be terminated and the
     Merger may be abandoned or the time of consummation of the Merger
     may be deferred for a reasonable time by the Board of Directors
     of either Universal-Washington or Universal-Delaware or both,
     notwithstanding approval of this Merger Agreement by the
     shareholders of Universal-Washington or the stockholders of
     Universal-Delaware or both, if circumstances arise which, in the
     opinion of the Board of Directors of Universal-Washington or
     Universal-Delaware, make the Merger inadvisable or such deferral
     of the time of consummation thereof advisable.

          13.  Counterparts.  This Merger Agreement may be executed in
     any number of counterparts each of which when taken alone shall
     constitute an original instrument and when taken together shall
     constitute one and the same Agreement.
<PAGE>



          14.  Further Assurances.  From time to time, as and when
     required or requested by either Universal-Washington or
     Universal-Delaware, as applicable, or by its respective
     successors and assigns, there shall be executed and delivered on
     behalf of the other corporation, or by its respective successors
     and assigns, such deeds, assignments and other instruments, and
     there shall be taken or caused to be taken by it all such further
     and other action, as shall be appropriate or necessary in order
     to vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in the
     Surviving Corporation the title to and possession of all
     property, interests, assets, rights, privileges, immunities,
     powers, franchise and authority of Universal-Washington and
     otherwise to carry out the purposes of this Merger Agreement, and
     the officers and directors of each corporation are fully
     authorized in the name and on behalf of such corporation or
     otherwise, to take any and all such action and to execute and
     deliver any and all such deeds, assignments and other
     instruments.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Universal-Washington and Universal-
     Delaware have caused this Merger Agreement to be signed by their
     respective duly authorized officers and delivered this ____ day
     of __________, 1995.


                                        BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO.,
                                         a Washington corporation


                                        By:  ________________________

                                             Title:    ______________
     ATTEST:


     By:  ________________________

          Title:    ______________


                                        BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO.,
                                          a Delaware corporation


                                        By:  ________________________

                                             Title:    _______________
     ATTEST:


     By:  ______________________

          Title:    ____________
<PAGE>



                              EXHIBIT B

                      CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
                          BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO.

                                 ARTICLE I

          The name of this corporation is Best Universal Lock Co.

                                 ARTICLE II

          The address of the registered office of the Corporation in
     the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, in the City of
     Wilmington, County of New Castle.  The name of its registered
     agent at such address if The Corporation Trust Company.

                                ARTICLE III

          The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or
     promoted is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which
     corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law
     of Delaware.

                                 ARTICLE IV

          (A)  Classes of Stock.  This Corporation is authorized to
     issue two classes of stock to be designated, respectively,
     "Common Stock" and "Preferred Stock."  The Preferred Stock may be
     issued in one or more series.  The total number of shares that
     this Corporation is authorized to issue is ___________ Million
     (_____________) shares.  ______ Million (___________) shares
     shall be Common Stock, par value of ________ ($___) per share,
     and ________ Million (____) shares shall be Preferred Stock, par
     value of _________ ($___) per share.

          (B)  Rights, Preferences and Restrictions of Preferred
     Stock.  The Preferred Stock authorized by these Articles of
     Incorporation may be issued from time to time in series.  The
     Board of Directors is hereby authorized to fix or alter the
     rights (including voting rights), preferences, privileges and
     restrictions granted to or imposed upon series of Preferred
     Stock, and the number of shares constituting any such series and
     the designation thereof, or of any of them.

                                 ARTICLE V

          The name and mailing address of the incorporator is Gregg A.
     Dykstra, 6161 E. 75th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250

                                 ARTICLE VI

          The Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make,
     repeal, alter, amend and rescind any or all of the Bylaws of the
     Corporation.

                                ARTICLE VII

          No director shall be personally liable to the corporation or
     its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary
     duty as a director, provided, however, that this Article VII
<PAGE>



     shall not limit or eliminate the liability of a director, to the
     extent provided by applicable law: (i) for any breach of the 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 violation of law, (iii) under Section 174
     of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) for any
     transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
     benefit.  It is the intention of this Article VII to eliminate
     the liability of the corporation's directors to the corporation
     or its stockholders to the fullest extent permitted by Section
     102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

          Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of
     this Article VII by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not
     adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the
     Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.

                                ARTICLE VIII

          The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change
     or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of
     Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by
     statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are
     granted subject to this reservation.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has signed this
     Certificate this ____ day of __________________, 1995.



                                        ____________________________
<PAGE>



                                                             EXHIBIT C













                                   BYLAWS

                                     OF

                          BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO.
<PAGE>




ARTICLE l. OFFICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5

ARTICLE 2. SHAREHOLDERS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
          2.1  Annual Meeting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
          2.2  Special Meetings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   5
          2.3  Meetings by Communication Equipment . . . . . . . .   5
          2.4  Date, Time and Place of Meeting . . . . . . . . . .   5
          2.5  Notice of Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6
          2.6  Waiver of Notice  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6
          2.7  Fixing of Record Date for Determining
               Shareholders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   6
          2.8  Voting Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
          2.9  Quorum  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
          2.10 Manner of Acting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
          2.11 Proxies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   7
          2.12 Voting of Shares  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8
          2.13 Voting for Directors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   8
          2.14 Action by Shareholders Without a Meeting  . . . . .   8

ARTICLE 3. BOARD OF DIRECTORS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
          3.1  General Powers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
          3.2  Number and Tenure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
          3.3  Chairman of the Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   9
          3.4  Annual and Regular Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
          3.5  Special Meetings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
          3.6  Meetings by Communications Equipment  . . . . . . .  10
          3.7  Notice of Special Meetings  . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
               3.7.1     Personal Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
               3.7.2     Delivery by Mail  . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
               3.7.3     Delivery by Private Carrier . . . . . . .  10
               3.7.4     Facsimile Notice  . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
               3.7.5     Oral Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
          3.8  Waiver of Notice  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
               3.8.1     In Writing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
               3.8.2     By Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
          3.9  Quorum  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
          3.10 Manner of Acting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
          3.11 Presumption of Assent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
          3.12 Action by Board or Committees Without a Meeting . .  12
          3.13 Resignation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
          3.14 Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
          3.15 Vacancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
          3.16 Executive and Other Committees  . . . . . . . . . .  13
               3.16.1 Creation of Committees . . . . . . . . . . .  13
               3.16.2 Authority of Committees  . . . . . . . . . .  13
               3.16.3 Quorum and Manner of Acting  . . . . . . . .  13
               3.16.4 Minutes of Meetings  . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
               3.16.5 Resignation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
               3.16.6 Removal  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
          3.17 Compensation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14

ARTICLE 4. OFFICERS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
          4.1  Appointment and Term  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
          4.2  Resignation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
          4.3  Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
          4.4  Contract Rights of Officers . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
          4.5  Chief Executive Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
          4.6  President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
          4.7  Vice President  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15
<PAGE>



          4.8  Secretary.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
          4.9  Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
          4.10 General Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
          4.11 Salaries and Other Compensation . . . . . . . . . .  16

ARTICLE 5. CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS . . . . . . . . .  16
          5.1  Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  16
          5.2  Loans to the Corporation  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
          5.3  Checks and Drafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
          5.4  Deposits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17

ARTICLE 6. CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES AND THEIR TRANSFER  . . . . . .  17
          6.1  Issuance of Shares  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
          6.2  Certificates for Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
          6.3  Stock Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  17
          6.4  Transfer of Shares  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
          6.5  Lost or Destroyed Certificates  . . . . . . . . . .  18

ARTICLE 7. BOOKS AND RECORDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18

ARTICLE 8. ACCOUNTING YEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19

ARTICLE 9. SEAL  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19

ARTICLE 10. INDEMNIFICATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
          10.1 Right to Indemnification  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  19
          10.2 Prepayment of Expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
          10.3 Claims  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
          10.4 Non-Exclusivity of Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
          10.5 Other Indemnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20
          10.6 Amendment or Repeal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  20

ARTICLE 11. INTERESTED DIRECTOR CONTRACTS AND TRANSACTIONS . . . .  21

ARTICLE 12.  AMENDMENTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  21
<PAGE>



                                   BYLAWS

                                     OF

                          BEST UNIVERSAL LOCK CO.

                             ARTICLE l. OFFICES


          The principal office of the corporation shall be located at
     the principal place of business or such other place as the Board
     of Directors ("Board") may designate. The corporation may have
     such other offices, either within or without the State of
     Delaware, as the Board may designate or as the business of the
     corporation may require from time to time.


                          ARTICLE 2. SHAREHOLDERS


     2.1  Annual Meeting.

          The annual meeting of the shareholders shall be held on the
     fourth Saturday in June of each year at the principal office of
     the Corporation or at such other location as the Board may
     designate, at a time to be determined by the Board, for the
     purpose of electing Directors and transacting such other business
     as may properly come before the meeting.

     2.2  Special Meetings.

          The Chairman of the Board, the President or the Board may
     call special meetings of the shareholders for any purpose.
     Further, a special meeting of the shareholders shall be held if
     the holders of not less than 50% of all the votes entitled to be
     cast on any issue proposed to be considered at such special
     meeting have dated, signed and delivered to the Secretary one or
     more written demands for such meeting, describing the purpose or
     purposes for which it is to be held.

     2.3  Meetings by Communication Equipment.

          Shareholders may participate in any meeting of the
     shareholders by any means of communication by which all persons
     participating in the meeting can hear each other during the
     meeting. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in
     person at a meeting. 

     2.4  Date, Time and Place of Meeting.

          Except as otherwise provided herein, all meetings of
     shareholders, including those held pursuant to demand by
     shareholders as provided herein, shall be held on such date and
     at such time and place, within or without the State of Delaware,
     designated by or at the direction of the Board.

     2.5  Notice of Meeting.

          Written notice stating the place, day and hour of the
     meeting and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or
<PAGE>



     purposes for which the meeting is called shall be given by or at
     the direction of the Board, the Chairman of the Board, the
     President or the Secretary to each shareholder entitled to notice
     of or to vote at the meeting not less than 10 nor more than 60
     days before the meeting, except that notice of a meeting to act
     on an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, a plan of
     merger or share exchange, the sale, lease, exchange or other
     disposition of all or substantially all of the corporation's
     assets other than in the regular course of business or the
     dissolution of the corporation shall be given no less than 20 nor
     more than 60 days before such meeting. Such notice may be
     transmitted by mail, private carrier, personal delivery or
     communications equipment which transmits a facsimile of the
     notice to like equipment which receives and reproduces such
     notice. If such notice is mailed, it shall be deemed effective
     when deposited in the official government mail, first-class
     postage prepaid, properly addressed to the shareholder at such
     shareholder's address as it appears in the corporation's current
     record of shareholders. Notice given in any other manner shall be
     deemed effective when dispatched to the shareholder's address,
     telephone number or other number appearing on the records of the
     corporation.

     2.6  Waiver of Notice.

          Whenever any notice is required to be given to any
     shareholder under the provisions of these Bylaws, the Certificate
     of Incorporation or the Delaware General Corporation Law, a
     waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons
     entitled to such notice and delivered to the corporation, whether
     before or after the date and time of the meeting, shall be deemed
     equivalent to the giving of such notice. Further, notice of the
     time, place and purpose of any meeting will be deemed to be
     waived by any shareholder by attendance thereat in person or by
     proxy, unless such shareholder at the beginning of the meeting
     objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the
     meeting.

     2.7  Fixing of Record Date for Determining Shareholders.

          For the purpose of determining shareholders entitled (a) to
     notice of or to vote at any meeting of shareholders or any
     adjournment thereof, (b) to demand a special meeting, or (c) to
     receive payment of any dividend, or in order to make a
     determination of shareholders for any other purpose, the Board
     may fix a future date as the record date for any such
     determination. Such record date shall be not more than 60 days,
     and in case of a meeting of shareholders not less than 10 days
     prior to the date on which the particular action requiring such
     determination is to be taken. If no record date is fixed for the
     determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at
     a meeting, the record date shall be the day immediately preceding
     the date on which notice of the meeting is first given to
     shareholders. Such a determination shall apply to any adjournment
     of the meeting unless the Board fixes a new record date, which it
     shall do if the meeting is adjourned to a date more than 120 days
     alter the date fixed for the original meeting. If no record date
     is set for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive
     payment of any stock dividend or distribution (other than one
     involving a purchase, redemption, or other acquisition of the
<PAGE>



     corporation's shares) the record date shall be the date the Board
     authorizes the stock dividend or distribution.

     2.8  Voting Record.

          At least 10 days before each meeting of shareholders, an
     alphabetical list of the shareholders entitled to notice of such
     meeting shall be made, with the address of and number of shares
     held by each shareholder. This record shall be kept at the
     principal office of the corporation for 10 days prior to such
     meeting, and shall be kept open at such meeting, for the
     inspection of any shareholder or any shareholder's agent.

     2.9  Quorum.

          A majority of the votes entitled to be cast on a matter by
     the holders of shares that, pursuant to the Certificate of
     Incorporation or the Delaware General Corporation Law, are
     entitled to vote and be counted collectively upon such matter,
     represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum of
     such shares at a meeting of shareholders. If less than a majority
     of such votes are represented at a meeting, a majority of the
     votes so represented may adjourn the meeting from time to time
     without further notice if the new date, time or place is
     announced at the meeting before adjournment. Any business may be
     transacted at a reconvened meeting that might have been
     transacted at the meeting as originally called, provided a quorum
     is present or represented thereat. Once a share is represented
     for any purpose at a meeting other than solely to object to
     holding the meeting or transacting business thereat, it is deemed
     present for quorum purposes for the remainder of the meeting and
     any adjournment thereof (unless a new record date is or must be
     set for the adjourned meeting) notwithstanding the withdrawal of
     enough shareholders to leave less than a quorum.

     2.10 Manner of Acting.

          If a quorum is present, action on a matter shall be approved
     if the votes cast in favor of the action by the shares entitled
     to vote and be counted collectively upon such matter exceed the
     votes cast against such action by the shares entitled to vote and
     be counted collectively thereon, unless the Certificate of
     Incorporation or the Delaware General Corporation Law requires a
     greater number of affirmative votes.

     2.11 Proxies.

          A shareholder may vote by proxy executed in writing by the
     shareholder or by his or her attorney-in-fact or agent. Such
     proxy shall be effective when received by the Secretary or other
     officer or agent authorized to tabulate votes. A proxy shall
     become invalid 11 months alter the date of its execution, unless
     otherwise provided in the proxy. A proxy with respect to a
     specified meeting shall entitle the holder thereof to vote at any
     reconvened meeting following adjournment of such meeting but
     shall not be valid alter the final adjournment thereof.

     2.12 Voting of Shares.
<PAGE>



          Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of
     Incorporation, each outstanding share entitled to vote with
     respect to a matter submitted to a meeting of shareholders shall
     be entitled to one vote upon such matter.

     2.13 Voting for Directors.

          Each shareholder entitled to vote at an election of
     Directors may vote, in person or by proxy, the number of shares
     owned by such shareholder for as many persons as there are
     Directors to be elected and for whose election such shareholder
     has a right to vote. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate
     of Incorporation, the candidates elected shall be those receiving
     the largest number of votes cast, up to the number of Directors
     to be elected. Cumulative voting for Directors is prohibited.

     2.14 Action by Shareholders Without a Meeting.

          Any action which could be taken at a meeting of the
     shareholders may be taken without a meeting if one or more
     written consents setting forth the action so taken are 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 thereon
     were present and voted and delivered to the corporation. If not
     otherwise fixed by the Board, the record date for determining
     shareholders entitled to take action without a meeting is the
     first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the
     action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the
     corporation. If no record date has been fixed by the Board of
     Directors and prior action by the Board of Directors is required
     by this chapter, the record date for determining stockholders
     entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a
     meeting shall be at the close of business on the day on which the
     Board of Directors adopts the resolution taking such prior
     action. Action taken by written consent of shareholders without a
     meeting is effective when all required consents are in the
     possession of the corporation, unless the consent specifies a
     later effective date. Any such consent shall be inserted in the
     minute book as if it were the minutes of a meeting of the
     shareholders. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action
     without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be
     given to those stockholders or members, as the case may be, who
     have not consented in writing.

                       ARTICLE 3. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     3.1  General Powers.

          All corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the
     authority of, and the business and affairs of the corporation
     shall be managed under the direction of, the Board, except as may
     be otherwise provided in these Bylaws, the Certificate of
     Incorporation or the Delaware General Corporation Law.

     3.2  Number and Tenure.

          The Board shall be composed of five Directors. The number of
     Directors may be changed from time to time by amendment to these
     Bylaws, but no decrease in the number of Directors shall have the
<PAGE>



     effect of shortening the term of any incumbent Director. Unless a
     Director dies, resigns, or is removed, his or her term of office
     shall expire at the next annual meeting of shareholders;
     provided, however, that a Director shall continue to serve until
     his or her successor is elected and qualified or until there is a
     decrease in the authorized number of Directors. Directors need
     not be shareholders of the corporation or residents of the State
     of Delaware and need not meet any other qualifications.

     3.3  Chairman of the Board.

          The Board shall elect a director as chairman, which director
     shall be known as the Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the
     Board shall preside at all meetings of the Board, and in
     addition, shall perform the following functions:

          a.   general planning and management of all functions 
               of the Board of Directors;
          b.   organization of Board committees and assignments 
               thereto;
          c.   recruitment and nomination of additional or successor 
               directors;
          d.   determining the agenda for all Board meetings; 
               and
          e.   development of Board members as appropriate for 
               effectiveness on behalf of shareholders.

     The Chairman of the Board shall serve for a term of one (1) year
     and shall be elected at the annual meeting; provided, however,
     that the initial Chairman of the Board shall be elected by
     Written Consent of the Board of Directors and shall serve until
     the next ensuing annual meeting.

     3.4  Annual and Regular Meetings.

          An annual Board meeting shall be held without notice
     immediately alter and at the same place as the annual meeting of
     shareholders. By resolution, the Board, or any committee thereof,
     may specify the time and place either within or without the State
     of Delaware for holding other regular meetings thereof without
     notice other than such resolution.

     3.5  Special Meetings.

          Special meetings of the Board or any committee designated by
     the Board may be called by or at the request of the Chairman of
     the Board, the President, or, in the case of special Board
     meetings, any _____ Directors and, in the case of any special
     meeting of any committee designated by the Board, by the Chairman
     thereof. The person or persons authorized to call special
     meetings may fix any place either within or without the State of
     Delaware as the place for holding any special Board or committee
     meeting called by them.

     3.6  Meetings by Communications Equipment.

          Members of the Board or any committee designated by the
     Board may participate in a meeting of such Board or committee by,
     or conduct the meeting through the use of, any means of
     communication by which all Directors participating in the meeting
<PAGE>



     can hear each other during the meeting. Participation by such
     means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting.

     3.7  Notice of Special Meetings.

          Notice of a special Board or committee meeting stating the
     place, day and hour of the meeting shall be given to a Director
     in writing or orally. Neither the business to be transacted at,
     nor the purpose of, any special meeting need be specified in the
     notice of such meeting.

          3.7.1     Personal Delivery.

          If notice is given by personal delivery, the notice shall be
     effective if delivered to a Director at least two days before the
     meeting.

          3.7.2     Delivery by Mail.

          If notice is delivered by mail, the notice shall be deemed
     effective if deposited in the official government mail at least
     five days before the meeting, properly addressed to a Director at
     his or her address shown on the records of the corporation, with
     postage thereon prepaid.

          3.7.3     Delivery by Private Carrier.

          If notice is given by private carrier, the notice shall be
     deemed effective when dispatched to a Director at his or her
     address shown on the records of the corporation at least three
     days before the meeting.

          3.7.4     Facsimile Notice.

          If notice is delivered by wire or wireless equipment which
     transmits a facsimile of the notice, the notice shall be deemed
     effective when dispatched at least two days before the meeting to
     a Director at his or her telephone number or other number
     appearing on the records of the corporation.

          3.7.5     Oral Notice.

          If notice is delivered orally, by telephone or in person,
     the notice shall be deemed effective if personally given to the
     Director at least two days before the meeting.

     3.8  Waiver of Notice.

          3.8.1     In Writing.

          Whenever any notice is required to be given to any Director
     under the provisions of these Bylaws, the Certificate of
     Incorporation or the Delaware General Corporation Law, a waiver
     thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to
     such notice and delivered to the corporation, whether before or
     alter the date and time of the meeting, shall be deemed
     equivalent to the giving of such notice. Neither the business to
     be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special
     meeting of the Board or any committee designated by the Board
     need be specified in the waiver of notice of such meeting.
<PAGE>



          3.8.2     By Attendance.

          A Director's attendance at or participation in a Board or
     committee meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such
     meeting, unless the Director at the beginning of the meeting, or
     promptly upon his or her arrival, objects to holding the meeting
     or transacting business thereat and does not thereafter vote for
     or assent to action taken at the meeting.

     3.9  Quorum.

          A majority of the number of Directors fixed by or in the
     manner provided in these Bylaws shall constitute a quorum for the
     transaction of business at any Board meeting but, if less than a
     majority are present at a meeting, a majority of the Directors
     present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further
     notice.

     3.10 Manner of Acting.

          If a quorum is present when the vote is taken, the act of
     the majority of the Directors present at a Board meeting shall be
     the act of the Board, unless the vote of a greater number is
     required by these Bylaws, the Certificate of Incorporation or the
     Delaware General Corporation Law.

     3.11 Presumption of Assent.

          A Director of the corporation who is present at a Board or
     committee meeting at which any action is taken shall be deemed to
     have assented to the action taken unless (a) the Director objects
     at the beginning of the meeting, or promptly upon the Director's
     arrival, to holding the meeting or transacting any business
     thereat, (b) the Director's dissent or abstention from the action
     taken is entered in the minutes of the meeting, or (c) the
     Director delivers written notice of the Director's dissent or
     abstention to the presiding officer of the meeting before its
     adjournment or to the corporation within a reasonable time alter
     adjournment of the meeting. The right of dissent or abstention is
     not available to a Director who votes in favor of the action
     taken.

     3.12 Action by Board or Committees Without a Meeting.

          Any action which could be taken at a meeting of the Board or
     of any committee created by the Board may be taken without a
     meeting if one or more written consents setting forth the action
     so taken are signed by each of the Directors or by each committee
     member either before or alter the action is taken and delivered
     to the corporation. Action taken by written consent of Directors
     without a meeting is effective when the last Director signs the
     consent, unless the consent specifies a later effective date. Any
     such written consent shall be inserted in the minute book as if
     it were the minutes of a Board or a committee meeting.

     3.13 Resignation.

          Any Director may resign at any time by delivering written
     notice to the Chairman of the Board, the President or the
     Secretary. Any such resignation is effective upon delivery
<PAGE>



     thereof unless the notice of resignation specifies a later
     effective date and, unless otherwise specified therein, the
     acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it
     effective.

     3.14 Removal.

          At a meeting of shareholders called expressly for that
     purpose, one or more members of the Board, including the entire
     Board, may be removed with or without cause by the holders of a
     majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of
     Directors.

     3.15 Vacancies.

          Unless the Certificate of Incorporation provides otherwise,
     any vacancy occurring on the Board may be filled by the
     shareholders, the Board or, if the Directors in office constitute
     fewer than a quorum, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
     remaining Directors. A Director elected to fill a vacancy shall
     serve only until the next election of Directors by the
     shareholders.

     3.16 Executive and Other Committees.

          3.16.1 Creation of Committees.

          The Board, by resolution adopted by the greater of a
     majority of the Directors then in office or the number of
     Directors required to take action in accordance with these
     Bylaws, may create standing or temporary committees, including an
     Executive Committee, and appoint members thereto from its own
     number and invest such committees with such powers as it may see
     fit, subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the
     Board, these Bylaws and applicable law. Each committee must have
     two or more members, who shall serve at the pleasure of the
     Board.

          3.16.2 Authority of Committees.

          Each committee shall have and may exercise all of the
     authority of the Board to the extent provided in the resolution
     of the Board creating the committee and any subsequent
     resolutions pertaining thereto and adopted in like manner, except
     that no such committee shall have the authority to: (1) authorize
     or approve a distribution except according to a general formula
     or method prescribed by the Board, (2) fill vacancies on the
     Board or any committee thereof, (3) adopt, amend or repeal
     Bylaws, (4) amend the Certificate of Incorporation, (5) adopt an
     agreement of merger or consolidation under Sections 251 or 252 of
     the Delaware General Corporation Law, (6) authorize or approve
     the issuance or sale or contract for sale of shares, or determine
     the designation and relative rights, preferences and limitations
     of a class or series of shares except that the Board may
     authorize a committee or a senior executive officer of the
     corporation to do so within limits specifically prescribed by the
     Board; (7) recommend to the stockholders the sale, lease, or
     exchange of all or substantially all of the corporation's
     property or assets; or (8) recommend to the stockholders a
     dissolution of the corporation or a revocation of a dissolution.
<PAGE>



          3.16.3 Quorum and Manner of Acting.

          A majority of the number of Directors composing any
     committee of the Board, as established and fixed by resolution of
     the Board, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
     business at any meeting of such committee but, if less than a
     majority are present at a meeting, a majority of such Directors
     present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further
     notice. Except as may be otherwise provided in the Delaware
     General Corporation Law, if a quorum is present when the vote is
     taken, the act of a majority of the members present shall be the
     act of the committee.

          3.16.4 Minutes of Meetings.

          All committees shall keep regular minutes of their meetings
     and shall cause them to be recorded in books kept for that
     purpose.

          3.16.5 Resignation.

          Any member of any committee may resign at any time by
     delivering written notice thereof to the Chairman of the Board,
     the President, the Secretary or the Board. Any such resignation
     is effective upon delivery thereof, unless the notice of
     resignation specifies a later effective date, and the acceptance
     of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

          3.16.6 Removal.

          The Board may remove any member of any committee elected or
     appointed by it but only by the affirmative vote of the greater
     of a majority of the Directors then in office or the number of
     Directors required to take action in accordance with these
     Bylaws.

     3.17 Compensation.

          By Board resolution, Directors and committee members may be
     paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each Board or
     committee meeting, or a fixed sum for attendance at each Board or
     committee meeting, or a stated salary as Director or a committee
     member, or a combination of the foregoing. No such payment shall
     preclude any Director or committee member from serving the
     corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation
     therefor.


                            ARTICLE 4. OFFICERS


     4.1  Appointment and Term.

          The officers of the corporation shall be a Chief Executive
     Officer, a President, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a
     Treasurer, a General Counsel, and any other officers appointed
     from time to time by the Board or by any other officer empowered
     to do so. The Board shall have sole power and authority to
     appoint executive officers. As used herein, the term "executive
     officer" shall mean the Chief Executive Officer, the President,
<PAGE>



     any Vice President in charge of a principal business unit,
     division or function or any other officer who performs a policy-
     making function. The Board or the President may appoint such
     other officers and assistant officers to hold office for such
     period, have such authority and perform such duties as may be
     prescribed. The Board may delegate to any other officer the power
     to appoint any subordinate officers and to prescribe their
     respective terms of office, authority and duties. Any two or more
     offices may be held by the same person. Unless an officer dies,
     resigns or is removed from office, he or she shall hold office
     until his or her successor is appointed.

     4.2  Resignation.

          Any officer may resign at any time by delivering written
     notice thereof to the corporation. Any such resignation is
     effective upon delivery thereof, unless the notice of resignation
     specifies a later effective date; and, unless otherwise specified
     therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be
     necessary to make it effective.

     4.3  Removal.

          Any officer may be removed at any time, with or without
     cause, by the Board or by a signed writing delivered to the
     Secretary of the Corporation by the holders of a majority of the
     Corporation's outstanding common stock. An officer or assistant
     officer, if appointed by another officer, may be removed by any
     officer authorized to appoint officers or assistant officers.

     4.4  Contract Rights of Officers.

          The appointment of an officer does not itself create
     contract rights.

     4.5  Chief Executive Officer.

          The Chief Executive Officer shall perform such duties as
     shall be assigned to him or her by the Board from time to time.

     4.6  President.

          The President shall be the chief executive officer of the
     corporation unless some other officer is so designated by the
     Board, shall preside over meetings of the Board and shareholders
     in the absence of a Chairman of the Board, and, subject to the
     Board's control, shall supervise and control all of the assets,
     business and affairs of the corporation. In general, the
     President shall perform all duties incident to the office of
     President and such other duties as are prescribed by the Board
     from time to time. Unless the Board expressly directs otherwise,
     the President shall have the duty and the authority to cast the
     corporation's vote with respect to any shares of the stock or
     securities of any other corporation or entity which are held by
     the corporation. If no person is serving as Secretary, the
     President shall have responsibility for the preparation of
     minutes of meetings of the Board and shareholders and for
     authentication of the records of the corporation.

     4.7  Vice President.
<PAGE>



          In the event of the death of the President or his or her
     inability to act, the Vice President (or if there is more than
     one Vice President, the Vice President who was designated by the
     Board as the successor to the President, or if no Vice President
     is so designated, the Vice President first elected to such
     office) shall perform the duties of the President, except as may
     be limited by resolution of the Board, with all the powers of and
     subject to all the restrictions upon the President. Vice
     Presidents shall perform such other duties as from time to time
     may be assigned to them by the President or by or at the
     direction of the Board.

     4.8  Secretary.

          The Secretary shall be responsible for preparation of
     minutes of the meetings of the Board and shareholders,
     maintenance of the corporation's records and stock registers, and
     authentication of the corporation's records and shall in general
     perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such
     other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him or her
     by the President or by or at the direction of the Board. In the
     absence of the Secretary, an Assistant Secretary may perform the
     duties of the Secretary.

     4.9  Treasurer.

          The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of and be
     responsible for all funds and securities of the corporation,
     receive and give receipts for moneys due and payable to the
     corporation from any source whatsoever, and deposit all such
     moneys in the name of the corporation in banks, trust companies
     or other depositories selected in accordance with the provisions
     of these Bylaws, and in general perform all of the duties
     incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as from
     time to time may be assigned to him or her by the President or by
     or at the direction of the Board. In the absence of the
     Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer may perform the duties of the
     Treasurer. If required by the Board, the Treasurer or any
     Assistant Treasurer shall give a bond for the faithful discharge
     of his or her duties in such amount and with such surety or
     sureties as the Board shall determine.

     4.10 General Counsel.

          The General Counsel shall be responsible for all legal
     matters and affairs affecting the business of the corporation,
     and shall have such additional duties and responsibilities as
     from time to time may be assigned to him or her by the President
     or by or at the direction of the Board.

     4.11 Salaries and Other Compensation.

          The salaries and other compensation of the officers shall be
     fixed from time to time by the Board or by any person or persons
     to whom the Board has delegated such authority. No officer shall
     be prevented from receiving such salary by reason of the fact
     that he or she is also a Director of the corporation.


              ARTICLE 5. CONTRACTS, LOANS, CHECKS AND DEPOSITS
<PAGE>



     5.1  Contracts.

          The Board may authorize any officer or officers, or agent or
     agents, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any
     instrument in the name of and on behalf of the corporation. Such
     authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

     5.2  Loans to the Corporation.

          No significant loans shall be contracted on behalf of the
     corporation and no evidences of indebtedness shall be issued in
     its name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board. Such
     authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

     5.3  Checks and Drafts.

          All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money,
     notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of
     the corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers, or
     agent or agents, of the corporation and in such manner as is from
     time to time determined by resolution of the Board.

     5.4  Deposits.

          All funds of the corporation, except for petty cash, not
     otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the
     credit of the corporation in such banks, trust companies or other
     depositories as the Board may select.


               ARTICLE 6. CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES AND THEIR TRANSFER

     6.1  Issuance of Shares.

          No shares of the corporation shall be issued unless
     authorized by the Board, or by a committee designated by the
     Board to the extent such committee is empowered to do so.

     6.2  Certificates for Shares.

          All stock certificates shall be signed by the Secretary and
     any one of the following officers: (i) the Chairman of the Board
     of Directors, (ii) the President, or (iii) any Vice President.
     Any or all signatures on a certificate may be a facsimile. A
     record of each certificate shall be kept with the stub, and a
     stock record book shall be kept showing the holders of all
     outstanding certificates of stock.

     6.3  Stock Records.

          The stock transfer books shall be kept at the principal
     office of the corporation or at the office of the corporation's
     transfer agent or registrar. The name and address of each person
     to whom certificates for shares are issued, together with the
     class and number of shares represented by each such certificate
     and the date of issue thereof, shall be entered on the stock
     transfer books of the corporation. The person in whose name
     shares stand on the books of the corporation shall be deemed by
     the corporation to be the owner thereof for all purposes.
<PAGE>



     6.4  Transfer of Shares.

          The transfer of shares of the corporation shall be made only
     on the stock transfer books of the corporation pursuant to
     authorization or document of transfer made by the holder of
     record thereof or by his or her legal representative, who shall
     furnish proper evidence of authority to transfer, or by his or
     her attorney-in-fact authorized by power of attorney duly
     executed and filed with the Secretary of the corporation. All
     certificates surrendered to the corporation for transfer shall be
     canceled and no new certificate shall be issued until the former
     certificates for a like number of shares shall have been
     surrendered and canceled.

     6.5  Lost or Destroyed Certificates.

          In the case of a lost, destroyed or mutilated certificate, a
     new certificate may be issued therefor upon such terms and
     indemnity to the corporation as the Board may prescribe.


                        ARTICLE 7. BOOKS AND RECORDS


          The corporation shall:

          (a)  Keep as permanent records minutes of all meetings of
     its shareholders and the Board, a record of all actions taken by
     the shareholders or the Board without a meeting, and a record of
     all actions taken by a committee of the Board exercising the
     authority of the Board on behalf of the corporation.

          (b)  Maintain appropriate accounting records.

          (c)  Maintain a record of its shareholders, in a form that
     permits preparation of a list of the names and addresses of all
     shareholders, in alphabetical order by class of shares showing
     the number and class of shares held by each; provided, however,
     such record may be maintained by an agent of the corporation.

          (d)  Maintain its records in written form or in another form
     capable of conversion into written form within a reasonable time.

          (e)  Keep a copy of the following records at its principal
     office:

               1.   the Certificate of Incorporation and all
     amendments thereto as currently in effect;

               2.   the Bylaws and all amendments thereto as currently
     in effect;

               3.   the minutes of all meetings of shareholders and
     records of all action taken by shareholders without a meeting,
     for the past three years;

               4.   financial statements for the past three years;

               5.   all written communications to shareholders
     generally within the past three years;
<PAGE>



               6.   a list of the names and business addresses of the
     current Directors and officers; and

               7.   the most recent annual report delivered to the
     Delaware Secretary of State.


                         ARTICLE 8. ACCOUNTING YEAR


          The accounting year of the corporation shall be the calendar
     year, provided that if a different accounting year is at any time
     selected by the Board for purposes of federal income taxes, or
     any other purpose, the accounting year shall be the year so
     selected.


                              ARTICLE 9. SEAL


          The Board may provide for a corporate seal which shall
     consist of the name of the corporation, the state of its
     incorporation and the year of its incorporation.


                        ARTICLE 10. INDEMNIFICATION


     10.1 Right to Indemnification.

          The corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the
     fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists
     or may hereafter be amended, any person who was or is made or is
     threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any
     action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,
     administrative, or investigative (a "Proceeding") by reason of
     the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the legal
     representative, 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 or of a partnership, joint venture, trust enterprise
     or non-profit entity, including service with respect to employee
     benefits plans, against all liability and loss suffered and
     expenses reasonably incurred by such person. The corporation
     shall be required to indemnify a person in connection with a
     proceeding initiated by such person only if the proceeding was
     authorized by the Board of Directors of the corporation.

     10.2 Prepayment of Expenses.

          The corporation shall pay the expenses incurred in defending
     any proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided,
     however, that the payment of expenses incurred by a director,
     officer or employee in advance of the final disposition of the
     proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by
     the director, officer or employee to repay all amounts advanced
     if it should be ultimately determined that the director, officer
     or employee is not entitled to be indemnified under this Article
     or otherwise.
<PAGE>



     10.3 Claims.

          If a claim for indemnification or payment of expenses under
     this Article is not paid in full with sixty days alter a written
     claim therefore has been received by the corporation, the
     claimant may file suit to recover the unpaid amount of such claim
     and, if successful in whole or in part, shall be entitled to be
     paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. In any such action
     the corporation shall have the burden of proving that the
     claimant was not entitled to the requested indemnification or
     payment of expenses under applicable law.

     10.4 Non-Exclusivity of Rights.

          The rights conferred on any person by this Article shall not
     be exclusive of any other rights which such person may have or
     hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Certificate
     of Incorporation, these by-laws, agreement, vote of stockholders
     or disinterested directors or otherwise.

     10.5 Other Indemnification.

          The corporation's obligation, if any, to indemnify any
     person who was or is serving at its request as a director,
     officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership,
     joint venture, trust, enterprise or non-profit entity shall be
     reduced by any amount such person may collect as indemnification
     from such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust,
     enterprise or nonprofit enterprise.

     10.6 Amendment or Repeal.

          Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of
     this Article shall not adversely affect any right or protection
     hereunder of any person in respect of any act or omission
     occurring prior to the time of such repeal or modification.


         ARTICLE 11. INTERESTED DIRECTOR CONTRACTS AND TRANSACTIONS


          No contract or transaction between the corporation and one
     or more of its directors or officers, or between the corporation
     and any other corporation, partnership, association, or other
     organization in which one or more of its directors or officers
     are directors or officers, or have a financial interest, shall be
     void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the
     director or officer is present at or participates in the meeting
     of the Board of Directors or committee thereof which authorizes
     the contract or transaction, or solely because his or their votes
     are counted for such purpose, if: (1) the material facts as to
     his relationship or interest and as to the contract or
     transaction are disclosed or are known to the Board of directors
     or the committee, and the Board of Directors or committee in good
     faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative
     votes of a majority of the disinterested directors, even though
     the disinterested directors be less than a quorum; or (2) the
     material facts as to his relationship or interest and as to the
     contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the
     stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or
<PAGE>



     transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the
     stockholders; or (3) the contract or transaction is fair as to
     the corporation as of the time it is authorized, approved or
     ratified, by the Board of directors, a committee thereof, or the
     stockholders.  Common or interested directors may be counted in
     determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of
     Directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or
     transaction.

                          ARTICLE 12.  AMENDMENTS

          These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed and new
     Bylaws may be adopted by the Board, except that the Board may not
     repeal or amend any Bylaw that the shareholders have adopted, and
     at the time of such adoption, have expressly provided may not be
     amended or repealed by the Board.  The shareholders may also
     alter, amend and repeal these Bylaws or adopt new Bylaws.  All
     Bylaws made by the Board may be amended, repealed, altered or
     modified by the shareholders.

          The foregoing Bylaws were adopted by the Board on
     __________.

                                        _______________________
                                        Chairman of the Board


     


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