CIT GROUP INC
S-2/A, 1997-11-12
SHORT-TERM BUSINESS CREDIT INSTITUTIONS
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 12, 1997
    
 
                                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT NO. 333-36435
================================================================================
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 2
    
                                       TO
 
                                    FORM S-2
                            ------------------------
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                              THE CIT GROUP, INC.
                    (FORMERLY THE CIT GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.)
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                               <C>                               <C>
             DELAWARE                            6159                           13-2994534
 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF     (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL    (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION
  INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)     CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)                   NO.)
</TABLE>
 
                          1211 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
                                 (212) 536-1390
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
        REGISTRANT'S AGENT FOR SERVICE AND PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                            ------------------------
                             ERNEST D. STEIN, ESQ.
             EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL & SECRETARY
                              THE CIT GROUP, INC.
                          1211 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
                                 (212) 536-1390
 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
             OF REGISTRANT'S AND CO-REGISTRANT'S AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                            ------------------------
                             PLEASE SEND COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
                PAUL N. ROTH, ESQ.                              RICHARD J. SANDLER, ESQ.
                 ANDRE WEISS, ESQ.                                DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL
             SCHULTE ROTH & ZABEL LLP                             450 LEXINGTON AVENUE
                 900 THIRD AVENUE                               NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017
             NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
  As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
 
     IF ANY OF THE SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED ON THIS FORM ARE TO BE OFFERED ON
A DELAYED OR CONTINUOUS BASIS PURSUANT TO RULE 415 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933, CHECK THE FOLLOWING BOX.  [ ]
     IF THE REGISTRANT ELECTS TO DELIVER ITS LATEST ANNUAL REPORT TO SECURITY
HOLDERS, OR A COMPLETE AND LEGIBLE FACSIMILE THEREOF, PURSUANT TO ITEM 11(a)(1)
OF THIS FORM, CHECK THE FOLLOWING BOX.  [ ]
     IF THIS FORM IS FILED TO REGISTER ADDITIONAL SECURITIES FOR AN OFFERING
PURSUANT TO RULE 462(b) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, CHECK THE FOLLOWING BOX AND
LIST THE SECURITIES ACT REGISTRATION STATEMENT NUMBER OF EARLIER EFFECTIVE
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS FOR THE SAME OFFERING.  [ ]
     IF THIS FORM IS A POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 462(c)
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, CHECK THE FOLLOWING BOX AND LIST THE SECURITIES ACT
REGISTRATION STATEMENT NUMBER OF THE EARLIER EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
FOR THE SAME OFFERING.  [ ]
     IF DELIVERY OF THE PROSPECTUS IS EXPECTED TO BE MADE PURSUANT TO RULE 434,
PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING BOX.  [ ]
 
   
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
    
 
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
     INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
     MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
     BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
     THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
     SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
     UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
     OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
                             Subject to Completion
   
                            Dated November 12, 1997
    
PROSPECTUS
31,500,000 Shares
 
Class A Common Stock
(par value $0.01 per share)
 
All of the shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby are being offered by
The CIT Group, Inc. (the "Company"), which is an 80% owned subsidiary of The
Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Limited ("DKB"). Upon completion of the Offering, DKB will
own 100% of the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock of the Company (which
has five votes per share), a class of common stock separate from the Class A
Common Stock (which has one vote per share). Following the Offering, the
31,500,000 shares offered hereby will represent 4.8% of the combined voting
power of all classes of voting stock and 20% of the economic interest (or rights
of holders of common equity to participate in distributions in respect of the
common equity) in the Company. The remainder of the voting power and economic
interest in the Company will be beneficially held by DKB. See "Risk
Factors--Control By and Relationship with DKB," "Relationship with DKB" and
"Description of Capital Stock."
 
Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Class A Common
Stock. It is currently anticipated that the initial public offering price will
be between $25.00 and $28.00 per share. See "Underwriting" for information
relating to the factors considered in determining the initial public offering
price of the Class A Common Stock. The Class A Common Stock has been approved
for listing on The New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "New York Stock
Exchange"), subject to official notice of issuance, under the symbol "CIT."
 
   
Shares of Class A Common Stock are being reserved for sale to certain directors,
officers, retirees and employees of the Company and certain related persons at
the initial public offering price. See "Underwriting." All such persons are
expected to purchase, in the aggregate, not more than 5.0% of the Class A Common
Stock offered in the Offering.
    
 
SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 12 FOR CERTAIN INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE
CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS.
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              PRICE TO                     PROCEEDS TO
                                                               PUBLIC      UNDERWRITING    COMPANY(2)
                                                                            DISCOUNT(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>            <C>
Per Share                                                  $              $              $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(3)                                                   $              $              $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
See "Underwriting."
(2) Before deducting expenses of the Offering payable by the Company estimated
at $2,300,000.
(3) The Company has granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable within 30
days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an additional
4,725,000 shares of Class A Common Stock on the same terms and conditions as set
forth above, solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If such over-allotment
option is exercised in full, the total Price to Public, Underwriting Discount
and Proceeds to Company will be $          , $          and $          ,
respectively.
 
<PAGE>   3
[Gatefold Page]

[Outside of Gatefold]

The CIT Group is a leading diversified finance organization offering secured
commercial and consumer financing primarily in the United States to smaller,
middle-market and larger businesses and to individuals through a nationwide
distribution network. It commenced operations in 1908 and has developed a broad
array of "franchise" strategic business units that focus on specific industries,
asset types and markets which are balanced by client, industry and geographic
diversification. The Company believes that its strong credit risk management
expertise and long-standing commitment to its markets and its customers provide 
it with a competitive advantage.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        Net Income  
                        In Millions
<S>                     <C>         
1992                     $162.3     
1993                      182.3     
1994                      201.1     
1995                      225.3     
1996                      260.1     
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        Financing & Leasing Assets
                        In Billions
<S>                     <C>                         
1992                               $12.2            
1993                                13.5            
1994                                15.8            
1995                                17.1            
1996                                18.6            
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        Stockholders' Equity
                        In Millions
<S>                     <C>
1992                          $1,601
1993                           1,692
1994                           1,793
1995                           1,914
1996                           2,075
</TABLE>

[Inside of Gatefold]

The CIT Group...Backing America

"Successful business results are the product of hard work and dedicated
employees. In the case of The CIT Group, this dedication is complemented by a
feeling throughout our organization that our work has a purpose, that we are
engaged in delivering financial products and services that, at their core, are
'Backing America.'"

[The following six photographs illustrating six strategic business units of the
Company appear in the inside of the gatefold, each accompanied by the name of
the business unit: Credit Finance (a photograph of a manufacturer of circuit
boards); Consumer Finance (a photograph of a house); Equipment Financing (a
photograph of a crane); Capital Finance (a photograph of a commercial aircraft);
Sales Financing (a photograph of a recreational boat); and Equity
Investments/Venture Capital (a photograph of the store of a retailer in which
Equity Investments/Venture Capital has invested).]


                                      2

<PAGE>   4
 
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THE OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS THAT
STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK.
SPECIFICALLY, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING,
AND MAY BID FOR, AND PURCHASE, SHARES OF THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK IN THE OPEN
MARKET. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."
 
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation other than those contained in this Prospectus, and if given or
made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Company or by any of the Underwriters. This Prospectus does
not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, the Class
A Common Stock in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make
such offer or solicitation. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale
made hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there
has been no change in the affairs of the Company since the date hereof.
 
No action has been or will be taken by the Company or any Underwriter that would
permit a public offering of the Class A Common Stock or possession or
distribution of this Prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that
purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons into whose
possession this Prospectus comes are required by the Company and the
Underwriters to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions as to
the offering of the Class A Common Stock and the distribution of this
Prospectus.
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              PAGE
<S>                                           <C>
Available Information.......................    4
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
  Reference.................................    4
Prospectus Summary..........................    5
Risk Factors................................   12
The Company.................................   17
Use of Proceeds.............................   17
Dividend Policy.............................   17
Capitalization..............................   18
Selected Financial Information..............   19
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
     Financial Condition and Results of
     Operations.............................   21
Business....................................   41
Risk Management.............................   63
 
<CAPTION>
                                              PAGE
<S>                                           <C>
Management..................................   69
Relationship with DKB.......................   80
Certain Relationships and Related
  Transactions..............................   82
History of Ownership of Common Stock........   82
Shares Available for Future Sale............   82
Description of Capital Stock................   84
Certain United States Tax Consequences to
  Non-United States Holders.................   88
Underwriting................................   90
Legal Matters...............................   92
Experts.....................................   92
Glossary....................................   93
Index to Consolidated Financial
  Statements................................  F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
The Company intends to furnish its stockholders with annual reports containing
consolidated financial statements audited by its independent public accountants
and to make available to them quarterly reports containing unaudited
consolidated financial statements for each of the first three quarters of each
fiscal year.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance
therewith, files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports and other information can be
inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at: Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20549; Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661; and Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New
York 10048. Copies of such material also can be obtained from the Public
Reference Section of the Commission, at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a web site
that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission. The address
of such site is http://www.sec.gov. Certain of the Company's securities are
listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Class A Common Stock has been
approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to official notice
of issuance. Accordingly, reports and other information concerning the Company
can also be inspected at the offices of The New York Stock Exchange, Inc., 20
Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
 
   
The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-2
(together with all amendments, exhibits, schedules and supplements thereto, the
"Registration Statement"), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), and the rules and regulations thereunder, for the
registration of the shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby. This
Prospectus, which forms a part of the Registration Statement, does not contain
all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain portions
of which have been omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the
Commission. For further information with respect to the Company and the shares
of Class A Common Stock offered hereby, reference is made to the Registration
Statement, including the exhibits thereto. Statements contained in this
Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to
herein are not necessarily complete and, where such contract or other document
is an exhibit to the Registration Statement, each such statement is qualified in
all respects by the provisions of such exhibit, to which reference is hereby
made. The Registration Statement may be inspected without charge and copied upon
payment of prescribed fees at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at the addresses set forth above.
    
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
The following documents heretofore filed by the Company with the Commission are
incorporated herein by reference:
 
1. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
   1996;
 
   
2. The Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended
   March 31, 1997, June 30, 1997 and September 30, 1997; and
    
 
3. The Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 23, 1997 (as amended
   by a Form 8-K/A dated February 14, 1997), February 13, 1997, April 17, 1997,
   July 14, 1997, July 17, 1997, September 26, 1997 and October 14, 1997.
 
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated
by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus.
 
The Company will provide, without charge to each person to whom a Prospectus is
delivered, upon written or oral request of such person, a copy of any and all of
the documents that have been referenced in this Prospectus other than exhibits
to such documents. Requests for such copies should be directed to Joseph M.
Leone, Chief Financial Officer, The CIT Group, Inc., 1211 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10036, telephone (212) 536-1390.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere in this
Prospectus. Reference is made to, and this summary is qualified in its entirety
by, the more detailed information and financial statements, including the notes
thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Unless the context otherwise
requires, (i) the "Company" means The CIT Group, Inc. and its consolidated
subsidiaries and (ii) "DKB" means The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Limited and its
consolidated subsidiaries. Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms
used in this summary have the meanings ascribed to them elsewhere in this
Prospectus. For a description of certain terms and phrases used in this
Prospectus, see "Glossary." Unless otherwise indicated, all information set
forth herein assumes that the Underwriters' over-allotment option is not
exercised. Prospective investors should carefully consider the information set
forth under the heading "Risk Factors."
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
The Company is a leading diversified finance organization offering secured
commercial and consumer financing primarily in the United States to smaller,
middle-market and larger businesses and to individuals through a nationwide
distribution network. The Company commenced operations in 1908 and has developed
a broad array of "franchise" strategic business units that focus on specific
industries, asset types and markets which are balanced by client, industry and
geographic diversification. The Company believes that its strong credit risk
management expertise and long-standing commitment to its markets and its
customers provide it with a competitive advantage.
 
The Company operates through two business segments: (i) commercial, which is
comprised of the Equipment Financing (equipment financing and leasing), Capital
Finance (commercial aircraft and rail financing and leasing), Commercial
Services (factoring), Business Credit (secured financing to middle-market and
larger-sized businesses) and Credit Finance (secured financing to smaller-sized
and middle-market businesses) strategic business units, and (ii) consumer, which
is comprised of the Consumer Finance (home equity) and Sales Financing
(recreation vehicle, manufactured housing and recreational boat financing)
strategic business units. These strategic business units offer products and
services designed to satisfy the financing needs of specific customers,
industries and markets.
 
The Company believes that in 1996 it had the largest factoring operation and the
fourth largest equipment financing and leasing operation in the United States.
The Company also has a leading market position in recreation vehicle lending and
has significant operations in commercial finance, sales finance and home equity
lending. In addition, the Company has significant operations financing the
aerospace, construction, transportation, machine tool manufacturing and railroad
industries.
 
   
At September 30, 1997, the Company had total assets of $20.9 billion and
stockholders' equity of $2.2 billion. Net income totaled a record $239.1 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and a record $260.1 million for the
year ended December 31, 1996. Over the five years ended December 31, 1996, the
Company's net income grew at a compound annual rate of 11.6%, while total
financing and leasing assets and managed assets grew at compound annual rates of
9.7% and 11.4%, respectively. Over the three years ended December 31, 1996, net
income grew at a compound annual rate of 12.6%, and total financing and leasing
assets and managed assets grew at compound annual rates of 11.1% and 13.4%,
respectively. Such growth resulted from expansion into new lines of business,
the introduction of new products, increased profitability of existing businesses
and acquisitions.
    
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
   
The following table sets forth commercial and consumer financing and leasing
assets and consumer finance receivables previously securitized and currently
managed by the Company at December 31 of each of the five years ended December
31, 1996 and at September 30, 1997. "Financing and leasing assets" are comprised
of finance receivables, operating lease equipment, consumer finance receivables
held for sale and certain investments.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 AT
                                              SEPTEMBER                        AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                 30,      ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                1997        1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
                                              ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Dollars in millions
Financing and leasing assets:
  Commercial                                  $16,279.1   $15,159.7   $14,564.6   $13,689.0   $11,937.1   $10,822.5
  Consumer(1)                                   3,999.2     3,355.3     2,455.9     2,042.0     1,589.3     1,411.8
  Other                                            60.0        53.0        41.6        34.4        21.6        12.0
                                              ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
     Total                                    $20,338.3   $18,568.0   $17,062.1   $15,765.4   $13,548.0   $12,246.3
Consumer finance receivables previously
  securitized and currently managed by the
  Company                                       1,918.3     1,437.4       916.5       306.7       175.6        43.8
                                              ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Total managed assets                          $22,256.6   $20,005.4   $17,978.6   $16,072.1   $13,723.6   $12,290.1
                                              =========   =========   =========   =========   =========   =========
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
(1) Includes consumer finance receivables held for sale of $654.3 million,
$116.3 million, $112.0 million, $68.7 million, $150.4 million and $0.0 million
at September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992,
respectively.
    
 
For the five year period ended December 31, 1996, commercial financing and
leasing assets grew at a compound annual rate of 8.2% and consumer managed
assets grew at a compound annual rate of 27.5%. The compound annual growth rates
over such five year period for total financing and leasing assets and total
managed assets were 9.7% and 11.4%, respectively.
 
STRATEGY
 
The Company has delivered consistent growth in earnings and assets over the past
five years. The Company believes that its financial performance is a product of
its core strengths, which include its array of "franchise" businesses, strong
credit risk management expertise and long-standing commitment to its markets.
The following fundamental operating principles are significant to the Company's
past success and the execution of its business strategy in the future:
 
- - Maintain and build leadership positions in selected markets and industries,
  focusing on the United States.
 
- - Offer a broad selection of collateral-based credit products through multiple
  channels of distribution.
 
- - Preserve "best in class" credit culture, coupled with collateral management
  expertise.
 
- - Maintain a relationship-based approach to customers and business partners.
 
- - Practice disciplined expense management, on-going efficiency improvement and
  technology investment.
 
- - Maintain access to multiple funding sources with strong debt ratings.
 
- - Retain experienced management team with long tenure in the industry and with
  the Company.
 
- - Utilize performance-based incentive systems.
 
- - Encourage a corporate culture that emphasizes quality in performance and
  service to customers, employees and business partners and values service to
  the community.
 
- - Pursue growth through selective acquisitions of businesses and assets.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
Using its proven strengths and capabilities, the Company pursues the following
strategies to continue its earnings and asset growth:
 
Leverage its existing market leadership positions to expand into new markets,
industries and products
The Company has developed a broad array of "franchise" strategic business units
within its two business segments, each with broad geographic reach and multiple
distribution channels. The Company is seeking further growth and profitability
by: (i) building additional manufacturer and dealer/distributor relationships;
(ii) expanding its sales force and marketing reach; (iii) adding complementary
products that enhance existing business segments or products; (iv) identifying
new markets that have synergy with or that add to the Company's existing
strengths and capabilities; and (v) improving marketplace presence and "brand
name" recognition in consumer finance.
 
Maintain "best in class" credit quality and strong balance sheet
The Company has demonstrated the effectiveness of its credit risk management
system and strong credit culture. From 1990 through 1996, including the
1991-1992 economic recession, net credit losses have averaged 0.72% of average
finance receivables. The Company's strong performance has been the result of:
(i) sophisticated systems and policies which identify target markets and risk
acceptance criteria for each market; (ii) decentralized credit approval
authorities capable of responding quickly to shifting customer needs and
changing economic and market conditions; and (iii) oversight systems that
monitor credits from origination throughout the entire lending cycle. In
addition, the Company adjusts its pricing to achieve higher yields for greater
risk. The Company believes that its strong credit risk management systems and
strong credit culture will continue to support long-term profitable asset
growth.
 
Grow the consumer businesses
The Company believes that opportunities exist to grow its consumer assets and
earnings by (i) leveraging its existing capabilities and expertise, (ii)
expanding its franchise into new markets and products, as it has done with home
equity and recreational boat lending, and (iii) establishing direct to consumer
lending capabilities across its recreation vehicle, manufactured housing and
recreational boat product lines. For example, in 1997, the Company began
providing wholesale financing of inventories to dealers of manufactured housing
and recreational boats. Wholesale financing provides dealers with inventory
floor plan financing and gives the Company greater access to retail financing
opportunities through its existing dealer relationships. The Company plans to
pursue further growth of its wholesale financing operations by offering this
product to other dealers and manufacturers with whom it has strong
relationships.
 
   
In late 1992, the Company entered the home equity lending market. The Company
had $1.9 billion in home equity finance receivables ($2.3 billion of managed
home equity finance receivables) at September 30, 1997, establishing it as a
significant market participant. These results were achieved by utilizing a
multi-channel delivery system with both direct and indirect origination
capabilities through a 28 office distribution network that provides national
coverage for the Company's products. The Company will seek further consumer
asset growth and improved profitability by expanding its sales office network by
adding new offices (including five offices during late 1997), improving
operating efficiencies, capitalizing on economies of scale and expanding its
consumer product offerings into new and existing markets.
    
 
Improve operating efficiency through increased scale, continued process
improvement and technology investments
The Company has developed a strong culture attuned to expense control,
continuous process improvement and investment in technology. The Company seeks
to become a low cost producer by building scale in businesses in which it has
significant positions and believes that it already has a competitive advantage
as a "low cost producer" in its factoring and equipment financing and leasing
businesses. The Company intends to maintain its focus on expense control and
efficiency through continuous process improvement and technology investments and
by utilizing its proven expense control and efficiency expertise to expand. The
Company believes the existing infrastructure of most of its strategic business
units can support further growth.
 
Invest in businesses that leverage existing capabilities and complement the
Company's core strengths
Over the past few years, the Company has acquired various businesses and
portfolios of finance receivables and has successfully integrated the acquired
assets, operations and personnel while leveraging the Company's proven strengths
and expertise. The Company intends to continue to actively pursue strategic
acquisition opportunities of both businesses and portfolios of assets that it
believes will enhance growth and profitability and that can be integrated into
its core franchises.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
CLASS A COMMON STOCK OFFERED(1)..............   31,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock
COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING AFTER THE
  OFFERING(1)(2):............................   31,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock
                                                126,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock
     Total Shares Outstanding................   157,500,000 shares of Common Stock
USE OF PROCEEDS..............................   The proceeds to the Company from the offering of the Class
                                                A Common Stock (the "Offering"), after the deduction of
                                                underwriting discounts and before the deduction of
                                                expenses payable by the Company, are estimated to be $793
                                                million ($912 million assuming exercise in full of the
                                                Underwriters' over-allotment option and, in each case,
                                                assuming that the Class A Common Stock is offered at
                                                $26.50, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover
                                                page of this Prospectus). Such proceeds will be used to
                                                acquire from DKB its option to purchase the 20% interest
                                                in the Company currently owned by CBC Holding (Delaware)
                                                Inc. ("CBC Holding"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
                                                of The Chase Manhattan Corporation ("Chase"), and to
                                                purchase such interest from CBC Holding. If the
                                                Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised, the
                                                proceeds thereof are expected to be used for general
                                                corporate purposes and for potential acquisitions.
DIVIDENDS; VOTING RIGHTS; CONVERSION.........   The holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common
                                                Stock (collectively, "Common Stock") share ratably on a
                                                per share basis in all dividends and other distributions
                                                declared by the Board of Directors. See "Dividend Policy."
                                                The holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one
                                                vote per share and holders of Class B Common Stock are
                                                entitled to five votes per share. See "Description of
                                                Capital Stock--Common Stock--Voting Rights." Under certain
                                                circumstances, shares of Class B Common Stock are
                                                convertible into an equivalent number of shares of Class A
                                                Common Stock. See "Description of Capital Stock--Common
                                                Stock--Conversion."
CONTROLLING STOCKHOLDER......................   For information regarding the Company's controlling
                                                stockholder, see "Relationship with DKB."
RISK FACTORS.................................   For a discussion of certain considerations relevant to an
                                                investment in the Class A Common Stock, see "Risk
                                                Factors."
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE TRADING SYMBOL FOR
  CLASS A COMMON STOCK.......................   "CIT"
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Excludes up to 4,725,000 shares of Class A Common Stock subject to an
over-allotment option granted by the Company to the Underwriters. See
"Underwriting."
 
(2) Excludes 966,300 shares of restricted Class A Common Stock and options to
purchase 4,175,300 shares of Class A Common Stock to be granted upon
consummation of the Offering. Also excludes an additional 7,361,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock reserved for future issuance under employee benefit plans.
See "Management -- Employee Compensation Plans -- Long-Term Equity Compensation
Plan."
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
The Company's Board of Directors intends to declare and pay quarterly dividends
on the Common Stock. It is expected that the dividend in respect of the quarter
ending March 31, 1998, which will be the first full quarter following the
consummation of the Offering, will be $.10 per share (a rate of $.40 annually)
and will be declared and paid in the second quarter of 1998. The declaration and
payment of dividends by the Company are subject to the discretion of the Board
of Directors and no assurance can be given that the Company will pay such
dividend or any further dividends. The determination as to the payment of
dividends will depend upon, among other things, general business conditions, the
Company's financial results, contractual, legal and regulatory restrictions
regarding the payment of dividends by the Company, the credit ratings of the
Company and such other factors as the Board of Directors may consider to be
relevant. See "Risk Factors--Limitations Upon Payment of Dividends."
 
                             RELATIONSHIP WITH DKB
 
   
Upon consummation of the Offering, DKB will own 126,000,000 of the outstanding
shares of Class B Common Stock, each of which has five votes per share but is
otherwise identical in all material respects to the Class A Common Stock (which
has one vote per share). Upon consummation of the Offering, the Class B Common
Stock owned by DKB will represent in the aggregate 95.2% of the combined voting
power of all of the outstanding Common Stock. For as long as DKB continues to
own shares of Common Stock representing more than 50% of the combined voting
power of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, DKB will be able to
direct the election of all of the members of the Company's Board of Directors
and exercise a controlling influence over the business and affairs of the
Company. See "Risk Factors--Control By and Relationship with DKB."
    
 
DKB has advised the Company that it currently intends to continue to hold all of
the Class B Common Stock owned by it following the Offering. However, DKB is not
subject to any contractual obligation to retain its controlling interest, except
that DKB has agreed not to sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of Class B
Common Stock for a period of 180 days after the date of this Prospectus without
the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. See "Underwriting." As
a result, there can be no assurance concerning the period of time during which
DKB will maintain its ownership of Common Stock owned by it immediately
following the Offering. See "Risk Factors--Control By and Relationship with
DKB," "Risk Factors--Shares Eligible for Future Sale" and "Relationship With
DKB." The Company has entered into an agreement with DKB pursuant to which the
Company has agreed not to engage in any activities or enter into any
transactions without obtaining approvals or giving notices required of DKB under
applicable U.S. and Japanese banking laws. From time to time, the Company and
DKB have entered into, and can be expected to continue to enter into, other
agreements and business transactions and the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation includes certain provisions relating to the Company's relationship
with DKB. See "Relationship With DKB" and "Description of Capital Stock--Certain
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Law Provisions--Corporate Opportunities."
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
                         SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
The summary results of operations and balance sheet data presented below for the
nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 and as of September 30, 1997 and
1996, respectively, were derived from the unaudited consolidated financial
statements of the Company set forth herein. The summary results of operations
and balance sheet data presented below for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1996 and as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively, were derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of
the Company and notes thereto set forth herein. The summary results of
operations and balance sheet data presented below for each of the years in the
two-year period ended December 31, 1993 and as of December 31, 1994, 1993 and
1992, respectively, were derived from audited consolidated financial statements
and the related notes thereto not presented herein. The data presented below
should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the
related notes thereto set forth herein. The data for the nine month period ended
September 30, 1997 is not necessarily indicative of operating results that may
be expected for a full year.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      NINE MONTHS ENDED                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 Dollars in millions, except per        SEPTEMBER 30,       ---------------------------------------------------------
            share data                1997        1996        1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net finance income                     $658.3      $594.1      $797.9      $697.7      $649.8      $603.9      $539.5
Total operating revenue                 902.3(1)     770.9    1,042.0       882.4       824.2       737.7       653.3
Salaries and general operating
  expenses                              314.1       291.4       393.1       345.7       337.9       282.2       261.6
Provision for credit losses              91.8        78.6       111.4        91.9        96.9       104.9       103.2
Net income                              239.1       197.3       260.1       225.3       201.1       182.3       162.3
Pro forma net income per share(2)        1.51        1.25        1.64
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 AT DECEMBER 31,
                                      AT SEPTEMBER 30,      ---------------------------------------------------------
       Dollars in millions            1997        1996        1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Finance receivables:
Commercial                          $14,603.4   $13,829.9   $13,757.6   $13,451.5   $12,821.2   $11,185.2   $10,359.7
Consumer                              3,344.9     2,730.3     3,239.0     2,344.0     1,973.2     1,438.9     1,411.8
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Total finance receivables           $17,948.3   $16,560.2   $16,996.6   $15,795.5   $14,794.4   $12,624.1   $11,771.5
Reserve for credit losses               233.3       214.2       220.8       206.0       192.4       169.4       158.5
Operating lease equipment, net        1,675.7     1,365.0     1,402.1     1,113.0       867.9       751.9       462.8
Total assets                         20,854.3    18,625.5    18,932.5    17,420.3    15,959.7    13,725.0    13,026.1
Commercial paper                      6,168.7     5,913.2     5,827.0     6,105.6     5,660.2     6,516.1     6,173.5
Variable-rate senior notes            3,461.5     3,997.5     3,717.5     3,827.5     3,812.5     1,686.5     1,477.8
Fixed-rate senior notes               5,659.6     4,182.0     4,761.2     3,337.0     2,619.4     2,389.0     2,476.6
Subordinated fixed-rate notes           300.0       300.0       300.0       300.0       300.0       200.0       200.0
Company-obligated mandatorily
  redeemable preferred securities
  of subsidiary trust holding
  solely debentures of the Company      250.0          --          --          --          --          --          --
Stockholders' equity                  2,242.7     2,031.4     2,075.4     1,914.2     1,793.0     1,692.2     1,601.1
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     AT OR FOR THE NINE
                                        MONTHS ENDED                 AT OR FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                        SEPTEMBER 30,       ---------------------------------------------------------
                                      1997        1996        1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
SELECTED DATA AND RATIOS
 
PROFITABILITY(3)
Net interest margin as a
  percentage of average earning
  assets ("AEA")(4)                     4.87%       4.86%       4.82%       4.54%       4.77%       4.93%       4.73%
Return on average stockholders'
  equity                               14.72%      13.33%      13.04%      12.13%      11.49%      11.02%      10.36%
Return on AEA(4)                        1.77%       1.61%       1.57%       1.46%       1.48%       1.49%       1.42%
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges      1.53x       1.50x       1.49x       1.44x       1.52x       1.60x       1.49x
Salaries and general operating
  expenses as a percentage of
  AEA(4)                                2.32%       2.38%       2.38%       2.25%       2.48%       2.30%       2.30%
Salaries and general operating
  expenses as a percentage of
  average serviced assets
  ("ASA")(5)                            2.07%       2.15%       2.15%       2.13%       2.40%       2.28%       2.29%
Dividend payout ratio                     30%         41%(6)       38%(6)       46%(6)       50%       50%        50%
 
CREDIT QUALITY
60+ days contractual delinquency
  as a percentage of finance
  receivables                           1.60%       1.50%       1.72%       1.67%       1.20%       1.71%       2.85%
Net credit losses as a percentage
  of average finance
  receivables(3)                        0.63%       0.59%       0.62%       0.50%       0.61%       0.77%       0.84%
Reserve for credit losses as a
  percentage of finance
  receivables                           1.30%       1.29%       1.30%       1.30%       1.30%       1.34%       1.35%
Ratio of reserve for credit losses
  to current period net credit
  losses(3)                             2.18x       2.25x       2.18x       2.67x       2.29x       1.79x       1.61x
 
LEVERAGE
Total debt to stockholders' equity
  and Company-obligated
  mandatorily redeemable preferred
  securities of subsidiary trust
  holding solely debentures of the
  Company                               6.25x       7.08x       7.04x       7.09x       6.91x       6.38x       6.45x
Total debt to stockholders'
  equity(7)                             7.06x       7.08x       7.04x       7.09x       6.91x       6.38x       6.45x
 
OTHER
Total managed assets (in
  millions)(8)                      $22,256.6   $19,426.5   $20,005.4   $17,978.6   $16,072.1   $13,723.6   $12,290.1
Employees                               3,000       2,950       2,950       2,750       2,700       2,400       2,400
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) Includes a gain of $58.0 million on the sale of an equity interest acquired
in connection with a loan workout.
 
(2) Based upon 158,466,300 shares of Common Stock to be outstanding upon
consummation of the Offering, including 966,300 shares of restricted Class A
Common Stock to be granted at that time. Excludes options to purchase 4,175,300
shares of Class A Common Stock to be granted upon consummation of the Offering
and an additional 7,361,000 shares of Class A Common Stock reserved for future
issuance under employee benefit plans.
 
   
(3) Nine month data and ratios calculated on an annualized basis.
    
 
(4) "AEA" reflects the average of finance receivables, operating lease
equipment, consumer finance receivables held for sale and certain investments,
less credit balances of factoring clients.
 
(5) "ASA" reflects average earning assets plus the average of consumer finance
receivables previously securitized and currently managed by the Company and
consumer finance receivables serviced for third parties.
 
(6) In 1995, the Company operated under a dividend policy requiring the payment
of dividends equal to and not exceeding 50% of operating earnings. The actual
ratio for 1995, however, fell below 50% due to the deferral of the declaration
and payment of dividends on December 1995 earnings into the first quarter of
1996.
 
(7) Total debt includes, and stockholders' equity excludes, $250.0 million of
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary
trust holding solely debentures of the Company issued in February 1997.
 
(8) "Managed assets" include (i) financing and leasing assets and (ii)
off-balance sheet consumer finance receivables previously securitized and
currently managed by the Company.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
Prospective investors should carefully consider, in addition to the other
information contained in this Prospectus, the following factors before
purchasing the Class A Common Stock offered hereby.
 
ECONOMIC FACTORS
 
Risk of Economic Slowdown or Downturn
The Company's results of operations and financial position may be affected by
various economic factors. Unfavorable economic conditions may make it more
difficult for the Company to maintain both its new business origination volume
and the credit quality thereof at levels previously attained and may adversely
affect margins on new finance receivables. In adverse economic conditions,
growth in finance receivables and leases may not be attainable and
non-performing assets and loan charge-offs are likely to increase. The Company's
growth rate has differed between its commercial and consumer businesses and,
over time, the Company expects that its consumer business will grow at a more
rapid rate than its commercial business. As a result of such growth, the Company
will become more susceptible to economic factors that may adversely affect the
demand for the Company's products and services by consumers. There can be no
assurance that the growth rates experienced by the Company in the recent past
will continue.
 
   
The Company is also subject to industry-specific economic and other factors that
may affect the demand for its products. At September 30, 1997, 10.8% of the
Company's total financing and leasing assets related to obligations of
retailers, 9.7% related to commercial airline obligations, 9.1% related to home
equity obligations and 8.4% related to construction obligations. An economic
downturn or slowdown in these or other industries or markets could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial
position.
    
 
Although the Company maintains a consolidated reserve for credit losses on
finance receivables in an amount which it believes is sufficient to provide
adequate protection against potential credit losses in its portfolios, this
reserve could prove to be insufficient. Adverse economic conditions may cause
declines in the realizable value of certain collateral securing the Company's
finance receivables, or in the value of equipment subject to lease agreements.
Adverse economic conditions, including those affecting demand for commercial
aircraft and railcars, which represent a substantial portion of the Company's
leased assets, may impair the Company's ability to re-lease or remarket such
equipment and fully realize the carrying value of its leased assets and/or the
estimated lease residual values. See "--Leasing Transactions and Equipment Risk"
and "--Reserve for Credit Losses."
 
Interest Rate Risk
Although the Company has an active and comprehensive approach to managing its
interest rate risk, including matching the maturities of its interest rate
sensitive assets and interest rate sensitive liabilities and closely monitoring
product pricing to stay responsive to changing market interest rates,
significant increases in market interest rates, or the perception that an
increase may occur, could adversely affect both the Company's ability to
originate new finance receivables and its ability to grow. Conversely, a
decrease in interest rates could result in an acceleration in the prepayment of
owned and serviced finance receivables. In addition, changes in market interest
rates or in the relationships between short-term and long-term market interest
rates or between different interest rate indices (i.e., basis risk) could affect
the interest rates charged on interest-earning assets differently than the
interest rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, which could result in an
increase in interest expense relative to finance income. An increase in market
interest rates also could adversely impact the ability of the Company's
floating-rate borrowers to meet their higher payment obligations, which could
result in an increase in non-performing assets and net credit losses. See "Risk
Management--Asset/Liability Management--Interest Rate Risk Management."
 
An economic slowdown or downturn, or significant change in interest rates, could
contribute to a downgrading of the Company's credit ratings, which is likely to
increase the Company's funding costs and could decrease its net finance income,
limit its access to the capital markets or result in a decision by the lenders
under the Company's existing credit facilities not to extend such credit
facilities after their expiration. There can be no assurance that a decline in
economic conditions or increase in interest rates will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.
 
LEASING TRANSACTIONS AND EQUIPMENT RISK
 
The Company maintains ownership of various types of equipment and leases this
equipment to customers through two distinct types of transactions: (i) direct
financing leases; and (ii) operating leases. A direct financing lease is usually
long-term in nature, passes substantially all of the risks and rewards of the
related equipment to the customer and is accounted for as a
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
financing by the Company. The Company structures its direct financing leasing
transactions so that a material portion of the underlying equipment's cost at
the inception of the lease (approximately 90%) is recovered over the initial
term of the lease. The Company expects to assume equipment risk on the
equipment's estimated residual value at the end of the initial lease term. An
operating lease, however, is typically of a shorter duration, with periodic
rentals recorded as income, and depreciation on related equipment recorded as an
expense by the Company. The shorter-term nature of operating leases inherently
increases the risk that the Company may not recover its investment in the
related equipment due to several factors, including the Company's inability to
remarket the equipment and obsolescence.
 
   
The initial establishment, ongoing review and ultimate realization of direct
financing lease residual values, as well as the realization of operating lease
equipment values, are important elements of the Company's leasing business.
Residual values are recorded upon acquisition of the equipment purchased for
direct financing leasing transactions based upon the estimated future value of
the equipment at the time the Company expects to dispose of the equipment. The
estimates are derived by the Company from, among other things, market
information on sales of used equipment and estimated future obsolescence trends.
Periodic depreciation expense on equipment purchased for operating lease
transactions is also derived through the use of estimates that include the
equipment's useful life and the future value of the equipment at the end of this
life. Because such values are heavily influenced by estimates, there can be no
assurance that such values will be realized by the Company upon disposition of
equipment owned by the Company and returned by lessees upon termination of their
leases. At September 30, 1997, the Company had finance leases of $4.1 billion,
including recorded estimated lease residual values of $906.3 million, and
operating lease equipment with a book value of $1.7 billion, net of
depreciation. To the extent that the Company fails to realize its direct
financing lease residual values and operating lease equipment values, the
Company's results of operations and financial position could be materially
adversely affected.
    
 
RESERVE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
 
   
The Company maintains a consolidated reserve for credit losses on finance
receivables at an amount which it believes is sufficient to provide adequate
protection against potential credit losses in its portfolios. The level of the
consolidated reserve for credit losses is determined principally on the basis of
(i) the current credit quality of the portfolio and trends, (ii) the current mix
of finance receivables and (iii) historical loss experience. The consolidated
reserve for credit losses reflects management's judgment of the loss potential,
after considering factors such as the nature and characteristics of obligors,
economic conditions and trends, charge-off experience, delinquencies and the
value of underlying collateral and guarantees, including recourse to dealers and
manufacturers. Although the consolidated reserve for credit losses in the
Company's balance sheet as of September 30, 1997 is considered adequate by the
Company's management, there can be no assurance that this consolidated reserve
for credit losses will prove to be adequate over time to cover credit losses in
the Company's portfolios. This consolidated reserve for credit losses may prove
to be inadequate if unanticipated adverse changes in the economy or discrete
events adversely affect specific customers, industries or markets, or if credit
losses arising out of the seasoning of the Company's consumer portfolio exceed
those anticipated by the Company. The Company's results of operations and
financial position could be materially adversely affected to the extent that the
Company's consolidated reserve for credit losses is insufficient to cover such
changes or events. See "--Economic Factors--Risk of Economic Slowdown or
Downturn," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" and "Risk Management--Credit Risk Management--Loan Loss
Reserves and Credit Losses."
    
 
COMPETITION
 
The Company's markets are highly competitive and are characterized by
competitive factors that vary based upon product and geographic region. The
Company's competitors include captive and independent finance companies,
commercial banks and thrift institutions, industrial banks, leasing companies,
manufacturers and vendors. Substantial national financial services networks have
been formed by insurance companies and bank holding companies that compete with
the Company. On a local level, community banks and smaller independent finance
and/or mortgage companies are a competitive force. Some competitors have
substantial local market positions. Many of the competitors of the Company are
large companies that have substantial capital, technological and marketing
resources, and some of these competitors are larger than the Company and may
have access to capital at a lower cost than the Company. Also, the Company's
competitors include businesses that are not related to bank holding companies
and, accordingly, may engage in activities, for example, short-term equipment
rental and servicing, which currently are prohibited to the Company. Competition
has been enhanced in recent years by an improving economy and growing
marketplace liquidity. The markets for most of the Company's products are
characterized by a large number of competitors. However, with respect to some of
the Company's products, competition is more concentrated. See
"Business--Additional Information Regarding the Company--Competition."
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
The Company competes primarily on the basis of pricing, terms and structure in
many of its markets. From time to time, competitors of the Company seek to
compete aggressively on the basis of these factors and the Company may lose
market share to the extent it is unwilling to match its competitors' pricing,
terms and structure in order to maintain its interest margins or to maintain its
credit discipline. To the extent that the Company matches competitors' pricing,
terms or structure, it may experience lower interest margins and/or increased
credit losses. In addition, demand for the Company's products with respect to
certain industries, such as the commercial airline industry, will be affected by
demand for such industry's services and products and by industry regulations.
See "Business--Additional Information Regarding the Company--Competition."
 
LIMITATIONS UPON LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RAISING
 
   
The Company's primary sources of funds are cash flow from operations, commercial
paper borrowings, medium-term notes, other term debt securities and asset-backed
securitizations. At September 30, 1997, commercial paper borrowings were $6.2
billion and amounts due on term debt within one year were $4.2 billion. A
downgrade in the Company's credit ratings could result in an increase in the
Company's interest expense and could have an adverse impact on the Company's
ability to access the commercial paper market or the public and private debt
markets, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of
operations or financial position. If the Company is unable to access such
markets on acceptable terms, it could utilize its bank credit lines and cash
flow from operations and portfolio liquidations to satisfy its liquidity needs.
At September 30, 1997, the Company had committed revolving bank credit lines
totaling $5.0 billion, representing 81% of operating commercial paper
outstanding (commercial paper outstanding less interest-bearing deposits). The
Company believes that such credit lines should provide sufficient additional
liquidity to the Company under foreseeable conditions. However, there can be no
assurance that the Company's committed revolving bank credit lines would provide
adequate liquidity to the Company following a downgrade in its credit ratings or
other adverse conditions or that these bank credit lines will be renewed.
    
 
The Company funds its operations independently of DKB and believes that the
business of and the outlook for DKB is not necessarily closely related to the
business of and the outlook for the Company. However, there can be no assurance
that a future downgrading of DKB's credit ratings would not have an adverse
impact on the Company's credit ratings. Therefore, while DKB maintains a
controlling interest in the Company, a deterioration in the financial condition
of DKB could result in increased borrowing costs to the Company and could impair
its access to the public and private capital markets, which could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or financial
position.
 
If DKB chooses to maintain its percentage ownership of the Company, the Company
may be constrained in its ability to raise common or preferred equity capital in
the future. DKB is not under any obligation to make future capital contributions
to the Company or to agree to allow the Company to raise additional common or
preferred equity capital. See "Relationship with DKB."
 
CONTROL BY AND RELATIONSHIP WITH DKB
 
Upon consummation of the Offering, DKB will beneficially own 100% of the
outstanding Class B Common Stock, which will, in the aggregate, represent 95.2%
of the combined voting power of all of the outstanding Common Stock. For as long
as DKB continues to beneficially own shares of Common Stock representing more
than 50% of the combined voting power of the Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock, DKB will be able to direct the election of all of the members of
the Company's Board of Directors and exercise a controlling influence over the
business and affairs of the Company, including any determinations with respect
to (i) mergers or other business combinations involving the Company, (ii) the
acquisition or disposition of assets by the Company, (iii) the incurrence of
indebtedness by the Company, (iv) the issuance of any additional Common Stock or
other equity securities and (v) the payment of dividends with respect to the
Common Stock. See "--Limitations Upon Liquidity and Capital Raising." Similarly,
DKB will have the power to (i) determine matters submitted to a vote of the
Company's stockholders without the consent of the Company's other stockholders,
(ii) prevent or cause a change in control of the Company or (iii) take other
actions that might be favorable to DKB. In the foregoing situations or
otherwise, various conflicts of interest between the Company and DKB could
arise. Ownership interests of directors or officers of the Company in common
stock of DKB or service as a director or officer or other employee of both the
Company and DKB could create or appear to create potential conflicts of interest
when directors and officers and employees are faced with decisions that could
have different implications for the Company and DKB. The Company's Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation will include certain provisions relating
to the allocation of business opportunities that may be suitable for both the
Company and DKB. The Company has entered into an agreement with DKB pursuant to
which the Company has agreed not to engage in any activities or enter into any
transactions without obtaining approvals or giving notices required of DKB under
applicable U.S. and Japanese banking laws. See "Relationship with DKB" and
"Description of Capital Stock--Certain Certificate of Incorporation and By-Law
Provisions--Corporate Opportunities."
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
REGULATION
 
The Company is subject to extensive federal and state regulation and supervision
in the jurisdictions in which it operates. Such regulation and supervision are
primarily for the benefit and protection of the Company's customers, and not for
the benefit of investors, and could limit the Company's discretion in operating
its businesses. For example, state laws often establish maximum allowable
finance charges for certain consumer and commercial loans. Noncompliance with
applicable statutes or regulations could result in the suspension or revocation
of any license or registration at issue, as well as the imposition of civil
fines and criminal penalties. No assurance can be given that applicable laws or
regulations will not be amended or construed differently, that new laws and
regulations will not be adopted or that interest rates that the Company charges
will not rise to state maximum levels, the effect of any of which could be to
adversely affect the business or results of operations of the Company. See
"Business--Additional Information Regarding the Company--Regulation."
 
Because the Company is a subsidiary of DKB, the Company and its activities are
subject to examination and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve"). Under certain circumstances, the Federal
Reserve has the authority to issue orders which could restrict the ability of
the Company to engage in new activities or to acquire additional businesses or
to acquire assets outside of the normal course of business. See
"Business--Additional Information Regarding the Company--Regulation."
 
LIMITATIONS UPON PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS
 
   
As a holding company, the Company's ability to pay dividends to stockholders
will depend primarily upon the receipt of dividends and other distributions by
the Company from its subsidiaries. The right of the Company to participate in
any distribution of assets of any subsidiary upon such subsidiary's liquidation
or reorganization or otherwise (and thus the ability of holders of the Class A
Common Stock to benefit from such distribution) will be subject to the prior
claims of creditors of that subsidiary, except to the extent that any claims of
the Company as a creditor of such subsidiary may be recognized as such. As of
September 30, 1997, the Company's subsidiaries had approximately $2.6 billion of
indebtedness and other liabilities, in addition to other contractual
obligations.
    
 
The Company believes that maintaining its debt to equity ratio within certain
parameters is an important factor in maintaining its existing credit ratings.
Accordingly, under certain circumstances, the Company may limit its payment of
dividends in order to allow for portfolio growth and to maintain debt to equity
ratios within parameters considered appropriate by the Company.
 
The declaration and payment of dividends by the Company are subject to the
discretion of the Board of Directors and no assurance can be given that the
Company will pay dividends. The Company may at any time cease to pay dividends.
The determination as to the payment of dividends will depend upon, among other
things, general business conditions, the Company's financial results,
contractual, legal and regulatory restrictions regarding the payment of
dividends by the Company, the credit ratings of the Company and such other
factors as the Board of Directors may consider to be relevant. For a discussion
of the Company's dividend policy and certain related matters, see "Dividend
Policy."
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
Subject to applicable federal securities laws and the restrictions described
below, after completion of the Offering DKB may sell any and all of the shares
of Common Stock owned by it. The Company will grant to DKB, its subsidiaries and
certain transferees registration rights enabling such persons to demand the
registration for sale under the federal securities laws of shares of Class A
Common Stock that it may hold or that are issuable upon conversion of any other
security that it may hold (including Class B Common Stock) and of any other
securities issued or issuable in respect of the Class A Common Stock. Such
persons also will have the right to require such securities to be included in
registration statements under the federal securities laws proposed to be filed
with the Commission covering other equity securities of the Company. See
"Relationship with DKB--Registration Rights Agreement." Sales or distribution by
any such person of substantial amounts of Common Stock in the public market, or
the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing
market prices for shares of Class A Common Stock. DKB has advised the Company
that its current intent is to continue to hold all of the Common Stock owned by
it immediately following the Offering. However, DKB is not subject to any
contractual obligation to retain its controlling interest, except that DKB has
agreed not to sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock of the
Company for a period of 180 days after the date of this Prospectus without the
prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. See "Underwriting." As a
result, there can be no assurance that DKB will maintain its percentage
ownership of Common Stock immediately following the Offering for any specific
period of time. See "Relationship with DKB" and "Shares Available for Future
Sale."
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
NO PRIOR MARKET FOR CLASS A COMMON STOCK
 
Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Class A Common
Stock. The initial public offering price of the Class A Common Stock was
determined by negotiations between the Company and the Underwriters. There can
be no assurance that the initial public offering price will correspond to the
price at which the Class A Common Stock will trade in the public market
subsequent to the Offering or that an active public market for the Class A
Common Stock will develop and continue after the Offering. See "Underwriting."
 
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain statements contained herein under "Prospectus Summary," "Risk Factors,"
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations," "Business" and "Risk Management," including, without limitation,
those concerning (i) the Company's strategy, (ii) the Company's liquidity, (iii)
the Company's credit risk management, (iv) the Company's asset/liability risk
management, (v) the Company's operational and legal risks, (vi) the growth of
the Company's consumer business and (vii) the effects on the Company of certain
legal proceedings, constitute forward-looking statements concerning the
Company's operations, economic performance and financial condition. Because such
statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially
from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that
could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed
under "Risk Factors" and "Risk Management."
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
The Company is a leading diversified finance organization offering secured
commercial and consumer financing primarily in the United States to smaller,
middle-market and larger businesses and to individuals through a nationwide
distribution network. The Company commenced operations in 1908 and has developed
a broad array of "franchise" strategic business units that focus on specific
industries, asset types and markets, which are balanced by client, industry and
geographic diversification. The Company believes that its strong credit risk
management expertise and long-standing commitment to its markets and its
customers provide it with a competitive advantage.
 
   
Prior to the consummation of the Offering, the Company had been owned 80% by DKB
and 20% by CBC Holding. Immediately prior to the consummation of the Offering,
the Company will reclassify its existing class of common stock into shares of
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock and DKB will receive 126,000,000
shares of Class B Common Stock in exchange for its existing shares of common
stock of the Company. Upon consummation of the Offering, the Class B Common
Stock owned by DKB will represent in the aggregate 95.2% of the combined voting
power of all of the outstanding Common Stock and 80.0 % of the economic interest
in the Company. See "Relationship with DKB" and "Description of Capital
Stock--Common Stock--Voting Rights."
    
 
The Company's principal executive offices are located at 1211 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10036, and its telephone number is (212) 536-1390.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
The proceeds of the Offering, after the deduction of underwriting discounts and
before the deduction of expenses payable by the Company, are estimated to be
$793 million ($912 million assuming exercise in full of the Underwriters'
over-allotment option and, in each case, assuming that the Class A Common Stock
is offered at $26.50, the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of
this Prospectus). Such proceeds will be used to acquire from DKB its option to
purchase the 20% interest in the Company currently owned by CBC Holding and to
purchase such interest from CBC Holding. If the Underwriters' over-allotment
option is exercised, the proceeds from the exercise of such options are expected
to be used for general corporate purposes and for potential acquisitions.
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
The holders of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock share ratably
on a per share basis in all dividends and other distributions declared by the
Company's Board of Directors. The Company's Board of Directors intends to
declare and pay quarterly dividends. It is expected that the dividend in respect
of the quarter ending March 31, 1998, which will be the first full quarter
following the consummation of the Offering, will be $.10 per share (a rate of
$.40 annually), and will be declared and paid in the second quarter of 1998. The
declaration and payment of dividends by the Company are subject to the
discretion of the Board of Directors and no assurance can be given that the
Company will pay such dividend or any further dividends. The determination as to
the payment of dividends will depend upon, among other things, general business
conditions, the Company's financial results, contractual, legal and regulatory
restrictions regarding the payment of dividends by the Company, the credit
ratings of the Company and such other factors as the Board of Directors may
consider to be relevant. See "Risk Factors--Limitations Upon Payment of
Dividends" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Liquidity."
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
   
The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of September
30, 1997 and on a pro forma basis giving effect to the reclassification of the
common stock of the Company into shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock and the consummation of the Offering. The information set forth
below assumes that the Class A Common Stock offered hereby will be sold in the
Offering at $26.50 per share (the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover
page of this Prospectus) and gives effect to the use of the net proceeds of the
Offering as described under "Use of Proceeds," before taking into account the
expenses of the Offering to be paid by the Company. This table should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes
thereto set forth herein.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     -------------------------
                                                                     AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
                       Dollars in millions                              ACTUAL     AS ADJUSTED
                                                                     ---------     -----------
<S>                                                                  <C>           <C>
Debt:
     Commercial paper                                                $ 6,168.7      $ 6,168.7
     Variable-rate senior notes                                        3,461.5        3,461.5
     Fixed-rate senior notes                                           5,659.6        5,659.6
     Subordinated fixed-rate notes                                       300.0          300.0
                                                                     ---------      ---------
          Total debt                                                 $15,589.8      $15,589.8
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of
  subsidiary trust holding solely debentures of the Company              250.0          250.0
 
Stockholders' equity:
     Common stock, 1,000 shares authorized, issued and
       outstanding                                                       250.0             --
     Class A common stock, par value $.01 per share, 700,000,000
       shares authorized and 31,500,000 shares issued and
       outstanding(1)                                                       --             .3
     Class B common stock, par value $.01 per share, 510,000,000
       shares authorized and 126,000,000 shares issued and
       outstanding                                                          --            1.3
     Paid-in capital                                                     573.3          821.7
     Retained earnings                                                 1,419.4        1,419.4
                                                                     ---------      ---------
          Total stockholders' equity                                 $ 2,242.7      $ 2,242.7
                                                                     ---------      ---------
          Total capitalization                                       $18,082.5      $18,082.5
                                                                     =========      =========
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) Excludes 966,300 shares of restricted Class A Common Stock and options to
purchase 4,175,300 shares of Class A Common Stock to be granted upon
consummation of the Offering. Also excludes 7,361,000 additional shares of Class
A Common Stock reserved for future issuance under employee benefit plans. See
"Management--Employee Compensation Plans--Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan."
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
                         SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
The results of operations and balance sheet data presented below for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 and as of September 30, 1997 and 1996,
respectively, were derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements
of the Company set forth herein. The results of operations and balance sheet
data presented below for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1996 and as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, were
derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and
notes thereto set forth herein. The results of operations and balance sheet data
presented below for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31,
1993 and as of December 31, 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively, were derived from
the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto not
presented herein. The data presented below should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto set forth
herein. The data for the nine month period ended September 30, 1997 is not
necessarily indicative of operating results that may be expected for a full
year.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      NINE MONTHS ENDED                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
 Dollars in millions, except per        SEPTEMBER 30,       ---------------------------------------------------------
            share data                1997        1996        1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net finance income                     $658.3      $594.1      $797.9      $697.7      $649.8      $603.9      $539.5
Total operating revenue                 902.3(1)     770.9    1,042.0       882.4       824.2       737.7       653.3
Salaries and general operating
  expenses                              314.1       291.4       393.1       345.7       337.9       282.2       261.6
Provision for credit losses              91.8        78.6       111.4        91.9        96.9       104.9       103.2
Net income                              239.1       197.3       260.1       225.3       201.1       182.3       162.3
Pro forma net income per share(2)        1.51        1.25        1.64
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 AT DECEMBER 31,
                                      AT SEPTEMBER 30,      ---------------------------------------------------------
       Dollars in millions            1997        1996        1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Finance receivables:
Commercial                          $14,603.4   $13,829.9   $13,757.6   $13,451.5   $12,821.2   $11,185.2   $10,359.7
Consumer                              3,344.9     2,730.3     3,239.0     2,344.0     1,973.2     1,438.9     1,411.8
                                    ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Total finance receivables           $17,948.3   $16,560.2   $16,996.6   $15,795.5   $14,794.4   $12,624.1   $11,771.5
Reserve for credit losses               233.3       214.2       220.8       206.0       192.4       169.4       158.5
Operating lease equipment, net        1,675.7     1,365.0     1,402.1     1,113.0       867.9       751.9       462.8
Total assets                         20,854.3    18,625.5    18,932.5    17,420.3    15,959.7    13,725.0    13,026.1
Commercial paper                      6,168.7     5,913.2     5,827.0     6,105.6     5,660.2     6,516.1     6,173.5
Variable-rate senior notes            3,461.5     3,997.5     3,717.5     3,827.5     3,812.5     1,686.5     1,477.8
Fixed-rate senior notes               5,659.6     4,182.0     4,761.2     3,337.0     2,619.4     2,389.0     2,476.6
Subordinated fixed-rate notes           300.0       300.0       300.0       300.0       300.0       200.0       200.0
Company-obligated mandatorily
  redeemable preferred securities
  of subsidiary trust holding
  solely debentures of the Company      250.0          --          --          --          --          --          --
Stockholders' equity                  2,242.7     2,031.4     2,075.4     1,914.2     1,793.0     1,692.2     1,601.1
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       AT OR FOR THE NINE
                                     MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER           AT OR FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                              30,             -------------------------------------------------------
                                       1997         1996        1996        1995        1994       1993       1992
                                     ---------    ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
SELECTED DATA AND RATIOS
PROFITABILITY(3)
Net interest margin as a percentage
  of AEA(4)                              4.87%        4.86%       4.82%       4.54%       4.77%      4.93%      4.73%
Return on average stockholders'
  equity                                14.72%       13.33%      13.04%      12.13%      11.49%     11.02%     10.36%
Return on AEA(4)                         1.77%        1.61%       1.57%       1.46%       1.48%      1.49%      1.42%
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges       1.53x        1.50x       1.49x       1.44x       1.52x      1.60x      1.49x
Salaries and general operating
  expenses as a percentage of AEA(4)     2.32%        2.38%       2.38%       2.25%       2.48%      2.30%      2.30%
Salaries and general operating
  expenses as a percentage of ASA(5)     2.07%        2.15%       2.15%       2.13%       2.40%      2.28%      2.29%
Dividend payout ratio                      30%          41%(6)       38%(6)       46%(6)       50%       50%       50%
CREDIT QUALITY
60+ days contractual delinquency as
  a percentage of finance
  receivables                            1.60%        1.50%       1.72%       1.67%       1.20%      1.71%      2.85%
Net credit losses as a percentage of
  average finance receivables(3)         0.63%        0.59%       0.62%       0.50%       0.61%      0.77%      0.84%
Reserve for credit losses as a
  percentage of finance receivables      1.30%        1.29%       1.30%       1.30%       1.30%      1.34%      1.35%
Ratio of reserve for credit losses
  to current period net credit
  losses(3)                              2.18x        2.25x       2.18x       2.67x       2.29x      1.79x      1.61x
LEVERAGE
Total debt to stockholders' equity
  and Company-obligated mandatorily
  redeemable preferred securities of
  subsidiary trust holding solely
  debentures of the Company               6.25x        7.08x       7.04x       7.09x       6.91x      6.38x      6.45x
Total debt to stockholders'
  equity(7)                               7.06x        7.08x       7.04x       7.09x       6.91x      6.38x      6.45x
OTHER
Total managed assets (in
  millions)(8)                       $22,256.6    $19,426.5   $20,005.4   $17,978.6   $16,072.1  $13,723.6  $12,290.1
Employees                                3,000        2,950       2,950       2,750       2,700      2,400      2,400
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) Includes a gain of $58.0 million on the sale of an equity interest acquired
in connection with a loan workout.
 
(2) Based upon 158,466,300 shares of Common Stock to be outstanding upon
consummation of the Offering, including 966,300 shares of restricted Class A
Common Stock to be granted at that time. Excludes options to purchase 4,175,300
shares of Class A Common Stock to be granted upon consummation of the Offering
and an additional 7,361,000 shares of Class A Common Stock reserved for future
issuance under employee benefit plans.
 
   
(3) Nine month data and ratios calculated on an annualized basis.
    
 
(4) "AEA" reflects the average of finance receivables, operating lease
equipment, consumer finance receivables held for sale and certain investments,
less credit balances of factoring clients.
 
(5) "ASA" reflects average earning assets plus the average of consumer finance
receivables previously securitized and currently managed by the Company and
consumer finance receivables serviced for third parties.
 
(6) In 1995, the Company operated under a dividend policy requiring the payment
of dividends equal to and not exceeding 50% of operating earnings. The actual
ratio for 1995, however, fell below 50% due to the deferral of the declaration
and payment of dividends on December 1995 earnings into the first quarter of
1996.
 
(7) Total debt includes, and stockholders' equity excludes, $250.0 million of
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary
trust holding solely debentures of the Company issued in February 1997.
 
(8) "Managed assets" include (i) financing and leasing assets and (ii)
off-balance sheet consumer finance receivables previously securitized and
currently managed by the Company.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following discussion and analysis provides information that management
believes to be relevant to understanding the Company's consolidated financial
condition and results of operations. This discussion should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes
thereto contained in the Company's consolidated financial statements included in
this Prospectus. The following discussion includes certain forward-looking
statements. For a discussion of important factors that may cause actual results
to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors."
See also "Risk Management" for certain factors that have in the past and may in
the future affect the financial performance of the Company.
 
The Company is engaged in the commercial and consumer finance businesses,
providing secured financing and leasing products on both a fixed and floating
interest rate basis. The Company's revenues principally consist of finance
income and fees and other income, which include factoring commissions,
commitment, facility, servicing, letter of credit and syndication fees, and
gains and losses from sales of equipment and other investments and sales and
securitizations of finance receivables. The Company's primary expenses are (i)
interest expense related to funding its finance receivables and operating lease
equipment, (ii) salaries and general operating expenses, (iii) provision for
credit losses and (iv) depreciation on operating lease equipment. Comparability
of results among quarterly periods may be affected by the timing of several
events, primarily consisting of equipment sales, securitizations and the sales
of venture capital investments. The Company's business requires significant
funds to originate finance receivables and purchase leasing equipment, and the
Company consequently requires substantial liquidity to finance its operations.
See "--Liquidity."
 
The Company's commercial segment includes equipment financing and leasing,
factoring and commercial finance. The Company's consumer segment includes
consumer finance and sales financing. The Company entered the home equity
lending business in late 1992 and the recreational boat market in 1993. The
Company has been growing the assets of its consumer segment at a faster rate
than that of its commercial segment. The contribution of the Company's consumer
segment to its profitability is significantly lower in relation to such
segment's financing and leasing assets than that of the commercial segment. This
reflects the Company's relatively recent entry into the home equity lending
business and the continuing significant investment in building the
infrastructure of this business.
 
   
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 VS. NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
    
 
Overview
 
   
For the nine months ended September 30, 1997, net income totaled a record $239.1
million compared with $197.3 million for the same period in 1996, an increase of
21.2%. Return on average earning assets for the nine months in 1997 increased to
1.77%, compared with 1.61% for the same period in 1996. The improvement resulted
from growth in finance income less interest expense ("net finance income") from
a higher level of financing and leasing assets, increased noninterest revenue
and improvements in operating efficiency. The nine months ended September 30,
1997 also include a gain on sale of an equity interest acquired in a loan
workout recognized in the second quarter of 1997.
    
 
   
Financing and leasing assets totaled a record $20.3 billion at September 30,
1997, an increase of 9.5% over $18.6 billion at December 31, 1996. Growth was
broad-based, with increases in both the commercial and consumer segments. The
increases are the result of strong new business activity across both segments,
partially offset by continued paydowns in the highly competitive commercial
segment. The Company securitized $500.0 million of home equity finance
receivables and $260.9 million of recreational boat finance receivables in the
first nine months of 1997, as compared to $454.1 million of recreation vehicle
finance receivables during the first nine months of 1996. Managed assets,
comprised of financing and leasing assets and consumer finance receivables
previously securitized and currently managed by the Company, totaled $22.3
billion at September 30, 1997, an increase of 11.3% over $20.0 billion at
December 31, 1996.
    
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
Net Finance Income
   
A comparison of net finance income for the first nine months of 1997 and 1996 is
set forth below.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              -------------------------------------------------
                                                                 NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                   SEPTEMBER 30,                INCREASE
                                                                1997          1996         AMOUNT       PERCENT
                                                              ---------     ---------     ---------     -------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Dollars in millions
Finance income                                                $ 1,352.0     $ 1,222.3     $   129.7       10.6%
Interest expense                                                  693.7         628.2          65.5       10.4
                                                              ---------     ---------      --------       ----
Net finance income                                            $   658.3     $   594.1     $    64.2       10.8%
                                                              =========     =========      ========       ====
AEA                                                           $18,029.8     $16,311.9     $ 1,717.9       10.5%
Net finance income as a percentage of AEA                          4.87%         4.86%
</TABLE>
    
 
   
Finance income totaled $1,352.0 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1997, up $129.7 million or 10.6% over the comparable period in 1996. As a
percentage of AEA, finance income (excluding interest income relating to
short-term interest-bearing deposits) was 9.91% for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997 and 9.94% for the comparable period in 1996. Commercial
segment finance income as a percentage of commercial AEA was 10.03% for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997, compared to 9.97% for the comparable period
during 1996, and consumer segment finance income as a percentage of consumer AEA
was 9.51% for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, compared to 9.86% for
the comparable period during 1996. The decline in consumer segment finance
income as a percentage of consumer AEA primarily reflects the purchase of a
lower yielding variable rate home equity credit line portfolio in December 1996
and the sale of certain higher yielding high loan-to-value loans during the
second quarter of 1997. Interest expense totaled $693.7 million in the nine
months ended September 30, 1997, up $65.5 million or 10.4% over the comparable
period in 1996. As a percentage of AEA, interest expense (excluding interest
expense relating to short-term interest-bearing deposits) in the nine months
ended September 30, 1997 decreased to 5.04% from 5.08% in the comparable period
in 1996.
    
 
   
A comparative analysis of the weighted average principal outstanding and
interest rates paid on the Company's debt for the nine month periods ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996, before and after giving effect to interest rate
swaps, is shown in the following table.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                      1997                                      1996
                                      -------------------------------------     -------------------------------------
                                          BEFORE SWAPS          AFTER SWAPS         BEFORE SWAPS          AFTER SWAPS
                                      ----------------     ----------------     ----------------     ----------------
<S>                                   <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>         <C>
Dollars in millions
Commercial paper and variable-rate
  senior notes                        $ 9,726.8   5.59%    $ 6,419.9   5.52%    $10,025.9   5.48%    $ 6,958.9   5.43%
Fixed-rate senior and subordinated
  notes                                 5,212.4   6.54       8,519.3   6.51       3,709.9   6.86       6,776.9   6.69
                                      ---------            ---------            ---------            ---------
Composite                             $14,939.2   5.92%    $14,939.2   6.09%    $13,735.8   5.86%    $13,735.8   6.05%
                                      =========            =========            =========            =========
</TABLE>
    
 
The Company's interest rate swaps principally convert floating-rate debt to
fixed-rate debt and resulted in lowered variable and fixed rates during both
periods. The weighted average composite rate increases, however, because a
larger proportion of the Company's debt, after giving effect to interest rate
swaps, is subject to a fixed rate. The Company does not enter into derivative
financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The weighted average
interest rates before the effect of swap hedging activity do not necessarily
reflect the interest expense that would have been incurred had the Company
chosen to manage interest rate risk without the use of such swaps.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
Fees and Other Income
 
   
For the nine months ended September 30, 1997, fees and other income totaled
$186.0 million, an increase of $9.2 million over the comparable 1996 period. The
following table sets forth the components of fees and other income:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         -----------------
                                                                                         NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                           SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                           1997       1996
                                                                                         ------     ------
<S>                                                                                      <C>        <C>
Dollars in millions
Commissions, fees and other                                                              $122.6     $121.5
Gains on equipment and other investment sales(1)                                           39.0       38.5
Gains on sales and on securitizations of consumer finance receivables                      24.4       16.8
                                                                                         ------     ------
                                                                                         $186.0     $176.8
                                                                                         ======     ======
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
(1) Includes $12.0 million and $15.8 million in 1997 and 1996, respectively,
from sales of venture capital investments.
    
 
Gain On Sale Of Equity Interest Acquired In Loan Workout
 
   
The Company originated a loan in the 1980's to a telecommunications company that
subsequently went into default. Pursuant to a workout agreement, the stock of
that company was transferred to the Company and a co-lender. In 1991, the
Company received all amounts due and retained an equity interest in such
telecommunications company, which was sold in the second quarter of 1997 for a
pretax gain to the Company of $58.0 million.
    
 
Salaries and General Operating Expenses
 
   
Salaries and general operating expenses increased $22.7 million or 7.8% to
$314.1 million in the first nine months of 1997 from $291.4 million in the
comparable period in 1996. Salaries and employee benefits rose $18.4 million, or
11.0%, while general operating expenses rose $4.3 million, or 3.5%. Personnel
increased to 3,000 at September 30, 1997 from 2,950 at September 30, 1996.
    
 
   
The increases in salaries and employee benefits were primarily attributable to
the higher level of serviced assets and higher performance-based incentive
accruals. The increase in general operating expenses resulted from a provision
for vacant leased office space recorded in the second quarter of 1997.
    
 
   
Management monitors productivity via the relationship of salaries and general
operating expenses to both AEA and ASA. ASA is comprised of average earning
assets plus the average of consumer finance receivables previously securitized
and currently managed by the Company and consumer finance receivables serviced
for third parties. Changes in the relationship of salaries and general operating
expenses to AEA and ASA, which have improved over the comparable 1996 period,
are set forth below:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                             ----------------------------       ----------------------------
                                                         1997                               1996
                                             AMOUNT     % AEA       % ASA       AMOUNT     % AEA       % ASA
                                             ------     -----       -----       ------     -----       -----
<S>                                          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
Dollars in millions
Salaries and employee benefits               $185.3     1.37%       1.22%       $166.9     1.36%       1.23% 
General operating expenses                    128.8     0.95        0.85         124.5     1.02        0.92
                                             ------     -----       -----       ------     -----       -----
Total                                        $314.1     2.32%       2.07%       $291.4     2.38%       2.15% 
                                             ======     =====       =====       ======     =====       =====
</TABLE>
    
 
The Company manages expenditures using a comprehensive budgetary process.
Expenses are monitored closely by business unit management and are reviewed
monthly with senior management of the Company. To ensure overall project cost
control, an approval and review procedure is in place for all major capital
expenditures, such as purchases of computer equipment, including a
post-implementation analysis.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   25
 
Provision and Reserve For Credit Losses
 
   
The provision for credit losses for the first nine months of 1997 was $91.8
million, compared with $78.6 million for the same period of 1996. Comparative
net credit loss experience is provided in the following table.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    --------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                 1997                            1996
                                                    ------------------------------   -----------------------------
                                                      TOTAL  COMMERCIAL   CONSUMER    TOTAL  COMMERCIAL   CONSUMER
                                                    -------  ----------   --------   ------  ----------   --------
<S>                                                 <C>      <C>          <C>        <C>     <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
Net credit losses                                     $80.1       $53.4      $26.7    $71.4       $56.9      $14.5
Net credit losses as a percentage of average
  finance receivables, excluding consumer finance
  receivables held for sale                           0.63%       0.52%      1.11%    0.59%       0.57%      0.71%
</TABLE>
    
 
   
The increase in total net credit losses reflect higher consumer net credit
losses due to portfolio seasoning.
    
 
   
The consolidated reserve for credit losses increased to $233.3 million (1.30% of
finance receivables) at September 30, 1997 from $220.8 million (1.30% of finance
receivables) at December 31, 1996. The consolidated reserve for credit losses is
periodically reviewed for adequacy based on the nature and characteristics of
the obligors, economic conditions and trends, charge-off experience,
delinquencies and value of underlying collateral and guarantees (including
recourse to dealers and manufacturers). It is management's judgment that the
consolidated reserve for credit losses is adequate to provide for potential
credit losses. Finance receivables are reviewed periodically to determine the
probability of loss. Charge-offs are taken after considering such factors as the
obligor's financial condition and the value of underlying collateral and
guarantees. The consolidated reserve for credit losses is intended to provide
for future events, which by their nature are uncertain. Therefore, changes in
economic conditions or other discrete events adversely affecting specific
obligors or industries may necessitate additions to the consolidated reserve for
credit losses.
    
 
Operating Lease Equipment
 
   
Depreciation on operating lease equipment for the first nine months of 1997 was
$108.3 million, up from $84.3 million for the same period in 1996, reflecting
growth in the operating lease portfolio.
    
 
   
From time to time, financial or operating difficulties may adversely affect
future payments to the Company related to operating lease equipment. At
September 30, 1997, operators of certain aircraft assets and operations at an
oil refinery were subject to such difficulties. The approximate aggregate
carrying values of these assets were $69.4 million. The Company does not believe
that these difficulties will have a material effect on its consolidated
financial position or results of operations.
    
 
Income Taxes
 
   
For the first nine months of 1997, the effective tax rate was 36.5%, compared
with 37.7% for the comparable period in 1996. The decrease is the result of
lower state and local income taxes.
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   26
 
Financing and Leasing Assets
 
   
Financing and leasing assets increased $1.8 billion, or 9.5%, to $20.3 billion,
as presented in the following table:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           -------------------------------------------------------
                                                           AT SEPTEMBER 30,   AT DECEMBER 31,         CHANGE
                                                                       1997              1996      AMOUNT   PERCENT
                                                           ----------------   ---------------   ---------   -------
<S>                                                        <C>                <C>               <C>         <C>
Dollars in millions
COMMERCIAL
Equipment Financing and Leasing
Finance receivables
  Capital Finance(1)                                          $  2,520.5         $ 4,302.7      $(1,782.2)   (41.4)% 
  Equipment Financing(1)                                         7,182.1           5,616.8        1,565.3     27.9
                                                               ---------         ---------      ---------   ------
                                                                 9,702.6           9,919.5         (216.9)    (2.2) 
                                                               ---------         ---------      ---------   ------
Operating lease equipment, net
  Capital Finance(1)                                             1,142.2             975.5          166.7     17.1
  Equipment Financing(1)                                           533.5             426.6          106.9     25.1
                                                               ---------         ---------      ---------   ------
                                                                 1,675.7           1,402.1          273.6     19.5
                                                               ---------         ---------      ---------   ------
  Total Equipment Financing and Leasing                         11,378.3          11,321.6           56.7      0.5
                                                               ---------         ---------      ---------   ------
Factoring
  Commercial Services                                            2,586.9           1,804.7          782.2     43.3
                                                               ---------         ---------      ---------   ------
Commercial Finance
  Business Credit                                                1,435.7           1,235.6          200.1     16.2
  Credit Finance                                                   878.2             797.8           80.4     10.1
                                                               ---------         ---------      ---------   ------
  Total Commercial Finance                                       2,313.9           2,033.4          280.5     13.8
                                                               ---------         ---------      ---------   ------
  Total commercial                                              16,279.1          15,159.7        1,119.4      7.4
                                                               ---------         ---------      ---------   ------
CONSUMER
Consumer Finance(2)                                              1,856.4           2,005.5         (149.1)    (7.4) 
Sales Financing(3)                                               2,142.8           1,349.8          793.0     58.7
                                                               ---------         ---------      ---------   ------
  Total consumer                                                 3,999.2           3,355.3          643.9     19.2
                                                               ---------         ---------      ---------   ------
CORPORATE AND OTHER                                                 60.0              53.0            7.0     13.2
                                                               ---------         ---------      ---------   ------
  Total financing and leasing assets                            20,338.3          18,568.0        1,770.3      9.5
Consumer finance receivables previously securitized and
  currently managed by the Company                               1,918.3           1,437.4          480.9     33.5
                                                               ---------         ---------      ---------   ------
Total managed assets                                          $ 22,256.6         $20,005.4      $ 2,251.2     11.3 %
                                                               =========         =========      =========   ======
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) On January 1, 1997, $1,519.2 million of financing and leasing assets were
transferred from Capital Finance to Equipment Financing.
 
(2) Consists of home equity finance receivables.
 
(3) Consists of finance receivables secured by manufactured housing, recreation
    vehicles and recreational boats.
 
   
Commercial financing and leasing assets increased 7.4% from December 31, 1996 as
a result of a rise in factoring receivables partially offset by continued
paydowns. Growth in factoring receivables was favorably impacted by seasonal
sales and higher client borrowings, as well as strong new business signings.
Growth also occurred in the operating lease portfolio, primarily in railcars and
commercial aircraft. Commercial growth was partially offset by continued
paydowns and a competitive marketplace. Consumer managed assets increased to
$5.9 billion at September 30, 1997 from $4.8 billion at December 31, 1996, up
23.5%. The consumer increase was the result of 51.9% growth in Sales Financing
new business originations, primarily in recreational boat and manufactured
housing products. During the third quarter of 1997, $500.0 million of home
equity finance receivables were securitized. Substantially all recreational boat
and recreation vehicle finance receivables originated in 1997 are classified as
held for sale at September 30, 1997.
    
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
 
Financing and Leasing Assets Composition
 
   
The Company's ten largest financing and leasing asset accounts at September 30,
1997 in the aggregate represented 4.1% of the Company's total financing and
leasing assets. All ten of such accounts are commercial accounts and are secured
by equipment, accounts receivable or inventory.
    
 
Geographic Composition.  The following table presents financing and leasing
assets by customer location.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          -----------------------------------------------------
                                                           AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1997         AT DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                           AMOUNT         PERCENT          AMOUNT       PERCENT
                                                          ---------       -------       ---------       -------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>
Dollars in millions
United States
  West                                                    $ 4,823.6         23.7%       $ 4,599.4         24.8%
  Northeast                                                 4,676.4         22.9          4,279.4         23.0
  Midwest                                                   4,326.9         21.3          3,727.1         20.1
  Southeast                                                 2,858.5         14.1          2,814.1         15.1
  Southwest                                                 2,439.9         12.0          2,036.6         11.0
Foreign (principally commercial aircraft)                   1,213.0          6.0          1,111.4          6.0
                                                          ---------        -----        ---------        -----
  Total                                                   $20,338.3        100.0%       $18,568.0        100.0%
                                                          =========        =====        =========        =====
</TABLE>
    
 
   
The Company's financing and leasing asset portfolio is diversified by state. At
September 30, 1997, with the exception of California (12.4%), New York (8.4%),
Texas (8.0%) and Illinois (5.1%), no state represented more than 5.0% of
financing and leasing assets.
    
 
Industry Composition.  The following table presents financing and leasing assets
by major industry class.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          -----------------------------------------------------
                                                           AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1997         AT DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                           AMOUNT         PERCENT          AMOUNT       PERCENT
                                                          ---------       -------       ---------       -------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>           <C>             <C>
Dollars in millions
Manufacturing(1) (none greater than 4.5%)                 $ 4,772.4         23.5%       $ 4,472.8         24.0%
Retail                                                      2,193.5         10.8          1,651.1          8.9
Commercial airline(2)                                       1,981.4          9.7          1,910.0         10.3
Home mortgage(3)                                            1,856.4          9.1          2,005.5         10.8
Construction equipment                                      1,699.2          8.4          1,683.1          9.1
Transportation(4)                                           1,221.3          6.0          1,184.5          6.4
Manufactured housing(5)                                     1,042.7          5.1            790.3          4.3
Recreation vehicle(6)                                         873.2          4.3            510.1          2.7
Other (none greater than 3.4%)(7)                           4,698.2         23.1          4,360.6         23.5
                                                          ---------        -----        ---------        -----
Total                                                     $20,338.3        100.0%       $18,568.0        100.0%
                                                          =========        =====        =========        =====
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) Includes manufacturers of steel and metal products, textiles and apparel,
printing and paper products and other industries.
 
(2) See "-- Concentrations" below for a discussion of the commercial airline
portfolio.
 
   
(3) Excludes securitized finance receivables of $482.9 million at September 30,
1997.
    
 
   
(4) Includes rail, bus, over-the-road trucking and business aircraft industries.
    
 
   
(5) Excludes securitized finance receivables of $363.1 million and $412.2
million at September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively.
    
 
   
(6) Excludes securitized finance receivables of $591.1 million and $746.8
million at September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively.
    
 
   
(7) Excludes securitized recreational boat finance receivables of $481.2 million
and $278.4 million at September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively.
    
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   28
 
Concentrations
 
   
Commercial Airline Industry.  Commercial airline financing and leasing assets
totaled $2.0 billion or 9.7% of total financing and leasing assets at September
30, 1997, up slightly from $1.9 billion at December 31, 1996. The portfolio is
secured by commercial aircraft and related equipment. The Company has determined
to grow this portfolio, but will continue to monitor the size of the portfolio
relative to the Company's total financing and leasing assets.
    
 
The following table presents information about the commercial airline industry
portfolio. See also "-- Operating Lease Equipment."
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      ----------------------------------------
                                                                      AT SEPTEMBER 30,         AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                            1997                    1996
                                                                      ----------------         ---------------
<S>                                                                   <C>                      <C>
Dollars in millions
Finance receivables:
  Amount outstanding(1)                                                   $1,271.0                $ 1,286.0
  Number of obligors                                                            51                       54
Operating lease equipment, net
  Net carrying value                                                      $  710.4                $   624.0
  Number of obligors                                                            33                       32
          Total                                                           $1,981.4                $ 1,910.0
Number of obligors(2)                                                           68                       72
Number of aircraft(3)                                                          222                      239
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) Includes accrued rents on operating leases that are classified as finance
receivables in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
(2) Certain obligors are obligors under both finance receivable and operating
lease transactions.
 
   
(3) Regulations established by the Federal Aviation Administration (the "FAA")
limit the maximum permitted noise an aircraft may make. A Stage III aircraft
meets a more restrictive noise level requirement than a Stage II aircraft. The
FAA has issued rules which phase out the use of Stage II aircraft in the United
States through the year 2000. The International Civil Aviation Organization has
issued similar requirements for Europe. At September 30, 1997, the portfolio
consisted of Stage III aircraft of $1,837.7 million (92.7%) and Stage II
aircraft of $115.6 million (5.8%), versus Stage III aircraft of $1,733.2 million
(90.7%) and Stage II aircraft of $149.1 million (7.8%) at year-end 1996.
    
 
   
Foreign Outstandings.  Financing and leasing assets to foreign obligors,
primarily to the commercial airline industry, are all U.S. dollar denominated
and totaled $1.2 billion at September 30, 1997. The largest exposures at
September 30, 1997 were to obligors in France, $131.8 million (0.65% of
financing and leasing assets), the United Kingdom, $109.6 million (0.54%), and
Mexico, $108.3 million (0.53%). The remaining foreign exposure was
geographically dispersed, with no other individual country representing more
than 0.51% of financing and leasing assets.
    
 
At December 31, 1996, financing and leasing assets to foreign obligors totaled
$1.1 billion. The largest exposures at December 31, 1996 were to obligors in
Mexico, $141.5 million (0.76%), France, $130.4 million (0.70%), and the United
Kingdom, $126.9 million (0.68%). The remaining foreign exposure was
geographically dispersed, with no other individual country representing more
than 0.51% of financing and leasing assets.
 
   
Highly Leveraged Transactions.  Highly-leveraged transactions ("HLTs") totaled
less than 2.0% of financing and leasing assets at both September 30, 1997 and
December 31, 1996. The Company's HLT outstandings are generally secured by
collateral, as distinguished from HLTs that rely primarily on cash flows from
operations. Unfunded commitments to lend in secured HLT situations were $88.4
million at September 30, 1997 compared with $144.1 million at year-end 1996.
    
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   29
 
Past Due and Nonaccrual Finance Receivables and Assets Received in Satisfaction
of Loans
 
   
The following table sets forth certain information concerning past due and
nonaccrual finance receivables and assets received in satisfaction of loans at
September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        --------------------------------------
                                                                        AT SEPTEMBER 30,       AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                              1997                  1996
                                                                        ----------------       ---------------
<S>                                                                     <C>                    <C>
Dollars in millions
Finance receivables, past due 60 days or more                                 $287.9                    $292.3
Finance receivables, past due 60 days or more, as a percentage of
  finance receivables                                                           1.60%                     1.72%
Finance receivables on nonaccrual status                                       $83.6                    $119.6
Assets received in satisfaction of loans                                        37.7                      47.9(1)
                                                                        ------------                  --------
  Nonperforming assets                                                        $121.3                    $167.5
                                                                        ============                  ========
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of finance receivables                     0.68%                     0.99%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) Consists primarily of cruise line vessels.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
   
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 125,
"Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments
of Liabilities", as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
127, "Deferral of the Effective Date of Certain Provisions of FASB Statement No.
125" (collectively referred to hereafter as "SFAS 125"), on January 1, 1997.
SFAS 125 uses a "financial components" approach that focuses on control to
determine the proper accounting for financial asset transfers and addresses the
accounting for servicing rights on financial assets in addition to mortgage
loans. Securitizations of finance receivables are accounted for as sales when
legal and effective control over the related receivables is surrendered.
Servicing assets or liabilities are recognized when the servicing rights are
retained by the seller.
    
 
   
In accordance with the transition rules set forth in SFAS 125, the Company, on
January 1, 1997, reclassified the portion of previously recognized excess
servicing assets that did not exceed contractually specified servicing fees to
servicing assets, which are included in other assets in the Company's
Consolidated Balance Sheets. The remaining balances of previously recognized
excess servicing assets are included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance
Sheets and are classified as available-for-sale investment securities subject to
the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115,
"Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". The
amortized cost approximates the current fair market value of such assets.
    
 
The adoption of SFAS 125 did not have a significant impact on the Company's
financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
 
   
Additionally, in February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128 "Earnings Per Share" ("SFAS
128"). SFAS 128 establishes standards for the presentation and disclosure for
earnings per share ("EPS"). It also simplifies the standards for computing EPS,
and makes them comparable to international EPS standards. SFAS 128 replaces the
presentation of primary and fully diluted EPS with basic and diluted EPS,
respectively, and requires the reconciliation of the numerator and denominator
of basic EPS with that of diluted EPS. SFAS 128 is effective for financial
statements for both interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 1997.
Earlier application is not permitted. After adoption, all prior period EPS is
required to be restated to conform with SFAS 128.
    
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 VS. YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
Overview
 
For the year ended December 31, 1996, net income totaled $260.1 million, an
increase of 15.5% from $225.3 million for the same period in 1995, and
represented the ninth consecutive increase in annual earnings and the sixth
consecutive year of record earnings. The 1996 results reflect stronger revenues
from increased finance income and higher fees and other income, partially offset
by an increase in operating expenses.
 
Financing and leasing assets totaled a record $18.6 billion, an increase of 8.8%
over 1995. This increase is the result of growth in the operating lease
portfolio as well as strong new business originations across all units,
particularly in the areas of consumer and small to medium ticket equipment
financing, offset by paydowns. Additionally, the Company continued its
securitization activity, securitizing $774.9 million of recreation vehicle and
recreational boat finance receivables during 1996,
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   30
 
compared with securitizations of recreation vehicle and manufactured housing
finance receivables of $723.2 million in 1995. Managed assets totaled $20.0
billion, an increase of 11.3% over $18.0 billion in 1995.
 
Net Finance Income
 
A comparison of the components of 1996 and 1995 net finance income is set forth
below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             --------------------------------------------------
                                                             YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,            INCREASE
                                                                  1996           1995        AMOUNT     PERCENT
                                                             ---------      ---------      --------     -------
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
Finance income                                               $ 1,646.2      $ 1,529.2      $  117.0        7.7%
Interest expense                                                 848.3          831.5          16.8        2.0
                                                             ---------      ---------      --------       ----
Net finance income                                           $   797.9      $   697.7      $  100.2       14.4%
                                                             =========      =========      ========       ====
AEA                                                          $16,543.1      $15,377.5      $1,165.6        7.6%
Net finance income as a percentage of AEA                         4.82%          4.54%
</TABLE>
 
Finance income totaled $1,646.2 million in 1996, up $117.0 million or 7.7% over
1995. As a percentage of AEA, finance income was 9.90% for both periods.
Commercial segment finance income as a percentage of commercial AEA was 9.93%
for each of 1996 and 1995 and consumer segment finance income as a percentage of
consumer AEA was 9.85% for 1996 compared to 9.79% for 1995. Interest expense
totaled $848.3 million in 1996, up $16.8 million or 2.0% over 1995. As a
percentage of AEA, 1996 interest expense decreased to 5.08% from 5.36% in 1995.
 
Net finance income increased $100.2 million or 14.4% in 1996, surpassing the
growth in AEA as a result of both lower borrowing costs and higher yield-related
fees on account terminations.
 
A comparative analysis of the weighted average principal outstanding and
interest rates paid on the Company's debt, before and after giving effect to
interest rate swaps, is shown in the following table.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                         1996                                    1995
                                         ------------------------------------    ------------------------------------
                                           BEFORE SWAPS        AFTER SWAPS         BEFORE SWAPS        AFTER SWAPS
                                         ----------------    ----------------    ----------------    ----------------
<S>                                      <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>     <C>         <C>
Dollars in millions
Commercial paper and variable-rate
  senior notes                           $ 9,952.2   5.48%   $ 6,774.3   5.42%   $ 9,785.4   6.03%   $ 7,226.0   6.02%
Fixed-rate senior and subordinated notes   3,917.0   6.83      7,094.9   6.68      3,194.5   7.09      5,753.9   6.78
                                         ---------           ---------           ---------           ---------
Composite                                $13,869.2   5.86%   $13,869.2   6.06%   $12,979.9   6.29%   $12,979.9   6.36%
                                         =========           =========           =========           =========
</TABLE>
 
The Company's interest-rate swaps principally convert floating-rate debt to
fixed-rate debt and resulted in lowered variable and fixed rates during both
periods. The increases in the composite interest rates after the effect of
hedging activity reflect the greater proportion of debt effectively paying fixed
interest rates. The weighted average interest rates before the effect of swap
hedging activity do not necessarily reflect the interest expense that would have
been incurred had the Company chosen to manage interest rate risk without the
use of such swaps.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   31
 
Fees and Other Income
 
Fees and other income improved $59.4 million to $244.1 million during 1996,
primarily due to higher gains from equipment sales and venture capital
investment transactions and, to a lesser extent, increased servicing fees
associated with the Company's managed third party portfolio and higher factoring
commissions.
 
The following table sets forth the components of fees and other income.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   -----------------------
                                                                                    YEARS ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                                             31,
                                                                                    1996             1995
                                                                                   ------           ------
<S>                                                                                <C>              <C>
Dollars in millions
Commissions, fees and other                                                        $165.2           $147.9
Gains on equipment and other investment sales                                        54.6(1)          10.5
Gains on sales and securitizations of finance receivables                            24.3             26.3
                                                                                   ------           ------
                                                                                   $244.1           $184.7
                                                                                   ======           ======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Includes a $16.2 million gain resulting from the sale of venture capital
    investments.
 
Salaries and General Operating Expenses
 
Salaries and general operating expenses increased $47.4 million or 13.7 percent
to $393.1 million in 1996 from $345.7 million in 1995. Salaries and employee
benefits rose $29.6 million (15.3%) while general operating expenses rose $17.8
million (11.7%). Personnel increased to 2,950 at December 31, 1996 from 2,750 at
December 31, 1995.
 
The increase in expenses from 1995 to 1996 is primarily due to strong new
business originations and 12.6% growth in ASA, and the Company's continued
investment in its consumer-related infrastructure.
 
Changes in the relationship of salaries and employee benefits and general
operating expenses to AEA and ASA are set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              1996                           1995
                                                   --------------------------     --------------------------
                                                   AMOUNT     % AEA     % ASA     AMOUNT     % AEA     % ASA
                                                   ------     -----     -----     ------     -----     -----
<S>                                                <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
Dollars in millions
Salaries and employee benefits                     $223.0     1.35%     1.22%     $193.4     1.26%     1.19% 
General operating expenses                         170.1      1.03      0.93      152.3      0.99      0.94
                                                   ------     ----      ----      ------     ----      ----
          Total                                    $393.1     2.38%     2.15%     $345.7     2.25%     2.13% 
                                                   ======     ====      ====      ======     ====      ====
</TABLE>
 
Provision and Reserve for Credit Losses
 
Net credit losses were $101.5 million in 1996 compared with $77.2 million in
1995, primarily reflecting provisions related to certain nonaccrual loans
secured by oceangoing carriers and cruise line vessels, as well as seasoning of
the consumer portfolio. Information concerning the provisions for credit losses
is summarized in the following table.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                             1996                               1995
                                               --------------------------------    -------------------------------
                                               TOTAL     COMMERCIAL    CONSUMER    TOTAL    COMMERCIAL    CONSUMER
                                               ------    ----------    --------    -----    ----------    --------
<S>                                            <C>       <C>           <C>         <C>      <C>           <C>
Dollars in millions
Net credit losses                              $101.5      $ 80.4       $ 21.1     $77.2      $ 67.1       $ 10.1
 
Net credit losses as a percentage of average
  finance receivables, excluding consumer
  finance receivables held for sale              0.62%       0.59%        0.75%     0.50%       0.51%        0.44%
</TABLE>
 
The reserve for credit losses increased to $220.8 million (1.30% of finance
receivables) at December 31, 1996, from $206.0 million (1.30% of finance
receivables) at December 31, 1995, primarily reflecting growth in finance
receivables.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   32
 
Operating Lease Equipment
 
Depreciation on operating lease equipment for 1996 was $121.7 million, up from
$79.7 million for 1995 due to growth in the operating lease portfolio. From time
to time, certain operators of leased equipment may experience financial or
operational difficulties that may affect their ability to meet their contractual
obligations with the Company. At December 31, 1996, commercial aircraft with an
approximate carrying value of $30.9 million were subject to agreements with an
operator that is experiencing such difficulties. The Company does not believe
these difficulties will have a material effect on its consolidated financial
position or results of operations.
 
Income Taxes
 
The provision for federal and state and local income taxes totaled $155.7
million in 1996, compared with $139.8 million in 1995. The effective income tax
rate for 1996 declined to 37.4%, compared to 38.3% in 1995, as a result of lower
state and local income taxes.
 
Financing and Leasing Assets
 
Financing and leasing assets rose $1.5 billion (8.8%) to $18.6 billion in 1996
as presented in the following table.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 AT DECEMBER 31,                   CHANGE
                                                              1996             1995          AMOUNT      PERCENT
                                                          ------------     ------------     --------     -------
<S>                                                       <C>              <C>              <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
COMMERCIAL
Equipment Financing and Leasing
Finance receivables
  Capital Finance                                          $  4,302.7       $  4,548.7      $ (246.0)       (5.4)%
  Equipment Financing                                         5,616.8          4,929.9         686.9        13.9
                                                            ---------        ---------      --------      ------
                                                              9,919.5          9,478.6         440.9         4.7
                                                            ---------        ---------      --------      ------
Operating lease equipment, net
  Capital Finance                                               975.5            750.0         225.5        30.1
  Equipment Financing                                           426.6            363.0          63.6        17.5
                                                            ---------        ---------      --------      ------
                                                              1,402.1          1,113.0         289.1        26.0
                                                            ---------        ---------      --------      ------
  Total Equipment Financing and Leasing                      11,321.6         10,591.6         730.0         6.9
                                                            ---------        ---------      --------      ------
Factoring
  Commercial Services                                         1,804.7          1,743.3          61.4         3.5
                                                            ---------        ---------      --------      ------
Commercial Finance
  Business Credit                                             1,235.6          1,471.0        (235.4)      (16.0)
  Credit Finance                                                797.8            758.7          39.1         5.2
                                                            ---------        ---------      --------      ------
  Total Commercial Finance                                    2,033.4          2,229.7        (196.3)       (8.8)
                                                            ---------        ---------      --------      ------
  Total commercial                                           15,159.7         14,564.6         595.1         4.1
                                                            ---------        ---------      --------      ------
CONSUMER
Consumer Finance(1)                                           2,005.5          1,039.0         966.5        93.0
Sales Financing(2)                                            1,349.8          1,416.9         (67.1)       (4.7)
                                                            ---------        ---------      --------      ------
  Total consumer                                              3,355.3          2,455.9         899.4        36.6
                                                            ---------        ---------      --------      ------
CORPORATE AND OTHER                                              53.0             41.6          11.4        27.4
                                                            ---------        ---------      --------      ------
  Total financing and leasing assets                         18,568.0         17,062.1       1,505.9         8.8
Consumer finance receivables previously securitized and
  currently managed by the Company                            1,437.4            916.5         520.9        56.8
                                                            ---------        ---------      --------      ------
Total managed assets                                       $ 20,005.4       $ 17,978.6      $2,026.8     $  11.3%
                                                            =========        =========      ========      ======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Consists of home equity finance receivables.
 
(2) Consists of finance receivables secured by manufactured housing, recreation
    vehicles and recreational boats.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   33
 
Commercial financing and leasing assets grew 4.1% due to strong growth in
equipment financing, particularly in small to medium ticket originations, and an
increased level of operating lease equipment. These increases were offset by
high customer paydowns reducing outstanding balances in the commercial financing
sector. Consumer financing and leasing assets increased $899.4 million from
December 31, 1995 due to higher home equity originations and recreational boat
originations and $468.7 million in home equity finance receivables portfolio
purchases.
 
Financing and Leasing Assets Composition
Geographic Composition. The following table presents financing and leasing
assets by customer location.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                -----------------------------------------------
                                                                                AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        1996                      1995
                                                                ---------------------     ---------------------
                                                                 AMOUNT       PERCENT      AMOUNT       PERCENT
                                                                ---------     -------     ---------     -------
<S>                                                             <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>
Dollars in millions
United States
  West                                                          $ 4,599.4       24.8%     $ 4,019.2       23.6%
  Northeast                                                       4,279.4       23.0        4,117.6       24.1
  Midwest                                                         3,727.1       20.1        3,227.9       18.9
  Southeast                                                       2,814.1       15.1        2,653.0       15.5
  Southwest                                                       2,036.6       11.0        1,958.5       11.5
Foreign (principally commercial aircraft)                         1,111.4        6.0        1,085.9        6.4
                                                                ---------     ------      ---------     ------
          Total                                                 $18,568.0      100.0%     $17,062.1      100.0%
                                                                =========     ======      =========     ======
</TABLE>
 
Industry Composition. The following table presents financing and leasing assets
by major industry class.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                -----------------------------------------------
                                                                                AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        1996                      1995
                                                                ---------------------     ---------------------
                                                                 AMOUNT       PERCENT      AMOUNT       PERCENT
                                                                ---------     -------     ---------     -------
<S>                                                             <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>
Dollars in millions
Manufacturing(1) (none greater than 3.9%)                       $ 4,472.8       24.0%     $ 4,385.7       25.7%
Home mortgage                                                     2,005.5       10.8        1,039.0        6.1
Commercial airline(2)                                             1,910.0       10.3        1,911.6       11.2
Construction equipment                                            1,683.1        9.1        1,463.9        8.6
Retail                                                            1,651.1        8.9        1,519.3        8.9
Transportation(3)                                                 1,184.5        6.4        1,043.1        6.1
Manufactured housing(4)                                             790.3        4.3          561.5        3.3
Other (none greater than 4.1%)(5)                                 4,870.7       26.2        5,138.0       30.1
                                                                ---------     ------      ---------     ------
Total                                                           $18,568.0      100.0%     $17,062.1      100.0%
                                                                =========     ======      =========     ======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1)  Includes manufacturers of steel and metal products, textiles and apparel,
printing and paper products and other industries.
 
(2)  See "--Concentrations" below for a discussion of the commercial airline
portfolio.
 
(3)  Includes rail, bus, over-the-road trucking and business aircraft.
 
(4)  Excludes securitized finance receivables of $412.2 million and $470.8
million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
(5)  Excludes securitized recreation vehicle finance receivables of $746.8
million and $445.7 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and
recreational boat finance receivables of $278.4 million at December 31, 1996.
 
Concentrations
 
Commercial Airline Industry. Commercial airline financing and leasing assets
totaled $1.9 billion (10.3% of total financing and leasing assets) at December
31, 1996, compared with $1.9 billion (11.2%) in 1995. The portfolio is secured
by commercial aircraft and related equipment.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   34
 
The following table presents information about the commercial airline industry
portfolio.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      ---------------------
                                                                                         AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                        1996         1995
                                                                                      --------     --------
<S>                                                                                   <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
Finance receivables
  Amount outstanding(1)                                                               $1,286.0     $1,412.2
  Number of obligors                                                                        54           51
Operating lease equipment, net
  Net carrying value                                                                  $  624.0     $  499.4
  Number of obligors                                                                        32           24
          Total                                                                       $1,910.0     $1,911.6
Number of obligors(2)                                                                       72           68
Number of aircraft(3)                                                                      239          256
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Includes accrued rents on operating leases which are classified as finance
receivables in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
(2) Certain obligors are obligors under both finance receivable and operating
lease transactions.
 
(3) At year-end 1996, the portfolio consisted of Stage III aircraft of $1,733.2
million (90.7%) and Stage II aircraft of $149.1 million (7.8%), versus Stage III
aircraft of $1,664.3 million (87.1%) and Stage II aircraft of $207.7 million
(10.9%) at year-end 1995.
 
Foreign Outstandings.  Financing and leasing assets to foreign obligors,
primarily to the commercial airline industry, are all U.S. dollar denominated
and totaled $1.1 billion at December 31, 1996. The largest exposures at December
31, 1996 were to obligors in Mexico, $141.5 million (0.76% of financing and
leasing assets), France, $130.4 million (0.70%), and the United Kingdom, $126.9
million (0.68%). The remaining foreign exposure was geographically dispersed
with no other individual country representing more than 0.51% of financing and
leasing assets.
 
At December 31, 1995, financing and leasing assets to foreign obligors totaled
$1.1 billion. The largest exposures at December 31, 1995 were to obligors in the
United Kingdom, $145.5 million (0.85%), France, $122.0 million (0.72%), Mexico,
$115.8 million (0.68%), and Australia, $97.0 million (0.57%). The remaining
foreign exposure was geographically dispersed with no other individual country
representing more than 0.51% of financing and leasing assets.
 
Highly Leveraged Transactions.  The Company uses the following criteria to
classify a buyout financing or recapitalization which equals or exceeds $20
million as an HLT:
 
- - The transaction at least doubles the borrower's liabilities and results in a
  leverage ratio (as defined) higher than 50%, or
 
- - The transaction results in a leverage ratio higher than 75%, or
 
- - The transaction is designated as an HLT by a syndication agent.
 
A transaction originally reported as an HLT can be removed from this
classification ("delisted") if the leveraged company has demonstrated the
ability to operate successfully as a highly leveraged entity for at least two
years after the original financing and meets one of the following criteria:
 
- - The original financing has been repaid using cash flow from operations,
  planned asset sales or a capital infusion, or
 
- - The debt has been serviced without undue reliance on unplanned asset sales,
  and certain leverage ratios (related to the original criteria under which the
  financing qualified as an HLT) have been maintained.
 
HLTs which the Company originated and in which it participated totaled $321.4
million (1.7% of financing and leasing assets) at December 31, 1996, down from
$412.6 million (2.4%) at December 31, 1995. The decline in HLT outstandings
during 1996 was primarily due to payoff of accounts as well as the removal of
two companies that met the delisting criteria, partially offset by new HLT
fundings. The Company's HLT outstandings are generally secured by collateral, as
distinguished from HLTs that rely primarily on cash flows from operations.
Unfunded commitments to lend in secured HLT situations were $144.1 million at
December 31, 1996, compared with $220.4 million at year-end 1995.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   35
 
At December 31, 1996, the HLT portfolio consisted of 27 obligors in 3 different
industry groups, with 29.5% of the outstandings located in the Northeast region
of the United States and 23.8% in the Southeast. One account totaling $16.0
million and $20.1 million was classified as nonaccrual at December 31, 1996 and
1995, respectively.
 
Past Due and Nonaccrual Finance Receivables and Assets Received in Satisfaction
of Loans
The following table sets forth certain information concerning past due and
nonaccrual finance receivables and assets received in satisfaction of loans at
December 31, 1996 and 1995.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         -----------------
                                                                                          AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                          1996       1995
                                                                                         ------     ------
<S>                                                                                      <C>        <C>
Dollars in millions
Finance receivables, past due 60 days or more                                            $292.3     $263.9
Finance receivables, past due 60 days or more, as a percentage of finance receivables      1.72%      1.67%
Finance receivables on nonaccrual status                                                 $119.6     $139.5
Assets received in satisfaction of loans                                                   47.9       42.0
                                                                                         ------     ------
  Nonperforming assets                                                                   $167.5     $181.5
                                                                                         ======     ======
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of finance receivables                                0.99%      1.15%
</TABLE>
    
 
Finance receivables on nonaccrual status declined to $119.6 million (0.70% of
finance receivables) at December 31, 1996, from $139.5 million (0.88%) at
December 31, 1995, primarily due to the transfer of oceangoing carriers and
cruise line vessels to assets received in satisfaction of loans.
 
Assets received in satisfaction of loans increased to $47.9 million at December
31, 1996 from $42.0 million at December 31, 1995. The increase was primarily due
to these transfers, offset by the sale of an equity interest in a building
supply retailer. The Company has remarketed a majority of the oceangoing
carriers and is in the process of remarketing the remaining carriers and cruise
line vessels.
 
The following table summarizes by type assets received in satisfaction of loans.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           ---------------
                                                                                           AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                           1996      1995
                                                                                           -----     -----
<S>                                                                                        <C>       <C>
Dollars in millions
Transportation(1)                                                                          $33.6     $ 8.9
Property, equipment and other                                                               14.3       9.0
Retail merchandise, property and accounts receivable(2)                                       --      24.1
                                                                                           ------    ------
  Total                                                                                    $47.9     $42.0
                                                                                           ======    ======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Transportation includes oceangoing carriers and cruise line vessels in 1996
    and oceangoing carriers in 1995.
 
(2) Retail merchandise, property and accounts receivable included an equity
    interest in a building supply retailer.
 
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 VS. YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
Overview
 
For the year ended December 31, 1995, net income totaled $225.3 million, an
increase of 12.0% from the $201.1 million for 1994, and represented the eighth
consecutive increase in annual earnings and the fifth consecutive year of record
earnings. The results reflect increased finance income from a higher level of
financing and leasing assets, improved fees and other income, and lower net
credit losses, offset by an increase in borrowing costs.
 
Financing and leasing assets, totaled a record $17.1 billion, an increase of
8.2% over 1994. Manufactured housing and recreation vehicle receivables of
$723.2 million were securitized during 1995, compared to $198.7 million in 1994.
Managed assets totaled $18.0 billion, an increase of 11.9% over 1994.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   36
 
Net Finance Income
 
A comparison of the components of 1995 and 1994 net finance income is set forth
below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         ------------------------------------------------------
                                                         YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,               INCREASE
                                                              1995            1994         AMOUNT       PERCENT
                                                         ---------       ---------       --------       -------
<S>                                                      <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>
Dollars in millions
Finance income                                           $ 1,529.2       $ 1,263.8       $  265.4         21.0%
Interest expense                                             831.5           614.0          217.5         35.4
                                                         ---------       ---------       --------        -----
Net finance income                                       $   697.7       $   649.8       $   47.9          7.4%
                                                         =========       =========       ========        =====
AEA                                                      $15,377.5       $13,630.3       $1,747.2         12.8%
Net finance income as a percent of AEA                       4.54%           4.77%
</TABLE>
 
Finance income totaled $1,529.2 million in 1995, up $265.4 million or 21.0% over
1994. As a percentage of AEA, 1995 finance income increased to 9.90% from 9.19%
in 1994. Commercial segment finance income as a percentage of commercial AEA was
9.93% for 1995, compared to 9.18% for 1994, and consumer segment finance income
as a percentage of consumer AEA was 9.79% for 1995, compared to 9.28% for 1994.
The increase in both commercial and consumer finance income as a percentage of
their respective AEA's was the result of increased origination volume and rising
market interest rates. Interest expense totaled $831.5 million in 1995, up
$217.5 million or 35.4% over 1994. As a percentage of AEA, 1995 interest expense
increased to 5.36% from 4.42% in 1994.
 
Net finance income increased $47.9 million or 7.4% in 1995, trailing the growth
in AEA of 12.8% as higher 1995 market interest rates increased borrowing costs
more rapidly than lending yields due to heightened pricing competition,
particularly from banks.
 
A comparative analysis of the weighted average principal outstanding and
interest rates paid on the Company's debt, before and after giving effect to
interest rate swaps, is shown in the following table.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                1995        YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,        1994
                               ---------------------------------------     ---------------------------------------
                                    BEFORE SWAPS           AFTER SWAPS          BEFORE SWAPS           AFTER SWAPS
                               -----------------     -----------------     -----------------     -----------------
<S>                            <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>
Dollars in millions
Commercial paper and variable
  rate senior notes            $ 9,785.4    6.03%    $ 7,226.0    6.02%    $ 8,847.5    4.46%    $ 6,865.7    4.41%
Fixed rate senior and
  subordinated notes             3,194.5    7.09       5,753.9    6.78       2,525.8    7.24       4,507.6    6.70
                               ---------             ---------             ---------             ---------
Composite                      $12,979.9    6.29%    $12,979.9    6.36%    $11,373.3    5.07%    $11,373.3    5.32%
                               =========             =========             =========             =========
</TABLE>
 
The Company's interest-rate swaps principally convert floating-rate debt to
fixed-rate debt and resulted in lowered variable and fixed rates during both
periods. The increases in the composite interest rates after the effect of
hedging activity reflect the greater proportion of debt effectively paying fixed
interest rates. The weighted average interest rates before the effect of swap
hedging activity do not reflect the interest expense that would have been
incurred had the Company chosen to manage interest rate risk without the use of
such swaps.
 
Fees and Other Income
 
Fees and other income improved $10.3 million to $184.7 million during 1995 due
to higher gains from securitizations of manufactured housing and recreation
vehicle receivables, offset by lower factoring commissions due to the weak
retailing environment.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   37
 
The following table sets forth the components of fees and other income.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 -------------------------
                                                                                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                   1995               1994
                                                                                 ------             ------
<S>                                                                              <C>                <C>
Dollars in millions
Commissions, fees and other                                                      $147.9             $148.3
Gains on equipment and other investment sales                                      10.5               10.1
Gains on sales and securitizations of finance receivables                          26.3               16.0
                                                                                 ------             ------
                                                                                 $184.7             $174.4
                                                                                 ======             ======
</TABLE>
 
Salaries and General Operating Expenses
 
Salaries and general operating expenses increased $7.8 million or 2.3% to $345.7
million in 1995 from $337.9 million in 1994, reflecting significant productivity
achievements during a year of 12.8% AEA growth. Salaries and employee benefits
rose $7.6 million (4.0%) and general operating expenses increased $0.2 million
during 1995. Personnel increased to 2,750 at December 31, 1995 from 2,700 at
December 31, 1994.
 
Changes in the relationship of salaries and employee benefits and general
operating expenses to AEA and ASA are set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                              YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                         1995                           1994
                                              --------------------------     --------------------------
                                              AMOUNT     % AEA     % ASA     AMOUNT     % AEA     % ASA
                                              ------     -----     -----     ------     -----     -----
<S>                                           <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
Dollars in millions
Salaries and employee benefits                $193.4     1.26%     1.19%     $185.8     1.36%     1.32% 
General operating expenses                    152.3      0.99      0.94      152.1      1.12      1.08
                                              ------     -----     -----     ------     -----     -----
  Total                                       $345.7     2.25%     2.13%     $337.9     2.48%     2.40% 
                                              ======     =====     =====     ======     =====     =====
</TABLE>
 
Provision and Reserve for Credit Losses
Net credit losses were $77.2 million in 1995, down $7.0 million (8.3%) from
$84.2 million in 1994, reflecting a higher level of recoveries during 1995.
Information concerning the provisions for credit losses is summarized in the
following table.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                1995                            1994
                                                    -----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                                    TOTAL   COMMERCIAL   CONSUMER   TOTAL   COMMERCIAL   CONSUMER
                                                    -----   ----------   --------   -----   ----------   --------
<S>                                                 <C>     <C>          <C>        <C>     <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
Net credit losses                                   $77.2      $67.1       $10.1    $84.2     $ 74.8      $  9.4
Net credit losses as a percentage of average
  finance receivables, excluding consumer finance
  receivables held for sale                         0.50%      0.51%       0.44%    0.61%      0.62%       0.55%
</TABLE>
 
The reserve for credit losses increased to $206.0 million (1.30% of finance
receivables) at December 31, 1995, from $192.4 million (1.30% of finance
receivables) at December 31, 1994, primarily reflecting growth in finance
receivables.
 
Income Taxes
The provision for federal and state and local income taxes totaled $139.8
million in 1995, compared with $123.9 million in 1994. The effective income tax
rate for 1995 was 38.3% compared to 38.1% in 1994.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   38
 
Financing and Leasing Assets
Financing and leasing assets rose $1.3 billion (8.2%) to $17.1 billion in 1995
as presented in the following table.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               ------------------------------------------------
                                                                   AT DECEMBER 31,                CHANGE
                                                                 1995          1994         AMOUNT      PERCENT
                                                               ---------     ---------     --------     -------
<S>                                                            <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
COMMERCIAL
Equipment Financing and Leasing
Finance receivables
  Capital Finance                                              $ 4,548.7     $ 4,493.5     $   55.2        1.2%
  Equipment Financing                                            4,929.9       4,269.7        660.2       15.5
                                                               ---------     ---------     --------      -----
                                                                 9,478.6       8,763.2        715.4        8.2
                                                               ---------     ---------     --------      -----
Operating lease equipment, net
  Capital Finance                                                  750.0         648.7        101.3       15.6
  Equipment Financing                                              363.0         219.2        143.8       65.6
                                                               ---------     ---------     --------      -----
                                                                 1,113.0         867.9        245.1       28.2
                                                               ---------     ---------     --------      -----
  Total Equipment Financing and Leasing                         10,591.6       9,631.1        960.5       10.0
                                                               ---------     ---------     --------      -----
Factoring
  Commercial Services                                            1,743.3       1,896.2       (152.9)      (8.1)
Commercial Finance
  Business Credit                                                1,471.0       1,442.1         28.9        2.0
  Credit Finance                                                   758.7         719.6         39.1        5.4
                                                               ---------     ---------     --------      -----
  Total Commercial Finance                                       2,229.7       2,161.7         68.0        3.1
                                                               ---------     ---------     --------      -----
  Total commercial                                              14,564.6      13,689.0        875.6        6.4
                                                               ---------     ---------     --------      -----
CONSUMER
Consumer Finance(1)                                              1,039.0         570.8        468.2       82.0
Sales Financing(2)                                               1,416.9       1,471.2        (54.3)      (3.7)
                                                               ---------     ---------     --------      -----
  Total consumer                                                 2,455.9       2,042.0        413.9       20.3
                                                               ---------     ---------     --------      -----
CORPORATE AND OTHER                                                 41.6          34.4          7.2       20.9
                                                               ---------     ---------     --------      -----
  Total financing and leasing assets                            17,062.1      15,765.4      1,296.7        8.2
Consumer finance receivables previously securitized and
  currently managed by the Company                                 916.5         306.7        609.8      198.8
                                                               ---------     ---------     --------      -----
Total managed assets                                           $17,978.6     $16,072.1     $1,906.5       11.9%
                                                               =========     =========     ========      =====
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Consists of home equity finance receivables.
 
(2) Consists of finance receivables secured by manufactured housing, recreation
    vehicles and recreational boats.
 
Total commercial financing and leasing assets rose 6.4% due to growth in small
and medium ticket originations, partially offset by lower factoring finance
receivables as a result of weakness in the retail industry. Consumer financing
and leasing assets grew 20.3% from December 31, 1994 due to higher home equity,
recreational vehicle and manufactured housing originations.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   39
 
Financing and Leasing Assets Composition
 
Concentrations
 
Commercial Airlines.  Commercial airline financing and leasing assets totaled
$1.9 billion (11.2% of total financing and leasing assets) at December 31, 1995,
compared with $1.9 billion (12.0%) in 1994. The portfolio is secured by
commercial aircraft and related equipment. The following table presents
information about the commercial airline industry portfolio.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        --------------------
                                                                                          AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                            1995        1994
                                                                                        --------    --------
<S>                                                                                     <C>         <C>
Dollars in millions
Finance receivables:
  Amount outstanding(1)                                                                 $1,412.2    $1,417.0
  Number of obligors                                                                          51          46
Operating lease equipment, net:
  Net carrying value                                                                    $  499.4    $  482.3
  Number of obligors                                                                          24          21
          Total                                                                         $1,911.6    $1,899.3
  Number of obligors(2)                                                                       68          62
  Number of aircraft(3)                                                                      256         272
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Includes accrued rents on operating leases which are classified as finance
receivables in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
(2) Certain obligors are obligors under both finance receivable and operating
    lease transactions.
 
(3) At year-end 1995, the portfolio consisted of Stage III aircraft of $1,664.3
million (87.1%) and Stage II aircraft of $207.7 million (10.9%), versus Stage
III aircraft of $1,587.5 million (83.6%) and Stage II aircraft of $262.2 million
(13.8%) at year-end 1994. The decline in the number of aircraft from December
1994 principally reflects the maturity of loans with one obligor collateralized
by 17 aircraft.
 
Foreign Outstandings.  Financing and leasing assets to foreign obligors,
primarily to the commercial airline industry, are all U.S. dollar denominated
and totaled $1.1 billion at December 31, 1995. The largest exposures at December
31, 1995 were to obligors in the United Kingdom, $145.5 million (0.85% of
financing and leasing assets), France, $122.0 million (0.72%), Mexico, $115.8
million (0.68%), and Australia, $97.0 million (0.57%). The remaining foreign
exposure was geographically dispersed with no other individual country
representing more than 0.55% of financing and leasing assets.
 
At December 31, 1994, financing and leasing assets to foreign obligors totaled
$1.1 billion. The largest exposures at December 31, 1994 were to obligors in the
United Kingdom, $177.2 million (1.12%), Mexico, $140.0 million (0.89%), France,
$120.2 million (0.76%), and Australia, $99.7 million (0.63%). The remaining
foreign exposure was geographically dispersed, with no other individual country
representing more than 0.55% of financing and leasing assets.
 
Highly Leveraged Transactions.  HLTs totaled $412.6 million (2.42% of financing
and leasing assets) at December 31, 1995, down from $436.1 million (2.77%) at
December 31, 1994. The decline in HLT outstandings during 1995 was primarily due
to payoff of accounts as well as a company that met the delisting criteria,
partially offset by new HLT fundings. The Company's HLT outstandings are
generally secured by collateral, as distinguished from HLTs that rely primarily
on cash flows from operations. Unfunded commitments to lend in secured HLT
situations were $220.4 million at December 31, 1995, compared with $202.1
million at year-end 1994.
 
   
At December 31, 1995, the HLT portfolio consisted of 33 obligors in three
different industry groups, with 34.3% of the outstandings located in the
Southeast region of the United States and 24.4% in the West. One account
totaling $20.1 million was classified as nonaccrual at December 31, 1995,
compared with four accounts totaling $57.7 million at year-end 1994.
    
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   40
 
Past Due and Nonaccrual Finance Receivables and Assets Received in Satisfaction
of Loans
The following table sets forth certain information concerning past due and
nonaccrual finance receivables and assets received in satisfaction of loans at
December 31, 1995 and 1994.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         -----------------
                                                                                          AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                          1995       1994
                                                                                         ------     ------
<S>                                                                                      <C>        <C>
Dollars in millions
Finance receivables, past due 60 days or more                                            $263.9     $176.9
Finance receivables, past due 60 days or more, as a percentage of finance receivables      1.67%      1.20%
Finance receivables on nonaccrual status                                                 $139.5     $110.2
Assets received in satisfaction of loans                                                   42.0       86.5
                                                                                          -----      -----
          Nonperforming assets                                                           $181.5     $196.7
                                                                                          =====      =====
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of finance receivables                                1.15%      1.33%
</TABLE>
    
 
Finance receivables of $42.9 million collateralized by oceangoing carriers of a
shipping company and $36.6 million of finance receivables collateralized by two
cruise line vessels were placed on nonaccrual status during the third quarter of
1995.
 
The following table summarizes by type assets received in satisfaction of loans.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           ---------------
                                                                                           AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                           1995      1994
                                                                                           -----     -----
<S>                                                                                        <C>       <C>
Dollars in millions
Retail merchandise, property and accounts receivable(1)                                    $24.1     $32.3
Transportation(2)                                                                            8.9       4.4
Property, equipment and other                                                                9.0      13.8
Commercial aircraft                                                                           --      36.0
                                                                                           -----     -----
          Total                                                                            $42.0     $86.5
                                                                                           =====     =====
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Retail merchandise, property and accounts receivable includes an equity
    interest in a building supply retailer.
 
(2) Transportation includes oceangoing carriers in 1995 and buses in 1994.
 
LIQUIDITY
 
The Company manages liquidity by monitoring the relative maturities of assets
and liabilities and by borrowing funds, primarily in the U.S. money and capital
markets. Such cash is used to fund asset growth (including the bulk purchase of
finance receivables and the acquisition of other finance-related businesses) and
to meet debt obligations and other commitments on a timely and cost-effective
basis. The primary sources of funding are commercial paper borrowings, medium-
term notes, other term debt securities and securitizations.
 
   
During the first nine months of 1997, commercial paper outstanding increased
$341.7 million from $5.8 billion at December 31, 1996 to $6.2 billion.
Commercial paper outstanding decreased $278.6 million to $5.8 billion at
December 31, 1996 from $6.1 billion at December 31, 1995.
    
 
   
During the first nine months of 1997, the Company issued $1.7 billion of
prime-based variable-rate term debt. During the years 1996 and 1995, the Company
issued $2.3 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively, of variable-rate term debt.
During the nine months ended September 30, 1997, the Company issued $1.6 billion
of fixed-rate debt and during the years 1996 and 1995 the Company issued $2.5
billion and $1.2 billion of fixed-rate debt, respectively.
    
 
   
Repayments of debt totaled $2.7 billion during the nine months ended September
30, 1997. During the years 1996 and 1995, the Company repaid $3.5 billion and
$3.0 billion of debt, respectively.
    
 
   
At September 30, 1997, $7.7 billion of registered, but unissued, debt securities
remained available under shelf registration statements.
    
 
The Company's commercial paper, publicly issued variable-rate and fixed-rate
senior debt, and senior subordinated long-term notes and debentures are rated by
Moody's, Duff & Phelps and Standard & Poor's.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   41
 
   
At September 30, 1997, commercial paper borrowings were supported by $5.0
billion of committed revolving credit-line facilities. At September 30, 1997,
such credit-line facilities represented 81% of operating commercial paper
outstanding (commercial paper outstanding less interest-bearing deposits), as
compared to 90.2% at December 31, 1996. No borrowings have been made under
credit lines supporting commercial paper since 1970.
    
 
   
As part of the Company's continuing program of accessing the public and private
asset-backed securitization markets as an additional liquidity source, home
equity and recreational boat finance receivables of $760.9 million were
securitized by the Company during the first nine months of 1997. The Company
securitized recreation vehicle finance receivables and recreational boat finance
receivables of $774.9 million in 1996 and manufactured housing and recreation
vehicle finance receivables of $723.2 million in 1995.
    
 
   
The Company had $700.0 million of registered, but unissued, securities at
September 30, 1997 relating to the Company's asset-backed securitization program
available under shelf registration statements.
    
 
In February 1997, CIT Capital Trust I, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company,
issued $250.0 million of 7.70% Preferred Capital Securities, the proceeds of
which were invested in Junior Subordinated Debentures of the Company having
identical rates and payment dates.
 
   
Through March 31, 1996, the Company operated under a dividend policy requiring
the payment of dividends by the Company equal to and not exceeding 50% of net
operating earnings on a quarterly basis. Commencing with the 1996 second quarter
dividend, the dividend policy of the Company was changed to require the payment
of dividends by the Company of 30% of net operating earnings on a quarterly
basis. During the first nine months of 1997, $71.8 million of regular cash
dividends were paid and, during 1996 and 1995, regular cash dividends of $98.9
million and $104.1 million, respectively, were paid. On December 24, 1996, with
the consent of the Company's stockholders, the Company paid a special dividend
in the aggregate amount of $165.0 million to its stockholders. DKB and CBC
Holding immediately contributed an aggregate amount of $165.0 million to the
paid-in-capital of the Company in proportion to their respective 80% and 20%
ownership interests.
    
 
   
During the third quarter of 1997, the Company paid $23.1 million of regular cash
dividends. In connection with the Offering, the Company will terminate its
current dividend policy in favor of a new policy beginning with the payment of a
dividend for the first quarter of 1998. See "Dividend Policy." By agreement of
DKB and CBC Holding, the final cash dividend under the Company's current policy
will be paid to DKB and CBC Holding for the fourth quarter of 1997 prior to the
consummation of the Offering. The amount of the fourth quarter dividend will not
exceed the amount of the Company's 1997 third quarter dividend.
    
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   42
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
OVERVIEW
 
The Company is a leading diversified finance organization offering secured
commercial and consumer financing primarily in the United States to smaller,
middle-market and larger businesses and to individuals through a nationwide
distribution network. The Company commenced operations in 1908 and has developed
a broad array of "franchise" strategic business units that focus on specific
industries, asset types and markets, which are balanced by client, industry and
geographic diversification. The Company believes that its strong credit risk
management expertise and long-standing commitment to its markets and its
customers provides it with a competitive advantage.
 
The Company believes that in 1996 it had the largest factoring operation and the
fourth largest equipment financing and leasing operation in the United States.
The Company also has a leading market position in recreation vehicle lending and
has significant operations in commercial finance, sales finance and home equity
lending. In addition, the Company has significant operations financing the
aerospace, construction, transportation, machine tool manufacturing and railroad
industries.
 
   
At September 30, 1997, the Company had total assets of $20.9 billion and
stockholders' equity of $2.2 billion. Net income totaled a record $239.1 million
for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and a record $260.1 million for the
year ended December 31, 1996. Over the five years ended December 31, 1996, the
Company's net income grew at a compound annual rate of 11.6%, while total
financing and leasing assets and managed assets grew at compound annual rates of
9.7% and 11.4%, respectively. Over the three years ended December 31, 1996, net
income grew at a compound annual rate of 12.6%, and total financing and leasing
assets and managed assets grew at compound annual rates of 11.1% and 13.4%,
respectively. Such growth resulted from expansion into new lines of business,
the introduction of new products, increased profitability of existing businesses
and acquisitions.
    
 
   
The following table presents the Company's net income and return on average
equity for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 1996.
[Table presenting the Company's net income (dollars in millions) and return on
average equity for each of the years in the five-year period ended
December 31, 1996 appears here.]
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                Measurement Period
              (Fiscal Year Covered)                         Net|Income           Return|on|Average|Equity
<S>                                                  <C>                         <C>
1992                                                         162.30                      10.36
1993                                                         182.30                      11.02
1994                                                         201.10                      11.49
1995                                                         225.30                      12.13
1996                                                         260.10                      13.04
</TABLE>
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   43
 
The commercial and consumer business segments of the Company, its strategic
business units, the industries and markets served and its principal product
offerings and origination structures are set forth in the following chart.
 
    [Chart illustrating the commercial and consumer business segments of the
Company, its strategic business units, the industries and markets served and its
     principal product offerings and origination structures appears here.]
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   44
 
   
The following table sets forth certain information concerning financing and
leasing assets as well as consumer finance receivables previously securitized
and currently managed by the Company at December 31 of each of the five years
ended December 31, 1996 and at September 30, 1997. "Financing and leasing
assets" are comprised of finance receivables, operating lease equipment,
consumer finance receivables held for sale and certain investments.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     AT
                                              SEPTEMBER                        AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                    30,   ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1997        1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
                                              ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                           <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Dollars in millions
Financing and leasing assets:
  Commercial                                  $16,279.1   $15,159.7   $14,564.6   $13,689.0   $11,937.1   $10,822.5
  Consumer(1)                                   3,999.2     3,355.3     2,455.9     2,042.0     1,589.3     1,411.8
  Other                                            60.0        53.0        41.6        34.4        21.6        12.0
                                              ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Total financing and leasing assets            $20,338.3   $18,568.0   $17,062.1   $15,765.4   $13,548.0   $12,246.3
Consumer finance receivables previously
  securitized and currently managed by the
  Company                                       1,918.3     1,437.4       916.5       306.7       175.6        43.8
                                              ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------
Total managed assets                          $22,256.6   $20,005.4   $17,978.6   $16,072.1   $13,723.6   $12,290.1
                                              =========   =========   =========   =========   =========   =========
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
(1) Includes consumer finance receivables held for sale of $654.3 million,
$116.3 million, $112.0 million, $68.7 million, $150.4 million and $0.0 million
at September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992,
respectively.
    
 
For the five year period ended December 31, 1996, commercial financing and
leasing assets grew at a compound annual rate of 8.2% and consumer managed
assets grew at a compound annual rate of 27.5%. The compound annual growth rates
over such five year period for total financing and leasing assets and total
managed assets were 9.7% and 11.4%, respectively.
 
STRATEGY
 
The Company has delivered consistent growth in earnings and assets over the past
five years. The Company believes that its financial performance is a product of
its core strengths, which include its array of "franchise" businesses, strong
credit risk management expertise and long-standing commitment to its markets.
The following fundamental operating principles are significant to the Company's
past success and the execution of its business strategy in the future:
 
- - Maintain and build leadership positions in selected markets and industries,
  focusing on the United States.
 
- - Offer a broad selection of collateral-based credit products through multiple
  channels of distribution.
 
- - Preserve "best in class" credit culture, coupled with collateral management
  expertise.
 
- - Maintain a relationship-based approach to customers and business partners.
 
- - Practice disciplined expense management, on-going efficiency improvement and
  technology investment.
 
- - Maintain access to multiple funding sources with strong debt ratings.
 
- - Retain experienced management team with long tenure in the industry and with
  the Company.
 
- - Utilize performance-based incentive systems.
 
- - Encourage a corporate culture that emphasizes quality in performance and
  service to customers, employees and business partners and values service to
  the community.
 
- - Pursue growth through selective acquisitions of businesses and assets.
 
Using its proven strengths and capabilities, the Company pursues the following
strategies to continue its earnings and assets growth:
 
Leverage its existing market leadership positions to expand into new markets,
industries and products
The Company has developed an array of "franchise" strategic business units
within its two business segments, each with broad geographic reach and multiple
distribution channels. These strategic business units focus on specific
industries, asset types
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   45
 
and markets. The Company believes that its industry expertise and long-standing
commitment to its markets and customers are competitive advantages.
 
The Company has expanded its equipment financing and leasing business, including
its railroad equipment and business aircraft operations, and plans to seek
further growth and profitability by: (i) building additional manufacturer and
dealer/distributor relationships; (ii) expanding its sales force and marketing
reach; (iii) adding complementary products that enhance existing business
segments or products; (iv) identifying new markets that have synergy with or add
to the Company's existing strengths and capabilities; and (v) improving
marketplace presence and "brand name" recognition in consumer finance.
 
Maintain "best in class" credit quality and strong balance sheet
   
The Company has demonstrated the effectiveness of its credit risk management
system and strong credit culture. From 1990 through 1996, including the
1991-1992 economic recession, net credit losses have averaged 0.72% of average
finance receivables. The Company's strong performance has been the result of:
(i) sophisticated systems and policies which identify target markets and risk
acceptance criteria for each market; (ii) decentralized credit approval
authorities capable of responding quickly to shifting customer needs and
changing economic and market conditions; and (iii) oversight systems that
monitor credits from origination throughout the entire lending cycle. From 1992
to September 30, 1997, nonperforming assets declined from $328.0 million (2.79%
of finance receivables) to $121.3 million (0.68%). While this decline clearly is
a result of the improving economy during that period, the Company believes that
its credit discipline also contributed to this trend. Further, at September 30,
1997, the consolidated reserve for credit losses was more than two times the
current year's net credit losses (on an annualized basis). In addition, the
Company adjusts its pricing to achieve higher yields for greater risk. The
Company believes that its strong credit risk management systems and strong
credit culture will continue to support long-term profitable asset growth.
    
 
Grow the consumer businesses
The Company believes that opportunities exist to grow its consumer earnings and
assets by (i) leveraging its existing capabilities and expertise, (ii) expanding
its franchise into new markets and products, as it has done with home equity and
recreational boat lending, and (iii) establishing direct to consumer lending
capabilities across its recreation vehicle, manufactured housing and
recreational boat product lines.
 
In 1993, the Company entered the recreational boat market, leveraging its
ability to build dealer and manufacturer relationships, its strong credit risk
management skills and its servicing and asset management capabilities. Based
upon 1996 originations, the Company has significant operations in the $8.6
billion U.S. recreational boats market. The Company in 1997 began providing
wholesale financing of inventories to dealers of manufactured housing and
recreational boats. Wholesale financing provides dealers with inventory floor
plan financing and gives the Company greater access to retail financing
opportunities through its existing dealer relationships. The Company plans to
pursue further growth of its wholesale financing operations by offering this
product to other dealers and manufacturers with whom it has strong
relationships.
 
   
In late 1992, the Company entered the home equity lending market. The Company
had $1.9 billion in home equity finance receivables ($2.3 billion of managed
home equity finance receivables) at September 30, 1997, establishing it as a
significant market participant. These results were achieved by utilizing a
multi-channel delivery system with both direct and indirect origination
capabilities through a 28 office distribution network that provides national
coverage for the Company's products. The Company will seek further consumer
asset growth and improved profitability by expanding its sales office network
through the addition of new offices (including five new offices during late
1997), improving operating efficiencies, capitalizing on economies of scale and
expanding its consumer product offerings into new and existing markets.
    
 
Improve operating efficiency through increased scale, continued process
improvement and technology investments
   
The Company has developed a strong culture attuned to expense control,
continuous process improvement and investment in technology. During the past
five years, the Company has controlled the growth of its operating expenses
relative to revenue growth. The Company improved its efficiency ratio from 41.1%
in 1992 to 40.1% in the first nine months of 1997 while growing its managed
assets at an 11.9% annual rate and making substantial investments in its
consumer lending operations.
    
 
The Company seeks to become a low cost producer by building scale in businesses
in which it has significant positions and believes that it already has a
competitive advantage as a "low cost producer" in its factoring and equipment
financing and leasing businesses. Additionally, the Company seeks to increase
turnaround and efficiency with its existing manufacturer relationships through
electronic back office to back office linkages. The Company intends to maintain
its focus on expense control and efficiency through continuous process
improvement and technology investments and by utilizing its proven expense
control and efficiency expertise to expand. The Company believes the existing
infrastructure of most of its strategic business units can support further
growth.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   46
 
Invest in businesses that leverage existing capabilities and complement the
Company's core strengths
Over the past few years, the Company has acquired various businesses and
portfolios of finance receivables and has successfully integrated the acquired
assets, operations and personnel while leveraging the Company's proven strengths
and expertise. The Company intends to continue to actively pursue strategic
acquisition opportunities of both businesses and portfolios of assets that it
believes will enhance growth and profitability and that can be integrated into
its core franchises. A summary of the Company's key acquisitions is presented in
the table immediately below.
 
Dollars in millions
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          FINANCING AND LEASING
            ACQUISITION (YEAR)               ASSETS ACQUIRED                       DESCRIPTION
- ---------------------------------------------------------------     ------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>                       <C>
Fidelcor Business Credit (1991)                          $474.8     Acquisition of business and existing
                                                                    commercial finance receivables (renamed
                                                                    "The CIT Group/ Credit Finance").
Chase Business Aircraft (1991)                           $128.4     Portfolio of business aircraft loans and
                                                                    leases.
L B Credit (1993)                                        $269.4     Portfolio of commercial loans and leases
                                                                    secured by various types of equipment.
Barclays Commercial
  Corporation -- Factoring Operations
  (1994)                                                 $674.8     Acquisition of business and existing
                                                                    factoring receivables (merged into The CIT
                                                                    Group/Commercial Services).
Home Equity Portfolio (1996)                             $357.8     Portfolio of home equity closed-end loans
                                                                    and home equity lines of credit.
</TABLE>
 
During June 1997, the Company also entered into an arrangement with Chase
pursuant to which the Company provides servicing for Chase's recreation vehicle
and recreational boat finance receivables portfolio of $1.3 billion. The Company
commenced providing portfolio services under that arrangement during August
1997. The Company also acquired the origination capabilities related to Chase's
recreation vehicle and recreational boat dealer relationships.
 
PRODUCT INITIATIVES
 
   
In order to improve profitability and diversify its portfolio, the Company
engages on an ongoing basis in the introduction of new products and the
expansion of its existing product offerings into new markets and industries.
These internal growth and expansion initiatives permit the Company to leverage
efficiently its existing management, expertise and infrastructure to seek
further growth and profitability. The following table presents the principal
internal growth and expansion initiatives undertaken by the Company from 1992 to
September 30, 1997.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              PRODUCT                                                 DESCRIPTION
- -----------------------------------      ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>
Home equity                              1992--started de novo; $2.3 billion of managed assets at September
                                         30, 1997.
Manufactured housing                     1993--leveraged existing origination and servicing capabilities to
                                         grow annual originations; $1.4 billion of managed assets at September
                                         30, 1997.
Recreational boats                       1993--began retail financing of new product; has $609.7 million of
                                         managed assets at September 30, 1997.
Rail equipment                           1994--separate rail group established; now generally recognized as an
                                         established industry source of leasing general service railcars.
Wholesale inventory                      1997--started de novo; offering inventory financing to manufactured
                                         housing and recreational boat dealers.
</TABLE>
    
 
COMMERCIAL
 
The Company's commercial operations are diverse and provide a wide range of
financing and leasing products to small, mid-size and larger companies across a
wide variety of industries, including aerospace, retailing, construction, rail,
machine tools, business aircraft, apparel, textiles, electronics and technology,
chemicals, manufacturing and transportation. The secured lending, leasing and
factoring products of the Company's commercial operations include direct loans
and leases, operating leases, leveraged and single investor leases, secured
revolving lines of credit and term loans, credit protection, accounts receivable
collection, import and export financing and factoring, debtor-in-possession and
turnaround financing and acquisition and expansion financing.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   47
 
The Company believes that it had the largest factoring operation and the fourth
largest equipment financing and leasing operation in the United States. The
Company also has significant operations financing the aerospace, construction,
transportation, machine tool manufacturing and railroad industries.
 
   
The following table sets forth the financing and leasing assets of the Company's
commercial segment at December 31 of each of the years in the five-year period
ended December 31, 1996 and at September 30, 1997.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             AT DECEMBER 31,
                               AT SEPTEMBER 30,     -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                     1997             1996          1995          1994          1993          1992
                               ----------------     ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------
<S>                            <C>                  <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Dollars in millions
Equipment Financing and
  Leasing                         $ 11,378.3        $11,321.6     $10,591.6     $ 9,631.1     $ 9,027.4     $ 7,986.0
Factoring                            2,586.9          1,804.7       1,743.3       1,896.2(1)      981.9       1,010.2
Commercial Finance                   2,313.9          2,033.4       2,229.7       2,161.7       1,927.8       1,826.3
                                   ---------        ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------     ---------
                                  $ 16,279.1        $15,159.7     $14,564.6     $13,689.0     $11,937.1     $10,822.5
                                   =========        =========     =========     =========     =========     =========
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) The increase in financing and leasing assets at December 31, 1994 as
compared to December 31, 1993 was primarily attributable to the acquisition by
the Company during 1994 of the factoring operations and receivables of Barclays
Commercial Corporation. See "--Strategy."
 
The Company's commercial operations generate transactions through direct calling
efforts with borrowers, lessees, equipment end-users, manufacturers and
distributors and through referral sources and other intermediaries. In addition,
the Company's strategic business units also refer or cross-sell transactions to
other Company units to best meet customers' overall financing needs. The
Company's marketing efforts are supplemented by its Multi-National Marketing
Group, which promotes the Company's products to the U.S. subsidiaries of foreign
corporations in need of asset-based financing, developing business through
referrals from DKB and through direct calling efforts. The Company also buys and
sells participations in and syndications of finance receivables and/or lines of
credit. In addition, from time to time in the normal course of business, the
Company purchases finance receivables in bulk to supplement its own originations
and sells selected finance receivables and equipment under operating leases for
risk management and/or other balance sheet management purposes.
 
The Company believes that the key factors in the growth and profitability of its
commercial operations are: (i) the broad market coverage and industry
specialization provided by its strategic business units and specialty marketing
group; (ii) its strong credit discipline and culture; (iii) its long-standing
commitments to its markets and its customers; and (iv) its employees, who
possess extensive experience and knowledge in the industries served, credit risk
management, deal structure and management of underlying collateral and
equipment.
 
EQUIPMENT FINANCING AND LEASING
 
   
The Company's Equipment Financing and Leasing operations had total financing and
leasing assets of $11.4 billion at September 30, 1997, representing 55.9% of the
Company's total financing and leasing assets. The Company's Equipment Financing
and Leasing operations are conducted through two strategic business units: (i)
The CIT Group/Equipment Financing ("Equipment Financing"), which focuses on the
broad distribution of its products through manufacturers, dealer/distributors,
intermediaries and direct calling primarily with the construction,
transportation and machine tools industries; and (ii) The CIT Group/Capital
Finance ("Capital Finance"), which focuses on the direct marketing of customized
transactions relating primarily to commercial aircraft and rail equipment. At
September 30, 1997, the average Equipment Financing outstanding per customer
account was $151,000 and the average Capital Finance outstanding per customer
account was $6.3 million.
    
 
Equipment Financing and Capital Finance provide substantial value to their
customers by arranging financing terms that meet customers' individual needs.
Such financing situations may include, for example, a customer's need for
varying as opposed to fixed payment terms in order to better match its cash
flow, as well as off-balance sheet financing (where the customer treats the
financing as a lease for financial reporting or tax purposes) versus on-balance
sheet financing (where the customer owns the equipment for financial reporting
or tax purposes).
 
Equipment Financing and Capital Finance personnel have extensive expertise in
managing equipment over its full life cycle, including, in the case of Capital
Finance, the expertise to repossess commercial aircraft, if necessary, to obtain
required maintenance and repairs for such aircraft, and to recertify such
aircraft with appropriate authorities. Equipment Financing's and Capital
Finance's equipment and industry expertise enable them to evaluate effectively
residual value risk and to manage equipment and residual value risks by locating
alternative equipment users and/or purchasers in order to minimize such risk
and/or the risk of equipment remaining idle for extended periods of time or in
amounts that could materially impact
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   48
 
profitability. For example, beginning in 1991, the aerospace industry
experienced a series of commercial airline bankruptcies, which included several
customers of Capital Finance. However, Capital Finance was able to effectively
manage its equipment and residual value risk, including the use of short-term
operating leases, to minimize the losses in its aircraft portfolio. During the
1990s, net credit losses to Capital Finance's aircraft portfolio have totalled
less than $1.0 million. For the period 1992 through 1996, Equipment Financing
and Capital Finance have realized in excess of 100% of the aggregate booked
residual value in connection with equipment sales.
 
   
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the financing and
leasing assets of Equipment Financing and Leasing at December 31 of each of the
years in the five-year period ended December 31, 1996 and at September 30, 1997.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    AT
                                                 SEPTEMBER                      AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                    30,      ------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1997        1996        1995        1994       1993       1992
                                                 ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------
<S>                                              <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
Dollars in millions
Finance receivables--loans                       $ 5,639.5   $ 6,357.5   $ 6,383.4   $5,852.6   $5,607.3   $5,037.3
Finance receivables--leases                        4,063.1     3,562.0     3,095.2    2,910.6    2,668.2    2,485.9
Operating lease equipment, net                     1,675.7     1,402.1     1,113.0      867.9      751.9      462.8
                                                 ---------   ---------   ---------   --------   --------   --------
  Total financing and leasing assets             $11,378.3   $11,321.6   $10,591.6   $9,631.1   $9,027.4   $7,986.0
                                                 =========   =========   =========   ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>
    
 
On January 1, 1997, $1,519.2 million of financing and leasing assets and related
marketing and servicing operations were transferred from Capital Finance to
Equipment Financing. The transferred financing and leasing assets and operations
were considered more complementary to the Equipment Financing business and the
transfers were undertaken to increase Equipment Financing's nationwide market
reach and further utilize its existing systems and infrastructure. The transfer
has also enabled Capital Finance to focus on the specialized markets and
industries best served by its ability to handle larger customized financings of
capital equipment, particularly aerospace and rail.
 
Equipment Financing
   
Equipment Financing is the largest of the Company's strategic business units
with total financing and leasing assets of $7.7 billion at September 30, 1997,
representing 37.9% of the Company's total financing and leasing assets.
Equipment Financing offers secured equipment financing and leasing products on a
fixed- and floating-rate basis, including direct secured loans, leases,
revolving lines of credit, operating leases, sale and leaseback arrangements,
vendor financing and specialized wholesale and retail financing for distributors
and manufacturers. Equipment Financing seeks a leadership market position in
each of its key distribution channels through its experience, reputation,
financing and equipment management capabilities and long-term relationships it
has developed with its customers, manufacturers, dealers, distributors and
intermediaries.
    
 
   
Equipment Financing is a leading nationwide asset-based equipment lender. At
September 30, 1997, its portfolio included significant outstandings to customers
in a number of different industries, with manufacturing being the largest as a
percentage of financing and leasing assets (32%), followed by construction (22%)
and printing (7%). The Equipment Financing portfolio at September 30, 1997
included many different types of equipment, with construction equipment
comprising the largest percentage (33%), followed by transportation (11%),
manufacturing (9%) and business aircraft (9%). Equipment Financing's portfolio
included approximately 51,000 accounts. The average new financing was
approximately $215,000 with an average financing term of 62 months. At September
30, 1997, 86% of the Equipment Financing finance receivable portfolio was based
on fixed interest rates, with the remaining 14% based on variable interest
rates. At September 30, 1997, Equipment Financing's ten largest financings
    
constituted 5.3% of its portfolio.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   49
 
Equipment Financing has sustained excellent growth and portfolio credit quality,
as shown in the following table.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    AT OR FOR THE                   AT OR FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                  NINE MONTHS ENDED        --------------------------------------------------------
                                 SEPTEMBER 30, 1997          1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
                                 -------------------       --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
<S>                              <C>                       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Dollars in millions
Finance receivables--loans                  $4,479.1       $3,859.0    $3,657.0    $3,081.7    $2,690.0    $2,112.7
Finance receivables--leases                  2,703.0        1,757.8     1,272.9     1,188.0     1,191.0       981.4
Operating lease equipment, net                 533.5          426.6       363.0       219.2       186.2        78.5
                                            --------       --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Total financing and leasing
  assets                                    $7,715.6(1)    $6,043.4    $5,292.9    $4,488.9    $4,067.2    $3,172.6
                                            ========       ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
60+ days past due as a
  percentage of finance
  receivables                                   1.64%          1.86%       1.42%       1.33%       2.48%       4.05%
Net credit losses as a
  percentage of average finance
  receivables                                   0.24%(2)       0.27%       0.35%       0.46%       0.48%       0.56%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) During January 1997, $1,519.2 million of financing and leasing assets and
related marketing and servicing operations were transferred from Capital Finance
to Equipment Financing.
 
(2) Calculated on an annualized basis.
 
   
Equipment Financing entered the operating lease business in 1991 and has grown
its operating lease portfolio to $533.5 million at September 30, 1997. Operating
lease equipment consists primarily of business aircraft, but also includes
trucks, trailers and buses, manufacturing equipment and construction equipment.
The Company believes that operating leases offer the opportunity for higher
yields from shorter term leases as compared to standard financing arrangements
or direct financing leases, and for additional revenue generated from the
remarketing, including re-leasing and sale, of operating lease equipment.
    
 
   
Marketing and Distribution.  Equipment Financing believes that a key to its
success is its ability to effectively meet the financing needs of the customers
in its different distribution channels. Equipment Financing is headquartered in
Livingston, New Jersey, with two full service business centers in Tempe, Arizona
and Atlanta, Georgia and conducts its business through a network of 27 sales
offices in cities that include Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, San
Francisco and Seattle. The Tempe business center originates and services the
construction, transportation, business aircraft and certain other industries on
a nationwide basis and the Atlanta business center originates and services the
printing, machine tools, manufacturing and certain other industries on a
nationwide basis. Equipment Financing supplements its sales offices with field
sales personnel throughout the United States, which provides cost effective
market coverage.
    
 
Equipment Financing originates its products through direct calling on customers
and through its relationships with manufacturers, dealers/distributors and
intermediaries that have leading or significant sales or significant marketing
positions in their respective industries. This provides Equipment Financing with
efficient access to equipment end-users in many industries across a variety of
equipment types. Equipment Financing has developed approximately 60
manufacturer, 1,500 dealer/ distributor and 40 intermediary relationships. From
time to time, Equipment Financing also supplements its core direct origination
and manufacturer and dealer/distributor origination capabilities with
broker-generated business through a centralized operation. Equipment Financing
also (i) syndicates transactions with other lenders to facilitate the
origination of larger transactions, manage portfolio concentration risk and
enhance profitability, (ii) participates in financings arranged by other finance
companies, leasing companies and banks and (iii) from time to time acquires
portfolios of finance receivables.
 
Over 60% of Equipment Financing customers are multiple contract relationships,
versus single contract financings. Equipment Financing customers primarily range
from small- to middle-market companies in a range of industries and equipment
types. The Company believes that Equipment Financing's access to multiple
marketing channels allows it to use the most effective marketing channel for
generating new financings in each of its target industries (for example,
developing relationships with dealers and distributors in construction and with
manufacturers in printing).
 
Servicing.  Equipment Financing handles all servicing through its Tempe and
Atlanta business centers. Each business center is responsible for nationwide
customer service for the industries within its purview. Equipment Financing
believes it has developed highly efficient processes and systems that enable it
to handle increasing transaction levels very cost effectively. From 1992 through
1996, Equipment Financing improved its operating expense ratio (operating
expenses divided by average earning assets) by 30%. During that time period, the
financing and leasing assets of Equipment Financing grew from $3.2 billion to
$6.0 billion.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   50
 
Capital Finance
   
Capital Finance had financing and leasing assets of $3.7 billion at September
30, 1997, which represented 18.0% of the Company's total financing and leasing
assets. Capital Finance specializes in customized secured financing, including
leases, loans, operating leases, single investor leases, debt and equity
portions of leveraged leases and sale and leaseback arrangements relating
primarily to end-users of commercial aircraft and railcars. Typical Capital
Finance customers are middle-market to larger-sized companies. At September 30,
1997, approximately 87% of the Capital Finance finance receivables portfolio was
based on fixed interest rates, with the remaining 13% based on variable interest
rates.
    
 
   
Capital Finance's experience in specialized equipment lending began in the late
1960's. Capital Finance has provided financing to commercial airlines for over
30 years. The Capital Finance aerospace portfolio includes most of the leading
U.S. and foreign commercial airlines. Capital Finance had 222 commercial
aircraft in its portfolio at September 30, 1997, including narrow body, wide
body, cargo and commuter aircraft predominantly manufactured by The Boeing
Company and McDonnell-Douglas Corp., and, to a lesser extent, Airbus Industrie,
British Aerospace and Embraer. Capital Finance has developed strong
relationships with most major airlines and all major aircraft and aircraft
engine manufacturers, the latter of which provides Capital Finance with access
to technical information, which supports customer service and provides
opportunities to finance new business.
    
 
   
Capital Finance has over 25 years experience in financing the rail industry,
contributing to its knowledge of asset values, industry trends, product
structuring and customer needs. To strengthen its position in the rail financing
market, Capital Finance formed a dedicated rail equipment group in 1994. The
Capital Finance rail portfolio includes all of the U.S. and Canadian Class I
railroads and numerous shippers. The Capital Finance operating lease fleet
included over 8,100 rail cars at September 30, 1997 and primarily is comprised
of covered hopper cars used to ship grain and agricultural products and plastic
pellets, gondola cars for coal, steel coil and mill service, open hopper cars
for coal and aggregates, center beam flat cars for lumber and boxcars for paper
and auto parts.
    
 
   
The following table sets forth certain information concerning Capital Finance at
December 31 of or for each of the years in the five year period ended December
31, 1996 and at or for the nine months ended September 30, 1997.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     AT OR FOR THE
                                 NINE MONTHS ENDED                  AT OR FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                     SEPTEMBER 30,       ------------------------------------------------------------
                                              1997           1996         1995         1994         1993         1992
                                 -----------------       --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
<S>                              <C>                     <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
Finance receivables--loans                $1,160.4       $2,498.5     $2,726.4     $2,770.9     $2,917.3     $2,924.6
Finance receivables--leases                1,360.1        1,804.2      1,822.3      1,722.6      1,477.2      1,504.5
Operating lease equipment, net             1,142.2          975.5        750.0        648.7        565.7        384.3
                                          --------       --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Total financing and leasing
  assets                                  $3,662.7(1)    $5,278.2     $5,298.7     $5,142.2     $4,960.2     $4,813.4
                                          ========       ========     ========     ========     ========     ========
60+ days past due as a
  percentage of finance
  receivables                                0.42%           1.08%        1.84%          --         0.42%        2.25%
Net credit losses as a
  percentage of average finance
  receivables                                1.51%(2)        0.91%        0.15%        0.26%        0.36%        0.74%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) During January 1997, $1,519.2 million of financing and leasing assets and
related marketing and servicing operations were transferred from Capital Finance
to Equipment Financing.
 
(2) Calculated on an annualized basis.
 
   
The increase in net credit losses as a percentage of average finance receivables
was due to chargeoffs for nonaccrual loans secured by oceangoing shipping and
cruise line vessels in 1996 and for power generation project energy loans in the
first nine months of 1997. The Company ceased its marketing to the oceangoing
maritime and power generation project sectors in the third quarter of 1997.
    
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   51
 
   
The following table sets forth the financing and leasing assets of Capital
Finance by industry type at December 31 of each of the years in the five-year
period ended December 31, 1996 and at September 30, 1997.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       AT                                 AT DECEMBER 31,
                            SEPTEMBER 30,       --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     1997           1996           1995           1994           1993           1992
                           --------------       --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
<S>                        <C>                  <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
Dollars in millions
Aerospace                     $1,975.3          $1,901.2       $1,900.3       $1,880.0       $1,894.9       $1,986.3
Rail                             765.6             716.1          578.7          495.9          396.0          346.4
Other                            921.8           2,660.9        2,819.7        2,766.3        2,669.3        2,480.2
                                ------            ------         ------         ------         ------         ------
Total                         $3,662.7          $5,278.2       $5,298.7       $5,142.2       $4,960.2       $4,813.4
                                ======            ======         ======         ======         ======         ======
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
During January 1997, $1,519.2 million of financing and leasing assets and
related marketing and servicing operations were transferred from Capital Finance
to Equipment Financing. The other financing and leasing assets at September 30,
1997 consisted primarily of maritime, energy and intermodal assets. Capital
Finance ceased marketing to the maritime and energy industries during the third
quarter of 1997 and is permitting its portfolio of related financing and leasing
assets to liquidate. At September 30, 1997, Capital Finance's maritime and
energy portfolios were $284.8 million and $328.5 million, respectively. In
September, 1997, Equipment Financing commenced marketing to certain sectors of
the maritime and energy industries, consisting principally of U.S. inland
waterway and energy-related equipment financing.
    
 
   
From 1992 through September 30, 1997, commercial airline financing and leasing
assets declined from 16.2% to 9.7% of the Company's total financing and leasing
assets. From 1992 to 1996, the Company limited the growth of the Capital Finance
aerospace portfolio due to weakness in the commercial airline industry, industry
overcapacity and declining equipment values. The Company has determined that it
is appropriate to grow the aerospace portfolio, but will continue to monitor
this growth relative to the Company's total financing and leasing assets.
    
 
Capital Finance believes that there are additional financing opportunities among
its existing aerospace and rail clients, as well as among potential new clients.
The commercial airline industry currently is in one of the more profitable
periods in its history. The Company believes that growth and profitability
prospects for the railcar industry are favorable based on its expectation that
railroads will maintain their market share of coal and grain shipments and will
have opportunities to compete more effectively with the trucking industry.
 
   
Marketing and Distribution.  New business is generated by Capital Finance
through (i) direct calling efforts with equipment end-users and borrowers,
including major airlines, railroads and shippers, (ii) relationships with
aerospace, railcar and other manufacturers and (iii) intermediaries and other
referral sources. Capital Finance maintains relationships with the leading
commercial airline manufacturers in the world and several leading railcar
manufacturers in the United States. Capital Finance is headquartered in New York
City, with a full service office in New York City and additional sales offices
in two other cities.
    
 
Important elements of the Capital Finance operation are its product experience,
industry expertise, equipment knowledge, customized deal structuring and
equipment remarketing. Capital Finance employees are organized and focused both
by industry and by product (i.e., operating lease versus longer-term financing)
to bring focus and expertise to its customers and to meet their specific
financing needs. Many Capital Finance employees have extensive experience in
various capacities in the industries served by Capital Finance.
 
FACTORING
 
   
The CIT Group/Commercial Services ("Commercial Services") factoring operation
was, at December 31, 1996, the largest factoring operation in the United States
based on annual factoring volume. This business unit had total financing and
leasing assets of $2.6 billion at September 30, 1997, which represented 12.7% of
the Company's total financing and leasing assets. Commercial Services offers a
full range of domestic and international customized credit protection and
lending services that include factoring, working capital and term loans,
receivable management outsourcing, bulk purchases of accounts receivable, import
and export financing and letter of credit programs.
    
 
Commercial Services had a 21% U.S. market share, based on volume, of the $64.0
billion factoring market in 1996. The Company's three largest competitors
collectively had a 41% U.S. market share. Industry-wide factoring volume has
grown from $53.0 billion in 1992 to $64.0 billion in 1996, a compound annual
growth rate of approximately 4.5%. Commercial Services market share during the
same period grew from 14% to 21% as a result of its business development and
origination efforts and the acquisition of the factoring operations of Barclays
Commercial Corporation during February 1994.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   52
 
Commercial Services' client base consists of textile and apparel related
companies, furniture manufacturers, home furnishings organizations, importers,
wholesalers and distributors. For the year ended December 31, 1996,
approximately 70% of Commercial Services' clients (by factored volume) were in
the textile and apparel industries and 14% were manufacturers of furniture and
home furnishings. Commercial Services clients primarily are small- to
medium-sized companies. Commercial Services currently has over 850 clients who
generate annual sales ranging from $1.0 million to over $450.0 million.
Commercial Services collects receivables from more than 175,000 retail and
wholesale customers of its clients. Generally, the clients notify their
customers to make all payments on the receivables directly to Commercial
Services. Clients use Commercial Services' factoring product for various
purposes, including improving cash flow, mitigating or reducing the risk of bad
debt charge offs, increasing sales, improving management information and
converting the high fixed cost of operating a credit and collection department
into a lower and variable expense based on sales volume.
 
   
The following table sets forth certain information for Commercial Services at
December 31 of or for each of the years in the five-year period ended December
31, 1996 and at or for the nine months ended September 30, 1997.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 AT OR FOR THE                    AT OR FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                               NINE MONTHS ENDED      ---------------------------------------------------------------
                              SEPTEMBER 30, 1997           1996          1995          1994         1993         1992
                              -------------------     ---------     ---------     ---------     --------     --------
<S>                           <C>                     <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
Total financing and leasing
  assets                           $ 2,586.9          $ 1,804.7     $ 1,743.3     $ 1,896.2(1)  $  981.9     $1,010.2
Factoring volume(2)                $11,280.4          $13,162.5     $12,653.3     $12,903.0(1)  $7,667.4     $7,382.1
60+ days past due as a
  percentage of finance
  receivables                           1.65%              2.65%         1.89%         1.42%        4.84%(3)     6.00%(3)
Net credit losses as a
  percentage of average
  finance receivables                   0.74%(4)           0.89%         0.72%         0.85%        2.29%(3)     2.14%(3)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) The increase in both financing and leasing assets and factoring volume was
primarily attributable to the acquisition by the Company during 1994 of the
factoring operations and then existing factoring receivables of Barclays
Commercial Corporation. See "--Strategy."
(2) Includes receivables management servicing volume.
 
(3) 60+ days past due as a percentage of finance receivables and net credit
losses as a percentage of average finance receivables were higher during 1992
and 1993 due to a loan to a manufacturer on non-accrual status in 1992 and 1993
which was settled in 1994.
(4) Calculated on an annualized basis.
 
Commercial Services generally provides financing to its clients through the
purchase of accounts receivable owed to clients by their customers, usually on a
non-recourse basis, as well as by guaranteeing amounts due under letters of
credit issued to the clients' suppliers which are collateralized by accounts
receivable and other assets. The purchase of accounts receivable is
traditionally known as "factoring" and results in the payment by the client of a
factoring fee, generally ranging from 0.3% to 2% of the factored sales volume.
On the date that Commercial Services "factors" (i.e., purchases) a customer
invoice from a client, it records the customer receivable as an asset and also
establishes a liability for the funds due to the client ("credit balances of
factoring clients"). Commercial Services also may advance funds to its clients
prior to collection of receivables, typically in an amount up to 80% of eligible
accounts receivables (as defined for that transaction), charging interest on
such advances (in addition to any factoring fees) and satisfying such advances
from receivables collections. Approximately 50% of Commercial Services' clients
obtain advances against their purchased receivables, in addition to the credit
protection, collection and management information services offered by Commercial
Services in connection with the purchase of their accounts receivable.
Commercial Services guarantees the collection of each client's pre-approved
receivables or receivables from each client's customers with pre-approved credit
lines. Payment of receivables which are credit-approved by Commercial Services
is made to the client after collection from the client's customer or, if the
receivable is not paid based solely on the customer's financial inability to
pay, payment is made to the client within a specific time after the due date of
the receivable.
All client credit balances are reduced by amounts outstanding to Commercial
Services by factoring fees charged or any outstanding advances to the client.
Interest charged on such advances is predominantly based on a spread over the
designated prime rate. In larger transactions, a spread over LIBOR is sometimes
used.
Marketing and Distribution.  Commercial Services is headquartered in New York
City, with full service offices in Charlotte, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York
and sales offices in Boston, Hong Kong and Miami. Commercial Services generates
business regionally from a variety of sources, including direct calling and
referrals from existing clients and other referral sources. During 1996, the
Company added approximately 200 new client relationships through regional
marketing efforts.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   53
 
Servicing.  Commercial Services has developed processes and systems designed to
efficiently process the very high transaction volumes related to factoring
invoices and believes that such low cost volume processing capability provides
it with a competitive advantage in the factoring business. The Company has made
efficiency improvements which utilize technology to electronically link clients
and transfer transaction data, perform basic credit surveillance routines and to
replace higher cost manual labor. Commercial Services clients can electronically
submit transactions and inquire on account status on virtually all client
orders. More than half of Commercial Services' invoices are submitted
electronically (as opposed to paper invoices or other physical means). Operating
expenses as a percent of factored volume decreased by over 27% from 1992 to
1996. Bookkeeping and collection functions are located in a service center in
Danville, Virginia.
 
COMMERCIAL FINANCE
   
At September 30, 1997, the financing and leasing assets of Commercial Finance
totaled $2.3 billion, representing 11.4% of the Company's total financing and
leasing assets. The Company's Commercial Finance operations are conducted
through two strategic business units: (i) The CIT Group/Business Credit
("Business Credit"), which provides secured financing primarily to middle-market
to larger-sized borrowers and has an average credit facility size at origination
of $22.4 million; and (ii) The CIT Group/Credit Finance ("Credit Finance"),
which provides secured financing primarily to smaller-sized to middle-market
borrowers and has an average credit facility size at origination of $6.9
million. Credit Finance borrowers are generally smaller and cover a wider range
of credit quality than those of Business Credit. While both Business Credit and
Credit Finance offer financing secured by accounts receivable, inventories and
fixed assets, Credit Finance places a higher degree of reliance on collateral
and is generally more focused on credit monitoring in its business.
    
 
   
The following table sets forth financing and leasing assets of Commercial
Finance at December 31 of each of the years in the five-year period ended
December 31, 1996 and at September 30, 1997.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              AT DECEMBER 31,
                                           AT
                                      SEPTEMBER 30,     ------------------------------------------------------------
                                          1997            1996         1995         1994         1993         1992
                                      -------------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
<S>                                   <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
Business Credit                         $ 1,435.7       $1,235.6     $1,471.0     $1,442.1     $1,282.1     $1,281.3
Credit Finance                              878.2          797.8        758.7        719.6        645.7        545.0
                                         --------       --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Total financing and leasing assets      $ 2,313.9       $2,033.4     $2,229.7     $2,161.7     $1,927.8     $1,826.3
                                         ========       ========     ========     ========     ========     ========
</TABLE>
    
 
   
Business Credit
    
   
Financing and leasing assets of Business Credit totaled $1.4 billion at
September 30, 1997 and represented 7.1% of the Company's total financing and
leasing assets. Business Credit offers senior revolving and term loans secured
by accounts receivable, inventories and fixed assets to middle-market and
larger-sized companies. Such loans are used by clients primarily for growth,
expansion, acquisitions, refinancings and debtor-in-possession and turnaround
financings. Business Credit sells and purchases participation interests in such
loans to and from other lenders. Customers usually range in size of annual sales
from $20.0 million to $2.0 billion, and conduct their business in a wide range
of industries. The average customer loan balance outstanding was $6.3 million at
September 30, 1997.
    
 
   
The following table sets forth certain information concerning Business Credit at
December 31 of or for each of the five years in the five-year period ended
December 31, 1996 and at or for the nine months ended September 30, 1997.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    AT OR FOR
                                 THE NINE MONTHS                   AT OR FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                      ENDED            --------------------------------------------------------------
                                SEPTEMBER 30, 1997       1996           1995         1994         1993         1992
                                ------------------     --------       --------     --------     --------     --------
<S>                             <C>                    <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
Total financing and leasing
  assets                                  $1,435.7     $1,235.6       $1,471.0     $1,442.1     $1,282.1     $1,281.3
60+ days past due as a
  percentage of finance
  receivables                                %0.62         1.77%          2.81%        5.53%        2.88%        2.53%
Net credit losses as a
  percentage of average
  finance receivables                        %0.19(1)      0.69%          1.82%        1.95%        1.70%        1.00%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) Calculated on an annualized basis.
 
From 1992 through 1996, Business Credit's finance receivables have remained
relatively unchanged in amount, although business originations of new credit
lines have increased each year. In response to higher delinquencies and charge
offs in
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   54
 
   
1994 and 1995, management initiated a strategy in early 1996 to diversify
portfolio credit risk by decreasing individual borrower "hold" positions
(retained or owned portion), which restricted portfolio growth. The impact of
management's decision to reduce its target hold amount is reflected in the
change in Business Credit's ten largest managed credit facilities. At September
30, 1997, the share attributable to Business Credit's ten largest managed credit
facilities represented 31% of those total approved lines, down from 49% at
September 30, 1993. Further, the largest ten credits based on actual borrowings
represented 12% of finance receivables at September 30, 1997, down from 18% at
September 30, 1993.
    
 
Business Credit has experienced a higher level of paydowns attributable to
greater availability of alternative capital and greater client liquidity due to
a strong economy, which also has restricted portfolio growth. With respect to
new originations, current market conditions have led to substantially enhanced
competition in both pricing, terms and deal structure (secured versus unsecured,
advance rates, qualifying assets, etc.) and has improved the creditworthiness of
many borrowers to the level that permits them to obtain lower cost unsecured
financing from alternative sources.
 
   
Through its variable interest rate senior revolving and term loan products,
Business Credit meets its customers' financing needs for working capital,
growth, acquisition and other financing situations otherwise not met through
bank or other unsecured financing alternatives. Business Credit typically
structures financings on a fully secured basis, though, from time to time, it
may look to a customer's cash flow to support a portion of the credit facility.
Revolving and term loans are made on a variable interest rate basis based on
published indexes such as LIBOR or a prime rate of interest.
    
 
   
A credit line is arranged with each borrower establishing the maximum amount the
borrower may finance, subject to the amount of underlying eligible collateral
and corresponding advance rates. At September 30, 1997, total credit facilities
to individual borrowers ranged up to $175.0 million. For the nine months ended
September 30, 1997, such credit facilities averaged $22.4 million at
origination. Amounts in excess of Business Credit's target credit line hold are
primarily syndicated or participated out to other lenders. The excess of
approved credit lines outstanding over finance receivables outstanding
represents potential additional borrowings or finance receivables that borrowers
may qualify for, subject to the availability of required collateral and
corresponding advance rates. Business Credit typically advances funds (lends) up
to 85% of eligible accounts receivable and up to 60% of eligible inventories. In
conjunction with its lending operations, Business Credit also generates
significant fees, including facility line availability, collateral management,
letter of credit and syndication fees.
    
 
   
Marketing and Distribution.  Business Credit is headquartered in New York City,
with sales and customer service offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los
Angeles, New York and San Francisco. Business is originated through direct
calling efforts and intermediary and referral sources. Approximately 70% of new
business was developed through referral sources and intermediaries during the
nine months ended September 30, 1997. Business Credit has focused on increasing
the proportion of direct business origination to improve its ability to capture
or retain refinancing opportunities and to enhance finance income. As recently
as 1995, approximately 90% of new business was generated through intermediaries.
    
 
Business Credit has the capacity to respond quickly in the marketplace to
underwriting larger-sized transactions (i.e.,greater than its target hold size)
because of its restructuring and financing expertise and its syndication
capabilities, which allow it to sell down a portion of the credit facility and
reduce its credit concentration risk.
 
Servicing.  Servicing of customer accounts is centrally performed in Business
Credit's New York office. An important competitive advantage in servicing
revolving credit facilities is the ability to handle the high transaction
volumes associated with advancing and collecting funds. Business Credit has
developed advanced servicing or "back-office" systems, providing it with a
low-cost capability to service its customers. Over half of Business Credit
borrowers communicate directly with Business Credit systems to process
transactions via its proprietary "bulletin board" interface. This allows
customers to report required transaction data electronically, to request
advances of funds and to obtain account information such as balances and
availability. Further, Business Credit borrowers typically direct the funds
collected on their own accounts receivable into lock-boxes and "blocked"
accounts controlled by Business Credit. Cleared funds are transferred directly
to Business Credit and are used to reduce the borrower's loan.
 
   
Credit Finance
    
   
Financing and leasing assets of Credit Finance totaled $878.2 million at
September 30, 1997 and represented 4.3% of the Company's total financing and
leasing assets. Credit Finance offers revolving and term loans to smaller-sized
and middle-market companies secured by accounts receivable, inventories and
fixed assets. Such loans are used by clients for working capital, refinancings,
acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, reorganizations, restructurings, turnarounds
and Chapter 11 financing and confirmation plans. Credit Finance sells
participation interests in such loans to other lenders and purchases
participation interests in such loans originated by other lenders. Credit
Finance was acquired by the Company in February 1991 and has been engaged in the
commercial financing of smaller-sized and middle-market businesses for over 48
years.
    
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   55
 
   
Credit Finance customers generally have annual revenues ranging from $10.0
million to $200.0 million. Credit Finance lends to customers in many industries,
including the metal fabrication, distribution, food and food services, lumber
and wood products and manufacturing industries. The average customer loan
balance outstanding was $4.2 million at September 30, 1997.
    
 
   
The following table sets forth certain information concerning Credit Finance at
December 31 of or for each of the years in the five-year period ended December
31, 1996 and at or for the nine months ended September 30, 1997.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                AT OR FOR             AT OR FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                          THE NINE MONTHS
                                      ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,       --------------------------------------------------
                                                     1997         1996       1995       1994      1993        1992
                                      -------------------       ------     ------     ------     ------     ------
<S>                                   <C>                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Dollars in millions
Total financing and leasing assets                $ 878.2       $797.8     $758.7     $719.6     $645.7     $545.0
60+ days past due as a percentage of
  finance receivables                                  --           --       0.07%      0.46%      0.12%        --
Net credit losses (recoveries) as a
  percentage of average finance
  receivables                                      )(0.27%(1)     0.13%      0.36%      0.46%      0.32%        --
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) Represents net credit recoveries, calculated on an annualized basis.
 
Through its variable interest rate senior revolving and term loan products,
Credit Finance meets its customers' financing needs for working capital in
growth, acquisition and other financing situations otherwise not met through
traditional bank or other unsecured financing alternatives. Revolving and term
loans are made on a variable interest rate basis based on a prime rate of
interest, with total credit facilities to individual borrowers ranging in size
from $5.0 million to up to $15.0 million. Credit facilities are established
through contractual arrangements, are typically two to three years in length and
typically include prepayment penalties. Credit Finance also has developed a
specialty division designed to meet the needs of smaller borrowers requiring
credit facilities ranging from $750,000 to $5.0 million. Further, Credit Finance
has the capacity to respond quickly in the marketplace to larger-sized
transactions (i.e., greater than its target hold size) because of its
syndication capabilities, which allow it to sell down a portion of a credit
facility and reduce its credit concentration risk.
 
   
Marketing and Distribution.  Credit Finance is headquartered in New York City,
with sales and customer service offices in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York and
loan production offices in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Cleveland, Dallas,
Reston, San Francisco, St. Louis and Tampa. Business is originated through the
sales and regional offices. Business also is developed through intermediaries
and referral relationships and through direct calling efforts. Credit Finance
has developed long-term relationships with selected finance companies, banks and
other lenders and with many diversified referral sources.
    
 
Servicing.  Servicing of customer accounts is performed at Credit Finance's
regional service centers and national service center and includes the processing
of borrower's accounts receivable collections. Credit Finance borrowers
typically direct the funds collected on their own accounts receivable into lock
boxes controlled by Credit Finance and the funds are transferred directly to
Credit Finance to reduce the borrower's loan. As a result, Credit Finance
maintains control over such cash collections.
 
CONSUMER
 
   
At September 30, 1997, the Company's consumer segment financing and leasing
assets totaled $4.0 billion, representing 19.7% of the Company's total financing
and leasing assets. The consumer segments' managed assets were $5.9 billion at
September 30, 1997, representing 26.6% of total managed assets. Between January
1, 1992 and December 31, 1996, the consumer segment's managed assets grew at a
compound annual rate of 27.5%.
    
 
The Company's consumer business is focused primarily on home equity lending and
retail sales financing secured by recreation vehicles, manufactured housing and
recreational boats. Home equity lending is performed by The CIT Group/Consumer
Finance ("Consumer Finance") business unit. Sales financing for products sold
through dealers is performed by The CIT Group/Sales Financing ("Sales
Financing") business unit. During 1997, Sales Financing began to provide
wholesale inventory financing to manufactured housing and recreational boat
dealers utilizing its dealer and manufacturer relationships. Sales Financing
also provides contract servicing for securitization trusts and other third
parties through a centralized Asset Service Center ("ASC"). Additionally, in the
ordinary course of business, Consumer Finance and Sales Financing purchase loans
and portfolios of loans from banks, thrifts and other originators of consumer
loans. As an additional source of liquidity, the Company has securitized home
equity, manufactured housing, recreational boat and recreation vehicle finance
receivables and expects to continue to securitize the foregoing types of finance
receivables in the future. See "--Securitization Program" for information
concerning the Company's securitization program.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   56
 
   
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company's
consumer business segment at December 31 of each of the years in the five-year
period ended December 31, 1996 and at September 30, 1997.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                AT
                                          SEPTEMBER                          AT DECEMBER 31,
                                               30,     ------------------------------------------------------------
                                              1997         1996         1995         1994         1993         1992
                                          --------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
<S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
Home equity                               $1,856.4     $2,005.5(2)  $1,039.0     $  570.8     $  131.3     $     --
Sales financing                            2,044.4      1,349.8      1,416.9      1,471.2      1,458.0      1,411.8
Wholesale inventory financing                 98.4           --           --           --           --           --
                                          --------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Total financing and leasing assets         3,999.2      3,355.3      2,455.9      2,042.0      1,589.3      1,411.8
Consumer finance receivables previously
  securitized and currently managed by
  the Company                              1,918.3(1)   1,437.4        916.5        306.7        175.6         43.8
                                          --------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Total managed assets                       5,917.5      4,792.7      3,372.4      2,348.7      1,764.9      1,455.6
                                          --------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Consumer finance receivables serviced
  for third parties                        1,611.9(3)     549.2        338.2        191.5        240.5        296.5
                                          --------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
Total serviced assets                     $7,529.4     $5,341.9     $3,710.6     $2,540.2     $2,005.4     $1,752.1
                                          ========     ========     ========     ========     ========     ========
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) Includes the initial securitization of home equity loans totaling $500.0
    million in July 1997.
(2) In 1996, the Company purchased a portfolio of $357.8 million in home equity
    closed-end loans and home equity lines of credit.
   
(3) In August 1997, the Company commenced providing servicing for Chase's
    recreation vehicle and recreational boat finance receivables portfolio of
    $1.3 billion.
    
 
   
Consumer Finance
    
 
   
Financing and leasing assets of Consumer Finance, which aggregated $1.9 billion
at September 30, 1997, represented 9.1% of the Company's total financing and
leasing assets. The managed assets of Consumer Finance were $2.3 billion at
September 30, 1997, or 10.5% of the total managed assets. Consumer Finance
commenced operations in December 1992. Its products include both fixed and
variable rate closed-end loans and variable rate lines of credit. The lending
activities of Consumer Finance consist primarily of originating, purchasing and
selling loans secured by first or second liens on detached, single family
residential properties. Such loans are primarily made for the purpose of
consolidating debts, refinancing an existing mortgage, funding home
improvements, paying education expenses and, to a lesser extent, purchasing a
home, among other reasons.
    
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   57
 
   
The following table sets forth certain information concerning Consumer Finance
at December 31 of or for each of the years in the five year period ended
December 31, 1996 and at or for the nine months ended September 30, 1997.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  AT OR
                                                FOR THE
                                            NINE MONTHS
                                                  ENDED             AT OR FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                          SEPTEMBER 30,     -------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1997         1996         1995        1994       1993       1992
                                          -------------     --------     --------     -------     ------     ------
<S>                                       <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>
Dollars in millions
Number of accounts                             46,900         52,617       27,122      13,200      3,496         --
Original term (months)                            237            225          204         190        146         --
Total financing and leasing assets          $ 1,856.4       $2,005.5     $1,039.0     $ 570.8     $131.3     $   --
Finance receivables previously
  securitized and currently managed by
  the Company                                   482.9             --           --          --         --         --
                                             --------       --------     --------      ------     ------     ------
Total managed assets                        $ 2,339.3       $2,005.5     $1,039.0     $ 570.8     $131.3     $   --
                                             ========       ========     ========      ======     ======     ======
Percentage of owned finance receivables
  that were 60+ days past due(1)(2)              3.41%          2.10%        1.61%       0.20%      0.02%        --
Percentage of managed assets that were
  60+ days past due(3)                           3.00%          2.10%        1.61%       0.20%      0.02%        --
Owned finance receivable net credit
  losses as a percent of average owned
  finance receivables(2)                         0.91%          0.60%        0.18%       0.02%      0.11%        --
Managed asset net credit losses as a
  percent of average managed assets(3)           0.79%(4)       0.60%        0.18%       0.02%      0.11%        --
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
(1) Amounts include balances for which the underlying collateral currently is in
    the foreclosure process.
    
 
   
(2) Owned finance receivables exclude consumer finance receivables held for
    sale.
    
 
   
(3) Managed assets include consumer finance receivables held for sale.
    
 
   
(4) Calculated on an annualized basis.
    
 
   
Initially, Consumer Finance originated or purchased the majority of its home
equity loans with original terms of up to 180 months. Commencing in 1994,
Consumer Finance expanded its product offerings to include more loans with terms
of up to 360 months, as Consumer Finance believes that the longer term and
correspondingly lower monthly payment are attractive to customers who might
otherwise refinance an existing loan or obtain a new loan from a bank or other
traditional long-term lender. The increase in delinquencies and net credit
losses, as highlighted in the above table, is the result of both the seasoning
of a growing portfolio and unfavorable loss experience on certain high loan to
value loans originated prior to the establishment in the fourth quarter of 1995
of current high loan to value underwriting guidelines. A majority of these high
loan to value loans originated prior to 1995 were sold by Consumer Finance
during the second quarter of 1997. At September 30, 1997, approximately 82% of
Consumer Finance's receivables were fixed-rate and approximately 73% of Consumer
Finance's receivables were secured by first liens.
    
 
The Company believes that its network of Consumer Finance offices, located in
most major U.S. markets, enables it to provide a competitive, extensive product
offering complemented by high levels of service delivery. Through experienced
lending professionals and advanced automation afforded by technology, Consumer
Finance provides rapid turnaround time from application to loan funding, a
characteristic considered to be critical by its broker and correspondent
relationships.
 
   
Marketing and Distribution.  Consumer Finance originates loans on both a direct
and indirect basis through the channels described below. New business
originations for the first nine months of 1997 were $848.9 million. New business
originations for the years ended December 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993 were $943.9
million, $617.1 million, $481.2 million and $153.9 million, respectively.
    
 
Broker Business.  Consumer Finance originates real estate loans based upon
applications received from independent mortgage brokers. Consumer Finance
directly underwrites and funds these broker loans.
 
   
At September 30, 1997, Consumer Finance had relationships with over 1,300
brokers. A nationwide network of sales executives located in 25 area offices
that are strategically located in major market areas throughout the United
States are responsible for the development and maintenance of broker
relationships as well as coordination between the broker and Consumer Finance.
Mortgage brokers participating in this program must be approved by the Company
by satisfying established
    
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   58
 
requirements pertaining to experience, financial stability and licensing. After
a broker is approved, Consumer Finance conducts regular reviews of the
relationship and the broker's performance by examining the performance of loans
originated by the broker, including reviews of seasoned and unseasoned
delinquencies, and other factors, including maintenance of required regulatory
licenses and third party credit reports.
 
Correspondent Lending.  Consumer Finance also purchases real estate loans
through its correspondent lending program on an individual basis based upon
applications that it has previously approved, or Consumer Finance may approve
the purchase of groups of such loans.
 
   
At September 30, 1997, Consumer Finance had relationships with over 250
correspondents. Consumer Finance establishes certain requirements that each
correspondent must meet pertaining to the correspondent's experience, financial
stability and licensing, and has agreements with all correspondents governing
the nature of such relationships. Substantially all loans acquired from
correspondents conform to the underwriting criteria used by Consumer Finance in
its direct marketing originations. Correspondent relationships are managed
through three regional offices that are strategically located in major market
areas throughout the United States.
    
 
Direct Marketing.  Direct marketing to consumers in 44 states is performed
centrally through the Company's National Home Equity Sales Center ("NHEC")
located in Chicago. Utilizing a staff of marketing professionals, Consumer
Finance markets real estate loans directly to the consumer through print ads,
direct mail campaigns and other media. Prospective applicants either submit an
application included in the mailing or telephone their information toll free to
a Consumer Finance representative. Once an application is completed, a
preliminary approval may be given within twenty-four hours.
 
Bulk Purchases.  Consumer Finance may, from time to time, purchase portfolios of
home equity loans from other financial institutions which originated the loans
using their own underwriting criteria. Depending upon the size of the portfolio,
Consumer Finance performs a due diligence review on either all the loans in the
portfolio or a statistical sample of loans. Due diligence generally includes
legal and credit file reviews, as well as confirmation of property values.
 
See "--Sales Financing" for information concerning servicing by Consumer
Finance.
 
   
Sales Financing
    
 
   
The financing and leasing assets of Sales Financing, which aggregated $2.1
billion at September 30, 1997, represented 10.5% of the Company's total
financing and leasing assets. The managed assets of Sales Financing were $3.6
billion at September 30, 1997, or 16.1% of the total managed assets. The lending
activities of Sales Financing consist primarily of providing nationwide retail
financing for the purchase of new and used recreation vehicles, manufactured
housing and recreational boats. Sales Financing has been a lender to the
recreation vehicles and manufactured housing industries for over 30 years and is
a leading lender for recreation vehicles and recreational boats based on 1996
origination volume. Sales Financing also provides wholesale manufactured housing
and recreational boats inventory financing. Sales Financing offers (i)
fixed-rate, fully amortizing retail sales finance loans and (ii) short-term,
variable-rate inventory finance loans and lines of credit.
    
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   59
 
   
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to owned finance
receivables and finance receivables previously securitized and currently managed
by the Company at December 31 of or for each of the years in the five-year
period ended December 31, 1996 and at or for the nine months ended September 30,
1997.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      AT OR FOR THE                   AT OR FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                    NINE MONTHS ENDED        --------------------------------------------------------
                                    SEPTEMBER 30, 1997         1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
                                    ------------------       --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
<S>                                 <C>                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Dollars in millions
Retail recreation vehicle
  Financing and leasing assets                 $ 873.2       $  510.1    $  698.5    $  898.0    $1,022.4    $  930.3
  Finance receivables previously
     securitized and currently
     managed by the Company                      591.1          746.8       445.7       118.3          --          --
                                              --------       --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                              $1,464.3       $1,256.9    $1,144.2    $1.016.3    $1,022.4    $  930.3
                                              --------       --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Retail manufactured housing
  Financing and leasing assets                $1,042.7       $  790.3    $  561.5    $  501.6    $  396.7       471.8
  Finance receivables previously
     securitized and currently
     managed by the Company                      363.1          412.2       470.8       188.4       175.6        43.8
                                              --------       --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                              $1,405.8       $1,202.5    $1,032.3    $  690.0    $  572.3    $  515.6
                                              --------       --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Retail recreational boat
  Financing and leasing assets                 $ 128.5       $   49.4    $  156.9    $   71.6    $   38.9    $    9.7
  Finance receivables previously
     securitized and currently
     managed by the Company                      481.2          278.4          --          --          --          --
                                              --------       --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                               $ 609.7       $  327.8    $  156.9    $   71.6    $   38.9    $    9.7
                                              --------       --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Wholesale inventory financing
  Financing and leasing assets                 $  98.4(1)          --          --          --          --          --
                                              --------       --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
          Total financing and
            leasing assets                     2,142.8        1,349.8     1,416.9     1,471.2     1,458.0     1,411.8
          Total finance
            receivables previously
            securitized and
            currently managed by
            the Company                        1,435.4        1,437.4       916.5       306.7       175.6        43.8
                                              --------       --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Total managed assets                          $3,578.2       $2,787.2    $2,333.4    $1,777.9    $1,633.6    $1,455.6
                                              ========       ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
Percent of owned finance
  receivables that were 60+ days
  past due(2)                                     3.13%          2.47%       1.42%       0.64%       1.25%       1.26%
                                              --------       --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Percent of managed assets that
  were 60+ days past due(3)                       2.18%          1.88%       1.21%       0.69%       1.07%       1.27%
                                              --------       --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Owned finance receivable net
  credit losses as a percent of
  average owned finance
  receivables(2)                                  1.39%(4)       0.90%       0.58%       0.68%       0.80%       0.91%
                                              --------       --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
Managed asset net credit losses as
  a percent of average managed
  assets(3)                                       1.00%(4)       0.76%       0.55%       0.65%       0.77%       0.89%
                                              --------       --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) The Company began offering this product during January 1997.
 
(2) Owned finance receivables exclude consumer finance receivables held for
    sale.
 
(3) Managed assets include consumer finance receivables held for sale.
 
(4) Calculated on an annualized basis.
 
   
Sales Financing has undertaken a number of strategic steps to bolster growth,
increase market share and improve productivity, which have resulted in annual
compound growth of 14.4% in managed assets for the five year period ended
December 31, 1996. In 1993, Sales Financing entered the retail recreational boat
lending business. The timing of this new product initiative was predicated
largely on an improving recreational boat market (recovering from the economic
downturn of the 1980's and
    
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   60
 
   
early 1990's), as well as the withdrawal of several retail recreational boat
lenders from the market. Sales Financing places great emphasis on superior
dealer service and, as a result, has increased its marine dealer base from 125
dealers in 1993 to over 1,800 dealers (or 25% of the marketplace) at September
30, 1997. Additionally in 1995, Sales Financing realigned its sales force across
all three product lines (recreation vehicle, manufactured housing and
recreational boat) into a product management structure. The realignment has
resulted in the continued expansion of the Company's dealer base, improved focus
on needs of individual product end users and ultimately higher retail
originations.
    
 
During June 1997, the Company entered into an arrangement with Chase pursuant to
which the Company provides servicing for Chase's recreation vehicle and
recreational boat finance receivables portfolio of $1.3 billion. The Company
commenced providing portfolio services under that arrangement during August
1997.
 
   
Marketing and Distribution.  Sales Financing originates retail sales finance
contracts predominantly through recreation vehicle, manufactured housing and
recreational boat dealer, broker and manufacturer relationships. At September
30, 1997, Sales Financing had over 2,700 active dealer and manufacturer
relationships. Sales Financing on occasion purchases recreation vehicle,
manufactured housing and recreational boat loans in "bulk" from other financial
institutions.
    
 
These origination channels are serviced through seven regional business centers
located strategically throughout the United States. The dealer base is serviced
and marketed with local sales personnel. Sales Financing believes that its
experience in dealer operations and finance, long standing dealer relationships
and product expertise have been instrumental in growing its dealer and broker
base.
 
Although Sales Financing originates finance receivables through several sources,
delivery can be categorized broadly into retail and wholesale.
 
Retail.  Prior to accepting a retail sales finance application from a dealer,
Sales Financing must review and approve the dealer relationship. This process
includes examination of financial statements, trade references and credit
reports. Sales Financing pays origination fees for certain of its products
offered. These fees, commonly referred to as "dealer participations," are paid
by Sales Financing to the dealer and are accounted for as an adjustment to yield
over the anticipated life of the loan. Once a retail application is underwritten
and approved by a regional business center, the dealer receives the purchase
proceeds as well as any participation due. Certain events, such as early default
or payoff, may result in the dealer forfeiting a portion of a participation.
 
Wholesale.  Working through established manufacturer relationships, Sales
Financing provides financing to manufactured housing and recreational boat
dealers for the purchase of inventory from manufacturers to be sold to the
retail buyer. Notwithstanding Sales Financing's manufacturer relationships, all
dealers participating in the wholesale program must be initially approved and
periodically reviewed by a credit officer, who examines, among other things, the
dealer's financial statements, trade references and credit reports. Once
approved, a dealer accesses credit as each inventory unit is ordered from the
manufacturer. When the manufacturer receives an order, Sales Financing is
contacted for a credit approval. Upon credit approval by Sales Financing, the
manufacturer ships the inventory to the dealer and bills Sales Financing, who
pays the invoice and charges the dealer's account. Dealers are also incentivized
to "roll-over" wholesale financing into a retail contract upon sale of the unit
to the end-user.
 
   
Servicing.  The ASC centrally services and collects substantially all of the
Company's consumer finance receivables, including home equity loans, recreation
vehicle, manufactured housing, recreational boat and other receivables
(collectively, the "servicing portfolio"). The servicing portfolio includes both
loans originated or purchased by Sales Financing or Consumer Finance, as well as
loans originated or purchased by Sales Financing or Consumer Finance and
subsequently securitized with servicing retained. The servicing portfolio also
includes loans owned by third parties that are serviced by Sales Financing for a
fee on a "contract" basis. At September 30, 1997, the ASC's consumer finance
servicing portfolio aggregated approximately 339,300 loans, representing $7.5
billion, which included $2.3 billion of managed home equity finance receivables
serviced for Consumer Finance. During August 1997, the Company commenced
servicing $1.3 billion of recreation vehicle and recreational boat finance
receivables pursuant to its agreement with Chase.
    
 
   
Servicing and collections are performed at two locations in Oklahoma City.
Servicing responsibilities of the ASC include collecting principal and interest
payments, taxes and other payments, as applicable, from obligors. For loans
previously owned by Sales Financing that have been securitized, as well as loans
owned by other third parties, servicing responsibilities also include remitting
principal, interest and other payments to the holders of the related loans. The
ASC has responsibilities for the repossession and remarketing of collateral on
defaulted loans, and entering into workout arrangements with obligors under
certain defaulted loans. Advanced technology is used to perform many servicing
and collecting tasks. Automated tools engaged in the operation include
predictive autodialers, voice response units and automated payment processing.
    
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   61
 
Securitization Program
 
As an additional source of liquidity, in 1992, the Company established a program
to access the public and private asset backed securitization markets. Current
products utilized in the Company's program include consumer loans secured by
manufactured housing, recreation vehicles, recreational boats and residential
real estate.
 
Under a typical asset backed securitization, Sales Financing or Consumer Finance
sells a "pool" of secured loans to a special purpose entity that, in turn,
issues certificates and/or notes that are collateralized by the loan pool and
that entitle the holders thereof to participate in certain loan pool cash flows.
Sales Financing or Consumer Finance retains the servicing of the securitized
loans for which it is paid a fee, and also participates in certain "residual"
loan pool cash flows (cash flows after payment of principal and interest to
certificate and/or note holders and after losses). At the date of a
securitization, Sales Financing or Consumer Finance estimates the "residual"
cash flows to be received over the life of the securitization, records the
present value of these cash flows as an asset (a retained interest in the
securitization) and recognizes a gain.
 
The following table sets forth each of the Company's asset backed
securitizations since inception of the program:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ------------------------------------------------------
                   Dollars in millions                                           ORIGINAL         POOL BALANCE AT
               ASSET TYPE/YEAR SECURITIZED                  PUBLIC/PRIVATE     POOL BALANCE     SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------  ---------------    -------------    -------------------
<S>                                                         <C>                <C>              <C>
Manufactured Housing 1992                                       Private             $   47.7               $   11.0
Manufactured Housing 1993                                       Public                 155.0                   74.2
Manufactured Housing 1994                                       Private                 48.3                   22.2
Manufactured Housing 1995-1                                     Public                 124.0                   87.8
Manufactured Housing 1995-2                                     Public                 199.2                  167.9
Recreation Vehicle 1994                                         Public                 150.4                   54.9
Recreation Vehicle 1995-A                                       Public                 200.0                   91.9
Recreation Vehicle 1995-B                                       Public                 200.0                  106.9
Recreation Vehicle 1996-A                                       Public                 250.0                  157.7
Recreation Vehicle 1996-B                                       Public                 240.0                  179.7
Marine 1996(1)                                                  Private                545.9                  481.2
Home Equity 1997-1                                          Private/Public             500.0                  482.9
                                                                                    --------               --------
Total                                                                               $2,660.5               $1,918.3
                                                                                    ========               ========
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) Reflects a conduit program into which newly originated recreational boat
    finance receivables are sold.
 
   
Substantially all recreational boat and recreation vehicle finance receivables
originated in 1997 are classified as held for sale at September 30, 1997.
    
 
   
At September 30, 1997, the remaining balance of retained interests in
securitizations related to the foregoing transactions aggregated $126.9 million.
The amortized cost of these assets approximates their fair value at such date.
    
 
EQUITY INVESTMENTS
 
   
The CIT Group/Equity Investments and its subsidiary The CIT Group/Venture
Capital (together "Equity Investments") participate in merger and acquisition
transactions, purchase private equity and equity-related securities and arrange
transaction financing. Equity Investments also invests in emerging growth
opportunities in selected industries, including the life sciences, information
technology, communications and consumer products industries. Business is
developed through direct solicitation or through referrals from investment
banking firms, financial intermediaries and the Company's other business units.
Equity Investments made its first investment in 1991 and had total investments
of $60.0 million at September 30, 1997. The average individual investment size
is approximately $2.1 million at September 30, 1997.
    
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE COMPANY
 
EMPLOYEES
 
   
At September 30, 1997, the Company had approximately 3,000 employees,
approximately 1,740 of whom were employed in connection with commercial
operations, 800 of whom were employed in connection with consumer operations and
460 of whom
    
 
                                       60
<PAGE>   62
 
were employed in corporate functions. The Company is not subject to any
collective bargaining agreements. The Company believes that its employee
relations are good.
 
PROPERTIES
 
The operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are generally conducted in
leased office space located in numerous cities and towns throughout the United
States. Such leased office space is suitable and adequate for the needs of the
Company. The Company utilizes, or plans to utilize in the foreseeable future,
substantially all of its leased office space.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of
its business. The Company aggressively manages its litigation and assesses
appropriate responses to its lawsuits in light of a number of factors, including
potential impact of the actions on the conduct of the Company's operations. In
the opinion of management, none of the pending matters is expected to have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of
operations. However, there can be no assurance that an adverse decision in one
or more of such lawsuits will not have such a material adverse effect.
 
COMPETITION
 
The Company's markets are highly competitive and are characterized by
competitive factors that vary based upon product and geographic region. The
Company's competitors include captive and independent finance companies,
commercial banks and thrift institutions, industrial banks, leasing companies,
manufacturers and vendors. Substantial national financial services networks also
have been formed by insurance companies and bank holding companies that compete
with the Company. On a local level, community banks and smaller independent
finance and/or mortgage companies are a competitive force. Some of the Company's
competitors have substantial local market positions. Many of the competitors of
the Company are large companies that have substantial capital, technological and
marketing resources, and some of these competitors are larger than the Company
and may have access to capital at a lower cost than the Company. Also, the
Company's competitors include businesses that are not related to bank holding
companies and, accordingly, may engage in activities, for example short-term
aircraft rental and servicing, which currently are prohibited to the Company.
Competition has been enhanced in recent years by an improving economy and
growing marketplace liquidity. The markets for most of the Company's products
are characterized by a large number of competitors. However, with respect to
certain of the Company's markets, such as factoring and manufactured housing,
competition is more concentrated.
 
The Company competes primarily on the basis of pricing, terms and structure,
with other primary competitive factors including industry experience and client
service and relationships. From time to time, competitors of the Company seek to
compete aggressively on the basis of these factors and the Company may lose
market share to the extent it is unwilling to match its competitors' pricing and
terms in order to maintain its interest margins or maintain its credit
discipline. To the extent that the Company matches competitors' pricing or
terms, it may experience lower interest margins and/or increased credit losses.
 
Other primary competitive factors include industry experience and client service
and relationships. In addition, demand for the Company's products with respect
to certain industries, such as the commercial airline industry, will be affected
by demand for such industry's services and products and by industry regulations.
 
REGULATION
 
DKB is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act
of 1956 (the "Act"), and is registered as such with the Federal Reserve. As a
result, the Company is subject to certain provisions of the Act and is subject
to examination by the Federal Reserve. In general, the Act limits the activities
in which a bank holding company and its subsidiaries may engage to those of
banking or managing or controlling banks or performing services for their
subsidiaries and to continuing activities which the Federal Reserve has
determined to be "so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks
as to be a proper incident thereto." See "Relationship with DKB--Regulatory
Compliance Agreement." The Company's current principal business activities
constitute permissible activities for a nonbank subsidiary of a bank holding
company.
 
Two of the subsidiaries of the Company are investment companies organized under
Article XII of the New York Banking Law and, as a result, the activities of
these subsidiaries are restricted by state banking laws and these subsidiaries
are subject to examination by state banking examiners. Also, any person or
entity seeking to purchase "control" of the Company would be required to apply
for and obtain the prior approval of the Superintendent of Banks of the State of
New York. "Control" is presumed to exist if a person or entity would, directly
or indirectly, own, control or hold (with power to vote) 10% or more of the
voting stock of the Company.
 
The operations of the Company are subject, in certain instances, to supervision
and regulation by state and federal governmental authorities and may be subject
to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions imposing various
 
                                       61
<PAGE>   63
 
requirements and restrictions, which, among other things, (i) regulate credit
granting activities, (ii) establish maximum interest rates, finance charges and
other charges, (iii) regulate customers' insurance coverages, (iv) require
disclosures to customers, (v) govern secured transactions and (vi) set
collection, foreclosure, repossession and claims handling procedures and other
trade practices. See "--Commercial Finance" and "--Consumer Finance" below.
 
In the judgment of management, existing statutes and regulations have not had a
material adverse effect on the business conducted by the Company. However, it is
not possible to forecast the nature of future legislation, regulations, judicial
decisions, orders or interpretations, nor their impact upon the future business,
results of operations or financial condition or prospects of the Company.
 
Commercial Finance
   
Although most states do not regulate commercial finance, certain states impose
limitations on interest rates and other charges and on certain collection
practices and creditor remedies and require licensing of lenders and financiers
and adequate disclosure of certain contract terms. The Company is also required
to comply with certain provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ("ECOA")
that are applicable to commercial loans.
    
 
Consumer Finance
The Company's consumer finance business is subject to detailed enforcement and
supervision by state authorities under legislation and regulations which
generally require licensing of the lender. Licenses are renewable and may be
subject to suspension or revocation for violations of such laws and regulations.
Applicable state laws generally regulate interest rates and other charges and
require certain disclosures. In addition, most states have other laws, public
policy and general principles of equity relating to the protection of consumers,
unfair and deceptive practices and practices that may apply to the origination,
servicing and collection of consumer finance loans. Depending on the provision
of the applicable law and the specific facts and circumstances involved,
violations of these laws, policies and principles may limit the Company's
ability to collect all or part of the principal of or interest on consumer
finance loans, may entitle the borrower to a refund of amounts previously paid
and, in addition, could subject the Company to damages and administrative
sanctions.
 
Federal laws preempt state usury ceilings on first mortgage loans and state laws
which restrict various types of alternative dwelling secured receivables, except
in those states which have specifically opted out, in whole or in part, of such
preemption. Loans may also be subject to other federal laws, including: (i) the
Federal Truth-in-Lending Act and Regulation Z promulgated thereunder and the
Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Regulation X promulgated thereunder,
which require certain disclosures to borrowers and other parties regarding the
terms of certain of the loans; (ii) ECOA and Regulation B promulgated
thereunder, which prohibit discrimination in the extension of credit and
administration of loans on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, marital
status, national origin, receipt of public assistance or the exercise of any
right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act; (iii) the Fair Credit Reporting
Act, which regulates the use and reporting of information related to a
borrower's credit experience; and (iv) the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits
discrimination on the basis of, among other things, familial status or handicap.
 
In certain circumstances, loans may be subject to the Home Ownership and Equity
Protection Act of 1994 (the "Home Ownership Act"), which amended the Federal
Truth-in-Lending Act as it applies to mortgages subject to the Home Ownership
Act. The Home Ownership Act requires certain additional disclosures, specifies
the timing of such disclosures and limits or prohibits the inclusion of certain
provisions in mortgages subject to the Home Ownership Act. The Home Ownership
Act also provides that any purchaser or assignee of a mortgage covered by the
Home Ownership Act is subject to all of the claims and defenses which the
borrower could assert against the original lender. The maximum damages that may
be recovered by a borrower from an assignee in an action under the Home
Ownership Act are the remaining amount of indebtedness plus the total amount
paid by the borrower in connection with the mortgage loan.
 
Depending on the provisions of the applicable law and the specific facts and
circumstances involved, violations of these laws may limit the ability of the
Company to collect all or part of the principal of or interest on applicable
loans, may entitle the borrower to rescind the loan and any mortgage or to
obtain a refund of amounts previously paid and, in addition, could subject the
Company to damages and administrative sanctions.
 
In addition, numerous other federal and state statutory provisions, including
the federal bankruptcy laws and state debtor relief laws, may also adversely
affect the Company's ability to collect the principal of or interest on certain
loans.
 
Federal and state legislation seeking to regulate the maximum interest rate
and/or other charges on consumer finance receivables has been introduced in the
past, and may from time to time be introduced in the future. However, it is not
possible to predict the nature of future legislation with respect to the
foregoing or its impact on the future business, results of operations, financial
condition or prospects of the Company.
 
                                       62
<PAGE>   64
 
                                RISK MANAGEMENT
 
The Company's business activities contain elements of risk. The Company
considers the principal types of risk to be credit risk (including credit,
collateral and equipment risk), asset/liability risk (including interest rate
and liquidity risk), and, to a lesser extent, operational and legal risk.
 
The Company considers the management of risk essential to conducting its
commercial and consumer businesses and to maintaining profitability.
Accordingly, the Company's risk management systems and procedures are designed
to identify and analyze the Company's risks, to set appropriate policies and
limits and to continually monitor these risks and limits by means of reliable
administrative and information systems and other policies and programs.
 
CREDIT RISK MANAGEMENT
 
The Company has developed systems specifically designed to manage credit risk in
its commercial and consumer business segments and at its strategic business
units. Financing and leasing assets are evaluated for credit and collateral risk
both during the credit granting process and periodically after the advancement
of funds.
 
Credit authority is delegated to each strategic business unit by the Executive
Credit Committee of the Company ("ECC"). The ECC is comprised of members of
senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer, Vice Chairman,
Executive Vice President--Credit Administration, Senior Executive Vice President
and Executive Vice President--Multi-National Marketing Group. Generally, all
non-standard transactions, transactions outside of certain established target
market definitions and transactions outside of certain risk acceptance criteria
must be approved by members of the ECC.
 
Each of the Company's strategic business units has developed and implemented a
formal credit management process in accordance with formal uniform guidelines
established by the ECC. These ECC guidelines set forth risk acceptance criteria
for: (i) the acceptable maximum credit line; (ii) selected target markets and
products; (iii) the creditworthiness of borrowers, including credit history,
financial condition, adequacy of cash flow and quality of management; and (iv)
the type and value of underlying collateral and guarantees (including recourse
to dealers and manufacturers). The Company also employs a risk adjusted pricing
process where the perceived credit risk is a factor in determining the interest
rate or fees charged for the Company's financing and leasing products. As
economic and market conditions change, credit risk management practices are
reviewed and modified, if necessary, to seek to minimize the risk of credit
loss.
 
Compliance with established corporate policies and procedures and the credit
management processes at each strategic business unit are reviewed by the credit
audit group of the Company's internal audit department. That group examines
adherence with established credit policies and procedures and tests for
inappropriate credit practices, including whether potential problem accounts are
being detected and reported on a timely basis. The General Auditor, who oversees
the credit audit group, reports to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company
and the Audit Committee.
 
Commercial
The Company has developed systems specifically designed to effectively manage
credit risk in its commercial operations. The process starts with the initial
evaluation of credit risk and underlying collateral at the time of origination
and continues over the life of the finance receivable or operating lease,
including collecting past due balances and liquidating underlying collateral.
 
Credit personnel for the applicable strategic business unit review each
potential borrower's financial condition, results of operations, management,
industry, customer base, operations, collateral and other data such as third
party credit reports to perform a thorough evaluation of the customer's
borrowing and repayment ability. Borrowers are graded according to credit
quality based upon the Company's uniform credit grading system, which grades
both the borrower's financial condition and underlying collateral. Credit
facilities are subject to approval within the Company's overall credit approval
and underwriting guidelines and are issued commensurate with the credit
evaluation performed of each borrower.
 
The Company's ongoing review and monitoring of credit exposures is designed to
identify, as early as possible, those customers that may be experiencing
declining creditworthiness or financial difficulty. Commercial finance
receivables are periodically evaluated based upon credit criteria developed
under the Company's uniform credit grading system. Concentrations are monitored
by borrower, industry, geographic region and equipment type and limits are
changed by management as conditions warrant to seek to minimize the risk of
credit loss.
 
Periodically, the status of finance receivables greater than $500,000 to
obligors with higher (riskier) credit grades is individually reviewed with the
Asset Quality Review Committee, which is comprised of members of senior
management,
 
                                       63
<PAGE>   65
 
including the Vice Chairman, the Executive Vice President--Credit Administration
and the Chief Financial Officer, and certain senior executives of the applicable
strategic business unit.
 
Equipment Financing and Leasing
Equipment Financing and Capital Finance are secured equipment lenders and
equipment lessors. Experienced credit personnel review each potential borrower's
financial condition, results of operations, management, industry, customer base,
operations, collateral and other data, such as third-party credit reports, to
perform a thorough evaluation of the customer's borrowing and repayment ability.
Borrowers are graded according to credit quality based upon the Company's
uniform credit grading system, which grades both the borrower's financial
condition and any underlying collateral. Credit facilities are subject to
approval within the Company's overall credit approval and underwriting
guidelines and are issued commensurate with the credit evaluation performed of
each borrower. Monitoring of borrowers and underlying collateral is conducted on
an ongoing basis through reports and regular field audits and evaluation of
collateral. Collateral primarily consists of equipment which is evaluated as to
value, condition, risk of obsolescence and, where applicable, estimated future
residual value. Equipment Financing and Capital Finance use their asset
management and equipment remarketing capabilities and their technical expertise
to manage their equipment collateral positions and their equipment residual
value risk. For the period 1992 through 1996, the Company has realized in excess
of 100% of the aggregate booked residual value in connection with equipment
sales. Given, however, that operating lease equipment values and direct
financing lease residual values are heavily influenced by estimates, there can
be no assurance that such values will continue to be realized by the Company
upon disposition of equipment owned by the Company and returned by lessees upon
termination of their leases. To the extent that the Company fails to realize its
operating lease equipment values and direct financing lease residual values, the
Company's results of operations and financial condition could be materially
adversely affected. See "Risk Factors -- Leasing Transactions and Equipment
Risk."
 
Factoring
Commercial Services requires clients to both meet its established credit
criteria and have a customer base that passes an established credit screen. This
dual credit process is required because advances made to a client are to be
repaid by collections from the client's customer base. If the customer is unable
to pay its payables to Commercial Services' client due to financial
difficulties, Commercial Services will nevertheless be responsible for payment
to the extent of its credit guarantee.
 
The Company's client credit teams and field examiners in the Company's various
regional offices review financial statements, cash flows, projections and
examine collateral. Upon completion, the client credit teams obtain from the
appropriate credit committee approval of a seasonal financing plan, including
advance rates against eligible receivables. Where required, third party
appraisers are utilized. The approved seasonal plan is monitored closely by the
client credit teams as advances, collateral and accounts receivable are updated
on a daily basis.
 
Customer credit departments located in the Company's various regional offices
analyze the customer's credit worthiness at the onset and throughout the
relationship. Frequent communications exist between the department, the client
and client credit teams regarding the credit quality of the customer base. Close
monitoring occurs through collection experience, financial analysis, frequent
visits and conversations with customers. All clients are generally required to
submit customer orders for approval. The Company has developed proprietary
systems that automatically make certain credit determinations based upon the
Company's stringent credit criteria. The balance of orders are manually reviewed
and the disposition of such orders are determined by an analyst specializing in
the customer's industry. Deterioration in the quality of the customer base leads
to a reevaluation of the client's advance rates.
 
Commercial Finance
In Commercial Finance, evaluation of each borrower's creditworthiness and
underlying collateral are significant to managing credit risk and controlling
loan charge-offs. The primary focus is on the availability and quality of
collateral underlying approved credit facilities and borrowings. Evaluation of
collateral includes on-site field audits and third party appraisals where
appropriate. Regular monitoring of borrowers and underlying collateral is
important to controlling credit risk and is conducted on an ongoing basis
through reports and regular field audits and evaluation of collateral. Both
Business Credit and Credit Finance have employees experienced in evaluating
accounts receivable, inventories and other collateral and utilize third parties
from time to time in evaluating and/or liquidating certain inventories and other
collateral. The credit underwriting standards of Business Credit and Credit
Finance limit their respective credit exposures to larger borrowings
(concentrations) by limiting the maximum amount each will retain or hold for its
own position. Both Business Credit and Credit Finance syndicate or sell
participation interests in loans over their respective hold limits.
 
                                       64
<PAGE>   66
 
A credit line is arranged with each borrower establishing the maximum amount the
borrower may finance, subject to the amount of underlying eligible collateral
and corresponding advance rates. The excess of approved credit lines outstanding
over finance receivables outstanding represents potential additional borrowings
or finance receivables that borrowers may qualify for, subject to the
availability of required collateral and corresponding advance rates. Both
Business Credit and Credit Finance typically advance funds up to 85% of eligible
accounts receivable and up to 60% of eligible inventories.
 
Consumer
For consumer loans, management has developed and implemented proprietary
automated credit scoring models for each loan type (e.g., recreation vehicles,
manufactured housing, recreational boat and home equity) that include both
customer demographics and credit bureau characteristics. The profiles emphasize,
among other things, occupancy status, length of residence, length of employment,
debt to income ratio (ratio of total installment debt and housing expenses to
gross monthly income), bank account references, credit bureau information and
combined loan to value ratio. The models are used to assess a potential
borrower's credit standing and repayment ability considering the value or
adequacy of property offered as collateral. The Company's credit criteria
include reliance on credit scores, including those based upon both its
proprietary internal credit scoring model and external credit bureau scoring,
combined with judgment. The credit scoring models are reviewed for effectiveness
monthly utilizing statistical tools. Consumer loans are regularly evaluated
using past due, vintage curve and other statistical tools to analyze trends and
credit performance by loan type, including analysis of specific credit
characteristics and other selected subsets of the portfolios. Adjustments to
credit scorecards and lending programs are made when deemed appropriate.
Individual underwriters are assigned credit authority based upon their
experience, performance and understanding of the underwriting policies and
procedures of the Company's consumer operations and a credit approval hierarchy
exists to ensure that all applications are reviewed by an underwriter with the
appropriate level of authority.
 
Consumer Finance
Consumer Finance's direct originations are underwritten at the NHEC, while
broker and correspondent originations are underwritten at area and regional
offices, respectively. Credit officers evaluate an application and loan package
based upon the internally generated credit score, as well as external credit
bureau scoring (FICO score) and other characteristics of the application. Once
an application is scored and reviewed along with other risk factors, it is
either approved, declined or referred to a credit officer for further
consideration. As part of the approval process, an application is also assigned
a risk rating and applicable loan program code(s) for which the applicant is
eligible.
 
Collateral values are an important component of Consumer Finance's credit
approval process. Accordingly, third party property appraisals are required for
all applications. Certain third party appraisals are also subject to internal
Consumer Finance review, depending upon origination source and/or the appraised
value of the subject property.
 
Consumer Finance has instituted an underwriting quality control program ("QCP")
covering all origination channels. The QCP, performed on a sample basis, focuses
on overall underwriting decisions, loan documentation, appraisal
recertifications and employment reverifications.
 
Sales Financing
Sales Financing's retail sales finance loans are documented on standardized
forms. Typical credit approval protocol includes the submission of a potential
customer's application, manufacturer's invoice (new unit financings) and other
pertinent information to a regional business center credit officer, who then
prepares an analysis of the creditworthiness of the customer and of other
aspects of the transaction. Once an application is scored against targeted
profiles and reviewed for other risk factors, it is either approved, declined or
referred to a credit officer for further consideration. Pricing on an approved
application is also "risk adjusted," as necessary, to reflect the scoring of
that application relative to "buy rates" supplied to dealers or brokers.
Guarantors, endorsers or co-signers are not considered in the determination of
whether or not an application is approved. The credit review and approval
processes of each regional business center are subject to internal reviews and
internal audits.
 
Loan Loss Reserves and Credit Losses
The Company maintains a consolidated reserve for credit losses on finance
receivables at an amount which it believes is sufficient to provide adequate
protection against potential credit losses in its portfolios. The level of the
consolidated reserve for credit losses is determined principally on the basis
of: (i) current credit quality of the portfolios and trends; (ii) the current
mix of finance receivables; and (iii) historical loss experience. The
consolidated reserve for credit losses reflects management's judgment of loss
potential after considering factors such as the nature and characteristics of
obligors, economic conditions and trends, charge-off experience, delinquencies
and the value of underlying collateral and guarantees, including recourse to
dealers and manufacturers.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>   67
 
Commercial and consumer finance receivables are reviewed to determine the
probability of loss. Charge-offs are taken after considering the above mentioned
factors. Such charge-offs are deducted from the carrying value of the related
finance receivables. To the extent that an unrecovered balance remains due, a
final charge-off is taken at the time collection efforts are no longer deemed
useful. Charge-offs from carrying value of commercial finance receivables are
determined on a case-by-case basis. Automatic charge-offs of consumer finance
receivables are recorded to the extent of shortfalls in the value of the
collateral when no contractual payments are received for 120 days, or at 180
days when partial payments have been received.
 
   
Although the Company's management considers the consolidated reserve for credit
losses reflected in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of September 30,
1997 adequate, there can be no assurance that this consolidated reserve for
credit losses will prove to be adequate over time to cover credit losses in
connection with the Company's portfolio. This reserve may prove to be inadequate
due to unanticipated adverse changes in the economy or discrete events adversely
affecting specific customers or industries or if credit losses occurring as a
consequence of the seasoning of the Company's consumer portfolio exceed those
anticipated by the Company. The Company's results of operations and financial
condition could be materially adversely affected to the extent that the
Company's consolidated reserve for credit losses is insufficient to cover such
changes or events. See "Risk Factors -- Reserve for Credit Losses."
    
 
Analysis of Past Due Finance Receivables and Net Credit Losses
 
The following table sets forth information as of the dates shown concerning
total finance receivables, balances past due 60 days or more, net credit losses
and net credit losses as a percentage of average finance receivables. This
information should be read in conjunction with the discussion of the Company's
financial condition under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                               NET
                                                                                                               CREDIT
                                                                                                               LOSSES
                                                                                                               AS A
                                                                                                               PERCENTAGE
                                                             BALANCE PAST DUE                                  OF
                                                             60 DAYS OR MORE                 NET               AVERAGE
                                     FINANCE             ------------------------           CREDIT             FINANCE
Dollars in millions                RECEIVABLES           AMOUNT           PERCENT           LOSSES             RECEIVABLES
                                   -----------           ------           -------           ------             ----
<S>                                <C>                   <C>              <C>               <C>                <C>
September 30, 1997:
Commercial                          $14,603.4            $178.1             1.22%           $ 53.4             0.52%
Consumer                              3,344.9            109.8              3.28              26.7             1.11
                                    ---------            ------             ----            ------             ----
                                    $17,948.3            $287.9             1.60%           $ 80.1             0.63%
                                    =========            ======             ====            ======             ====
December 31, 1996:
Commercial                          $13,757.6            $219.8             1.60%           $ 80.4             0.59%
Consumer                              3,239.0             72.5              2.24              21.1             0.75
                                    ---------            ------             ----            ------             ----
                                    $16,996.6            $292.3             1.72%           $101.5             0.62%
                                    =========            ======             ====            ======             ====
December 31, 1995:
Commercial                          $13,451.5            $228.7             1.70%           $ 67.1             0.51%
Consumer                              2,344.0             35.2              1.50              10.1             0.44
                                    ---------            ------             ----            ------             ----
                                    $15,795.5            $263.9             1.67%           $ 77.2             0.50%
                                    =========            ======             ====            ======             ====
December 31, 1994:
Commercial                          $12,821.2            $166.8             1.30%           $ 74.8             0.62%
Consumer                              1,973.2             10.1              0.51               9.4             0.55
                                    ---------            ------             ----            ------             ----
                                    $14,794.4            $176.9             1.20%           $ 84.2             0.61%
                                    =========            ======             ====            ======             ====
December 31, 1993:
Commercial                          $11,185.2            $199.8             1.79%           $ 82.9             0.77%
Consumer                              1,438.9             16.3              1.13              11.5             0.77
                                    ---------            ------             ----            ------             ----
                                    $12,624.1            $216.1             1.71%           $ 94.4             0.77%
                                    =========            ======             ====            ======             ====
December 31, 1992:
Commercial                          $10,359.7            $318.0             3.07%           $ 85.7             0.83%
Consumer                              1,411.8             17.8              1.26              12.6             0.91
                                    ---------            ------             ----            ------             ----
                                    $11,771.5            $335.8             2.85%           $ 98.3             0.84%
                                    =========            ======             ====            ======             ====
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       66
<PAGE>   68
 
ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT
 
Management strives to manage interest rate and liquidity risk and optimize net
finance income under formal policies established and monitored by the Capital
Committee, which is comprised of members of senior management, including the
Chief Executive Officer, Vice Chairman, Chief Financial Officer and senior
representatives of DKB and Chase. Three members of the Capital Committee are
also members of the Company's Board of Directors. The Capital Committee
establishes and regularly reviews interest rate sensitivity, funding needs,
liquidity and asset-pricing to determine short-term and long-term funding
strategies, including the use of off-balance sheet derivative financial
instruments.
 
The Company uses off-balance sheet derivatives for hedging purposes only. The
Company does not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or
speculative purposes. To ensure both appropriate use as a hedge and hedge
accounting treatment, all derivatives entered into are designated, according to
hedge objective, against directly issued commercial paper, a specifically
underwritten debt issue or a specific pool of assets. The Company's primary
hedge objectives include the conversion of variable rate liabilities to fixed
rates, the conversion of fixed rate liabilities to variable rates, the fixing of
spreads on variable-rate liabilities to various market indices and the
elimination of interest rate risk on finance receivables classified as held for
sale prior to securitization.
 
Derivative positions are managed in such a way that the exposure to interest
rate, credit or foreign exchange risk is in accordance with the overall
operating goals established by the Capital Committee. There is an approved,
diversified list of creditworthy counterparties used for derivative financial
instruments, each of whom has specific credit exposure limits. The Executive
Credit Committee approves each counterparty and its related market value and
credit exposure limit annually or more frequently if any changes are
recommended. Credit exposures for each counterparty are measured based upon
market value of the outstanding derivative instruments. Market values are
calculated periodically for each swap contract, summarized by counterparty and
reported to the Capital Committee. For additional information regarding the
Company's derivative portfolio, refer to "Note 7--Derivative Financial
Instruments" in the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto
set forth herein.
 
Interest Rate Risk Management
Changes in market interest rates or in the relationships between short-term and
long-term market interest rates or between different interest rate indices
(i.e., basis risk) can affect the interest rates charged on interest-earning
assets differently than the interest rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities,
which can result in an increase in interest expense relative to finance income.
See "Risk Factors--Economic Factors--Interest Rate Risk".
 
The Capital Committee actively manages interest rate risk by changing the
proportion of fixed and floating rate debt and by utilizing primarily interest
rate swaps and, to a lesser extent, other derivative instruments to modify the
repricing characteristics of existing interest-bearing liabilities. Issuing new
debt or hedging the interest rate on existing debt through the use of interest
rate swaps and other derivative instruments are tools in managing interest rate
risk. The decision to use one or the other or a combination of both is driven by
the relationship between the relative interest rate costs and effectiveness of
the alternatives and the liquidity needs of the Company. For example, a fixed
rate, fixed term loan transaction may initially be funded by commercial paper,
resulting in interest rate risk. To reduce this risk, the Company may enter into
a hedge that has an inverse correlation to the interest rate sensitivity
created, whereby the Company would pay a fixed interest rate and receive a
commercial paper interest rate. Basis risk is similarly managed through the
issuance of new debt or the utilization of interest rate swaps or other
derivative instruments.
 
The Company's degree of interest rate sensitivity is continuously monitored and
simulated through computer modeling by measuring the repricing characteristics
of interest-sensitive assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet derivatives. The
results of this modeling are reviewed monthly by the Capital Committee. The
interest rate sensitivity modeling techniques employed by the Company
essentially include the creation of prospective twelve month "baseline" and
"rate shocked" net interest income simulations. At the date that interest rate
sensitivity is modeled, "baseline" net interest income is derived considering
the current level of interest-sensitive assets and related run-off (including
both contractual repayment and historical prepayment experience), the current
level of interest-sensitive liabilities and related maturities and the current
level of off-balance sheet derivatives. The "baseline" simulation also assumes
that, over the next successive twelve months, market interest rates (as of the
date of simulation) are held constant and that no new loans are extended. Once
the "baseline" net interest income is known, market interest rates, previously
held constant, are raised 100 basis points instantaneously and parallel across
the entire yield curve, and a "rate shocked" simulation is run. Interest rate
sensitivity is then measured as the difference between calculated "baseline" and
"rate shocked" net interest income.
 
   
Utilizing the Company's computer modeling, if no new fixed rate loans or leases
were extended and no actions to alter the existing interest rate sensitivity
were taken subsequent to September 30, 1997, an immediate hypothetical 100 basis
points
    
 
                                       67
<PAGE>   69
 
   
parallel rise in the yield curve on October 1, 1997 would increase net income by
an estimated $1.6 million after-tax over the twelve months ending September 30,
1998. Although management believes that this measure provides a meaningful
estimate of the Company's interest rate sensitivity, it does not adjust for
potential changes in the credit quality, size and composition of the balance
sheet and other business developments that could affect net income. Accordingly,
no assurance can be given that actual results would not differ materially from
the potential outcome simulated by the Company's computer modeling. Further, it
does not necessarily represent management's current view of future market
interest rate movements.
    
 
The Company periodically enters into structured financings (involving both the
issuance of debt and an interest rate swap with corresponding notional principal
amount and maturity) that not only improve liquidity and reduce interest rate
risk, but result in a lower overall funding cost than could be achieved by
solely issuing debt. For example, in order to fund LIBOR interest rate-based
assets, a medium-term variable rate note based upon the U.S. federal funds rate
can be issued and coupled with an interest rate swap exchanging the U.S. federal
funds rate for a LIBOR interest rate. This creates, in effect, a lower cost
LIBOR-based medium-term obligation which also reduces the interest rate basis
risk of funding LIBOR-based assets with commercial paper or U.S. federal funds
rate-based debt.
 
   
Interest rate swaps with notional principal amounts of $4.0 billion at September
30, 1997 and $5.3 billion at December 31, 1996 were designated as hedges against
outstanding debt and were principally used to effectively convert the interest
rate on variable rate debt to a fixed rate, which sets the Company's fixed rate
term debt borrowing cost over the life of the swap and reduces the Company's
exposure to rising interest rates but reduces the Company's benefits from lower
interest rates.
    
 
Interest rate swaps are further discussed in "Note 7--Derivative Financial
Instruments" in the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto
set forth herein.
 
Liquidity Risk
   
The Company manages liquidity risk by monitoring the relative maturities of
assets and liabilities and by borrowing funds, primarily in the U.S. money and
capital markets. Such cash is used to fund asset growth (including the bulk
purchase of finance receivables and the acquisition of other finance-related
businesses) and to meet debt obligations and other commitments on a timely and
cost-effective basis. The primary sources of funds are commercial paper
borrowings, medium-term notes, other term debt securities and asset-backed
securitizations. At September 30, 1997, commercial paper borrowings were $6.2
billion and amounts due on term debt within one year were $4.2 billion. If the
Company is unable to access such markets at acceptable terms, it could utilize
its bank credit lines and cash flow from operations and portfolio liquidations
to satisfy its liquidity needs. At September 30, 1997, the Company had committed
revolving bank credit lines totaling $5.0 billion, representing 81% of operating
commercial paper outstanding (commercial paper less interest-bearing deposits).
The Company believes that such credit lines should provide sufficient liquidity
to the Company under foreseeable conditions. See also "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Liquidity" for
further information concerning the liquidity of the Company.
    
 
OPERATIONAL AND LEGAL RISKS
 
The Company, like all large financial institutions, is exposed to many types of
operational risks, including the potential for loss caused by a breakdown in
information, communication, transaction processing or by fraud by employees or
outsiders or unauthorized transactions by employees. The Company attempts to
mitigate operational risks, by maintaining a system of internal controls
designed to keep operational risk at appropriate levels in view of its
consolidated financial position, the characteristics of the businesses and
markets in which it operates, competitive circumstances and regulatory
considerations. The potential for material losses from operational risks in the
future cannot be excluded.
 
Legal risk arises from the uncertainty of enforceability, through legal or
judicial process, of obligations of the Company's customers and counterparties,
and also the possibility that changes in law or regulation could adversely
affect the Company's position. The Company seeks to minimize legal risk through
consultation with internal and external legal counsel.
 
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
 
The Company has made and will continue to make certain investments in its
software applications and systems to ensure that the Company's systems function
properly to and through the year 2000. The financial impact to the Company of
such investments has not been, and is not anticipated to be, material to its
financial position or results of operations.
 
                                       68
<PAGE>   70
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
 
   
The names and ages of all directors and executive officers of the Company as of
November 7, 1997 and a biographical summary of each such person, appear on the
following pages. No family relationship exists among these persons. The
executive officers were appointed by and hold office at the discretion of the
Board of Directors.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          NAME              AGE       CURRENT POSITION/OFFICES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>       <C>
Directors
Hisao Kobayashi             62        Senior Advisor, DKB
                                      Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company
Albert R. Gamper, Jr.       55        President & Chief Executive Officer of the Company
Yoshiro Aoki                51        Director and General Manager, New York Branch, DKB
Takasuke Kaneko             55        Deputy President, DKB
Joseph A. Pollicino         57        Vice Chairman of the Company
Paul N. Roth                58        Partner, Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP
Peter J. Tobin              53        Chief Financial Officer, The Chase Manhattan Corporation
Tohru Tonoike               47        Senior Executive Vice President of the Company
Keiji Torii                 50        General Manager, International Planning and Coordination Division and
                                      International Banking Coordination Division, DKB
Yukiharu Uno                44        Executive Vice President of the Company
Executive Officers(1)
Thomas A. Johnson           51        General Auditor
Joseph M. Leone             44        Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
William M. O'Grady          57        Executive Vice President-Administration
Ernest D. Stein             57        Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Corinne M. Taylor           36        Senior Vice President and Treasurer
William J. Taylor           46        Senior Vice President and Controller
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Messrs. Gamper, Pollicino, Tonoike and Uno, who are listed above as
Directors, are also Executive Officers of the Company.
 
   
HISAO KOBAYASHI has served as a Director of the Company since December 1989 and
as Chairman of the Board of Directors since July 1992. Since May 1995, Mr.
Kobayashi has served as a Senior Advisor of DKB, where he has been an employee
since 1959. Prior to his appointment as a Senior Advisor, Mr. Kobayashi has
served in other executive positions at DKB, including most recently as Senior
Managing Director from May 1993 and Managing Director from June 1991.
    
 
ALBERT R. GAMPER, JR. has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since
December 1989 and as a Director since May 1984. From May 1987 to December 1989,
Mr. Gamper served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to December
1989, Mr. Gamper also held a number of executive positions at Manufacturers
Hanover Corporation, where he had been employed since 1962.
 
YOSHIRO AOKI has served as a Director of the Company since July 1997. Mr. Aoki
has been Director and General Manager of the New York Branch of DKB since June
1997 and General Manager of the New York Branch since May 1997. Prior to such
time, Mr. Aoki served as General Manager of the Kabutocho Branch of DKB since
May 1995 and as Assistant General Manager of the Personnel Division of DKB since
February 1991.
 
                                       69
<PAGE>   71
 
TAKASUKE KANEKO has served as a Director of the Company since June 1995. He also
was a Director and Senior Executive Vice President of the Company from December
1989 to May 1993. Mr. Kaneko is Deputy President of DKB, a position he has held
since June 1997. Previously, Mr. Kaneko served as Senior Managing Director from
May 1997 and as Managing Director of DKB since May 1995. Prior to such time, Mr.
Kaneko served in a number of other positions at DKB, including Director and
General Manager of the International Planning and Coordination Division since
August 1994, Director and General Manager of the International Planning Division
since June 1994 and General Manager of the International Finance Division since
May 1993.
 
JOSEPH A. POLLICINO has served as a Director of the Company since August 1986
and Vice Chairman of its Board of Directors since December 1989. Prior to August
1986, Mr. Pollicino held a number of executive positions at the Company and at
Manufacturers Hanover Corporation, where he had been employed since 1957.
 
PAUL N. ROTH has served as a Director of the Company since December 1989. Mr.
Roth is a founding partner in the law firm of Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP in New
York, which was founded in 1969.
 
PETER J. TOBIN has served as a Director of the Company since May 1984. Mr. Tobin
is the Chief Financial Officer of The Chase Manhattan Corporation, a position
that he has held since April 1996. From January 1992 to April 1996, Mr. Tobin
served as Chief Financial Officer of Chemical Bank & Chemical Banking
Corporation, and prior to that he served in a number of executive positions at
Manufacturers Hanover Corporation.
 
TOHRU TONOIKE has served as Senior Executive Vice President and as a Director of
the Company since April 1997. Prior to April 1997, Mr. Tonoike was employed by
DKB since April 1973, where he served in a number of executive positions
including, most recently, Head of the Americas Office in the International
Planning and Coordination Division since September 1996, Assistant General
Manager of Corporate Finance Division I since September 1993 and Head of the CIT
Office in the Americas Division since October 1992.
 
KEIJI TORII has served as a Director of the Company from May 1993 to April 1997
and was re-elected as a Director in July 1997. Mr. Torii also served as Senior
Executive Vice President of the Company from April 1996 to April 1997 and as
Executive Vice President of the Company from May 1993 to April 1996. Since July
1997, Mr. Torii has held the position of General Manager of the International
Planning and Coordination Division of DKB and General Manager of its
International Banking Coordination Division. Mr. Torii was Chief Inspector of
the Inspecting Division of DKB from February 1993 to May 1993 and, from June
1990 to February 1993, he was Assistant General Manager of the Securities
Division of DKB.
 
YUKIHARU UNO has served as Executive Vice President and as a Director of the
Company since April 1996. Previously, Mr. Uno was employed by DKB since April
1976, where he served in a number of executive positions including Manager and
Head of the CIT Office in the Americas Division and Assistant General Manager of
the Americas Group in the International Banking Coordination Division.
 
THOMAS A. JOHNSON has served as General Auditor of the Company since January
1990. Previously, Mr. Johnson served in various internal audit positions with
Manufacturers Hanover Corporation, including Deputy General Auditor, since
September 1968.
 
JOSEPH M. LEONE has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company since July 1995. Previously, Mr. Leone served as
Executive Vice President of Sales Financing from June 1991, and in a number of
other executive positions with the Company and Manufacturers Hanover Corporation
since May 1982.
 
WILLIAM M. O'GRADY has served as Executive Vice President of Administration of
the Company since January 1986, and previously served in a number of other
executive positions with the Company and with RCA Corporation, a prior owner of
the Company, from July 1965.
 
ERNEST D. STEIN has served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary of the Company since February 1994. Previously, Mr. Stein served as
Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel since April 1993, as Senior
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel since March 1992, and in a number
of executive positions with Manufacturers Hanover Corporation, including
Executive Vice President and General Counsel since December 1985.
 
CORINNE M. TAYLOR has served as Senior Vice President and Treasurer of the
Company since March 1993. Previously, Ms. Taylor served in various executive
positions with the Company, including Vice President-Finance since September
1990.
 
WILLIAM J. TAYLOR has served as Senior Vice President and Controller of the
Company since March 1993. Previously, Mr. Taylor served in various executive
positions with the Company, including Vice President and Controller since May
1989.
 
                                       70
<PAGE>   72
 
Upon consummation of the Offering, the Company will have a Board of Directors
consisting of the then current members of the Board of Directors and at least
one other person who will not be associated with the Company or DKB.
 
The Board of Directors is expected to appoint members to a compensation
committee of the Board of Directors (the "Compensation Committee") and an audit
committee of the Board of Directors (the "Audit Committee"). Both such
committees will be comprised solely of independent directors. The Compensation
Committee will establish remuneration levels for certain officers of the Company
and perform such functions as may be delegated to it under certain benefit and
executive compensation programs. The Audit Committee will select and engage the
independent public accountants to audit the Company's annual financial
statements. The Audit Committee will also review and approve the planned scope
of the annual audit.
 
The Board of Directors may from time to time establish certain other committees
to facilitate the management of the Company. Regular meetings of the Board of
Directors will be held six times a year.
 
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
 
It is anticipated that Directors who are not employees or officers of DKB or CIT
or of any subsidiary of either of them will be paid an annual Board membership
fee of $30,000, an attendance fee of $1,000 for each meeting of the Board of
Directors, and an annual membership fee of $5,000 for service on any committee
of the Board of Directors. In addition, such Directors will be eligible for
grants under the Company's Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan. See "-- Employee
Compensation Plans -- Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan."
 
OUTSIDE DIRECTORSHIPS
 
As indicated in the table above, some of the Directors of the Company
concurrently hold positions as director or officers or are employees of DKB or
Chase. Additionally, Mr. Kobayashi is a director of AFLAC, Inc., a life
insurance company, which is not affiliated with the Company and which is listed
on the New York Stock Exchange. A number of the Executive Officers are also
directors of privately-held and not-for-profit organizations not affiliated with
the Company.
 
                                       71
<PAGE>   73
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
The table below sets forth the annual and long-term compensation, including
bonuses and deferred compensation, of the President and Chief Executive Officer,
the Vice Chairman and the other three most highly compensated executive officers
of the Company (the "Named Executive Officers") for services rendered in all
capacities to the Company during the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1995
and 1994.
 
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    LONG-TERM
                                                                                 COMPENSATION
                                                ANNUAL COMPENSATION                   PAYOUTS
                                       -------------------------------------     ------------
                                                              OTHER ANNUAL           LTIP          ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION     YEAR    SALARY     BONUS     COMPENSATION(1)      PAYOUTS(2)    COMPENSATION(3)
- ----------------------------    -----  --------   --------   ---------------     ------------   ---------------
<S>                             <C>    <C>        <C>        <C>                 <C>            <C>
Albert R. Gamper, Jr.            1996  $600,002   $785,000           $74,319         $722,369           $33,000
President and Chief              1995   542,302    675,000            87,626          722,369            30,692
Executive Officer                1994   530,379    600,000            46,092          295,748            30,215
 
Joseph A. Pollicino              1996  $439,998   $550,000           $44,775         $433,400           $26,600
Vice Chairman                    1995   401,523    475,000            51,205          433,400            25,061
                                 1994   392,294    425,000            28,340          177,440            38,215
 
Joseph M. Leone                  1996  $203,231   $170,000           $11,109         $126,444           $17,129
Executive Vice President         1995   189,846    150,000            16,362          126,444            16,594
and Chief Financial Officer      1994   175,692    120,000             7,552           51,768            16,028
 
William M. O'Grady               1996  $209,769   $150,000            $9,801         $108,350           $17,391
Executive Vice President -       1995   200,923    130,000            12,080          108,350            17,037
Administration                   1994   192,885    115,000             8,216           55,450            22,390
 
Ernest D. Stein                  1996  $192,692   $115,000            $6,744         $ 75,845           $16,708
Executive Vice President,        1995   183,077    100,000             8,979           75,845            16,323
General Counsel and              1994   167,307     85,000             2,790               --            15,692
Secretary
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) The payments set forth under "Other Annual Compensation" represent the
dividends paid under The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. Career Incentive Plan (the
"CIT Career Incentive Plan"). For the performance period 1993-1995, Mr. Gamper
was awarded 20,000 phantom shares, Mr. Pollicino was awarded 12,000 phantom
shares, Mr. Leone was awarded 3,500 phantom shares, Mr. O'Grady was awarded
3,000 phantom shares and Mr. Stein was awarded 2,100 phantom shares. The shares
awarded for the performance period 1993-1995 are vested annually in one-third
increments commencing January 1996. For the performance period 1996-1998 under
the CIT Career Incentive Plan, Mr. Gamper was awarded 20,000 phantom shares of
stock, Mr. Pollicino was awarded 12,000 phantom shares, Mr. Leone was awarded
2,625 phantom shares, Mr. O'Grady was awarded 2,250 phantom shares and Mr. Stein
was awarded 1,500 shares. The Company will terminate the CIT Career Incentive
Plan in conjunction with the consummation of the Offering. See "-- Long-Term
Incentive Plan."
 
(2) The payments set forth under LTIP Payouts represent the payout of shares
vested under the CIT Career Incentive Plan. The payout in 1994 was for phantom
shares awarded for the performance period 1990-1992. The payouts in 1995 and
1996 were for shares awarded for the performance period 1993-1995. Dividend
equivalent payments received in respect of such phantom shares are included
under "Other Annual Compensation."
 
(3) The payments set forth under "All Other Compensation" include the matching
employer contribution to each participant's account and an employer flexible
retirement contribution to each participant's flexible retirement account under
The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. Savings Incentive Plan (the "CIT Savings Plan").
The matching employer contribution is made pursuant to a compensation deferral
feature of the CIT Savings Plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986. The payments set forth under "All Other Compensation" also include
contributions to each participant's account under the CIT Group Holdings, Inc.
Supplemental Savings Plan (the "CIT Supplemental Savings Plan"), which is an
unfunded non-qualified plan. In 1994, Mr. Pollicino and Mr. O'Grady received
payments designed to cover the 1.45% Medicare tax liability created by vesting
in the Company's deferred retirement benefits.
 
                                       72
<PAGE>   74
 
THE CIT CAREER INCENTIVE PLAN
 
Under The CIT Career Incentive Plan, awards were granted in the form of phantom
shares of stock by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors in its
discretion. Participants in the CIT Career Incentive Plan were selected by the
Executive Committee from among the executives of the Company who were in a
position to make a substantial contribution to the long-term financial success
of the Company. Grants to members of the Executive Committee were made by the
Board of Directors. The amount of phantom shares eligible for allocation during
a "Performance Period" (as defined in the CIT Career Incentive Plan) is
determined by the Executive Committee. The Performance Period is at least three
consecutive calendar years. The "Performance Goals" (as defined in the CIT
Career Incentive Plan) for each Performance Period that have been designated by
the Executive Committee were based upon net income growth targets and return on
equity performance. The value of the phantom shares is determined at the end of
each Performance Period relative to such performance targets. Following the end
of a Performance Period, one-third of such phantom shares vest on the first day
of the following year and one-third vest on the first day of each of the next
two years. All vested shares are settled in cash. Cash in an amount equivalent
to dividends are paid quarterly during the Performance Period and the vesting
period, based on the number of phantom shares granted to a participant. The
amount of the dividend equivalent payment is based on the quarterly return on
equity of the Company.
 
All or a part of the value of a vested award could either be paid currently in
cash or deferred in up to five annual installments. Deferred amounts were
credited with interest.
 
THE CIT CAREER INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS
                                                                                   UNDER NON-STOCK PRICE-BASED PLANS
                                 NUMBER OF SHARES,      PERFORMANCE OR      ------------------------------------------------
                                  UNITS OR OTHER      OTHER PERIOD UNTIL      THRESHOLD        TARGET           MAXIMUM
              NAME                    RIGHTS         MATURATION OR PAYOUT   ($ PER SHARE)   ($ PER SHARE)    ($ PER SHARE)
- --------------------------------------------------   --------------------   -------------   -------------   ----------------
<S>                              <C>                 <C>                    <C>             <C>             <C>
Albert R. Gamper, Jr.                       20,000              1996-1998              --         $176.52            $355.13
President and Chief
Executive Officer
Joseph A. Pollicino                         12,000              1996-1998              --         $176.52            $355.13
Vice Chairman
 
Joseph M. Leone                              2,625              1996-1998              --         $176.52            $355.13
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
 
William M. O'Grady                           2,250              1996-1998              --         $176.52            $355.13
Executive Vice President--
Administration
 
Ernest D. Stein                              1,500              1996-1998              --         $176.52            $355.13
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel
and Secretary
</TABLE>
 
   
In conjunction with the Offering, the Company will terminate the CIT Career
Incentive Plan. Payments to participants in respect of the termination will be
made partially in the form of cash in 1998 and partially in the form of a grant
in 1997 of Restricted Stock (as hereinafter defined) in the form of shares of
Class A Common Stock and Options to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock. The
shares of Restricted Stock and the options to be associated with the termination
of the CIT Career Incentive Plan are included in the table "Long-Term Equity
Compensation Plan Awards" under "--Employee Compensation Plans" below.
    
 
BENEFIT PLANS
 
RETIREMENT PLANS
 
Effective January 1, 1990, The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. Retirement Plan (the
"CIT Retirement Plan") was established. Assets necessary to fund the CIT
Retirement Plan were transferred from the MHC Retirement Plan, Inc. (the "MHC
Retirement Plan"), the predecessor plan in which the Company's employees
participated. Accumulated years of benefit service under the
 
                                       73
<PAGE>   75
 
MHC Retirement Plan are included in the benefit formula of the CIT Retirement
Plan, which covers officers and salaried employees who have one year of service
and have attained age 21.
 
Subject to certain exceptions, at the normal retirement age of 65, an employee's
pension is 1.25% of final average salary, as defined below, for each of the
first 20 years of benefit service as a participant and 0.75% of such salary for
each year of the next 20 years of benefit service. In general, an employee who
was a participant in the MHC Retirement Plan before 1985 will receive a pension
of not less than 2.0% of final average salary for each of the first 20 years of
benefit service as a participant and 1.0% of such salary for each of the next 20
years of benefit service, reduced by 0.4% of the participant's covered
compensation for each year of such benefit service up to a maximum of 35 years
and further reduced by the value of certain benefits under the CIT Savings Plan.
An employee who was a participant in the former CIT Retirement Plan on June 30,
1986 will not receive a pension of less than 1.1% of final average salary up to
certain Social Security limits plus 1.5% of final average salary in excess of
the Social Security limits, for each year of benefit service to a maximum of 35
years, reduced by certain benefits under the CIT Savings Plan. "Final average
salary" is the highest average annual salary received in any five consecutive
years in the last ten years. "Salary" includes all wages paid by the Company,
including before-tax contributions made to the CIT Savings Plan and salary
reduction contributions pursuant to any Section 125 Plan, but excluding
commissions, bonuses, incentive compensation, overtime, reimbursement of
expenses, directors' fees, severance pay and deferred compensation. This salary
is comparable to the "Salary" shown in the Summary Compensation Table. After
completing five years of service, an employee whose employment with the
participating company has terminated is entitled to a benefit, as of the
employee's normal retirement date, equal to the benefit earned to the date of
termination of employment, or an actuarially reduced benefit commencing at any
time after age 55 if the participant is eligible for early retirement under the
CIT Retirement Plan. Certain death benefits are available to eligible surviving
spouses of participants.
 
Since various laws and regulations set limits on the amounts allocable to a
participant under the CIT Savings Plan and benefits under the CIT Retirement
Plan, the Company has established the CIT Supplemental Retirement Plan. The CIT
Supplemental Retirement Plan provides retirement benefits on an unfunded basis
to participants who retire from the Company (whose benefits under the CIT
Retirement Plan would be restricted by the limits) of an amount equal to the
difference between the annual retirement benefits permitted and the amount that
would have been paid but for the limitations imposed.
 
The amounts set forth in the table are the amounts which would be paid to
employees hired before 1985 pursuant to the CIT Retirement Plan and the CIT
Supplemental Retirement Plan at a participant's normal retirement age assuming
the indicated final average salary and the indicated years of benefit service
and assuming that the straight life annuity form of benefit will be elected and
that CIT Supplemental Retirement Plan benefits will be paid in the form of an
annuity. The amounts may be overstated to the extent that they do not reflect
the reduction for any benefits under the CIT Savings Plan.
 
PENSION PLAN TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  -------------------------------------------------------------------------
         FINAL AVERAGE                      ANNUAL BENEFITS BASED ON YEARS OF CREDITED SERVICE(1)
       SALARY OF EMPLOYEE            15           20           25           30           35           40
- --------------------------------  --------     --------     --------     --------     --------     --------
<S>                               <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
$150,000                          $ 43,242     $ 57,656     $ 64,570     $ 71,484     $ 78,397     $ 85,897
 200,000                            58,242       77,656       87,070       96,484      105,897      115,897
 250,000                            73,242       97,656      109,570      121,484      133,397      145,897
 300,000                            88,242      117,656      132,070      146,484      160,897      175,897
 350,000                           103,242      137,656      154,570      171,484      188,397      205,897
 400,000                           118,242      157,656      177,070      196,484      215,897      235,897
 450,000                           133,242      177,656      199,570      221,484      243,397      265,897
 500,000                           148,242      197,656      222,070      246,484      270,897      295,897
 550,000                           163,242      217,656      244,570      271,484      298,397      325,897
 600,000                           178,242      237,656      267,070      296,484      325,897      355,897
 650,000                           193,242      257,656      289,570      321,484      353,397      385,897
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) At December 31, 1996, Messrs. Gamper, Pollicino, Leone, O'Grady and Stein
had 29, 32, 12, 27 and 3 years of benefit service, respectively.
 
EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
 
Executive officers of the Company, including the Named Executive Officers, are
participants under the Executive Retirement Plan. The benefit provided is life
insurance equal to approximately three times salary during such participant's
 
                                       74
<PAGE>   76
 
employment,with a life annuity option payable monthly by the Company upon
retirement. The participant pays a portion of the annual premium and the Company
pays the balance on behalf of the participant. The Company is entitled to recoup
its payments from the proceeds of the policy in excess of the death benefit.
Upon the participant's retirement, a life annuity will be payable out of the
current income of the Company and the Company anticipates recovering the cost of
the life annuity out of the proceeds of the life insurance policy payable upon
the death of the participant.
 
In addition to the table of pension benefits shown on the preceding page, the
Company is conditionally obligated to make annual payments under the Executive
Retirement Plan in the amounts indicated to the Named Executive Officers at
retirement: Mr. Gamper, $343,130, Mr. Pollicino, $217,642, Mr. Leone, $145,392,
Mr. O'Grady, $103,579 and Mr. Stein, $65,663.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
Prior to the Offering, the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
functioned as the compensation committee and set the compensation for all
executives except Messrs. Gamper, Pollicino, Tonoike and Uno. The members of the
Executive Committee were as follows:
 
               Albert R. Gamper, Jr.
               Joseph A. Pollicino
               Peter J. Tobin
               Tohru Tonoike
               Yukiharu Uno
 
The Board of Directors, except for Messrs. Gamper and Pollicino, who were absent
from any portion of meetings when their compensation was discussed, set the
compensation of Messrs. Gamper and Pollicino. DKB determines the compensation
for Messrs. Tonoike and Uno. Mr. Tobin is an executive of Chase. The Executive
Committee will be dissolved following the consummation of the Offering, although
the Board of Directors may determine to reconstitute the Executive Committee at
any time.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
Mr. Gamper has an employment agreement with the Company which provides that he
will serve as the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Executive
Committee and member of the Board of Directors of the Company. His employment
agreement initially ran for five years from December 29, 1989, and subsequently
was extended until December 31, 1999. The agreement provides for the payment of
an annual base salary of not less than the amount Mr. Gamper received prior to
the date of his last extension on April 1, 1997. Pursuant to his employment
agreement, Mr. Gamper's base salary and performance is reviewed by the Board of
Directors during the term of the agreement pursuant to the Company's normal
practices, subject to increases but not to decreases. Mr. Gamper's employment
agreement provides for participation in all executive bonus and incentive
compensation plans.
 
Mr. Pollicino has an employment agreement with the Company which provides that
he shall serve as the Vice Chairman and member of the Board of Directors of the
Company. Mr. Pollicino's employment agreement initially ran for five years from
December 29, 1989, and subsequently was extended until December 31, 1999. The
agreement provides for the payment of an annual base salary of not less than the
amount Mr. Pollicino received prior to the date of his last extension on April
1, 1997. Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Pollicino's base salary and
performance is reviewed by the Board of Directors during the term of the
agreement pursuant to the Company's normal practices, subject to increases but
not to decreases. Mr. Pollicino's employment agreement provides for
participation in all executive bonus and incentive compensation plans.
 
Mr. Leone, Mr. O'Grady and Mr. Stein also have employment agreements with the
Company. Mr. Leone's and Mr. O'Grady's employment agreements initially ran for
three years from December 29, 1989, and subsequently were extended until
December 31, 1998. Mr. Stein entered into an employment agreement on March 17,
1995, which was subsequently extended until December 31, 1998. Mr. Leone's, Mr.
O'Grady's and Mr. Stein's respective agreements provide for the payment of an
annual base salary of not less than the amount received prior to the date of the
last extension on December 6, 1996, to be reviewed by the chief executive
officer or his designee pursuant to the Company's normal practices, subject to
increases but not to decreases. The employment agreements also provide for
participation in all executive bonus and incentive compensation plans.
 
TERMINATION AND CHANGE-IN-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
 
Mr. Gamper's and Mr. Pollicino's employment agreements with the Company provide
that if their employment is terminated "without Cause" (as defined in the
agreement) or if they resign for "Good Reason" (as defined in the agreement)
they will be entitled to receive severance payments equal to their base salary
for the greater of thirty-six months or the remainder of the
 
                                       75
<PAGE>   77
 
agreement term, provided that they do not violate the confidentiality or
non-competition provisions of the agreement (the latter of which, subject to
certain exceptions, extend for up to two years from the date of termination of
employment), in which case the Company would have no obligation to make any
remaining payments. Further, they will be entitled to receive, among other
things, all previously earned and accrued entitlements and benefits of the
Company, full employee welfare benefit coverage, outplacement services for up to
one year, any awards due under the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan, and all
benefits payable under the Company's Executive Benefits Program.
 
Each of the employment agreements of Mr. Leone, Mr. O'Grady and Mr. Stein
provide that if his employment is terminated "without Cause" (as defined in the
agreement) or if he resigns for "Good Reason" (as defined in the agreement), he
will be entitled to receive severance payments equal to his base salary for the
greater of 24 months or the remainder of the agreement term, provided that he
does not violate the confidentiality or non-competition provisions of the
agreement (the latter of which, subject to certain exceptions, extend for up to
two years), in which case the Company would have no obligation to make any
remaining payments. Further, upon such termination or resignation, he will be
entitled to all previously earned and accrued entitlements and benefits,
continued employee welfare benefit coverage for 18 months, outplacement
services, any awards due under the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan and all
benefits payable under the Company's Executive Benefits Program.
 
If the Company terminates Mr. Gamper or Mr. Pollicino for Cause or if they
terminate their employment for any reason other than Good Reason, they will be
entitled to all previously earned and accrued entitlements and benefits of the
Company.
 
With respect to Mr. Leone, Mr. O'Grady and Mr. Stein, if they are terminated by
the Company for cause based on non-performance as determined by the chief
executive officer of the Company as of the execution of the employment
agreement, they will receive all earned and accrued entitlements and benefits,
participation for 18 months in the Company's welfare benefit plan, outplacement
services and base salary for 12 months. This amount is increased to base salary
for 24 months if the chief executive officer at the time of such termination is
not the chief executive officer of the Company as of the execution of the
employment agreement. Termination for Cause based on malfeasance or resignation
for any reason other than "Good Reason" provides for all previously earned and
accrued entitlements and benefits from the Company.
 
If, during the term of Mr. Gamper's and Mr. Pollicino's employment agreements, a
"Change of Control" (as defined in the agreement) occurs on or prior to December
31, 1999, Mr. Gamper and Mr. Pollicino will be entitled to receive a "special
payment." With respect to Mr. Gamper, the amount of such special payment shall
equal the sum of his prior four years annual bonuses under the CIT Bonus Plan,
and, with respect to Mr. Pollicino, the amount of such special payment shall
equal the sum of his prior three years annual bonuses under the CIT Bonus Plan.
Mr. Gamper and Mr. Pollicino's special payments are payable over a one-year
period as follows: (i) one-half of the payment shall be paid within 30 days
after the date of the Change of Control; and (ii) one-half shall be paid on or
before the first anniversary date of such Change of Control.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing provision, the special payment shall be forfeited
if during the one-year period following the date of a Change of Control: (i)
their employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company for cause; (ii) they
voluntarily terminate employment with the Company for any reason other than good
reason; or (iii) they breach any non-compete or confidentiality covenant
contained in their employment agreements.
 
In the event of a Change of Control during the term of employment, Mr. Gamper or
Mr. Pollicino may elect, on 90 days notice, to terminate their employment, and
have such termination deemed "Good Reason" (i) upon the first anniversary of the
Change of Control or (ii) at their election, if the first anniversary is prior
to December 31, 1998, then on December 31, 1998. In the event the first
anniversary of such a Change of Control occurs after the end of the term, the
term shall be extended to the first anniversary of the Change of Control.
 
If, during the term of their respective employment agreements, a "Change of
Control" (as defined in the agreement) occurs on or prior to December 31, 1998,
Mr. Leone, Mr. O'Grady and Mr. Stein will be entitled to receive a "special
payment." The amount of such special payment shall equal the sum of their
respective prior two years annual bonuses under The CIT Bonus Plan. The special
payment will be payable over a two year period as follows: (i) one-third of the
payment shall be paid within 30 days after the Change of Control; (ii) one-third
shall be paid on or before the first anniversary date of such Change of Control;
and (iii) one-third shall be paid on or before the second anniversary date of
such Change of Control. Notwithstanding the above, the special payment will be
forfeited (i) to the extent such payment or any part thereof, when aggregated
with any other benefit or compensation payment due to the executive would cause
the executive to be subject to taxation under Section 4999 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 or (ii) if during the two year period commencing on the
date of such Change of Control and ending on the second anniversary of such
date, (a) their employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company for cause,
(b) they voluntarily terminate employment for any reason other than "Good
Reason" as defined in their respective employment agreements or (c) they breach
the non-compete or confidentiality provisions of their agreements.
 
                                       76
<PAGE>   78
 
EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION PLANS
 
Corporate Annual Bonus Plan
Under The CIT Group Bonus Plan, which covers the Named Executive Officers and
other employees, cash awards for each calendar year may be paid in amounts
determined by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors in its
discretion. Following consummation of the Offering, the annual bonus plan will
be administered by the Compensation Committee.
 
The amount of awards depends on a variety of factors, including corporate
performance and individual performance during the calendar year for which awards
are made. All or part of a cash award for a particular year may be paid
currently or deferred and paid upon retirement in up to five annual installments
at the option of the participant. All awards are subject to appropriate taxes
and deferred amounts are credited annually with interest.
 
Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan
The Company has adopted a stock-based incentive plan, the Long-Term Equity
Compensation Plan (the "ECP"), covering Directors and employees of the Company
and its subsidiaries. The ECP will be administered by the Board of Directors or
a committee or individual designated by the Board of Directors (the
"Administrator").
 
The ECP provides for the grant of annual incentive awards, incentive and
non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock,
performance shares and performance units (individually, an "Award," or
collectively, "Awards"). The terms of the awards will be set forth in award
agreements ("Award Agreements"). The Administrator of the ECP will have the
discretion to select the employees to whom Awards will be granted and to
determine the type, size and terms and conditions applicable to each Award, and
the authority to interpret, construe and implement the provisions of the ECP.
The Administrator's decisions will be binding. Awards to Directors will be made
by the Board of Directors of the Company or by a committee of Directors not
otherwise entitled to participate in the ECP or based on a formula developed by
the Board of Directors or such committee.
 
The total number of shares of Class A Common Stock that may be subject to Awards
under the ECP is approximately 12,503,000 shares. Class A Common Stock issued
under the ECP may be either authorized but unissued shares, treasury shares or
any combination thereof.
 
The maximum aggregate payout with respect to an Annual Incentive Award in any
fiscal year to any one participant is 25% of the pool for that year. The maximum
aggregate number of shares of Class A Common Stock that may be granted in the
form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, or
performance units/shares in any one fiscal year to any one participant is 100%
of the pool for that year.
 
Set forth below is a brief description of the Awards that may be granted under
the ECP:
 
Annual Incentive Awards.  An annual incentive award ("Annual Incentive Award")
may be granted under the ECP upon such terms and conditions as may be
established by the Administrator. Annual Incentive Awards may be granted in lieu
of cash awards under The CIT Group Bonus Plan.
 
Stock Options.  Options (each an "Option") to purchase shares of Class A Common
Stock, which may be incentive or non-qualified stock options, may be granted
under the ECP at an exercise price (the "Option Price") determined by the
Administrator of the ECP in its discretion, provided that the Option Price may
be no less than the closing trading price of the Class A Common Stock on the New
York Stock Exchange on the date of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
initial grants described below will be granted with an exercise price equal to
the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus. Each Option represents the right to purchase one share of Class A
Common Stock at the specified Option Price.
 
Options will expire no later than ten years after the date on which they were
granted and will become exercisable at such times and in such installments as
determined by the Administrator of the ECP. Payment of the Option Price, except
as set forth below, must be made in full at the time of exercise in cash or by
certified or bank check. As determined by the Administrator of the ECP, payment
in full or in part may also be made by tendering to the Company shares of Class
A Common Stock having a fair market value equal to the Option Price (or such
portion thereof). The Administrator may also allow a cashless exercise of such
options.
 
Stock Appreciation Rights.  An Award of a stock appreciation right ("SAR") may
be granted under the ECP with respect to shares of Class A Common Stock.
Generally, one SAR is granted with respect to one share of Class A Common Stock.
The SAR entitles the participant, upon the exercise of the SAR, to receive an
amount equal to the appreciation in the underlying share of Class A Common
Stock. The appreciation is equal to the difference between (i) the "base value"
of the SAR (which is determined with reference to the closing trading price of
the Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the
 
                                       77
<PAGE>   79
 
date the SAR is granted) and (ii) the closing trading price of the Class A
Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date the SAR is exercised.
Upon the exercise of a vested SAR, the exercising participant will be entitled
to receive the appreciation in the value of one share of Class A Common Stock as
so determined, payable at the discretion of the participant in cash, shares of
Class A Common Stock, or some combination thereof, subject to availability of
shares of Class A Common Stock to the Company.
 
SARs will expire no later than ten years after the date on which they are
granted. SARs become exercisable at such times and in such installments as
determined by the Administrator of the ECP.
 
Tandem Options/SARs.  An Option and a SAR may be granted "in tandem" with each
other (a "Tandem Option/SAR"). An Option and a SAR are considered to be in
tandem with each other because the exercise of the Option aspect of the tandem
unit automatically cancels the right to exercise the SAR of the tandem unit, and
vice versa. The Option may be an incentive stock option or non-qualified stock
option, and the Option may be coupled with one SAR, more than one SAR or a
fractional SAR in any proportionate relationship selected by the Administrator.
Descriptions of the terms of the Option and the SAR aspects of a Tandem
Option/SAR are provided above.
 
Restricted Stock.  An Award of restricted stock ("Restricted Stock") is an Award
of Class A Common Stock that is subject to such restrictions as the
Administrator of the ECP deems appropriate, including forfeiture conditions and
restrictions against transfer for a period specified by the Administrator of the
ECP. Restricted Stock Awards may be granted under the ECP for services and/or
payment of cash. Restrictions on Restricted Stock may lapse in installments
based on factors selected by the Administrator of the ECP. Prior to the
expiration of the restricted period, except as and only if provided by the
Administrator of the ECP, a grantee who has received a Restricted Stock Award
generally has the rights of a stockholder of the Company, including the right to
vote and to receive cash dividends on the shares subject to the Award. Stock
dividends issued with respect to a Restricted Stock Award may be treated as
additional shares under such Award with respect to which such dividends are
issued.
 
Performance Shares and Performance Units.  A performance share Award
("Performance Share") and/or a performance unit Award (a "Performance Unit") may
be granted under the ECP. Each Performance Unit will have an initial value that
is established by the Administrator of the ECP at the time of grant. Each
Performance Share will have an initial value equal to the closing trading price
of one share of Class A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date
of grant. Such Awards may be earned based upon satisfaction of certain specified
performance criteria, subject to such other terms and conditions as the
Administrator of the ECP deems appropriate. Performance objectives will be
established before, or as soon as practicable after the commencement of the
performance period during which performance will be measured (the "Performance
Period"). Prior to the end of a Performance Period, the Administrator of the
ECP, in its discretion, may adjust the performance objectives to reflect an
event that may materially affect the performance of the Company, including, but
not limited to, market conditions or a significant acquisition or disposition of
assets or other property by the Company. The extent to which a grantee is
entitled to payment in settlement of such an Award at the end of a Performance
Period will be determined by the Administrator of the ECP in its sole
discretion, based on whether the performance criteria have been met and payment
will be made in cash or in shares of Class A Common Stock, or some combination
thereof, subject to availability of shares of Class A Common Stock to the
Company, in accordance with the terms of the applicable Award Agreements.
 
Performance Measures.  The Administrator may grant Awards under the ECP to
eligible participants subject to the attainment of certain specified performance
measures. The number of performance-based Awards granted under the ECP in any
year is determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.
 
The value of each performance-based Award shall be determined solely upon
achievement of certain pre-established objective performance goals during each
performance period. The duration of a Performance Period is set by the
Administrator. A new Performance Period may begin every year, or at more or less
frequent intervals, as determined by the Administrator.
 
The value of performance-based Awards may be based on absolute measures or on a
comparison of the Company's measures during a Performance Period to the
comparable measures of a group of competitors. Measures selected by the
Administrator shall be one or more of the following: net earnings, operating
earnings or income, net income, absolute and/or relative return on equity,
capital invested or assets, earnings per share, cash flow, profits, earnings
growth, share price, total shareholder return, economic value added, expense
reduction, customer satisfaction, and any combination of the foregoing measures
as the Administrator deems appropriate.
 
   
Change of Control.  If a participant's employment with the Company is terminated
by the Company, or a successor to the Company, on or after a Change of Control
and prior to the first anniversary of such Change of Control: (i) all Options
and SARs, other than Options granted in consideration of the termination of the
CIT Career Incentive Plan or otherwise granted in connection with the Offering,
held by the participant, if any, shall become immediately exercisable; (ii) all
restrictions and
    
 
                                       78
<PAGE>   80
 
   
limitations imposed on Restricted Stock, other than Restricted Stock granted in
consideration of the termination of the CIT Career Incentive Plan or otherwise
granted in connection with the Offering, held by the participant, if any, shall
lapse; and (iii) the target payout opportunities under all outstanding Annual
Incentive Awards, Performance Shares and Performance Units held by the
participant, if any, will be deemed to have been fully earned for the
Performance Period. The vesting of all Awards denominated in shares of Class A
Common Stock will be accelerated as of the date of termination of the
participant's employment with the Company and there shall be paid out in cash
within 30 days of the date of termination of the participant's employment with
the Company, a pro rata amount based on assumed achievement of all performance
goals and upon the length of time of the performance period elapsed before the
Change of Control as determined by the Administrator. The vesting of all Options
and Restricted Stock granted in consideration of the termination of The CIT
Career Incentive Plan or otherwise granted in connection with the Offering would
be accelerated in the event the participant is terminated on or after the Change
of Control and during the five-year period following the Offering.
    
 
Effective upon consummation of the Offering, the Company will grant Awards (the
"Offering Awards") to the Named Executive Officers and other selected
participants. The Offering Awards, which include Restricted Stock and Options
granted in respect of the termination of The CIT Career Incentive Plan, are
summarized in the following table and are described below.
 
Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan Awards
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               ----------------------------------------
                                                                    SHARES OF             NON-QUALIFIED
                     NAME AND POSITION                         RESTRICTED STOCK(1)       STOCK OPTIONS(2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------    -------------------     --------------------
<S>                                                            <C>                     <C>
Albert R. Gamper, Jr.
President and Chief
Executive Officer                                                          128,302                  619,200
Joseph A. Pollicino
Vice Chairman                                                               79,245                  337,800
Joseph M. Leone
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer                                                 26,534                  114,600
William M. O'Grady
Executive Vice President--
Administration                                                              23,945                  108,700
Ernest D. Stein
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel
and Secretary                                                               17,474                   79,200
All Executive Officers as a Group (including those listed
above)                                                                     305,270                1,360,600
All Other Employees as a Group                                             651,030                2,814,700
Non-Employee Directors                                                      10,000                       --
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) Assumes that the price to the public per share of Class A Common Stock in
the Offering is $26.50 (the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover page of
this Prospectus). To the extent that such price varies, the number of shares of
Restricted Stock to be awarded will vary.
 
(2) The Company intends to grant these options with an exercise price equal to
the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus.
 
The principal terms of the Offering Awards are as follows:
 
          (i) Upon termination of the Career Incentive Plan, an Award will be
     granted to each Named Executive Officer and to approximately 100 other
     officers which will consist of Restricted Stock which will vest on the
     third anniversary of the date of grant. In addition, 52 of the
     approximately 100 officers who were participants in the CIT Career
     Incentive Plan will be granted Options that will vest one-third on the
     first anniversary of the date of grant, an additional one-third on the
     second anniversary of the date of grant, and in full on the third
     anniversary of the date of grant. See " -- The CIT Career Incentive Plan."
 
          (ii) An Award will be granted pursuant to the Long-Term Equity
     Compensation Plan to each Named Executive Officer and to approximately 20
     other officers that will consist of Options that will vest one-third on the
     third anniversary of the date of the grant, an additional one-third on the
     fourth anniversary of the date of the grant, and in full on the fifth
     anniversary of the date of the grant.
 
                                       79
<PAGE>   81
 
          (iii) An Award will be granted pursuant to the Long-Term Equity
     Compensation Plan to each Named Executive Officer and to a significantly
     larger group of eligible employees which will consist of Options that will
     vest one-third on the first anniversary of the date of grant, an additional
     one-third on the second anniversary of the date of grant, and in full on
     the third anniversary of the date of grant.
 
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of Awards.  Certain of the federal
income tax consequences to ECP participants and the Company of Awards granted
under the ECP are generally set forth in the following summary.
 
An employee to whom an Option which is an incentive stock option ("ISO") that
qualifies under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code is granted will not
recognize income at the time of grant or exercise of such Option. No federal
income tax deduction will be allowable to the Company upon the grant or exercise
of such ISO. However, upon the exercise of an ISO, any excess in the fair market
price of the Class A Common Stock over the Option Price constitutes a tax
preference item that may have alternative minimum tax consequences for the
employee. When the employee sells such shares more than one year after the date
of transfer of such shares and more than two years after the date of grant of
such ISO, the employee will normally recognize a capital gain or loss equal to
the difference, if any, between the sale prices of such shares and the aggregate
Option Price and the Company will not be entitled to a federal income tax
deduction with respect to the exercise of the ISO or the sale of such shares. If
the employee does not hold such shares for the required period, when the
employee sells such shares, the employee will recognize ordinary compensation
income and possibly capital gain or loss in such amounts as are prescribed by
the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder and the Company will
generally be entitled to a federal income tax deduction in the amount of such
ordinary compensation income.
 
An employee to whom an Option which is a nonqualified stock option ("NSO") is
granted will not recognize income at the time of grant of such Option. When the
employee exercises such NSO, the employee will recognize ordinary compensation
income equal to the difference, if any, between the Option Price paid and the
fair market value, as of the date of Option exercise, of the shares of Class A
Common Stock the employee receives. The tax basis of such shares to such
employee will be equal to the Option Price paid plus the amount includible in
the employee's gross income, and the employee's holding period for such shares
will commence on the date of exercise. Subject to the applicable provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code and regulations thereunder, the Company will generally
be entitled to a federal income tax deduction in respect of an NSO in an amount
equal to the ordinary compensation income recognized by the employee upon the
exercise of the NSO.
 
Generally, absent an election to be taxed currently under Section 83(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code (a "Section 83(b) Election"), there will be no federal
income tax consequences to either the employee or the Company upon the grant of
Restricted Stock. At the expiration of the restricted period and the
satisfaction of any other restrictions applicable to the Restricted Stock, the
employee will recognize ordinary compensation income and the Company will be
entitled to a corresponding federal income tax deduction equal to the fair
market value of the Class A Common Stock at that time. If a Section 83(b)
Election is made within 30 days after the date the Restricted Stock is received
by the employee, the employee will recognize an amount of ordinary compensation
income at the time of the receipt of the Restricted Stock and the Company will
be entitled to a corresponding federal income tax deduction equal to the fair
market value (determined without regard to applicable restrictions) of the
shares at such time. If a Section 83(b) Election is made, no additional income
will be recognized by the employee upon the lapse of restrictions on the shares,
but, if the shares are subsequently forfeited, the employee may not deduct the
income that was recognized pursuant to the Section 83(b) Election at the time of
the receipt of the shares.
 
There will be no federal income tax consequences to either the employee or the
Company upon the grant of a SAR, Performance Share or Performance Unit.
Generally, the employee will recognize ordinary income upon the receipt of
payment pursuant to a SAR, Performance Share or Performance Unit in an amount
equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock and the aggregate amount of
cash received. The Company generally will be entitled to a corresponding tax
deduction equal to the amount includible in the employee's income.
 
                             RELATIONSHIP WITH DKB
 
   
Upon consummation of the Offering, DKB will beneficially own 126,000,000 of the
outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock of the Company (which have five votes
per share). Upon consummation of the Offering, the Common Stock owned by DKB
will represent in the aggregate 95.2% of the combined voting power and 80% of
the combined economic interest of all of the outstanding Common Stock. For as
long as DKB continues to own shares of Common Stock representing more than 50%
of the combined voting power of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock, DKB will be able to direct the election of all of the members of the
Company's Board of Directors and exercise a controlling influence over the
business and affairs of the Company, including any determinations with respect
to (i) mergers or other business combinations involving the Company, (ii) the
acquisition or disposition of assets by the Company, (iii) the incurrence of
indebtedness by the Company, (iv) the
    
 
                                       80
<PAGE>   82
 
issuance of any additional Common Stock or other equity securities and (v) the
payment of dividends with respect to the Common Stock. Similarly, DKB will have
the power (i) to determine matters submitted to a vote of the Company's
stockholders without the consent of the Company's other stockholders, (ii) to
prevent a change in control of the Company or (iii) to take other actions that
might be favorable to DKB. See "Risk Factors--Control By and Relationship With
DKB."
 
DKB has advised the Company that it currently intends to continue to hold all of
the shares of Class B Common Stock owned by it following the consummation of the
Offering. However, DKB is not subject to any contractual obligation to retain
its controlling interest, except that DKB has agreed not to sell or otherwise
dispose of any shares of Class B Common Stock for a period of 180 days after the
date of this Prospectus without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. As a result, there can be no assurance that DKB will maintain
its percentage ownership of Common Stock immediately following the Offering for
any specified period of time. See "Risk Factors--Shares Eligible for Future
Sale" and "Underwriting."
 
For a description of certain provisions of the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation concerning the allocation of business opportunities that may be
suitable for both the Company and DKB, see "Description of Capital
Stock--Certain Certificate of Incorporation and By-Law Provisions--Corporate
Opportunities."
 
Set forth below are descriptions of certain agreements, relationships and
transactions between the Company and DKB.
 
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT
 
DKB is subject to U.S. and Japanese banking laws, regulations, guidelines and
orders that affect permissible activities of the Company. DKB and the Company
have entered into the Regulatory Compliance Agreement in order to facilitate
DKB's compliance with applicable U.S. and Japanese banking laws, or the
regulations, interpretations, policies, guidelines, requests, directives and
orders of the applicable regulatory authorities or the staffs thereof or a court
(collectively, the "Banking Laws"). That Agreement prohibits the Company from
engaging in any new activity or entering into any transaction for which prior
approval, notice or filing is required under Banking Laws without the required
prior approval having been obtained, prior notice having been given or made by
DKB and accepted or such filings having been made. The Company is also
prohibited from engaging in any activity as would cause DKB, the Company or any
affiliate of DKB or the Company to violate any Banking Laws. In the event that,
at any time, it is determined by DKB that any activity then conducted by the
Company is prohibited by any Banking Law, the Company is required to take all
reasonable steps to cease such activity.
 
Under the terms of the Regulatory Compliance Agreement, DKB is responsible for
making all determinations as to compliance with applicable Banking Laws.
 
The Regulatory Compliance Agreement expires upon the earlier of the date on
which DKB owns no shares of Common Stock or DKB, in its sole discretion,
requests and obtains an opinion of counsel that (i) DKB will not be required to
receive prior approval from or give notice to or make filings with applicable
regulatory authorities under the Banking Laws as a result of the Company or any
of its subsidiaries engaging in any activity and (ii) DKB and the Company are no
longer subject to the jurisdiction of the Banking Laws with respect to the
activities or transactions in which the Company may engage.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
 
The Registration Rights Agreement will provide that, upon the request of DKB,
its subsidiaries or certain transferees of Common Stock from DKB or its
subsidiaries (each, a "Qualified Transferee"), the Company will use its best
efforts to effect the registration under the applicable federal and state
securities laws of any of the shares of Class A Common Stock that it may hold or
that are issued or issuable upon conversion of any other security that it may
hold (including the shares of Class B Common Stock) and of any other securities
issued or issuable in respect of the Class A Common Stock, in each case for sale
in accordance with the intended method of disposition of the holder or holders
making such demand for registration, and will take such other actions as may be
necessary to permit the sale thereof in other jurisdictions, subject to certain
specified limitations. DKB, its subsidiaries or any Qualified Transferee will
also have the right, which it may exercise at any time and from time to time,
subject to certain limitations, to include any such shares and other securities
in other registrations of equity securities of the Company initiated by the
Company on its own behalf or on behalf of its other stockholders. The Company
will agree to pay all costs and expenses in connection with each such
registration which DKB, any subsidiary thereof or any Qualified Transferee
initiates or in which any of them participates. The Registration Rights
Agreement will contain indemnification and contribution provisions: (i) by DKB
and its permitted assigns for the benefit of the Company; and (ii) by the
Company for the benefit of DKB and other persons entitled to effect
registrations of Class A Common Stock (and other securities) pursuant to its
terms, and related persons.
 
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<PAGE>   83
 
TAX ALLOCATION AGREEMENT
 
DKB does not include the Company in its consolidated group for federal income
tax purposes. DKB includes the Company in its consolidated group for state
income tax purposes only in the State of California. Pursuant to a Tax
Allocation Agreement, dated as of October 23, 1991 (the "Tax Allocation
Agreement"), the Company and certain other subsidiaries of DKB file a
consolidated unitary California franchise tax return and have elected to file
that return on a "water's edge" basis. Under the Tax Allocation Agreement, the
Company is obligated to pay to DKB the California franchise tax that the Company
would have paid as if it were filing on the same basis it would have filed on
had it not entered into the Tax Allocation Agreement, and its liability cannot
exceed the tax liability it would have incurred had it not entered into the Tax
Allocation Agreement. DKB absorbs any residual cost or benefit of the filing of
a consolidated unitary California franchise tax return.
 
                 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
The Company has in the past and may in the future enter into certain
transactions with affiliates of the Company. Such transactions have been, and it
is anticipated that such transactions will continue to be, entered into at a
fair market value for the transaction. Additional information regarding these
transactions can be found in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,
"Note 20 -- Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
 
Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP, of which Paul N. Roth, a director of the Company, is a
partner, provides legal services to the Company. Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP has
been retained in the past and will continue in the future to serve as outside
counsel for DKB.
 
                      HISTORY OF OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
 
Prior to the consummation of the Offering, DKB owned 80% of the issued and
outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. DKB purchased a 60% common
stock interest in the Company from Manufacturers Hanover Corporation ("MHC") at
year-end 1989 and acquired an additional twenty percent (20%) common stock
interest in the Company on December 15, 1995 from CBC Holding. DKB held an
option, expiring December 15, 2000, to purchase the remaining twenty percent
(20%) common stock interest from CBC Holding and its parent.
 
CBC Holding became a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Chemical Banking
Corporation ("CBC") after the merger between MHC and CBC on December 31, 1991.
On March 31, 1996, CBC was merged into Chase and Chase became the sole
stockholder of CBC Holding.
 
The principal executive offices of DKB are located at 1-5, Uchisaiwaicho
1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100, Japan.
 
                        SHARES AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
Upon consummation of the Offering, the Company will have 31,500,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock and 126,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock issued and
outstanding. All of the shares of Class A Common Stock to be sold in the
Offering will be freely tradeable without restrictions or further registration
under the Securities Act, except for any share purchased by an "affiliate" of
the Company (as that term is defined in Rule 144 adopted under the Securities
Act ("Rule 144")), which will be subject to the resale limitations of Rule 144.
Immediately following the consummation of the Offering, all of the outstanding
shares of Class B Common Stock will be beneficially owned by DKB and will not
have been registered under the Securities Act. Therefore, such shares owned by
DKB may be sold only pursuant to an effective registration statement under the
Securities Act or in accordance with Rule 144 or another exemption from
registration. DKB has certain rights to require the Company to effect
registration of shares of Class A Common Stock, and certain other securities
issued or issuable in respect thereof, owned by DKB, which rights may be
assigned. See "Relationship with DKB--Registration Rights Agreement."
 
In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person (or persons whose
shares are required to be aggregated) who has beneficially owned shares of
Common Stock for at least one year, including a person who may be deemed an
"affiliate," is entitled to sell, within any three-month period, a number of
shares that does not exceed the greater of (i) one percent (1%) of the total
number of outstanding shares of the class of stock being sold or (ii) the
average weekly reported trading volume of the class of stock being sold during
the four calendar weeks preceding such sale. A person who is not deemed an
"affiliate" of the Company at any time during the three months preceding a sale
and who has beneficially owned shares for at least two years is entitled to sell
such shares under Rule 144 without regard to the volume limitations described
above. As defined in Rule 144,
 
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<PAGE>   84
 
an "affiliate" of an issuer is a person that directly or indirectly through the
use of one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by, or is under common
control with, such issuer. Rule 144A under the Securities Act ("Rule 144A")
provides a non-exclusive safe harbor exemption from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act for specified resales of restricted
securities to certain institutional investors. In general, Rule 144A allows
unregistered resales of restricted securities to a "qualified institutional
buyer," which generally includes an entity, acting for its own account or for
the account of other qualified institutional buyers, that in the aggregate owns
or invests at least $100 million in securities of unaffiliated issuers. Rule
144A does not extend an exemption to the offer or sale of securities that, when
issued, were of the same class as securities listed on a national securities
exchange or quoted on an automated quotation system. The shares of Class B
Common Stock outstanding as of the date of this Prospectus would be eligible for
resale under Rule 144A because such shares, when issued, were not of the same
class as any listed or quoted securities. The foregoing summary of Rule 144 and
Rule 144A is not intended to be a complete description thereof.
 
Prior to the Offering, there has been no market for the Class A Common Stock,
and no prediction can be made as to the effect, if any, that market sales of
outstanding shares of Common Stock by DKB, or the availability of such shares
for sale, will have on the market price of the Class A Common Stock prevailing
from time to time. Nevertheless, sales by DKB of substantial amounts of Common
Stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could
adversely affect prevailing market prices for the Class A Common Stock offered
in the Offering. See "Risk Factors--Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
 
Although DKB in the future may effect or direct sales or other dispositions of
Class B Common Stock that would reduce its beneficial ownership interest in the
Company, DKB has advised the Company that it currently intends to continue to
hold all of the Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by it following the
Offering. However, DKB is not subject to any contractual obligation to retain
its controlling interest, except that DKB has agreed not to sell or otherwise
dispose of any shares of Class B Common Stock for a period of 180 days after the
date of this Prospectus without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. As a result, there can be no assurance concerning the period of
time during which DKB will maintain its ownership of Class B Common Stock owned
by it immediately following the consummation of the Offering. See "Risk
Factors--Shares Eligible for Future Sale" and "Underwriting." Beneficial
ownership of at least 50% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock of the
Company is required in order for DKB to continue to include the Company in its
consolidated group for state income tax purposes in the State of California. See
"Relationship with DKB."
 
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<PAGE>   85
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
GENERAL
 
The authorized capital stock of the Company will consist of (i) 700,000,000
shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, and 510,000,000 shares
of Class B Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, and (ii) 50,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock (the "Preferred Stock"), par value $.01 per share. Of the
700,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, 31,500,000 shares are being offered
in the Offering and 126,000,000 shares will be reserved for issuance upon
conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock into shares of Class A Common
Stock. There will be 126,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding on
the closing date of the Offering, all of which will be beneficially owned by
DKB. In addition, 966,300 shares of restricted Class A Common Stock and options
to purchase 4,175,300 shares of Class A Common Stock will be granted upon
consummation of the Offering and 7,361,000 shares of Class A Common Stock will
be reserved for future issuance under employee benefit plans. Upon consummation
of the Offering, there will be no Preferred Stock outstanding. A description of
the material terms and provisions which will be set forth in the Company's
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended immediately prior
to the closing of the Offering, affecting the relative rights of the Class A
Common Stock, the Class B Common Stock and the Preferred Stock is set forth
below. The following description of the capital stock of the Company is intended
as a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Company's
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which will be filed with the
Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, and to Delaware
corporate law.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
Voting Rights
The holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock generally have
identical rights except that holders of Class A Common Stock are entitled to one
vote per share and holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to five votes
per share on all matters to be voted on by stockholders, subject to the right of
DKB or the Class B Transferee (as defined below), as the case may be, to reduce
from time to time the number of votes per share of Class B Common Stock by
written notice to the Company specifying the reduced number of votes per share.
Holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are not
entitled to cumulate their votes for the election of directors. Generally, all
matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by a majority (or, in
the case of the election of directors, by a plurality) of the votes entitled to
be cast by all holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock present in person or represented by proxy, voting together as a single
class, subject to any voting rights granted to holders of any Preferred Stock.
Except as otherwise provided by law or the Company's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation, and subject to any voting rights granted to
holders of any outstanding Preferred Stock, amendments to the Company's Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation must be approved by the vote of the
holders of Common Stock having a combined voting power of a majority of all
shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, voting together as a
single class. Amendments to the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation that would alter or change the powers, preferences or special
rights of the Class A Common Stock or the Class B Common Stock so as to affect
them adversely also must be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be
cast by the holders of the shares affected by the amendment, voting as a
separate class. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment to the Company's
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase or decrease the
authorized shares of either class must be approved by the affirmative vote of
the holders of Common Stock having a combined voting power of a majority of the
shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, voting together as a
single class.
 
Dividends
Holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will share ratably on a
per share basis in any dividends declared by the Board of Directors, subject to
any preferential rights of any outstanding Preferred Stock. In the case of
dividends or other distributions payable in Common Stock, including
distributions pursuant to stock splits or divisions of Common Stock, only shares
of Class A Common Stock shall be paid or distributed to holders of shares of
Class A Common Stock, and only shares of Class B Common Stock shall be paid or
distributed to holders of Class B Common Stock.
 
The Company may not reclassify, subdivide or combine shares of one class of
Common Stock without at the same time proportionally reclassifying, subdividing
or combining shares of the other class of Common Stock.
 
                                       84
<PAGE>   86
 
Conversion
Each share of Class B Common Stock will be convertible at any time while held by
DKB and/or any of its subsidiaries or the Class B Transferee (as defined below)
and/or any of its subsidiaries at the option of the holder thereof into one
share of Class A Common Stock.
 
Except as provided below, any shares of Class B Common Stock transferred to a
person other than DKB or any of its subsidiaries or the Class B Transferee or
any of its subsidiaries shall automatically convert into shares of Class A
Common Stock upon such disposition. Shares of Class B Common Stock representing
more than a 50% economic interest in the Company transferred by DKB and/or any
of its subsidiaries in a single transaction or series of related transactions to
one unrelated person (the "Class B Transferee") and/or any of its subsidiaries
shall not automatically convert into shares of Class A Common Stock upon such
disposition. Any shares of Class B Common Stock retained by DKB or any of its
subsidiaries following any such disposition of more than a 50% economic interest
in the Company to the Class B Transferee and/or any of its subsidiaries shall
automatically convert into shares of Class A Common Stock upon such disposition.
 
All shares of Class B Common Stock shall automatically convert into Class A
Common Stock if the number of outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock
beneficially owned by DKB and its subsidiaries or the Class B Transferee and its
subsidiaries, as the case may be, falls below 25% of the aggregate number of
outstanding shares of Common Stock. This will prevent DKB and its subsidiaries
or the Class B Transferee and its subsidiaries, as the case may be, from
decreasing their economic interest in the Company to less than 25% while still
retaining control of a majority of the Company's voting power. The foregoing
automatic conversion is intended to ensure that DKB and/or its subsidiaries or
the Class B Transferee and/or its subsidiaries, as the case may be, retain
voting control by virtue of their ownership of Class B Common Stock only if they
continue to have a significant economic interest in the Company. All conversions
will be effected on a share-for-share basis.
 
Other Rights
   
In the event of any merger, reorganization or consolidation of the Company with
or into another entity in connection with which shares of Common Stock are
converted into or exchangeable for shares of stock, other securities or property
(including cash), all holders of Common Stock, regardless of class, will be
entitled to receive the same kind and amount of shares of stock and other
securities and property (including cash) except that shares of stock or other
securities receivable upon such reorganization, consolidation or merger by a
holder of a share of Class B Common Stock may differ from the shares of stock or
other securities receivable upon such reorganization, consolidation or merger by
a holder of a share of Class A Common Stock to the extent that the Class B
Common Stock and Class A Common Stock differ as provided in the Company's
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
    
 
On liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, after payment in full
of the amounts required to be paid to holders of Preferred Stock, if any, all
holders of Common Stock, regardless of class, are entitled to share ratably in
any assets available for distribution to holders of shares of Common Stock.
 
No shares of either class of Common Stock are subject to redemption. Shares of
Class A Common Stock do not have preemptive rights to purchase additional
shares. Holders of shares of Class B Common Stock have preemptive rights to
subscribe for and receive additional securities of the Company upon all
additional issuances of stock by the Company (other than in connection with
certain issuances pursuant to employee stock or stock option benefit plans or in
connection with any stock split or stock dividend) of any or all classes or
series thereof, or securities of the Company convertible into such stock, such
that such holder of Class B Common Stock may, by purchasing such additional
securities, maintain the percentage interest it had immediately prior to such
issuance of the votes of the capital stock of the Company voting together as a
single class and/or its economic interest in the Company.
 
Upon consummation of the Offering, all the outstanding shares of Class A Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock will be legally issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
The Preferred Stock will be issuable from time to time in one or more series,
with such designations and preferences for each series as shall be stated in the
resolutions providing for the designation and issue of each such series adopted
by the Board of Directors of the Company. The Board of Directors is authorized
by the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to determine,
among other things, the rights and preferences and the limitations thereon
pertaining to each such series. The Board of Directors, without stockholder
approval, may issue Preferred Stock with voting and other rights that could
adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of the Common
Stock and could have certain anti-takeover effects. Upon consummation of the
Offering, the Company will have no Preferred Stock outstanding and it has no
current plans to issue any shares of Preferred Stock. The ability of the Board
of Directors to issue Preferred Stock in the future without
 
                                       85
<PAGE>   87
 
stockholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing
a change in control of the Company or the removal of existing management.
 
CERTAIN CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAW PROVISIONS
 
Corporate Opportunities
The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation will provide
that DKB shall have no duty to refrain from engaging in the same or similar
activities or lines of business as the Company, and neither DKB nor any
director, officer or other employee thereof (except as provided below) will be
liable to the Company or its stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty by
reason of any such activities of DKB. In the event that DKB acquires knowledge
of a potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for
both DKB and the Company, DKB shall have no duty to communicate or offer such
corporate opportunity to the Company and shall not be liable to the Company or
its stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty as a stockholder of the
Company by reason of the fact that DKB pursues or acquires such corporate
opportunity for itself, directs such corporate opportunity to another person or
does not communicate information regarding such corporate opportunity to the
Company.
 
In the event that a director, officer or other employee of the Company who is
also a director or officer or other employee of DKB acquires knowledge of a
potential transaction or matter which may be a corporate opportunity for both
the Company and DKB, such director, officer or other employee of the Company
shall have fully satisfied and fulfilled the fiduciary duty of such director,
officer or other employee of the Company and its stockholders with respect to
such corporate opportunity if such director, officer or other employee acts in a
manner consistent with the following policy:
 
     (i) a corporate opportunity offered to any person who is an officer or
     other employee of the Company, and who is also a director but not an
     officer or other employee of DKB, shall belong to the Company;
 
     (ii) a corporate opportunity offered to any person who is a director but
     not an officer or other employee of the Company, and who is also a director
     or officer or other employee of DKB, shall belong to the Company if such
     opportunity is expressly offered to such person in writing solely in his or
     her capacity as a director of the Company, and otherwise shall belong to
     DKB; and
 
     (iii) a corporate opportunity offered to any person who is an officer or
     other employee of both the Company and DKB, or an officer of one and an
     employee of the other, shall belong to the Company if such opportunity is
     expressly offered to such person in writing solely in his or her capacity
     as an officer of the Company, and otherwise shall belong to DKB.
 
For purposes of the foregoing:
 
     (i) A director of the Company who is Chairman of the Board of Directors of
     the Company or of a committee thereof shall not be deemed to be an officer
     or employee of the Company by reason of holding such position (without
     regard to whether such position is deemed an officer of the Company under
     the By-Laws of the Company), unless such person is a full-time employee of
     the Company; and
 
     (ii) (A) The term "Company" shall mean the Company and all corporations,
     partnerships, joint ventures, associations and other entities controlled
     directly or indirectly by the Company through the ownership of the
     outstanding voting power of such corporation, partnership, joint venture,
     association or other entity or otherwise and (B) the term "DKB" shall mean
     DKB and all corporations, partnerships, joint ventures, associations and
     other entities (other than the Company, defined in accordance with clause
     (A) of this section (ii)) controlled (directly or indirectly) by DKB
     through the ownership of the outstanding voting power of such corporation,
     partnership, joint venture, association or other entity or otherwise.
 
The foregoing provisions of the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation will expire on the date that DKB ceases to own beneficially Common
Stock representing at least 25% of the voting power of all classes of
outstanding Common Stock and no person who is a director, officer or employee of
the Company is also a director, officer or employee of DKB or any of its
subsidiaries (other than the Company).
 
Any person purchasing or otherwise acquiring Common Stock will be deemed to have
notice of, and to have consented to, the foregoing provisions of the Company's
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
 
Provisions That May Have an Anti-Takeover Effect
Certain provisions to be contained in the Company's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws summarized below may be deemed to have
an anti-takeover effect and may delay, deter or prevent a tender offer or
takeover
 
                                       86
<PAGE>   88
 
attempt that a stockholder might consider to be in its best interest, including
attempts that might result in a premium being paid over the market price for the
shares held by stockholders.
 
   
The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation will provide
that, subject to any rights of holders of Preferred Stock to elect additional
directors under specified circumstances, the number of directors of the Company
will be fixed as specified in the By-Laws. The By-Laws will provide that, (i)
subject to any rights of holders of Preferred Stock to elect additional
directors under specified circumstances, the number of directors will be fixed
at ten (10) unless the Board of Directors votes that such number shall be
increased or decreased and (ii) subject to any rights of holders of Preferred
Stock, any director may be removed from office, with or without cause, by vote
of the holders of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of
all outstanding shares of Common Stock, voting together as a class. In addition,
the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws will provide
that, subject to any rights of holders of Preferred Stock, and unless the
Company's Board of Directors otherwise determines, any vacancies may be filled
by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining members of the Board,
though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and except as
otherwise provided by law, any such vacancy may not be filled by the
stockholders.
    
 
The Company's By-Laws will provide for an advance notice procedure for the
nomination, other than by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, of
candidates for election as directors as well as for other stockholder proposals
to be considered at annual meetings of stockholders. In general, notice of
intent to nominate a director or raise matters at such meetings will have to be
received in writing by the Company at its principal executive offices not less
than 60 nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the previous
year's annual meeting of stockholders, subject to adjustment in certain
situations, and must contain certain information concerning the person to be
nominated or the matters to be brought before the meeting and concerning the
stockholder submitting the proposal. The Company's Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws will also provide that special meetings
of stockholders may be called only by certain specified officers of the Company
or by any such officer at the request in writing of the Board of Directors;
special meetings of stockholders cannot be called by stockholders. In addition,
the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation will provide
that any action required or permitted to be taken by stockholders may be
effected by written consent provided, however, that on and after the date on
which neither DKB and its subsidiaries nor the Class B Transferee and its
subsidiaries continue to beneficially own more than 50% of the total voting
power of the outstanding Common Stock, any action required or permitted to be
taken by stockholders may be effected only at a duly called annual or special
meeting of stockholders and may not be effected by a written consent by
stockholders in lieu of such a meeting.
 
TRANSACTIONS WITH INTERESTED STOCKHOLDERS
 
The Company has elected not to be governed by Section 203 of the Delaware
General Corporation Law, which provision requires the vote of at least 66 2/3%
of the outstanding voting stock of a company not owned by an interested
stockholder (as defined) to approve certain business combinations. As a result,
any such proposed business combination with respect to the Company will require
the vote of only a majority of stockholders. So long as DKB controls a majority
of the voting power of the Company, it will be able to approve or disapprove of
any such action without the vote of any other stockholder.
 
LIMITATIONS ON DIRECTORS' LIABILITY
 
The Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that no
director of the Company shall be liable to the Company or its stockholders for
monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for
liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company or
its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) in respect of
certain unlawful dividend payments or stock redemptions or repurchases or (iv)
for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit. The effect of these provisions will be to eliminate the rights of the
Company and its stockholders (through stockholders' derivative suits on behalf
of the Company) to recover monetary damages against a director for breach of
fiduciary duty as a director (including breaches resulting from grossly
negligent behavior), except in the situations described above.
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
 
The transfer agent and registrar for the Class A Common Stock will be The Bank
of New York.
 
                                       87
<PAGE>   89
 
      CERTAIN UNITED STATES TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS
 
The following is a general discussion of certain U.S. federal income and estate
tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of Class A Common Stock by a
Non-U.S. Holder. For this purpose, a "Non-U.S. Holder" is any person who is, for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, a foreign corporation, a non-resident alien
individual, a foreign partnership or a foreign estate or trust. This discussion
does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income and estate taxes and does
not deal with foreign, state and local consequences that may be relevant to such
Non-U.S. Holders in light of their personal circumstances (such as certain tax
consequences applicable to pass-through entities). Furthermore, this discussion
is based on provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
existing and proposed regulations promulgated thereunder and administrative and
judicial interpretations thereof, as of the date hereof, all of which are
subject to change (possibly with retroactive effect). EACH PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER
OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK IS ADVISED TO CONSULT A TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO
CURRENT AND POSSIBLE FUTURE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF ACQUIRING, HOLDING AND DISPOSING
OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THE
LAWS OF ANY U.S. STATE, MUNICIPALITY OR OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
Dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder of Class A Common Stock generally will be
subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax either at a rate of 30% of the
gross amount of the dividends or at such lower rate as may be specified by an
applicable income tax treaty. However, dividends that are effectively connected
with the conduct of a trade or business by the Non-U.S. Holder within the United
States and, where a tax treaty applies, are attributable to a U.S. permanent
establishment of the Non-U.S. Holder, are not subject to the withholding tax,
but instead are subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at
applicable graduated individual or corporate rates. Any such effectively
connected dividends received by a foreign corporation may, under certain
circumstances, be subject to an additional "branch profits tax" at a 30% rate or
such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
 
Under current law, dividends paid prior to January 1, 1999 to an address outside
the United States are presumed to be paid to a resident of such country (unless
the payer has knowledge to the contrary) for purposes of the withholding
discussed above and for purposes of determining the applicability of a tax
treaty rate. Under recently finalized United States Treasury regulations,
however, a Non-U.S. Holder of Class A Common Stock who wishes to claim the
benefit of an applicable treaty rate (and/or generally to avoid backup
withholding, as discussed below) with respect to dividends paid after December
31, 1998 will be required to satisfy applicable certification and other
requirements. Currently, certain certification and disclosure requirements must
be complied with in order to be exempt from withholding under the effectively
connected income exemption discussed above.
 
A Non-U.S. Holder of Class A Common Stock eligible for a reduced rate of U.S.
withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any
excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with the
Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").
 
GAIN ON DISPOSITION OF COMMON STOCK
 
A Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with
respect to gain recognized on a sale or other disposition of Class A Common
Stock unless (i) the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business of
the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States, and, where a tax treaty applies, is
attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the Non-U.S. Holder, (ii) in
the case of a Non-U.S. Holder who is an individual and holds the Class A Common
Stock as a capital asset, such holder is present in the United States for 183 or
more days in the taxable year of the sale or other disposition and certain other
conditions are met, (iii) the Non-U.S. Holder is subject to tax pursuant to
certain provisions of the Code applicable to U.S. expatriates or (iv) the
Company is or has been a "U.S. real property holding corporation" for U.S.
federal income tax purposes and, in the event that the Class A Common Stock is
considered "regularly traded," the Non-U.S. Holder held directly or indirectly
at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of disposition more
than five percent of the Class A Common Stock. The Company believes it is not
and does not anticipate becoming a "U.S. real property holding corporation" for
U.S. federal income tax purposes.
 
An individual Non-U.S. Holder described in clause (i) above, will, unless an
applicable treaty provides otherwise, be taxed on the net gain derived from the
sale under regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates. An individual
Non-U.S. Holder described in clause (ii) above, will be subject to a flat 30%
tax on the gain derived from the sale, which may be offset by certain U.S.
source capital losses.
 
                                       88
<PAGE>   90
 
If a Non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation falls under clause (i) above,
it will be taxed on its gain under regular graduated U.S. federal income tax
rates and may be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a 30% rate,
unless it qualifies for a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty.
 
FEDERAL ESTATE TAX
 
Class A Common Stock owned or treated as owned by an individual Non-U.S. Holder
at the time of death will be included in such holder's gross estate for U.S.
federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides
otherwise, and therefore may be subject to U.S. federal estate tax.
 
INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX
 
The Company must report annually to the IRS and to each Non-U.S. Holder the
amount of dividends paid to such holder and the tax withheld with respect to
such dividends, regardless of whether withholding was required. Copies of the
information returns reporting such dividends and withholding may also be made
available to the tax authorities in the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder
resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.
 
Under current law, backup withholding at the rate of 31% generally will not
apply to dividends paid prior to January 1, 1999 to a Non-U.S. Holder at an
address outside the United States (unless the payer has knowledge that the payee
is a U.S. person). Under recently finalized United States Treasury regulations,
however, a Non-U.S. Holder will generally be subject to backup withholding with
respect to dividends paid after December 31, 1998 unless applicable
certification requirements are met.
 
Payment of the proceeds of a sale of Class A Common Stock by or through a U.S.
office of a broker is subject to both backup withholding and information
reporting unless the beneficial owner provides the payer with its name and
address and certifies under penalties of perjury that it is a Non-U.S. Holder,
or otherwise establishes an exemption. In general, backup withholding and
information reporting will not apply to a payment of the proceeds of a sale of
Class A Common Stock by or through a foreign office of a foreign broker. If,
however, such broker is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes a U.S. person, a
controlled foreign corporation, a foreign person that derives 50% or more of its
gross income for a certain period from the conduct of a trade or business in the
United States or, effective after December 31, 1998, another U.S. related person
described in Section 1.6049-5(c)(5) of the Treasury Regulations, such payments
will be subject to information reporting, but not backup withholding, unless (1)
such broker has documentary evidence in its records that the beneficial owner is
a Non-U.S. Holder and certain other conditions are met, or (2) the beneficial
owner otherwise establishes an exemption.
 
Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be
allowed as a refund or a credit against such holder's U.S. federal income tax
liability provided the required information is furnished in a timely manner to
the IRS.
 
The backup withholding and information reporting rules are under review by the
Treasury Department and their application to the Class A Common Stock could be
changed by future regulations. Non-U.S. Holders should consult their tax
advisors regarding the application of these rules to their particular
situations, the availability of an exemption therefrom, the procedure for
obtaining such an exemption, if available, and the possible application of the
proposed United States Treasury regulations addressing the withholding and the
information reporting rules.
 
                                       89
<PAGE>   91
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
J.P. Morgan & Co. is acting as bookrunning lead manager for the Offering. J.P.
Morgan & Co. and Goldman, Sachs & Co. are acting as joint lead managers.
 
Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an Underwriting
Agreement dated the date of this Prospectus (the "Underwriting Agreement"), the
Underwriters named below, for whom J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Goldman, Sachs &
Co., Morgan Stanley & Co., Incorporated, Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation,
Lehman Brothers Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated,
Salomon Brothers Inc and UBS Securities LLC are acting as representatives (the
"Representatives"), have severally agreed to purchase, and the Company has
agreed to sell to them, the respective number of shares of Class A Common Stock
set forth opposite their names below. Under the terms and conditions of the
Underwriting Agreement, the Underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all
such shares of Class A Common Stock, if any are taken. Under certain
circumstances, the commitments of nondefaulting Underwriters may be increased as
set forth in the Underwriting Agreement.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           ----------------
UNDERWRITERS                                                                               NUMBER OF SHARES
                                                                                           ----------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. .............................................................
Goldman, Sachs & Co. ....................................................................
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated........................................................
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation...................................................
Lehman Brothers Inc. ....................................................................
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.......................................
Salomon Brothers Inc.....................................................................
UBS Securities LLC.......................................................................
 
Total....................................................................................
                                                                                            =============
</TABLE>
    
 
The Underwriters propose initially to offer the Class A Common Stock directly to
the public at the price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus and to
certain dealers at such price less a concession not in excess of $          per
share. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession
not in excess of $          per share to certain other dealers. After the
initial public offering of the Class A Common Stock, the public offering price
and such concession may be changed.
 
Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, the Company has granted the Underwriters
an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this Prospectus, to purchase
up to an additional 4,725,000 shares of Class A Common Stock on the same terms
and conditions as set forth on the cover page hereof. The Underwriters may
exercise such option to purchase solely for the purpose of covering
over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the sale of the Class A Common
Stock offered hereby. To the extent such option is exercised, such Underwriter
will have a commitment, subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately
the same percentage of such additional Class A Common Stock as the number set
forth next to each Underwriter's name in the preceding tables bears to the total
number of shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby.
 
                                       90
<PAGE>   92
 
In connection with the Offering, the Underwriters may engage in transactions
that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the Class A Common
Stock. Specifically, the Underwriters may over-allot in connection with the
Offering, creating a syndicate short position. In addition, the Underwriters may
bid for, and purchase, shares of Class A Common Stock in the open market to
cover syndicate short positions or to stabilize the price of the Class A Common
Stock. Finally, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions
allowed for distributing the Class A Common Stock in the Offering if the
syndicate repurchases previously distributed Class A Common Stock in syndicate
covering transactions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these
activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the Class A Common
Stock above independent market levels. The Underwriters are not required to
engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.
 
The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
   
The Company, DKB and each of the Company's executive officers and directors have
agreed, with limited exceptions, that during the period beginning from the date
of this Prospectus and continuing to and including the date 180 days after the
date of this Prospectus they will (i) not offer, sell, contract to sell or
otherwise dispose of Class A Common Stock or any securities of the Company which
are substantially similar to the Class A Common Shares, including but not
limited to any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that
represent the right to receive, Class A Common Stock or any such substantially
similar securities or (ii) enter into any swap, option, future, forward or other
agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of
ownership of Class A Common Stock or any securities substantially similar to the
Class A Common Stock (other than (i) pursuant to employee stock option and
restricted stock plans existing on, or upon the conversion or exchange of
convertible or exchangeable securities outstanding as of, the date of this
Prospectus and (ii) the issuance of Common Stock in connection with the
transactions described in this Prospectus), without the prior written consent of
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
    
 
   
Prior to the Offerings, CBC Holding holds a 20% interest in the Company. CBC
Holding is affiliated with Chase Securities Inc., which is a member of the NASD
and is expected to participate in the distribution of the Offering. Chase
Securities Inc. is an affiliate of the Company under the rules of the NASD. The
Offering is being conducted in accordance with NASD Rule 2720, which provides
that, among other things, when an NASD member is in a conflict of interest with
an issuer, the initial public offering price can be no higher than that
recommended by a "qualified independent underwriter" (a "QIU") meeting certain
standards. J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. is assuming the responsibilities of
acting as "qualified independent underwriter" within the meaning of such rules
in pricing the Offering and conducting due diligence. The Company has agreed to
indemnify the QIU against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act or to contribute to payments which the QIU may be required to
make in respect thereof. In addition, NASD members may not execute transactions
in shares of Class A Common Stock offered hereby to any accounts over which they
exercise discretionary authority without the prior written approval of the
customer, in accordance with NASD Rule 2720.
    
 
   
The Underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price,
shares of the Class A Common Stock for certain directors, officers, retirees and
employees of the Company and certain related persons in the United States and,
subject to local laws, internationally, who have expressed an interest in
purchasing such shares of Class A Common Stock in the Offering. Such persons are
expected to purchase, in the aggregate, not more than 5.0% of the Class A Common
Stock offered in the Offering. The number of shares available for sale to the
general public in the Offering will be reduced to the extent such persons
purchase such reserved shares. Any reserved shares not so purchased will be
offered to the general public on the same basis as other shares offered hereby.
    
 
The Class A Common Stock has been approved for listing on the New York Stock
Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance, under the trading symbol
"CIT."
 
Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Class A Common
Stock. The initial public offering price for the shares of Class A Common Stock
offered hereby has been determined by agreement between the Company and the
Underwriters. Among the factors considered in making such determination were the
history of and the prospects for the industry in which the Company competes, an
assessment of the Company's management, the present operations of the Company,
the historical results of operations of the Company and the trend of its
revenues and earnings, the prospects for future earnings of the Company, the
general condition of the securities markets at the time of the Offering and the
prices of similar securities of generally comparable companies. There can be no
assurance that an active trading market will develop for the Class A Common
Stock or that the Class A Common Stock will trade in the public market at or
above the initial public offering price.
 
From time to time in the ordinary course of their respective businesses, certain
of the Underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in and may in the future
engage in commercial and/or investment banking transactions with the Company and
its affiliates.
 
                                       91
<PAGE>   93
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
The validity of the Class A Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon for
the Company by Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP, New York, New York. Certain legal
matters in connection with the Offering will be passed upon for the Underwriters
by Davis Polk & Wardwell, New York, New York. Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP has in
the past provided, and may continue to provide, legal services to DKB and its
affiliates. Paul N. Roth, a director of the Company, is a partner of Schulte
Roth & Zabel LLP.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
The consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders'
equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1996 included in this Prospectus, have been included herein in
reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent accountants,
included in this Prospectus, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
                                       92
<PAGE>   94
 
                                    GLOSSARY
ASA                       Average serviced assets -- AEA plus the average of
                          consumer finance receivables previously securitized
                          and currently managed by the Company and consumer
                          finance receivables serviced for third parties.
 
AEA                       Average earning assets -- the average of finance
                          receivables, operating lease equipment, consumer
                          finance receivables held for sale and certain
                          investments, less credit balances of factoring
                          clients.
 
charge-off                A loan which is deemed uncollectible, in whole or in
                          part, and is charged against the reserve for credit
                          losses. Generally, finance receivables are charged-off
                          after considering such factors as the customer's
                          financial condition and the value of underlying
                          collateral and guarantees (including recourse to
                          dealers and manufacturers).
 
Class A Common Stock      Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of
                          the Company.
 
Class B Common Stock      Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of
                          the Company.
 
Common Stock              Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.
 
contractual delinquency   Failure to pay when due any amount as called for by
                          the terms of the contract.
 
debt to common equity ratio
                          The ratio of interest bearing debt to total common
                          stockholders' equity.
 
Duff & Phelps             Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Company.
 
earning assets            The sum of finance receivables, operating lease
                          equipment, consumer finance receivables held for sale
                          and certain investments, less credit balances of
                          factoring clients.
 
efficiency ratio          The ratio of salaries and general operating expenses
                          to the sum of operating revenue less depreciation of
                          operating lease equipment and minority interest in
                          subsidiary trust holding solely debentures of the
                          Company.
 
FICO scores               Borrower ratings determined under the Fair Isaac
                          Company consumer loan credit scoring system.
 
finance receivables       The sum of loans and leases (except operating leases)
                          extended to customers, net of any unearned income or
                          other adjustments.
 
financing and leasing assets
                          The sum of finance receivables, operating lease
                          equipment, consumer finance receivables held for sale
                          and certain investments.
 
   
HLT                       Highly Leveraged Transaction. See page 33 for the
                          criteria used to determine whether a transaction is an
                          HLT.
    
 
home equity               Fixed- and adjustable-rate loans secured by mortgages
                          on residential real estate.
 
LIBOR                     London Interbank Offered Rate.
 
loans                     See "finance receivables."
 
managed assets            The sum of financing and leasing assets and
                          off-balance sheet consumer finance receivables
                          previously securitized and currently managed by the
                          Company.
 
Moody's                   Moody's Investor Services, Inc.
 
net credit losses         The losses from accounts charged-off, net of
                          recoveries on loans previously charged-off.
 
net finance income        Finance income less interest expense.
 
portfolio seasoning       The maturing of a loan portfolio beyond an early stage
                          when past due and net credit loss experience increases
                          to normalized levels.
 
serviced assets           The sum of financing and leasing assets, consumer
                          finance receivables previously securitized and
                          currently managed by the Company and other consumer
                          finance receivables serviced for third parties.
 
Standard & Poor's         Standard & Poor's Ratings Group.
 
                                       93
<PAGE>   95
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   PAGE
 
<S>                                                                                                <C>
Independent Auditors' Report                                                                         F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995                                         F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994              F-4
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1996,
  1995 and 1994                                                                                      F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994           F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                           F-7
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1997 (Unaudited) and December 31, 1996              F-26
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30,
  1997 and 1996                                                                                     F-27
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Nine Months Ended
  September 30, 1997 and 1996                                                                       F-28
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997 and
  1996                                                                                              F-29
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements                                      F-30
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   96
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
The Board of Directors
The CIT Group, Inc.:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The CIT Group,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996.
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The CIT Group, Inc.
and subsidiaries at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their
operations and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                     KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
Short Hills, New Jersey
January 17, 1997, except as to Note 21
  which is as of February 21, 1997 and
  Note 22 which is as of
  September 26, 1997
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   97
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  -----------------------
                                                                                      AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                    1996          1995
                                                                                  ---------     ---------
<S>                                                                               <C>           <C>
Dollars in millions
ASSETS
Financing and leasing assets
Loans
  Commercial                                                                      $10,195.6     $10,356.3
  Consumer                                                                          3,239.0       2,344.0
Lease receivables                                                                   3,562.0       3,095.2
                                                                                  ---------     ---------
  Finance receivables (Note 3)                                                     16,996.6      15,795.5
Reserve for credit losses (Note 4)                                                   (220.8)       (206.0)
                                                                                  ---------     ---------
  Net finance receivables                                                          16,775.8      15,589.5
Operating lease equipment, net (Note 5)                                             1,402.1       1,113.0
Cash and cash equivalents                                                             103.1         161.5
Other assets                                                                          651.5         556.3
                                                                                  ---------     ---------
          Total assets                                                            $18,932.5     $17,420.3
                                                                                  =========     =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Debt (Notes 6 and 7)
Commercial paper                                                                  $ 5,827.0     $ 6,105.6
Variable rate senior notes                                                          3,717.5       3,827.5
Fixed rate senior notes                                                             4,761.2       3,337.0
Subordinated fixed rate notes                                                         300.0         300.0
                                                                                  ---------     ---------
          Total debt                                                               14,605.7      13,570.1
Credit balances of factoring clients                                                1,134.1         980.9
Accrued liabilities and payables                                                      594.0         485.9
Deferred Federal income taxes (Note 11)                                               523.3         469.2
                                                                                  ---------     ---------
          Total liabilities                                                        16,857.1      15,506.1
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 8)
Common stock--authorized, issued and outstanding--1,000 shares                        250.0         250.0
Paid-in capital                                                                       573.3         408.3
Retained earnings                                                                   1,252.1       1,255.9
                                                                                  ---------     ---------
          Total stockholders' equity                                                2,075.4       1,914.2
                                                                                  ---------     ---------
          Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                              $18,932.5     $17,420.3
                                                                                  =========     =========
</TABLE>
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   98
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    --------------------------------------
                                                                           YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        1996           1995           1994
                                                                    --------       --------       --------
<S>                                                                 <C>            <C>            <C>
Dollars in millions
Finance income                                                      $1,646.2       $1,529.2       $1,263.8
Interest expense                                                       848.3          831.5          614.0
                                                                    --------       --------       --------
  Net finance income                                                   797.9          697.7          649.8
Fees and other income (Note 9)                                         244.1          184.7          174.4
                                                                    --------       --------       --------
  Operating revenue                                                  1,042.0          882.4          824.2
                                                                    --------       --------       --------
Salaries and general operating expenses (Note 10)                      393.1          345.7          337.9
Provision for credit losses (Note 4)                                   111.4           91.9           96.9
Depreciation on operating lease equipment (Note 5)                     121.7           79.7           64.4
                                                                    --------       --------       --------
  Operating expenses                                                   626.2          517.3          499.2
                                                                    --------       --------       --------
Income before provision for income taxes                               415.8          365.1          325.0
Provision for income taxes (Note 11)                                   155.7          139.8          123.9
                                                                    --------       --------       --------
  Net income                                                        $  260.1       $  225.3       $  201.1
                                                                    ========       ========       ========
</TABLE>
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   99
 
                      THE CIT GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    --------------------------------------
                                                                           YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        1996           1995           1994
                                                                    --------       --------       --------
<S>                                                                 <C>            <C>            <C>
Dollars in millions
COMMON STOCK
Balance, beginning and end of period                                $  250.0       $  250.0       $  250.0
                                                                    --------       --------       --------
PAID-IN CAPITAL
Balance, beginning of period                                        $  408.3       $  408.3       $  408.3
Capital contribution from stockholders (Note 1)                        165.0             --             --
                                                                    --------       --------       --------
     Balance, end of period                                         $  573.3       $  408.3       $  408.3
                                                                    --------       --------       --------
RETAINED EARNINGS
Balance, beginning of period                                        $1,255.9       $1,134.7       $1,033.9
Net income                                                             260.1          225.3          201.1
Dividends paid--regular                                                (98.9)        (104.1)        (100.3)
               --special (Note 1)                                     (165.0)            --             --
                                                                    --------       --------       --------
     Balance, end of period                                         $1,252.1       $1,255.9       $1,134.7
                                                                    --------       --------       --------
          Total stockholders' equity (Note 8)                       $2,075.4       $1,914.2       $1,793.0
                                                                    ========       ========       ========
</TABLE>
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   100
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  -----------------------------------------
                                                                          YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        1996           1995            1994
                                                                  ----------     ----------     -----------
<S>                                                               <C>            <C>            <C>
Dollars in millions
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS
Net income                                                        $    260.1     $    225.3     $     201.1
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from
  operations:
  Provision for credit losses                                          111.4           91.9            96.9
  Depreciation and amortization                                        140.3           88.7            75.4
  Provision for deferred Federal income taxes                           54.1           42.5            27.7
  Gains on sales of equipment, other investments, receivable
     sales and securitizations                                         (78.9)         (36.8)          (26.1)
  Increase in accrued liabilities and payables                         108.1          131.2            24.2
  Increase in other assets                                             (65.9)         (17.7)           (0.1)
  Other                                                                 (3.7)         (22.7)          (17.2)
                                                                  -------------  -------------  -------------
     Net cash flows provided by operations                             525.5          502.4           381.9
                                                                  -------------  -------------  -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Loans extended                                                     (31,414.4)     (30,567.6)      (23,610.9)
Collections on loans                                                30,355.8       28,750.8        22,394.0
Purchases of assets to be leased                                    (1,664.0)      (1,079.8)       (1,039.7)
Proceeds from asset and receivable sales                             1,144.9          816.8           535.6
Collections on lease receivables                                       776.4          712.9           632.2
Purchases of finance receivable portfolios                            (661.3)         (22.7)         (181.7)
Proceeds from sales of assets received in satisfaction of loans         76.7           26.2            40.4
Purchases of investment securities                                     (20.8)         (12.1)          (21.1)
Net decrease (increase) in short-term factoring receivables             (0.3)         123.6          (207.4)
Acquisition of Barclays Commercial Corporation                            --             --          (435.6)
Other                                                                  (25.5)         (43.4)          (26.7)
                                                                  -------------  -------------  -------------
     Net cash flows used for investing activities                   (1,432.5)      (1,295.3)       (1,920.9)
                                                                  -------------  -------------  -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from the issuance of variable and fixed rate notes          4,776.0        3,698.6         3,985.8
Repayments of variable and fixed rate notes                         (3,461.8)      (2,966.0)       (1,529.6)
Net (decrease) increase in commercial paper                           (278.6)         445.4          (855.9)
Cash dividends paid                                                   (263.9)        (104.1)         (100.3)
Capital contribution from stockholders                                 165.0             --              --
Repayments of non-recourse leveraged lease debt                       (146.2)        (135.7)         (103.1)
Proceeds from non-recourse leveraged lease debt                         58.1            9.7            47.0
                                                                  -------------  -------------  -------------
     Net cash flows provided by financing activities                   848.6          947.9         1,443.9
                                                                  -------------  -------------  -------------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents                   (58.4)         155.0           (95.1)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year                           161.5            6.5           101.6
                                                                  -------------  -------------  -------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year                            $    103.1     $    161.5     $       6.5
                                                                  =============  =============  =============
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
Interest paid                                                     $    842.6     $    958.8     $     616.8
Federal and state and local income taxes paid                          102.5           95.0            98.9
Noncash transfer of finance receivables to other assets
  (principally securitizations)                                        778.9          772.5           117.1
Noncash transfer of finance receivables to assets received in
  satisfaction of loans                                                 91.8           30.8            80.5
Noncash transfer of assets received in satisfaction of loans to
  finance receivables                                                   10.9           40.6              --
Noncash transfer of finance receivables to operating lease
  equipment                                                             14.4             --              --
Noncash transfers of assets received in satisfaction of loans to
  operating lease equipment                                               --             --            17.3
</TABLE>
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   101
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1--THE COMPANY
 
The CIT Group, Inc. (the "Company") formerly known as The CIT Group Holdings,
Inc. engages in commercial and consumer financial services activities through a
nationwide distribution network.
 
The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Limited ("DKB") owns 80% of the issued and outstanding
stock of the Company, 60% of which it purchased from Manufacturers Hanover
Corporation ("MHC") in 1989. DKB acquired an additional 20% of the Company from
Chemical Banking Corporation ("CBC") in December 1995. The remaining 20% of the
Company's issued and outstanding stock is owned by The Chase Manhattan
Corporation ("Chase") which merged with CBC during 1996. DKB has an option
expiring December 15, 2000 to purchase the remaining twenty percent (20%) common
stock interest from Chase.
 
On December 24, 1996, the Company paid a special dividend in the aggregate
amount of $165.0 million to its stockholders, DKB and Chase. The stockholders
then immediately contributed $165.0 million to the Company's paid-in capital in
proportion to their 80% and 20% common stock ownership interests, respectively.
 
NOTE 2--SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes include the
accounts of The CIT Group Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant
intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Prior period amounts,
principally in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, have been reclassified
to conform to the current presentation.
 
Financing and Leasing Assets
The Company provides funding for a variety of financing arrangements including
term loans, lease financing and operating leases. Lease receivables include
leveraged leases, for which a major portion of the funding is provided by third
party lenders, on a nonrecourse basis, with the Company providing the balance
and acquiring title to the property. The amounts outstanding on loans and leases
are referred to as finance receivables and, when combined with the net book
value of operating lease equipment, represent financing and leasing assets.
 
Income Recognition
Finance income includes interest on loans, the accretion of income on direct
financing leases, and rents on operating leases. Related origination and other
nonrefundable fees and direct origination costs are deferred and amortized as an
adjustment of finance income over the contractual life of the transactions.
Income on finance receivables other than leveraged leases is recognized on an
accrual basis commencing in the month of origination using methods that
generally approximate the interest method. Leveraged lease income is recognized
on a basis calculated to achieve a constant after-tax rate of return for periods
in which the Company has a positive investment in the transaction, net of
related deferred tax liabilities. Rental income on operating leases is
recognized on an accrual basis.
 
The accrual of finance income is suspended and an account is placed on
nonaccrual status either when a payment is contractually delinquent for 90 days
or more and collateral is insufficient to cover both the outstanding principal
and accrued finance income or immediately if, in the opinion of management, full
collection of all principal and income is doubtful. For certain consumer loans,
the accrual of finance income is suspended at either 120 days when no
contractual payments are received or at 180 days when partial payments have been
received. Accrued but uncollected income at the date finance income is suspended
is reversed and charged against income to the extent the estimated fair value of
collateral does not satisfy both the principal and accrued income outstanding.
Such accrued but uncollected income is immaterial. Subsequent income received is
applied to the outstanding principal balance until such time as the account is
collected, charged-off or returned to accrual status.
 
Fees and other income includes: (1) factoring commissions, (2) commitment,
facility, letters of credit and syndication fees, (3) servicing fees and (4)
gains and losses from the sales of equipment, other investments and the sales
and securitizations of finance receivables.
 
Lease Financing
Direct financing leases are recorded at the aggregate future minimum lease
payments plus estimated residual values less unearned finance income. Operating
lease equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and is
depreciated to
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   102
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
estimated residual value using the straight-line method over the lease term or
projected economic life of the asset. Equipment acquired in satisfaction of
loans and subsequently placed on operating lease is recorded at the lower of
carrying value or estimated fair value when acquired. Leveraged leases are
recorded at the aggregate value of future minimum lease payments plus estimated
residual value, less amounts due to non-recourse third-party lenders and
unearned finance income. Management performs periodic reviews of the estimated
residual values with other than temporary impairment, if any, being recognized
in the current period.
 
Reserve for Credit Losses on Finance Receivables
The reserve for credit losses is established and periodically reviewed for
adequacy based on the nature and characteristics of the obligors, economic
conditions and trends, charge-off experience, delinquencies, and value of
underlying collateral and guarantees (including recourse to dealers and
manufacturers). It is management's judgment that the reserve for credit losses
is adequate to provide for potential credit losses.
 
Charge-off of Finance Receivables
Finance receivables are reviewed periodically to determine the probability of
loss. Chargeoffs are taken after considering such factors as the customer's
financial condition and the value of underlying collateral and guarantees
(including recourse to dealers and manufacturers). Such chargeoffs are deducted
from the carrying value of the related finance receivables. To the extent that
an unrecovered balance remains due, a final charge-off is taken at the time
collection efforts are no longer deemed useful. Although certain consumer loans
are reviewed individually for chargeoffs, automatic chargeoffs are recorded on
consumer loans when no contractual payments are received for 120 days, or at 180
days when partial payments have been received.
 
Impaired Loans
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 114,
"Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan", as amended by Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 118, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment
of a Loan--Income Recognition and Disclosures", (collectively referred to
hereafter as "SFAS 114") on January 1, 1995. SFAS 114 requires that the value of
an impaired loan be measured based upon 1) the present value of expected future
cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, 2) at the fair
value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent.
 
Impaired loans include any loan transaction on nonaccrual status or any troubled
debt restructuring entered into after December 31, 1994, subject to periodic
review by the Company's Asset Quality Review Committee ("AQR"). The AQR is
comprised of members of senior management, which covers finance receivables of
$500,000 or more meeting certain credit risk grading parameters. Excluded from
impaired loans are: 1) certain individual small dollar commercial nonaccrual
loans (under $500,000) for which the collateral value supports the outstanding
balance, 2) consumer loans which are subject to automatic charge-off procedures,
and 3) short-term factoring customer receivables, generally having terms of no
more than 30 days. In general, the impaired loans are collateral dependent. Any
shortfall between the value and the recorded investment in the loan is
recognized by recording a provision for credit losses.
 
Other Assets
At the time management decides to proceed with a securitization of loans, such
loans are considered available for sale, classified as other assets and carried
at the lower of aggregate cost or market value. Certain consumer loans are
originated and sold to trusts which, in turn, issue asset-backed securities to
investors. The Company retains the servicing rights and participates in certain
cash flows from the loans. The present value of expected net cash flows which
exceeds the estimated cost of servicing is recorded at the time of sale as
"excess servicing assets." In determining expected net cash flows, the Company
considers assumptions of prepayment and loss experience and market interest
rates. Excess servicing assets are stated at the lower of amortized cost or fair
value, which is determined by adjusting the present value of the remaining cash
flows for anticipated prepayment and loss experience. Amortization is recognized
on excess servicing assets systematically in relation to the excess cash flows
of securitizations.
 
In 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
122, "Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights" ("SFAS 122"). SFAS 122 requires
an enterprise that acquires mortgage servicing rights through either the
purchase or origination of mortgage loans and then sells or securitizes those
loans with servicing rights retained to allocate the total cost
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   103
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
between the mortgage servicing rights and the loans based on their relative fair
values. This Statement applies to the sale or securitization of home mortgage or
manufactured housing finance receivables when servicing is retained. The
Statement also requires that the enterprise assess its capitalized mortgage
servicing rights for impairment based on the fair value of those rights. The
adoption of SFAS 122 did not affect the Company's consolidated financial
position, results of operations or liquidity for the year ended December 31,
1996.
 
The excess of purchase price over fair market value of assets acquired
(goodwill) in connection with business acquisitions is amortized on a straight
line basis over a period not to exceed 20 years.
 
Assets received in satisfaction of loans are carried at the lower of carrying
value or estimated fair value less selling costs, with write-downs at the time
of receipt recognized by recording a provision for credit losses. Subsequent
write-downs of such assets, which may be required due to a decline in estimated
fair market value after receipt, are reflected in general operating expenses.
 
Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.
Depreciation and amortization are computed principally using the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements as part of its overall
interest rate risk management. These transactions are entered into as hedges
against the effects of future interest rate fluctuations and, accordingly, are
not carried at fair market value. The Company does not enter into derivative
financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
 
The net interest differential, including premiums paid or received, if any, on
interest rate swaps is recognized on an accrual basis as an adjustment to
finance income or interest expense to correspond with the hedged asset or
liability position, respectively. In the event that early termination of a
derivative instrument occurs, the net proceeds paid or received are deferred and
amortized over the shorter of the remaining original contract life of the
interest rate swap or the maturity of the hedged asset or liability position.
 
The Company will also utilize derivative instruments to hedge the interest rate
used to price the anticipated securitization of loans. Such transactions are
designated as hedges against a securitization that is probable and for which the
significant characteristics and terms have been identified but for which there
is no legally binding obligation. The loans to be securitized are considered
held for sale and reclassified to other assets. The net interest differential on
the derivative instrument, including premium paid or received, if any, is
recognized as an adjustment to the basis of the corresponding assets at the time
of sale. In the event the anticipated securitization does not occur, the related
hedge position would be liquidated with any gain or loss recognized at such
time, and the related assets would be reclassified to loans.
 
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial
statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their
respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined using
enacted tax rates expected to apply in the year in which those temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
 
The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is
recognized in income at the time of enactment.
 
Federal investment tax credits realized for income tax purposes on lease
financing transactions have been deferred for financial statement purposes and
are included in deferred Federal income taxes on the Consolidated Balance
Sheets. Such credits are amortized as a reduction of the provision for income
taxes using an actuarial method over the related lease term.
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash and interest-bearing deposits, which
generally represent overnight money market investments of excess cash borrowed
in the commercial paper market and maintained for liquidity purposes. Cash
inflows and outflows from commercial paper borrowings and most factoring
receivables are presented on a net basis in the Statements of Cash Flows as
their term is generally less than 90 days.
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   104
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
 
NOTE 3--FINANCE RECEIVABLES
 
Included in lease receivables at December 31, 1996 and 1995 are leveraged lease
receivables of $648.8 million and $576.7 million, respectively. Leveraged lease
receivables exclude the portion of lease receivables offset by related
non-recourse debt payable to third-party lenders of $2.1 billion at both
December 31, 1996 and 1995, including amounts owed to affiliates of DKB which
totaled $486.6 million at year-end 1996, and $501.3 million at year-end 1995.
Also excluded from finance receivables are $1.4 billion of finance receivables
at December 31, 1996 ($0.9 billion in 1995) previously securitized by the
Company.
 
Commercial and consumer loans are presented net of unearned income of $540.4
million and $571.2 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Lease
receivables are presented net of unearned income of $1.0 billion and $978.9
million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The following table sets
forth the contractual maturities of finance receivables.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                                                                AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         1996                     1995
                                                                 --------------------     --------------------
                      Dollars in millions                         AMOUNT       PERCENT     AMOUNT       PERCENT
                                                                 ---------     ------     ---------     ------
<S>                                                              <C>           <C>        <C>           <C>
Due Within One Year                                              $ 5,698.2      33.53%    $ 5,523.6      34.97%
Due Within One to Two Years                                        2,515.6      14.80       2,488.8      15.76
Due Within Two to Four Years                                       3,647.0      21.46       3,288.7      20.82
Due After Four Years                                               5,135.8      30.21       4,494.4      28.45
                                                                 ---------     ------     ---------     ------
          Total                                                  $16,996.6     100.00%    $15,795.5     100.00%
                                                                 =========     ======     =========     ======
</TABLE>
 
Information about concentrations of credit risk is set forth in "Industry
Composition" and "Geographic Composition" in Item 7. Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
The following table sets forth information regarding finance receivables on
nonaccrual status and assets received in satisfaction of loans.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 -----------------
                                                                                  AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                   1996       1995
                                                                                 ------     ------
        <S>                                                                      <C>        <C>
        Dollars in millions
        Nonaccrual finance receivables                                           $119.6     $139.5
        Assets received in satisfaction of loans                                   47.9       42.0
                                                                                 ------     ------
                  Total nonperforming assets                                     $167.5     $181.5
                                                                                 ======     ======
        Percent to finance receivables                                             0.99%      1.15%
</TABLE>
 
The amount of finance income recognized on year-end nonaccrual finance
receivables totaled $8.5 million, $8.0 million and $6.2 million in 1996, 1995
and 1994, respectively. The amount of finance income which would have been
recorded under contractual terms for such nonaccrual receivables totaled $24.7
million, $29.3 million, and $20.7 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the recorded investment in impaired loans, which
are generally collateral dependent, totaled $103.9 million and $159.3 million,
respectively. The fair value of the collateral or the present value of expected
future cash flows equaled or exceeded the recorded investment for the impaired
loans and, as such, there was no related SFAS 114 allowance for credit losses.
The average monthly recorded investment in the impaired loans was $89.4 million
and $116.9 million for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
There was no finance income recorded on these loans during 1996 after being
classified as impaired. During 1995, finance income of $1.0 million was
recognized on these loans
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   105
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
after being classified as impaired loans. The adoption of SFAS 114 on January 1,
1995 had no material effect on the Company's 1995 financial condition, results
of operation or liquidity.
 
At December 31, 1996, and 1995, the Company had $10.8 million and $30.0 million,
respectively, of finance receivables that met the criteria of troubled debt
restructurings, which were not included in the preceding table. Finance income
recognized on troubled debt restructurings totaled $0.7 million, $2.8 million
and $0.8 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Finance income on these
restructured receivables would have been $1.3 million, $3.3 million and $2.1
million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, based on original contractual
terms.
 
NOTE 4--RESERVE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
 
The following table presents changes in the reserve for credit losses.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       ----------------------------
                                                                         1996       1995       1994
                                                                       ------     ------     ------
        <S>                                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
        Dollars in millions
        Balance, January 1                                             $206.0     $192.4     $169.4
                                                                       ------     ------     ------
        Finance receivables charged-off                                (122.2)     (96.9)     (95.4)
        Recoveries on finance receivables previously charged-off         20.7       19.7       11.2
                                                                       ------     ------     ------
        Net credit losses                                              (101.5)     (77.2)     (84.2)
                                                                       ------     ------     ------
        Provision for credit losses                                     111.4       91.9       96.9
        Portfolio acquisitions (dispositions), net                        4.9       (1.1)      10.3
                                                                       ------     ------     ------
        Net addition to the reserve for credit losses                   116.3       90.8      107.2
                                                                       ------     ------     ------
        Balance, December 31                                           $220.8     $206.0     $192.4
                                                                       ======     ======     ======
        Reserve for credit losses as a percentage of finance
          receivables                                                    1.30%      1.30%      1.30%
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 5--OPERATING LEASE EQUIPMENT
 
The following table provides an analysis of operating lease equipment by
equipment type, net of accumulated depreciation of $287.7 million in 1996 and
$198.1 million in 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              ---------------------
                                                                                 AT DECEMBER 31,
        Dollars in millions                                                       1996         1995
                                                                              --------     --------
        <S>                                                                   <C>          <C>
        Commercial aircraft                                                   $  624.0     $  499.4
        Railroad equipment                                                       273.2        153.4
        Business aircraft                                                        167.8        141.2
        Trucks, trailers and buses                                               160.1        163.2
        Other                                                                    177.0        155.8
                                                                              ---------    ---------
                  Total                                                       $1,402.1     $1,113.0
                                                                              =========    =========
</TABLE>
 
Included in the preceding table is equipment not currently subject to lease
agreements of $1.9 million and $24.4 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
 
During the first quarter of 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standard No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of" ("SFAS 121"). SFAS 121 requires
that a review for impairment be performed whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of long-lived assets may not be
recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a
comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected
to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the
impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying
amount of the assets exceed the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed
of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to
sell. The
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   106
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
adoption of SFAS 121 did not have a significant impact on the Company's
consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
 
Rental income on operating leases, included in finance income, totaled $182.4
million in 1996, $128.8 million in 1995 and $97.2 million in 1994. The following
table presents future minimum lease rentals on noncancellable operating leases
as of December 31, 1996. Excluded from this table are variable rentals
calculated on the level of asset usage, re-leasing rentals, and expected sales
proceeds from remarketing operating lease equipment at lease expiration, all of
which are important components of operating lease profitability.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               ----------
                                                                                   AMOUNTS
                                                                               IN MILLIONS
                                                                               -----------
                <S>                                                            <C>
                Years Ended December 31,
                1997                                                             $ 193.7
                1998                                                               162.7
                1999                                                               126.3
                2000                                                                91.9
                2001                                                                70.1
                Thereafter                                                          89.8
                                                                                  ------
                          Total                                                  $ 734.5
                                                                                  ======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 6--DEBT
 
The following table presents data on commercial paper borrowings.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           ----------------------------------
                                                                             1996         1995         1994
                                                                           --------     --------     --------
<S>                                                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
At December 31,
Borrowings outstanding                                                     $5,827.0     $6,105.6     $5,660.2
Weighted average interest rate                                                 5.45%        5.75%        5.65%
Weighted average maturity                                                   32 days      45 days      22 days
 
For the year ended December 31,
Daily average borrowings                                                   $5,817.7     $5,800.1     $6,532.5
Maximum amount outstanding                                                 $6,591.3     $6,672.1     $7,207.3
Weighted average interest rate (excluding amounts related to interest
  bearing deposits)                                                            5.44%        5.95%        4.31%
</TABLE>
 
The following table presents the contractual maturities of total debt at
December 31, 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ------------------------------------------------------
                                                            COMMERCIAL     VARIABLE RATE       1996         1995
                                                              PAPER        SENIOR NOTES       TOTAL        TOTAL
                                                            ----------     -------------     --------     --------
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>               <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
Due in 1996 (rates ranging from 5.55% to 5.95%)              $     --        $      --       $     --     $8,505.6
Due in 1997 (rates ranging from 5.04% to 6.14%)               5,827.0          2,856.0        8,683.0        806.0
Due in 1998 (rates ranging from 5.47% to 6.03%)(1)                 --            461.5          461.5        241.5
Due in 1999 (rates ranging from 5.04% to 6.06%)                    --            380.0          380.0        380.0
Due after 2001 (rate of 5.85%)                                     --             20.0           20.0           --
                                                             --------         --------       --------     --------
          Total                                              $5,827.0        $ 3,717.5       $9,544.5     $9,933.1
                                                             ========         ========       ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   107
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             ---------------------------------------------------
                                                                 FIXED RATE NOTES            1996         1995
                                                              SENIOR      SUBORDINATED      TOTAL        TOTAL
                                                             --------     ------------     --------     --------
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>              <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
Due in 1996 (rates ranging from 4.75% to 8.88%)              $     --        $   --        $     --     $1,030.0
Due in 1997 (rates ranging from 5.50% to 8.75%)                 700.2            --           700.2        702.0
Due in 1998 (rates ranging from 5.63% to 8.75%)               1,550.0            --         1,550.0        800.0
Due in 1999 (rates ranging from 5.38% to 6.63%)               1,070.0            --         1,070.0         20.0
Due in 2000 (rate of 6.15%)                                      20.0            --            20.0         20.0
Due in 2001 (rates ranging from 5.63% to 9.25%)                 500.0         200.0           700.0        200.0
Due after 2001 (rates ranging from 5.37% to 7.13%)(2)           928.6         100.0         1,028.6        870.2
                                                             --------        ------        --------     --------
Face amount of maturities                                     4,768.8         300.0         5,068.8      3,642.2
Issue discount                                                   (7.6)           --            (7.6)        (5.2)
                                                             --------        ------        --------     --------
          Total                                              $4,761.2        $300.0        $5,061.2     $3,637.0
                                                             ========        ======        ========     ========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) $61.5 million may be repaid at the option of the holder upon 30 days'
    notice.
 
(2) $100.0 million may be repaid at the option of the holder upon 30 days'
    notice.
 
Fixed rate senior and subordinated debt outstanding at December 31, 1996,
matures at various dates through 2008 at interest rates ranging from 5.38% to
9.25%. The consolidated weighted average interest rates on fixed rate senior and
subordinated debt at December 31, 1996 and 1995 were 6.52% and 7.00%,
respectively. Variable rate senior notes outstanding at December 31, 1996 with
interest rates ranging from 5.25% to 5.94% mature at various dates through 2003.
The consolidated weighted average interest rates on variable rate senior notes
at December 31, 1996 and 1995 were 5.44% and 5.64%, respectively.
 
The following table represents information on unsecured revolving lines of
credit with 60 banks which support commercial paper borrowings at December 31,
1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      Dollars in millions                                             --------
                      MATURITY                                                         AMOUNT
                      --------------------------------------------------------------  --------
<S>                   <C>                                                             <C>
                      May 1997                                                        $1,212.0
                      September 1997                                                      81.0
                      May 2001                                                         3,638.0
                      September 2001                                                     244.0
                      Total                                                           $5,175.0
</TABLE>
 
The credit line agreements contain clauses which allow the Company to extend the
termination dates upon written consent from the participating banks. There have
been no borrowings under credit lines supporting commercial paper since 1970.
 
NOTE 7--DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
As part of managing the exposure to changes in market interest rates, the
Company, as an end-user, enters into various interest rate swap transactions,
all of which are transacted in over-the-counter (OTC) markets, with other
financial institutions acting as principal counterparties, including
subsidiaries of DKB and Chase. The Company uses off-balance sheet derivatives
for hedging purposes only. The Company does not enter into derivative financial
instruments for trading or speculative purposes. To ensure both appropriate use
as a hedge and hedge accounting treatment, all derivatives entered into are
designated, according to hedge objective, against directly issued commercial
paper, a specifically underwritten debt issue or a specific pool of assets. The
Company's primary hedge objectives include the conversion of variable rate
liabilities to fixed rates, the conversion of fixed rate liabilities to variable
rates, the fixing of spreads on variable rate liabilities to various market
indices and the elimination of interest rate risk on finance receivables
classified as held for sale prior to securitization. The notional amounts,
rates, indices and maturities of the Company's off-balance sheet derivatives are
required to closely match the related terms of the Company's hedged assets and
liabilities.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   108
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
The following table presents the notional principal amounts, weighted average
interest rates expected to be received or paid and the contractual maturities of
interest rate swaps at December 31, 1996.
 
Notional Amounts in Millions
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            FLOATING TO FIXED RATE            FIXED TO FLOATING RATE           FLOATING TO FLOATING RATE
                         -----------------------------     -----------------------------     -----------------------------
     YEARS ENDING        NOTIONAL     RECEIVE     PAY      NOTIONAL     RECEIVE     PAY      NOTIONAL     RECEIVE     PAY
      DECEMBER 31         AMOUNT       RATE       RATE      AMOUNT       RATE       RATE      AMOUNT       RATE       RATE
                         --------     -------     ----     --------     -------     ----     --------     -------     ----
<S>                      <C>          <C>         <C>      <C>          <C>         <C>      <C>          <C>         <C>
1997                     $1,425.0       5.86%     5.99%     $250.2        6.94%     5.97%     $456.0        5.54%     5.56%
1998                        700.0       6.27      6.61          --          --        --          --          --        --
1999                        980.0       5.75      6.15          --          --        --       130.0        5.55      5.76
2000                        700.0       5.93      7.05        20.0        6.15      5.76          --          --        --
2001                        200.0       5.80      7.45       200.0        5.82      5.50          --          --        --
2002-2008                      --         --        --       200.0        5.92      5.58          --          --        --
                         --------       ----      ----      ------        ----      ----      ------        ----      ----
                         $4,005.0                           $670.2                            $586.0
                         ========                           ======                            ======
Weighted average rate                   5.91%     6.40%                   6.28%     5.71%                   5.54%     5.60%
</TABLE>
 
All rates were those in effect at December 31, 1996. Variable rates are based on
the contractually determined rate or other market rate indices and may change
significantly, affecting future cash flows.
 
The following table presents the notional principal amounts of interest rate
swaps by class and the corresponding hedged liability position.
 
Notional Amounts in Millions
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                NOTIONAL
           INTEREST RATE SWAPS                  AMOUNTS                            COMMENTS
- ------------------------------------------  ----------------     --------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>                  <C>
Floating to fixed rate swaps
  Hedging commercial paper                      $3,005.0         Effectively converts the interest rate on an
                                                                 equivalent amount of commercial paper to a
                                                                 fixed rate.
 
  Hedging variable rate notes                    1,000.0         Effectively converts the interest rate on an
                                                                 equivalent amount of variable rate notes
                                                                 with matched terms to a fixed rate.
                                                --------
 
  Total floating to fixed rate swaps             4,005.0
                                                --------
 
Fixed to floating rate swaps
  Hedging fixed rate notes                         670.2         Effectively converts the interest rate on an
                                                                 equivalent amount of fixed rate notes to a
                                                                 variable rate.
 
Basis swaps
  Hedging variable rate debt                       586.0         Effectively fixes the spread between the
                                                                 rates on an equivalent amount of variable
                                                                 rate notes and various market interest rate
                                                                 indices.
                                                --------
 
  Total interest rate swaps                     $5,261.2
                                                ========
</TABLE>
 
The Company's hedging activity increased interest expense by $27.8 million, $7.8
million and $27.3 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, over the
interest expense that would have been incurred with an identical debt structure
but without the Company's hedging activity. However, this calculation of
interest expense does not take into account any actions the Company could have
taken to reduce interest rate risk in the absence of hedging activity, such as
issuing more fixed rate debt, which would also tend to increase interest
expense.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   109
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
Basis swap agreements involve the exchange of two different floating rate
interest payment obligations and are used to manage the basis risk between
floating rate indices.
 
Additionally, there were cross-currency interest rate swaps with a notional
principal amount of $218.6 million on which the Company was paying interest at a
weighted average rate of 5.67% at December 31, 1996 that effectively converted
yen denominated fixed rate debt into variable rate U.S. dollar obligations.
These swaps have maturities ranging from 1999 to 2006 to correspond with the
terms of the debt.
 
The Company is exposed to credit risk to the extent a counterparty fails to
perform under the terms of an interest rate swap. This risk is measured as the
market value of interest rate swaps with a positive fair value at December 31,
1996, reduced by the effects of master netting agreements as presented in
Footnote 16--Fair Values of Financial Instruments. However, due to the
investment grade credit ratings of all counterparties and limits on the exposure
with any individual counterparty, the Company's actual counterparty credit risk
is not considered significant.
 
NOTE 8--STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Under the most restrictive provisions of agreements relating to outstanding
debt, the Company may not, without the consent of the holders of such debt,
permit stockholders' equity to be less than $300.0 million.
 
NOTE 9--FEES AND OTHER INCOME
 
The following table sets forth the components of fees and other income.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       ----------------------------
                                                                         YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                             Dollars in millions                        1996       1995       1994
                                                                       ------     ------     ------
        <S>                                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
        Commissions, fees and other                                    $165.2     $147.9     $148.3
        Gains on equipment and other investment sales                    54.6       10.5       10.1
        Gains on sales and securitizations of finance receivables        24.3       26.3       16.0
                                                                       ------     ------     ------
                                                                       $244.1     $184.7     $174.4
                                                                       ======     ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 10--SALARIES AND GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES
 
The following table sets forth the components of salaries and general operating
expenses.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       ----------------------------
                                                                         YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                             Dollars in millions                        1996       1995       1994
                                                                       ------     ------     ------
        <S>                                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
        Salaries and employee benefits                                 $223.0     $193.4     $185.8
        General operating expenses                                      170.1      152.3      152.1
                                                                       ------     ------     ------
                                                                       $393.1     $345.7     $337.9
                                                                       ======     ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 11--INCOME TAXES
 
The effective tax rate of the Company varied from the statutory Federal
corporate income tax rate as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          ------------------------
                                                                          YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                          Percentage of Pretax Income                     1996      1995      1994
                                                                          ----      ----      ----
        <S>                                                               <C>       <C>       <C>
        Federal income tax rate                                           35.0%     35.0%     35.0%
        Increase (decrease) due to:
          State and local income taxes, net of Federal income tax
             benefit                                                      4.5       5.1       5.3
          Investment tax credits                                          (0.3)     (0.3)     (0.3)
          Other                                                           (1.8)     (1.5)     (1.9)
                                                                          -----     -----     -----
                                                                            -         -         -
          Effective Tax Rate                                              37.4%     38.3%     38.1%
                                                                          ======    ======    ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   110
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       ----------------------------
                                                                         YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                             Dollars in millions                        1996       1995       1994
                                                                       ------     ------     ------
        <S>                                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
        Current Federal income tax provision                           $ 72.9     $ 68.5     $ 69.5
        Deferred Federal income tax provision                            54.1       42.5       27.7
                                                                       ------     ------     ------
        Total Federal income taxes                                      127.0      111.0       97.2
        State and local income taxes                                     28.7       28.8       26.7
                                                                       ------     ------     ------
        Total provision for income taxes                               $155.7     $139.8     $123.9
                                                                       ======     ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions
of the deferred Federal income tax assets and liabilities are presented below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                -------------------
                                                                                    YEARS ENDED
                                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                 1996        1995
                                                                                -------     -------
        <S>                                                                     <C>         <C>
        Dollars in millions
        Assets
          Provision for credit losses                                           $ (83.8)    $ (73.8)
          Loan origination fees                                                   (10.5)       (9.1)
          Other                                                                   (37.8)      (20.2)
                                                                                 ------      ------
                  Total deferred tax assets                                      (132.1)     (103.1)
                                                                                 ------      ------
        Liabilities
          Leasing transactions                                                    610.0       549.5
          Market discount income                                                   23.8          --
          Amortization of intangibles                                               9.2        11.2
          Prepaid pension costs                                                     2.0         2.3
          Depreciation of fixed assets                                              2.7         0.3
          Other                                                                     2.7         2.7
                                                                                 ------      ------
                  Total deferred tax liabilities                                  650.4       566.0
                                                                                 ------      ------
        Net deferred tax liability                                              $ 518.3     $ 462.9
                                                                                 ======      ======
</TABLE>
 
Also, included in deferred Federal income taxes on the Consolidated Balance
Sheets are unamortized investment tax credits of $5.0 million and $6.3 million
at December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, respectively. Included in the
accrued liabilities and payables caption in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are
state and local deferred tax liabilities of $97.4 million and $86.4 million at
December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, respectively, arising from the
temporary differences shown in the above tables.
 
NOTE 12--POSTRETIREMENT AND OTHER BENEFIT PLANS
 
Retirement Plan
Substantially all employees of the Company who have completed one year of
service and are 21 years of age participate in The CIT Group Holdings, Inc.
Retirement Plan (the "Plan"). The retirement benefits under the Plan are based
on the employee's age, years of benefit service, and a percentage of qualifying
compensation during the final years of employment. Plan assets consist of
marketable securities, including common stock and government and corporate debt
securities. The Company funds the plan to the extent the funding qualifies for
an income tax deduction. Such funding is charged to salaries and employee
benefits expense.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   111
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
The accompanying table sets forth the funded status of the Plan and the amounts
recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             ------------------------------
                                                                               AT OR FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                                                                      DECEMBER 31,
                          Dollars in millions                                 1996        1995        1994
                                                                             ------      ------      ------
<S>                                                                          <C>         <C>         <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
  Accumulated benefit obligation including vested benefits of $54.8 in
     1996, $54.0 in 1995, and $36.2 in 1994                                  $ 61.6      $ 58.1      $ 39.7
                                                                             ======      ======      ======
Plan assets at fair market value                                             $109.9      $101.2      $ 81.5
Projected benefit obligation                                                  (84.0)      (79.9)      (55.8)
                                                                             ------      ------      ------
Excess plan assets                                                             25.9        21.3        25.7
Unrecognized prior service cost                                                 1.8         1.9         2.1
Unrecognized net gain                                                          15.9        10.5        13.8
                                                                             ------      ------      ------
Prepaid pension cost                                                         $  8.2      $  8.9      $  9.8
                                                                             ======      ======      ======
Pension cost included the following components:
Service cost-benefits earned during the period                               $  5.3      $  3.8      $  4.0
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation                                   5.7         4.9         4.5
Actual (return)/loss on plan assets                                           (11.5)      (21.9)        2.7
Net amortization and deferral                                                   1.2        14.1       (11.0)
                                                                             ------      ------      ------
Pension cost                                                                 $  0.7      $  0.9      $  0.2
                                                                             ======      ======      ======
</TABLE>
 
The following assumptions were used for calculating the projected benefit
obligations shown in the preceding table.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         --------------------------
                                                                         1996      1995       1994
                                                                         -----     -----     ------
        <S>                                                              <C>       <C>       <C>
        Discount rate                                                     7.50%     7.25%      8.75%
        Rate of increase in compensation                                  4.50%     4.50%      5.00%
        Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets                 10.00%    10.00%      9.00%
</TABLE>
 
Postretirement Medical and Life Insurance Benefits
 
The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits to eligible
retired employees. Salaried participants generally become eligible for retiree
health care benefits after reaching age 55 with 10 years of benefit service and
11 years of medical plan participation. Generally, the medical plans pay a
stated percentage of most medical expenses reduced by a deductible as well as by
payments made by government programs and other group coverage. The plans are
unfunded.
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   112
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
The postretirement benefit liability at December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995
is set forth in the following table.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   ---------------
                                                                                   AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                   1996      1995
                                                                                   -----     -----
        <S>                                                                        <C>       <C>
        Dollars in millions
        Accumulated post retirement benefit obligation ("APBO"):
          Retirees                                                                 $22.5     $21.8
          Fully eligible, active plan participants                                   4.1       4.8
          Other active plan participants                                             8.3      13.8
                                                                                   -----     -----
        Unfunded postretirement obligation                                          34.9      40.4
        Unrecognized prior service cost                                               --      (0.5)
        Unrecognized net gain                                                       (7.7)     (0.8)
        Unrecognized transition obligation                                          26.2      28.3
                                                                                   -----     -----
        Accrued postretirement benefit obligation                                  $16.4     $13.4
                                                                                   =====     =====
</TABLE>
 
The components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost were as follows.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            ------------------------
                                                                            YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                            1996      1995      1994
                                                                            -----     -----     ----
        <S>                                                                 <C>       <C>       <C>
        Dollars in millions
        Service cost, benefits earned during the period                     $ 1.1     $ 1.1     $1.2
        Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation        2.4       3.2     2.8
        Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation                    1.7       1.7     1.7
        Amortization of gain                                                 (0.6)       --      --
        Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost                        --      (0.1)     --
                                                                            -----     -----     ----
        Net periodic postretirement benefit cost                            $ 4.6     $ 5.9     $5.7
                                                                            =====     =====     ====
</TABLE>
 
The following assumptions were used for calculating the APBO shown in the
preceding tables.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           ------------------------
                                                                           1996     1995      1994
                                                                           ----     -----     -----
        <S>                                                                <C>      <C>       <C>
        Discount Rate                                                      7.50%     7.25%     8.75%
        Rate of increase in compensation                                   4.50%     4.50%     5.00%
        Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate:
          Retirees prior to reaching age 65                                9.00%    10.00%    11.00%
          Retirees older than 65                                           6.00%     7.00%     8.00%
</TABLE>
 
The assumed health care cost trend rates decline to an ultimate level of 4.75%
in 2001 for retirees prior to reaching age 65 and 4.75% in 1998 for retirees
older than 65 for 1996, 4.75% in 2003 for retirees prior to reaching age 65 and
4.75% in 2000 for retirees older than 65 for 1995 and 6.25% in 2001 for all
retirees for 1994.
 
If the health care cost trend rate were increased by 1%, the APBO relating to
the medical benefits as of December 31, 1996, would be increased by $2.4 million
(9.5%), and the sum of the service cost and interest cost components of net
periodic postretirement benefit cost relating to the medical benefits for 1996
would be increased by $0.3 million (12.4%).
 
Savings Incentive Plan
Certain employees of the Company participate in The CIT Group Holdings, Inc.
Savings Incentive Plan. This plan qualifies under section 401(k) of the Internal
Revenue Code. The Company's expense is based on specific percentages of employee
contributions and plan administrative costs and aggregated $9.1 million, $8.2
million and $8.0 million for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   113
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 13--LEASE COMMITMENTS
 
The Company has entered into noncancellable long-term lease agreements for
premises and equipment. The following table presents future minimum rentals
under such noncancellable leases that have initial or remaining terms in excess
of one year at December 31, 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  DOLLARS
                                       AT DECEMBER 31,                          IN MILLIONS
                --------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
                <S>                                                             <C>
                1997                                                                  $ 23.8
                1998                                                                    22.3
                1999                                                                    18.9
                2000                                                                    15.6
                2001                                                                    14.5
                Thereafter                                                              60.5
                                                                                      ------
                          Total                                                       $155.6
                                                                                      ======
</TABLE>
 
In addition to fixed lease rentals, leases require payment of maintenance
expenses and real estate taxes, both of which are subject to escalation
provisions. Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals
of $19.6 million due in the future under noncancellable subleases.
 
Rental expense, net of sublease income on premises and equipment, was as
follows.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          -------------------------
                                                                          YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                          1996      1995      1994
                                                                          -----     -----     -----
        <S>                                                               <C>       <C>       <C>
        Dollars in millions
        Premises                                                          $18.0     $18.0     $18.3
        Equipment                                                           6.3       5.7       5.2
        Less sublease income                                               (1.2)     (1.3)     (1.3)
                                                                          -----     -----     -----
                  Total                                                   $23.1     $22.4     $22.2
                                                                          =====     =====     =====
</TABLE>
 
Rental expense paid to Chase totaled $0.5 million, $0.6 million and $1.6 million
in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
NOTE 14--LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
In the ordinary course of business, there are various legal proceedings pending
against the Company. Management believes that the aggregate liabilities, if any,
arising from such actions will not have a material adverse effect on the
consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the
Company.
 
NOTE 15--CREDIT-RELATED COMMITMENTS
 
In the normal course of meeting the financing needs of its customers, the
Company enters into various credit-related commitments. These financial
instruments generate fees and involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit
risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. To
minimize potential credit risk, the Company generally requires collateral and
other credit-related terms and conditions from the customer. At the time
credit-related commitments are granted, management believes the fair value of
the underlying collateral and guarantees approximates or exceeds the contractual
amount of the commitment. In the event a customer defaults on the underlying
transaction, the maximum potential loss to the Company represents the
contractual amount outstanding less the value of all underlying collateral and
guarantees.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   114
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
The accompanying table summarizes the contractual amounts of credit-related
commitments.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                ---------------------------------------------
                                                                  DUE TO EXPIRE
                                                               -------------------       TOTAL OUTSTANDING
                                                                WITHIN     AFTER     -------------------------
                                                               ONE YEAR   ONE YEAR      1996          1995
                                                               --------   --------   -----------   -----------
    <S>                                                        <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>
    Dollars in millions
    AT DECEMBER 31,
    Unused commitments to extend credit
      Loans                                                    $1,457.2   $   30.2    $ 1,487.4     $ 1,244.1
      Leases                                                       50.9         --         50.9          61.6
    Letters of credit and acceptances
      Standby letters of credit                                   144.8        6.8        151.6         176.9
      Other letters of credit                                     221.2       10.5        231.7         197.2
      Acceptances                                                  14.6         --         14.6           3.9
    Guarantees                                                     51.9       28.0         79.9         101.2
    Foreign exchange contracts                                      0.8         --          0.8           0.1
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 16--FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosures About Fair
Value of Financial Instruments" ("SFAS 107") requires disclosure of the
estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments, excluding leasing
transactions accounted for under SFAS 13. The fair value estimates are made at a
discrete point in time based on relevant market information and information
about the financial instrument. Since no established trading market exists for a
significant portion of the Company's financial instruments, fair value estimates
are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current
economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and
other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature, involving uncertainties
and matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with
precision. Changes in assumptions or estimation methods may significantly affect
the estimated fair values. Because of these limitations, management provides no
assurance that the estimated fair values presented would necessarily be realized
upon disposition or sale.
 
Actual fair values in the marketplace are affected by other significant factors,
such as supply and demand, investment trends and the motivations of buyers and
sellers, which are not considered in the methodology used to determine the
estimated fair values presented. In addition, fair value estimates are based on
existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to
estimate the value of future business transactions and the value of assets and
liabilities that are part of the Company's overall value but are not considered
financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not
considered financial instruments include customer base, operating lease
equipment, premises and equipment, assets received in satisfaction of loans, and
deferred tax balances. In addition, tax effects relating to the unrealized gains
and losses (differences in estimated fair values and carrying values) have not
been considered in these estimates and can have a significant effect on fair
value estimates. The carrying amounts for cash and cash equivalents approximate
fair value because they have short maturities and do not present significant
credit risks. Credit-related commitments, as disclosed in Note 15, are primarily
short-term floating rate contracts whose terms and conditions are individually
negotiated, taking into account the creditworthiness of the customer and the
nature, accessibility and quality of the collateral and guarantees. Therefore,
the fair value of credit-related commitments, if exercised, would approximate
their contractual amounts.
 
Estimated fair values, recorded carrying values and various assumptions used in
valuing the Company's financial instruments at December 31, 1996 and 1995 are
set forth below.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   115
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             -------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                       1996                           1995
                                                            --------------------------     --------------------------
                                                             CARRYING       ESTIMATED       CARRYING       ESTIMATED
                                                               VALUE        FAIR VALUE        VALUE        FAIR VALUE
                                                            -----------     ----------     -----------     ----------
                                                               ASSET          ASSET           ASSET          ASSET
                                                            (LIABILITY)     (LIABILITY)    (LIABILITY)     (LIABILITY)
                                                            -----------     ----------     -----------     ----------
<S>                                                         <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>
Dollars in millions
Finance Receivables--Loans(a)                                $ 13,275.2     $ 13,480.1      $ 12,563.4     $ 12,844.1
Other Assets(b)                                                   389.7          424.4           305.5          333.2
Commercial Paper(c)                                            (5,827.0)      (5,827.0)       (6,105.6)      (6,105.6)
Fixed rate senior notes and subordinated fixed rate
  notes(d)                                                     (5,061.2)      (5,091.6)       (3,637.0)      (3,762.2)
Variable rate notes(d)                                         (3,717.5)      (3,714.3)       (3,827.5)      (3,827.5)
Credit balances of factoring clients and accrued
  liabilities and payables(e)                                  (1,578.9)      (1,578.9)       (1,344.8)      (1,344.8)
Derivative Financial Instruments(f)
Interest Rate Swaps
Off-balance sheet assets                                             --            6.3              --            2.8
Off-balance sheet liabilities                                        --          (64.6)             --         (107.8)
Cross currency interest rate swaps                                   --           14.1              --           36.8
Forward interest rate agreement                                      --             --              --           (0.5)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a) The fair value of performing fixed-rate loans was estimated based upon a
present value discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates that were
being offered at the end of the year for loans with similar terms to borrowers
of similar credit quality. Discount rates used in the present value calculation
range from 7.96% to 9.37% for 1996 and 8.46% to 9.99% for 1995. The maturities
used represent the average contractual maturities adjusted for prepayments. For
floating rate loans that reprice frequently and have no significant change in
credit quality, fair values approximate carrying value. The net carrying value
of lease finance receivables not subject to fair value disclosure totaled $3.5
billion in 1996 and $3.0 billion in 1995.
 
(b) Other assets subject to fair value disclosure include accrued interest
receivable, excess servicing assets and investment securities. The carrying
amount of accrued interest receivable approximates fair value. The fair value of
excess servicing assets was determined by adjusting the present value of
remaining cash flows for anticipated prepayment and loss experience. Investment
securities actively traded in a secondary market were valued using quoted
available market prices. Investments not actively traded in a secondary market
were valued based upon recent selling price or present value discounted cash
flow analysis. The carrying value of other assets not subject to fair value
disclosure totaled $261.8 million in 1996 and $250.8 million in 1995.
 
(c) The estimated fair value of commercial paper approximates carrying value due
to its relatively short maturity.
 
(d) Fixed rate notes were valued using a present value discounted cash flow
analysis with a discount rate approximating current market rates for issuances
by the Company of similar term debt at the end of the year. Discount rates used
in the present value calculation ranged from 5.53% to 6.95% in 1996 and 5.30% to
6.25% in 1995. The estimated fair value for variable rate notes differs from
carrying value as a result of a foreign denominated issuance.
 
(e) The estimated fair value of credit balances of factoring clients
approximates carrying value due to their short settlement terms. Accrued
liabilities and payables with no stated maturities have an estimated fair value
which approximates carrying value. The carrying value of other liabilities not
subject to fair value disclosure totaled $672.5 million in 1996 and $591.2
million in 1995.
 
(f) As previously disclosed in Note 7--Derivative Financial Instruments, the
notional principal amount of interest rate swaps designated as hedges against
the Company's debt totaled $5.26 billion at December 31, 1996 ($1.80 billion of
which related to interest rate swaps whose fair market value represented an
asset and $3.46 billion related to interest rate swaps whose fair market value
represented a liability, after adjusting for master netting agreements) and
$5.27 billion at December 31, 1995 ($0.7 billion of assets and $4.6 billion of
liabilities). The notional principal amount of cross currency interest rate
swaps
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   116
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
totaled $218.6 million at December 31, 1996 and $190.2 million at December 31,
1995. The estimated fair values of derivative financial instruments are obtained
from dealer quotes and represent the net amount receivable or payable to
terminate the agreement, taking into account current market interest rates and
counterparty credit risk.
 
NOTE 17--INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES
At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the book value of the Company's investments in
debt and equity securities subject to the provision of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and
Equity Securities" totaled $24.4 million and $22.3 million, respectively, all of
which was designated as available for sale. Unrealized gains and losses,
representing the difference between amortized cost and current fair market value
were immaterial.
 
NOTE 18--ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
The Company's Long Term Incentive Plan (the "CIT Career Incentive Plan") awards
phantom shares of stock to selected executives. The performance period for each
plan is three consecutive calendar years and performance goals are a function of
net income growth targets and return on equity performance. The value of the
shares is determined at the end of each performance period based upon a
price/earnings multiplier determined by the Executive Committee of the Board of
Directors of the Company. Following the end of a performance period, one-third
of the shares vest immediately and one-third vest at the end of each of the next
two years. All vested shares are settled in cash. Prior to January 1, 1996, the
Company accounted for the CIT Career Incentive Plan in accordance with the
provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees" and related interpretations. On January 1, 1996, the
Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123") which did not change the accounting
for plans settled in cash and, therefore, had no impact on the Company.
Compensation cost is recognized over the periods in which the participants'
services are rendered and a liability has been established for the estimated
payments to participants. The amount of compensation cost recorded for the CIT
Career Incentive Plan during 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $9.5 million, $3.8 million
and $4.0 million, respectively.
 
NOTE 19--ACQUISITION OF BARCLAYS COMMERCIAL CORPORATION
 
On February 28, 1994, the Company acquired, for cash, Barclays Commercial
Corporation ("BCC"), a company of the Barclays Group. BCC had total assets of
approximately $700.0 million at December 31, 1993 and total factoring volume of
approximately $5.0 billion for the year then ended.
 
NOTE 20--CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
The Company has in the past and may in the future enter into certain
transactions with affiliates of the Company. It is anticipated that such
transactions will be entered into at a fair market value for the transaction.
 
The Company's interest-bearing deposits generally represent overnight money
market investments of excess cash that are maintained for liquidity purposes. At
December 31, 1995, the Company had $135.0 million of interest-bearing deposits
with DKB. At December 31, 1996, the Company had no such deposits. From time to
time, the Company may maintain such deposits with DKB or Chase.
 
At December 31, 1996, the Company's credit line coverage with 60 banks totaled
$5.18 billion of committed facilities. Additional information regarding these
credit lines can be found in Note 6--Debt. At December 31, 1996, DKB was a
committed bank under a $3.6 billion revolving credit facility, a $244.0 million
revolving credit facility, a $1.2 billion revolving credit facility, and an
$81.0 million revolving credit facility, with commitments of $108.8 million,
$93.8 million, $36.3 million and $31.3 million, respectively. DKB is the agent
under the $244.0 million facility and the $81.0 million facility. Chase is both
the agent and a committed bank under the $3.6 billion revolving credit facility
and the $1.2 billion revolving credit facility with commitments of $187.5
million and $62.5 million, respectively.
 
At December 31, 1995, the Company's credit line coverage with 69 banks totaled
$4.64 billion of committed facilities. At December 31, 1995, DKB was a committed
bank under a $1.25 billion revolving credit facility, a $770.0 million revolving
credit facility, and a $325.0 million revolving credit facility, with
commitments of $55.0 million, $80.0 million and $105.0
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   117
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
million, respectively. DKB was a co-agent under the $1.25 billion and $770.0
million revolving credit facilities and the Agent under the $325.0 million
facility.
 
The Company has entered into interest rate swap and cross currency interest rate
swap agreements with financial institutions acting as principal counterparties,
including affiliates of DKB and Chase. At December 31, 1996, the notional
principal amount outstanding on interest rate swap agreements with DKB and Chase
totaled $270.0 million and $705.0 million, respectively. At December 31, 1995,
the notional principal amount outstanding on interest rate swap agreements with
DKB and Chase totaled $270.0 million and $300.0 million, respectively. The
notional principal amount outstanding on foreign currency swaps totaled $168.0
million and $140.2 million with DKB at year-end 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
The Company has entered into leveraged leasing arrangements with third party
loan participants, including affiliates of DKB. Amounts owed to affiliates of
DKB are discussed in Note 3--Finance Receivables.
 
The Company held a $9.0 million letter of credit from Chase as additional
collateral on a business aircraft loaned to a third party with an outstanding
balance of $22.2 million and $23.1 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. Chase is also indebted to the Company in the amount of $7.3
million and $7.7 million, at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, for
financing relating to the purchase of a business aircraft by Chase.
 
The Company has also entered into various noncancellable long-term facility
lease agreements with Chase. Future minimum rentals under these leases are $0.5
million in 1997, $0.5 million in 1998, $0.4 million in 1999, $0.1 million in
2000.
 
At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company had entered into credit-related
commitments with DKB in the form of letters of credit totaling $19.8 million and
$21.7 million, respectively, equal to the amount of the single lump sum premium
necessary to provide group life insurance coverage to certain eligible retired
employees and an amount to fund certain overseas finance receivables.
 
The Company purchased finance receivables totaling $33.4 million from Chase
during 1996.
 
The Company has entered into cash collateral loan agreements with DKB pursuant
to which DKB made loans to four separate cash collateral trusts in order to
provide additional security for payments on the certificates of the related
contract trusts. These contract trusts were formed for the purpose of
securitizing certain recreational vehicle and recreational marine finance
receivables. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the principal amount outstanding on
the cash collateral loans was $40.7 million and $12.3 million, respectively. The
Company has entered into multiple trust agreements with Chase with respect to
certain securitization transactions.
 
NOTE 21--SUBSEQUENT EVENT--PREFERRED CAPITAL SECURITIES
 
In February 1997, CIT Capital Trust I, (the "Trust"), a wholly-owned subsidiary
of the Company, issued $250.0 million of 7.70% Preferred Capital Securities (the
"Capital Securities") in a private offering. The Trust subsequently invested the
offering proceeds in Junior Subordinated Debentures (the "Debentures") of the
Company, having identical rates and payment dates. The Debentures of the Company
represent the sole assets of the Trust. Holders of the Capital Securities are
entitled to receive cumulative distributions at an annual rate of 7.70% through
either the redemption date or maturity of the Debentures (February 15, 2027).
Both the Capital Securities issued and the Trust owned Debentures of the Company
are redeemable in whole or in part on or after February 15, 2007 or at anytime
in whole upon changes in specific tax legislation, bank regulatory guidelines or
securities law. Distributions by the Trust are guaranteed by the Company to the
extent that the Trust has funds available for distribution.
 
For financial reporting purposes, the Capital Securities will be presented in
the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as a separate line item directly
above stockholders' equity and captioned "Redeemable preferred capital
securities of subsidiary holding solely parent company debentures." For
financial reporting purposes, the Company will record distributions payable on
the Capital Securities as an expense in the consolidated statements of income.
 
NOTE 22--SUBSEQUENT EVENT--INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING
 
On September 26, 1997, the Company filed a Registration Statement in connection
with the proposed initial public offering of the Company's common stock.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   118
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 23--BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
The Company's primary business activities are comprised of commercial and
consumer operations. The Company's diversified commercial segment is engaged in
equipment financing and leasing, factoring and commercial finance. The Company's
consumer segment offers home equity lending, secured retail sales financing of
manufactured housing, recreation vehicles and recreational boats, as well as
consumer loan servicing.
 
Segment total revenue is defined as finance income plus fees and other income.
Segment operating income (loss) is defined as total revenue less direct segment
interest and operating expenses. Other includes general corporate expenses, and
revenues and expenses related to other operations of the Company. The following
table sets forth information on the Company's commercial and consumer business
segments (in millions).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        -------------------------------------
                                                                                   AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                          1996          1995          1994
                                                                        ---------     ---------     ---------
<S>                                                                     <C>           <C>           <C>
Dollars in millions
TOTAL ASSETS
Commercial                                                              $15,143.2     $14,590.5     $13,670.7
Consumer                                                                  3,563.4       2,587.7       2,122.2
Other                                                                       225.9         242.1         166.8
                                                                        ---------     ---------     ---------
     Total                                                              $18,932.5     $17,420.3     $15,959.7
                                                                         ========      ========      ========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           ----------------------------------
                                                                                YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                             1996         1995         1994
                                                                           --------     --------     --------
<S>                                                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
TOTAL REVENUES
Commercial                                                                 $1,542.6     $1,443.0     $1,242.7
Consumer                                                                      325.6        264.4        177.2
Other                                                                          22.1          6.5         18.3
                                                                           --------     --------     --------
     Total                                                                 $1,890.3     $1,713.9     $1,438.2
                                                                            =======      =======      =======
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
Commercial                                                                 $  390.2     $  341.5     $  336.9
Consumer                                                                       67.4         63.9         24.3
Other                                                                         (41.8)       (40.3)       (36.2)
                                                                           --------     --------     --------
     Total                                                                 $  415.8     $  365.1     $  325.0
                                                                            =======      =======      =======
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 24--SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     1996
                                                              FIRST      SECOND       THIRD      FOURTH
                                                             QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER    YEAR
                                                             -------     -------     -------     -------   ------
<S>                                                          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>
Dollars in millions
Net finance income                                           $195.4      $197.3      $201.4      $203.8    $797.9
Fees and other income                                          52.7        73.2        50.9        67.3     244.1
Salaries and general operating expenses                        95.9        97.6        97.9       101.7     393.1
Provision for credit losses                                    27.8        26.6        24.2        32.8     111.4
Depreciation on operating lease equipment                      27.5        28.8        28.0        37.4     121.7
Provision for income taxes                                     37.1        45.1        37.1        36.4     155.7
Net income                                                   $ 59.8      $ 72.4      $ 65.1      $ 62.8    $260.1
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   119
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     1995
                                                              FIRST      SECOND       THIRD      FOURTH
                                                             QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER    YEAR
                                                             -------     -------     -------     -------   ------
<S>                                                          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>
Dollars in millions
Net finance income                                           $164.5      $171.5      $178.8      $182.9    $697.7
Fees and other income                                          43.4        41.9        47.8        51.6     184.7
Salaries and general operating expenses                        84.8        82.3        85.9        92.7     345.7
Provision for credit losses                                    21.0        22.2        24.0        24.7      91.9
Depreciation on operating lease equipment                      17.6        17.2        21.4        23.5      79.7
Provision for income taxes                                     31.7        35.2        36.8        36.1     139.8
Net income                                                   $ 52.8      $ 56.5      $ 58.5      $ 57.5    $225.3
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   120
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           -----------------------------------
                                                                            AT SEPTEMBER
                                                                                 30,           AT DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                1997                1996
                                                                           ---------------     ---------------
                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                        <C>                 <C>
Dollars in millions
ASSETS
Financing and leasing assets
Loans
  Commercial                                                                  $10,540.3           $10,195.6
  Consumer                                                                      3,344.9             3,239.0
Lease receivables                                                               4,063.1             3,562.0
                                                                              ---------           ---------
  Finance receivables                                                          17,948.3            16,996.6
Reserve for credit losses                                                        (233.3)             (220.8)
                                                                              ---------           ---------
  Net finance receivables                                                      17,715.0            16,775.8
Operating lease equipment, net                                                  1,675.7             1,402.1
Consumer finance receivables held for sale                                        654.3               116.3
Cash and cash equivalents                                                         202.9               103.1
Other assets                                                                      606.4               535.2
                                                                              ---------           ---------
          Total assets                                                        $20,854.3           $18,932.5
                                                                              =========           =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Debt
Commercial paper                                                              $ 6,168.7           $ 5,827.0
Variable rate senior notes                                                      3,461.5             3,717.5
Fixed rate senior notes                                                         5,659.6             4,761.2
Subordinated fixed rate notes                                                     300.0               300.0
                                                                              ---------           ---------
     Total debt                                                                15,589.8            14,605.7
Credit balances of factoring clients                                            1,535.3             1,134.1
Accrued liabilities and payables                                                  686.3               594.0
Deferred Federal income taxes                                                     550.2               523.3
                                                                              ---------           ---------
     Total liabilities                                                         18,361.6            16,857.1
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of
  subsidiary trust holding solely debentures of the company                       250.0                  --
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock--authorized, issued and outstanding--1,000 shares                    250.0               250.0
Paid-in capital                                                                   573.3               573.3
Retained earnings                                                               1,419.4             1,252.1
                                                                              ---------           ---------
     Total stockholders' equity                                                 2,242.7             2,075.4
                                                                              ---------           ---------
          Total liabilities and stockholders' equity                          $20,854.3           $18,932.5
                                                                              =========           =========
</TABLE>
    
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. It is suggested
these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements and notes included herein as of December
31, 1996 and 1995 and for the each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1996.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>   121
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                         CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 ---------------------------------------------
                                                                 THREE MONTHS ENDED        NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                    SEPTEMBER 30,            SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                  1997        1996         1997         1996
                                                                 -------     -------     --------     --------
<S>                                                              <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
Dollars in millions
Finance income                                                   $ 463.0     $ 415.8     $1,352.0     $1,222.3
Interest expense                                                   237.0       214.4        693.7        628.2
                                                                  ------      ------       ------       ------
     Net finance income                                            226.0       201.4        658.3        594.1
Fees and other income                                               78.9        50.9        186.0        176.8
Gain on sale of equity interest acquired in loan workout              --          --         58.0           --
                                                                  ------      ------       ------       ------
     Operating revenue                                             304.9       252.3        902.3        770.9
                                                                  ------      ------       ------       ------
Salaries and general operating expenses                            103.6        97.9        314.1        291.4
Provision for credit losses                                         35.8        24.2         91.8         78.6
Depreciation on operating lease equipment                           42.3        28.0        108.3         84.3
Minority interest in subsidiary trust holding solely debentures
  of the company                                                     4.8          --         11.5           --
                                                                  ------      ------       ------       ------
     Operating expenses                                            186.5       150.1        525.7        454.3
                                                                  ------      ------       ------       ------
     Income before provision for income taxes                      118.4       102.2        376.6        316.6
Provision for income taxes                                          43.1        37.1        137.5        119.3
                                                                  ------      ------       ------       ------
     Net income                                                  $  75.3     $  65.1     $  239.1     $  197.3
                                                                  ======      ======       ======       ======
</TABLE>
    
 
   
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. It is suggested
these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements and notes included herein as of December
31, 1996 and 1995 and for the each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1996.
    
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>   122
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  -----------------------
                                                                                     NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                       SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                    1997             1996
                                                                                  --------       --------
<S>                                                                               <C>            <C>
Dollars in millions
Balance, January 1                                                                $2,075.4       $1,914.2
Net income                                                                           239.1          197.3
Dividends paid(1)                                                                    (71.8)         (80.1)
                                                                                  --------       --------
Balance, September 30                                                             $2,242.7       $2,031.4
                                                                                  ========       ========
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
(1) Commencing with the 1996 second quarter dividend, the dividend policy of the
Company was changed to require the payment of dividends by the Company of 30% of
net operating earnings on a quarterly basis. Previously, the Company's dividend
policy required the payment of dividends by the Company of 50% of net operating
earnings on a quarterly basis.
 
   
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. It is suggested
these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements and notes included herein as of December
31, 1996 and 1995 and for the each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1996.
    
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>   123
 
                      THE CIT GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   -------------------------
                                                                                       NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                         SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                                      1997           1996
                                                                                   ----------     ----------
<S>                                                                                <C>            <C>
Dollars in millions
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS
Net income                                                                         $    239.1     $    197.3
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operations
  Provision for credit losses                                                            91.8           78.6
  Depreciation and amortization                                                         124.3           97.8
  Provision for deferred Federal income taxes                                            26.9           37.6
  Gains on asset and receivable sales                                                  (121.3)         (55.3)
  Increase in accrued liabilities and payables                                           92.3           34.1
  Increase in other assets                                                              (31.2)         (44.8)
  Other                                                                                  (2.4)         (17.6)
                                                                                   ----------     ----------
          Net cash flows provided by operations                                         419.5          327.7
                                                                                   ----------     ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Loans extended                                                                      (24,584.1)     (23,405.5)
Collections on loans                                                                 23,068.1       22,239.8
Purchases of assets to be leased                                                       (515.3)        (288.7)
Net increase in short-term factoring receivables                                       (371.7)        (127.1)
Proceeds from asset and receivable sales                                              1,092.9          691.3
Proceeds from sales of assets received in satisfaction of loans                          31.3           56.0
Purchases of finance receivables portfolios                                             (79.2)        (164.5)
Purchases of investment securities                                                      (20.1)         (18.1)
Other                                                                                   (17.2)         (21.4)
                                                                                   ----------     ----------
          Net cash flows used for investing activities                               (1,395.3)      (1,038.2)
                                                                                   ----------     ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from the issuance of variable and fixed rate notes                           3,298.5        3,026.4
Repayments of variable and fixed rate notes                                          (2,656.1)      (2,011.4)
Proceeds from the issuance of company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred
  securities of subsidiary trust holding solely debentures of the company               250.0             --
Net increase (decrease) in commercial paper                                             341.7         (192.4)
Proceeds from nonrecourse leveraged lease debt                                           39.1           36.4
Repayments of nonrecourse leveraged lease debt                                         (125.8)        (112.9)
Cash dividends paid                                                                     (71.8)         (80.1)
                                                                                   ----------     ----------
          Net cash flows provided by financing activities                             1,075.6          666.0
                                                                                   ----------     ----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                                     99.8          (44.5)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period                                          103.1          161.5
                                                                                   ----------     ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period                                           $    202.9     $    117.0
                                                                                   ==========     ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
Interest paid                                                                      $    664.8     $    611.9
Federal and State and local taxes paid                                                   77.7           90.0
Noncash transfer of finance receivables to finance receivables held for sale               --           96.6
Noncash transfers of finance receivables to assets received in satisfaction of
  loans                                                                                  18.7           88.3
Noncash transfers of assets received in satisfaction of loans to finance
  receivables                                                                             5.0           10.9
</TABLE>
    
 
   
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. It is suggested
these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements and notes included herein as of December
31, 1996 and 1995 and for the each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1996.
    
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>   124
 
   
         NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    
 
NOTE 1--BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
The Company considers that all adjustments (all of which are normal recurring
accruals) necessary for a fair statement of financial position and results of
operations for these periods have been made; however, results for such interim
periods are subject to year-end audit adjustments. Results for such interim
periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
 
NOTE 2--RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 125
"Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments
of Liabilities" ("SFAS 125") as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 127, "Deferral of the Effective Date of Certain Provisions of FASB
Statement No. 125" (collectively referred to hereafter as "SFAS 125") on January
1, 1997. SFAS 125 uses a "financial components" approach that focuses on control
to determine that proper accounting for financial asset transfers and addresses
the accounting for servicing rights on financial assets in addition to mortgage
loans. Securitizations of finance receivables are accounted for as sales when
legal and effective control over the related receivables is surrendered.
Servicing assets or liabilities are recognized when the servicing rights are
retained by the seller.
 
In accordance with the transition rules set forth in SFAS 125, the Company, on
January 1, 1997, reclassified the portion of previously recognized excess
servicing assets that did not exceed contractually specified servicing fees to
servicing assets which are included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance
Sheets. The remaining balances of previously recognized excess servicing assets
are included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are
classified as available-for-sale investment securities subject to the provisions
of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." The amortized cost approximates the
current fair market value of such assets.
 
The adoption of SFAS 125 did not have a significant impact on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.
 
Additionally, in February of 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128 "Earnings Per Share"
("SFAS 128"). SFAS 128 establishes standards for the presentation and disclosure
for earnings per share (EPS). It also simplifies the standards for computing
EPS, and makes them comparable to international EPS standards. SFAS 128 replaces
the presentation of primary and fully diluted EPS with basic and diluted EPS,
respectively, and requires the reconciliation of the numerator and denominator
of basic EPS with that of diluted EPS. SFAS 128 is effective for financial
statements for both interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 1997.
Earlier application is not permitted. After adoption, all prior period EPS is
required to be restated to conform with SFAS 128.
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>   125





[Inside Back Cover]

                        THE CIT GROUP...BACKING AMERICA

SOME OF THE INDUSTRIES AND MARKETS FINANCED BY THE CIT GROUP


Apparel                    Health Care                Motorcoach
Automotive OEM             High-Tech                  Packaging
Broadcast                  Home Equity Mortgages      Plastics
Business Aircraft          Home Furnishings           Printing & Paper
Carpet                     Housewares                 Rail
Chemicals                  Information Systems        Recreational Boats
Commercial Aircraft        Inland Marine              Recreation Vehicles
Construction               Intermodal                 Retailers
Consumer Electronics       Machine Tools              Sporting Goods
Energy                     Manufactured Housing       Telecommunications
Exporters & Importers      Manufacturers              Textiles
Food Processing            Media                      Toys
Footwear                   Medical                    Trucking
Furniture                  Mining                     Wholesalers & Distributors


ASSETS AND OFFICES BY GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

[MAP OF THE UNITED STATES ILLUSTRATING ASSETS AND OFFICES OF THE COMPANY BY 
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION].

Percentage of financing and leasing assets:

Northeast       23% 
Southeast       14% 
Midwest         21% 
South           12% 
West            24% 

Locations of the Company's offices nationwide:
   

Northeast        8 
Southeast        8 
Midwest         10 
South            3 
West            12
    

Percentages Represent                                     --------------------
Financing and Leasing Assets                               6%
by Customer Location                                       Foreign Financing
at September 30, 1997                                      and Leasing Assets
                                                          --------------------
Dots Represent Locations
of CIT Offices Nationwide

<PAGE>   126
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
<TABLE>
        <S>                                                                           <C>
        SEC Registration Fee                                                          $   307,364
        Blue Sky Fees and Expenses                                                          5,000
        NASD Filing Fee                                                                    30,500
        NYSE Listing Fees                                                                 193,888
        Transfer Agent Fees and Expenses                                                   25,000
        Legal Fees and Expenses                                                           900,000
        Accounting Fees and Expenses                                                      300,000
        Printing Expenses                                                                 300,000
        Miscellaneous Expenses                                                            238,248
                                                                                       ----------
                  Total Fees and Expenses                                             $ 2,300,000
                                                                                       ==========
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
   
Subsection (a) of Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware
empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of the corporation), by reason of the
fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation
or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines
and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in
connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in
a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.
    
 
Subsection (b) of Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who
was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending
or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a
judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person acted in any of the
capacities set forth above against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually
and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of
such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation,
except that no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or
matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the
corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the
court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine that despite the
adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such
person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which
the court shall deem proper.
 
Section 145 further provides that: (i) to the extent a director, officer,
employee or agent of a corporation has been successful in the defense of any
action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) or in the
defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against
expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in
connection therewith; and (ii) indemnification provided for by Section 145 shall
not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the indemnified party may
be entitled. In addition, Section 145 empowers the corporation to purchase and
maintain insurance on behalf of any person acting in any capacities set forth in
the second preceding paragraph against any liability asserted against him or
incurred by him in any such capacity or arising out of his status as such
whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him against
such liabilities under Section 145.
 
Giving effect to the consummation of the Offering, Article X of the By-Laws of
the Registrant provides, in effect, that, in addition to any rights afforded to
an officer, director of employee of the Registrant by contract or operation of
law, the Registrant may indemnify any person who is or was a director, officer,
employee, or agent of the Registrant, or of any other corporation which he
served at the requested of the Registrant, against any and all liability and
reasonable expense incurred by him in connection with or resulting from any
claim, action, suit, or proceeding (whether brought by or in the right of the
Registrant or such other corporation or otherwise), civil or criminal, in which
he may have become involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of his being or
having been such director, officer, employee, or agent of the Registrant or such
other corporation, whether or not he continues to be such at the time such
liability or expense is incurred, provided that such person
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   127
 
acted in good faith and in what he reasonably believed to be the best interests
of the Registrant or such other corporation, and, in connection with any
criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct
was unlawful.
 
In addition, the Registrant maintains directors' and officers' reimbursement and
liability insurance pursuant to standard form policies with aggregate limits of
$90,000,000. The risks covered by such policies do not exclude liabilities under
the Securities Act.
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS
The following exhibits either are filed herewith or will be filed by amendment,
as indicated below:
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>      <C> <C>
 1.1**    -- Form of Underwriting Agreement, to be dated the date of the pricing of the Offering.
 3.1      -- Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The CIT Group, Inc., to be dated the date
             of the pricing of the Offering (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-A filed by
             the Company on October 29, 1997).
 3.2      -- By-Laws of The CIT Group, Inc., to be dated the date of the pricing of the Offering
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-A filed by the Company on October 29,
             1997).
 4.1      -- Form of certificate of Class A Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form
             8-A filed by the Company on October 29, 1997).
 5**      -- Opinion of Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP in respect of the legality of the Class A Common Stock
             registered hereunder.
 8**      -- Opinion of Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP in respect of tax matters (included in Exhibit 5).
10.1      -- Stockholders Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Form 10-K filed by the
             Company for the year ended December 31, 1989).
10.2      -- Amendment, dated December 15, 1995, to the Stockholders Agreement, dated December 29, 1989
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Form 8-K dated December 15, 1995).
10.3      -- Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 15, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
             10(b) to Form 8-K dated December 15, 1995).
10.4**    -- Regulatory Compliance Agreement, to be dated the closing date of the Offering.
10.5**    -- Registration Rights Agreement, to be dated the closing date of the Offering.
10.6**    -- Employment Agreement of Albert R. Gamper, Jr., dated April 1, 1997, comparable to the
             agreement for Joseph A. Pollicino.
10.7**    -- Employment Agreement of Joseph M. Leone, dated December 6, 1996, comparable to the agreements
             for William M. O'Grady and Ernest D. Stein.
10.8      -- The CIT Group Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(d) to Form 10-K filed by the
             Company for the year ended December 31, 1992).
10.9      -- The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. Career Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e)
             to Form 10-K filed by the Company for the year ended December 31, 1992).
10.10     -- The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. Supplemental Savings Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
             10(f) to Form 10-K filed by the Company for the year ended December 31, 1992).
10.11     -- The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to
             Exhibit 10(g) to Form 10-K filed by the Company for the year ended December 31, 1992).
10.12**   -- The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. Executive Retirement Plan and New Executive Retirement Plan, each
             effective as of January 1, 1995.
10.13**   -- The CIT Group, Inc. Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan, to be dated November 1, 1997.
12        -- Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 12 to
             Form 10-Q filed by the Company for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1997 and to
             Exhibit 12 to Form 10-K filed by the Company for the year ended December 31, 1996).
23.1**    -- Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
23.2**    -- Consent of Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP (included in Exhibit 5).
24*       -- Power of Attorney
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 * Previously filed.
   
** Filed herewith.
    
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   128
 
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS
 
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
 
     (1) For the purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
     of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part
     of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in
     a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
     (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
     Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
     (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act
     of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus
     shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
     securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
     time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     (3) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
     Act may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of the
     registrant pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 above, or
     otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
     Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
     policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
     In the event that a claim of indemnification against such liabilities
     (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a
     director, officer, or controlling person of the Registrant in the
     successful defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such
     director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities
     being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel
     the matter has been settled by controlling preceding, submit to a court of
     appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
     against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be
     governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   129
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-2 and has duly caused this Amendment to the
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the city of Livingston, State of New Jersey, on the 12th day
of November, 1997.
    
 
                                        THE CIT GROUP, INC.
 
                                        By:        /s/ ERNEST D. STEIN
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                                     Ernest D. Stein
                                                Executive Vice President,
                                              General Counsel and Secretary
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment to
the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                SIGNATURE AND TITLE                                             DATE
- ----------------------------------------------------    ----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>
 
             /s/ ALBERT R. GAMPER, JR.                                   November 12, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------
               Albert R. Gamper, Jr.
  President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
           (principal executive officer)
 
                /s/ JOSEPH M. LEONE                                      November 12, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------
                  Joseph M. Leone
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    (principal financial and accounting officer)
 
                         *
- ----------------------------------------------------
                  Takasuke Kaneko
                      Director
 
                         *
- ----------------------------------------------------
                  Hisao Kobayashi
                      Director
 
                         *
- ----------------------------------------------------
                    Yoshiro Aoki
                      Director
 
                         *
- ----------------------------------------------------
                Joseph A. Pollicino
                      Director
 
                         *
- ----------------------------------------------------
                    Paul N. Roth
                      Director
 
                         *
- ----------------------------------------------------
                   Peter J. Tobin
                      Director
 
                         *
- ----------------------------------------------------
                   Tohru Tonoike
                      Director
 
                         *
- ----------------------------------------------------
                    Keiji Torii
                      Director
 
                         *
- ----------------------------------------------------
                    Yukiharu Uno
                      Director
 
              *By: /s/ ERNEST D. STEIN                                   November 12, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------
         Ernest D. Stein, attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
    
 
Original powers of attorney authorizing Albert R. Gamper, Jr., Ernest D. Stein,
and Joseph M. Leone and each of them to sign this amendment on behalf of the
directors and officers of the Registrant indicated above are held by the
Registrant and available for examination pursuant to Rule 302(b) of Regulation
S-T.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   130
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 SEQUENTIALLY
  EXHIBIT                                                                                          NUMBERED
  NUMBER                                          DESCRIPTION                                       PAGES
  -------       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------  ------------
  <S>       <C> <C>                                                                              <C>
   1.1**     -- Form of Underwriting Agreement, to be dated the date of the pricing of the
                Offering.
   3.1       -- Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of The CIT Group, Inc., to be
                dated the date of the pricing of the Offering (incorporated by reference to
                Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-A filed by the Company on October 29, 1997).
   3.2       -- By-Laws of The CIT Group, Inc., to be dated the date of the pricing of the
                Offering (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-A filed by the
                Company on October 29, 1997).
   4.1       -- Form of certificate of Class A Common Stock (incorporated by reference to
                Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-A filed by the Company on October 29, 1997).
   5**       -- Opinion of Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP in respect of the legality of the Class A
                Common Stock registered hereunder.
   8**       -- Opinion of Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP in respect of tax matters (included in
                Exhibit 5).
  10.1       -- Stockholders Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Form 10-K
                filed by the Company for the year ended December 31, 1989).
  10.2       -- Amendment, dated December 15, 1995, to the Stockholders Agreement, dated
                December 29, 1989 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(a) to Form 8-K dated
                December 15, 1995).
  10.3       -- Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 15, 1995 (incorporated by
                reference to Exhibit 10(b) to Form 8-K dated December 15, 1995).
  10.4**     -- Regulatory Compliance Agreement, to be dated the closing date of the Offering.
  10.5**     -- Registration Rights Agreement, to be dated the closing date of the Offering.
  10.6**     -- Employment Agreement of Albert R. Gamper, Jr., dated April 1, 1997, comparable
                to the agreement for Joseph A. Pollicino.
  10.7**     -- Employment Agreement of Joseph M. Leone, dated December 6, 1996, comparable to
                the agreements for William M. O'Grady and Ernest D. Stein.
  10.8       -- The CIT Group Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(d) to Form
                10-K filed by the Company for the year ended December 31, 1992).
  10.9       -- The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. Career Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference
                to Exhibit 10(e) to Form 10-K filed by the Company for the year ended December
                31, 1992).
  10.10      -- The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. Supplemental Savings Plan (incorporated by
                reference to Exhibit 10(f) to Form 10-K filed by the Company for the year ended
                December 31, 1992).
  10.11      -- The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan (incorporated by
                reference to Exhibit 10(g) to Form 10-K filed by the Company for the year ended
                December 31, 1992).
  10.12**    -- The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. Executive Retirement Plan and New Executive
                Retirement Plan, each effective as of January 1, 1995.
  10.13**    -- The CIT Group, Inc. Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan, to be dated November 1,
                1997.
  12         -- Computation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges (incorporated by reference
                to Exhibit 12 to Form 10-Q filed by the Company for the quarterly period ended
                September 30, 1997 and to Exhibit 12 to Form 10-K filed by the Company for the
                year ended December 31, 1996).
  23.1**     -- Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
  23.2**     -- Consent of Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP (included in Exhibit 5).
  24*        -- Power of Attorney
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 * Previously filed.
   
** Filed herewith.
    

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 1.1

                               THE CIT GROUP, INC.


                       ______ Shares Class A Common Stock


                             Underwriting Agreement



                                                                   _______, 1997

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
Lehman Brothers Inc.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
Salomon Brothers Inc
UBS Securities LLC
As representatives of the several U.S. underwriters
listed in Schedule I hereto
c/o J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
60 Wall Street
New York, New York 10260

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         THE CIT GROUP, INC. a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), proposes to
sell to the several Underwriters listed in Schedule I hereto (the
"Underwriters") for whom you are acting as representatives (the
"Representatives") an aggregate of ___ shares of Class A Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share, of the Company (the "Underwritten Shares") and, for the sole
purpose of covering over-allotments in connection with the sale of the
Underwritten Shares, at the option of the Underwriters, to issue and sell up to
an additional ___ shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company (the "Option
Shares"). The Underwritten Shares and the Option Shares are herein referred to
as the "Shares".

         The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") in accordance with the provisions of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the
Commission thereunder (collectively, the "Securities Act"), a registration
<PAGE>   2
statement relating to the Shares. The registration statement as amended at the
time when it shall become effective, including information (if any) deemed to be
part of the registration statement at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule
430A under the Securities Act, is referred to in this Agreement as the
"Registration Statement" and the prospectus in the form first used to confirm
sales of Shares is referred to in this Agreement as the "Prospectus". If the
Company has filed an abbreviated registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b)
under the Securities Act (the "Rule 462 Registration Statement"), then any
reference herein to the term "Registration Statement" shall be deemed to include
such Rule 462 Registration Statement. Any reference in this Agreement to the
Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus shall also
be deemed to refer to and include the documents incorporated by reference
therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-2 under the Securities Act, as of the
effective date of the Registration Statement or the date of such preliminary
prospectus or the Prospectus, as the case may be.

         Prior to the recapitalization referred to below, The Dai-Ichi Kangyo
Bank ("DKB") owned 80% (the "DKB Shares") of the issued and outstanding shares
of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company. Pursuant to a letter
agreement (as amended, the "CBC Letter Agreement") dated December 15, 1995,
among Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Limited ("DKB Ltd."), a [wholly-owned] subsidiary of
DKB, CBC Holding Inc. and Chemical Banking Corporation (now Chase Manhattan
Bank) (together with CBC Holding Inc, the "CBC Entities"), DKB Ltd. was given an
option (the "CBC Option") to purchase the remaining 20% of the issued and
outstanding shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company
(the "CBC Shares") from the CBC Entities. Prior to the execution of this
Agreement, the common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company was
recapitalized (the "Recapitalization") so that the CBC Shares became shares of
Stock and the DKB Shares become         shares of Class B Common Stock, par
value $.01 per share (the "Class B Common Stock"). Immediately prior to the
execution of this Agreement, DKB Ltd. transferred the DKB Option to the Company
pursuant to an Assignment Agreement between the Company and DKB Ltd. On the
Closing Date (as hereinafter defined), the Company will exercise the CBC Option
and, immediately thereafter, the closing of the purchase of the CBC Shares will
occur.

         The Company hereby agrees with the Underwriters as follows:

                  1. The Company agrees to sell the Underwritten Shares to the
several Underwriters as hereinafter provided, and each Underwriter, upon the
basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the
conditions hereinafter stated, agrees to purchase, severally and not jointly,
from the Company the respective number of Underwritten Shares set forth opposite
such

                                       2
<PAGE>   3
Underwriter's name in Schedule I hereto at a purchase price per share (the
"Purchase Price") of $_____. The public offering price of the Shares is not in
excess of the price recommended by J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. ("J.P. Morgan"),
acting as a "qualified independent underwriter" within the meaning of Rule 2720
of the Rules of Conduct of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
(the "NASD").

         In addition, the Company agrees to issue and sell the Option Shares to
the several Underwriters as hereinafter provided, and the Underwriters on the
basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, but subject to the
conditions hereinafter stated, shall have the option to purchase, severally and
not jointly, from the Company up to an aggregate of ___ Option Shares at the
Purchase Price, for the sole purpose of covering over-allotments (if any) in the
sales of Underwritten Shares by the several Underwriters.

         If any Option Shares are to be purchased, the number of Option Shares
to be purchased by each Underwriter shall be the number of Option Shares which
bears the same ratio to the aggregate number of Option Shares being purchased as
the number of Underwritten Shares set forth opposite the name of such
Underwriter in Schedule I hereto (or such number increased as set forth in
Section 9 hereof) bears to the aggregate number of Underwritten Shares being
purchased from the Company by the several Underwriters, subject, however, to
such adjustments to eliminate any fractional Shares as the Representatives in
their sole discretion shall make.

         The Underwriters may exercise the option to purchase the Option Shares
at any time (but not more than once) on or before the thirtieth day following
the date of this Agreement, by written notice from the Representatives to the
Company. Such notice shall set forth the aggregate number of Option Shares as to
which the option is being exercised and the date and time when the Option Shares
are to be delivered and paid for, which may be the same date and time as the
Closing Date but shall not be earlier than the Closing Date nor later than the
tenth full Business Day (as hereinafter defined) after the date of such notice
(unless such time and date are postponed in accordance with the provisions of
Section 9 hereof). Any such notice shall be given at least two Business Days
prior to the date and time of delivery specified therein.

         2. The Company understands that the Underwriters intend (i)to make a
public offering of the Shares as soon after (A) the Registration Statement has
become effective and (B) the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement, as in the judgment of the Representatives is advisable and (ii)
initially to offer the Shares upon the terms set forth in the Prospectus.

                                       3
<PAGE>   4
                  3. Payment for the Shares shall be made by wire transfer in
immediately available funds to the account specified by the Company to the
Representatives in the case of the Underwritten Shares, on ___ 1997, or at such
other time on the same or such other date, not later than the fifth Business Day
thereafter, as the Representatives and the Company may agree upon in writing or,
in the case of the Option Shares, on the date and time specified by the U.S.
Representatives in the written notice of the U.S. Underwriters' election to
purchase such Option Shares. The time and date of such payment for the
Underwritten Shares is referred to herein as the "Closing Date" and the time and
date for such payment for the Option Shares, if other than the Closing Date, is
herein referred to as the "Additional Closing Date". As used herein, the term
"Business Day" means any day other than a day on which banks are permitted or
required to be closed in New York City.

         Payment for the Shares to be purchased on the Closing Date or the
Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall be made against delivery to
the Representatives for the respective accounts of the several Underwriters of
the Shares to be purchased on such date registered in such names and in such
denominations as the applicable Representatives shall request in writing not
later than two full Business Days prior to the Closing Date or the Additional
Closing Date, as the case may be, with any transfer taxes payable in connection
with the transfer to the Underwriters of the Shares duly paid by the Company.
The certificates for the Shares will be made available for inspection and
packaging by the applicable Representatives at the office of J.P. Morgan
Securities Inc. set forth above not later than 1:00 P.M., New York City time, on
the Business Day prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as
the case may be.

                  4. The Company represents and warrants to each Underwriter
that:

                  (a) no order preventing or suspending the use of any
         preliminary prospectus has been issued by the Commission, and each
         preliminary prospectus filed as part of the Registration Statement as
         originally filed or as part of any amendment thereto, or filed pursuant
         to Rule 424 under the Securities Act, complied when so filed in all
         material respects with the Securities Act, and did not contain an
         untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact
         required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements
         therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made,
         not misleading; provided that this representation and warranty shall
         not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in
         conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to
         the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives
         expressly for use therein;

                                       4
<PAGE>   5
                  (b) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
         Registration Statement has been issued and no proceeding for that
         purpose has been instituted or, to the knowledge of the Company,
         threatened by the Commission; and the Registration Statement and
         Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the Company shall have
         furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) comply, or will
         comply, as the case may be, in all material respects with the
         Securities Act and do not and will not, as of the applicable effective
         date as to the Registration Statement and any amendment thereto and as
         of the date of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto,
         contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
         material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
         statements therein not misleading, and the Prospectus, as amended or
         supplemented, if applicable, at the Closing Date or Additional Closing
         Date, as the case may be, will not contain any untrue statement of a
         material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the
         statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
         made, not misleading; except that the foregoing representations and
         warranties shall not apply to statements or omissions in the
         Registration Statement or the Prospectus made in reliance upon and in
         conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to
         the Company in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives
         expressly for use therein;

                  (c) the documents incorporated by reference in the Prospectus,
         when they were filed with the Commission conformed in all material
         respects to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
         amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder
         (collectively, the "Exchange Act");

                  (d) the financial statements, and the related notes thereto,
         included or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and
         the Prospectus present fairly the consolidated financial position of
         the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of the dates indicated
         and the consolidated results of their operations and changes in their
         consolidated cash flows for the periods specified; and said financial
         statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted
         accounting principles applied on a consistent basis, and the supporting
         schedules included or incorporated by reference in the Registration
         Statement present fairly the information required to be stated therein;


                  (e) since the respective dates as of which information is
         given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, there has not
         been any change in the capital stock or long-term debt of the Company
         or any of its

                                       5
<PAGE>   6
         subsidiaries, or any material adverse change, or any development
         involving a prospective material adverse change, in or affecting the
         general affairs, business, prospects, management, financial position,
         stockholders' equity or results of operations of the Company and its
         subsidiaries, taken as a whole, otherwise than as set forth or
         contemplated in the Prospectus; and except as set forth or contemplated
         in the Prospectus neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has
         entered into any transaction or agreement (whether or not in the
         ordinary course of business) material to the Company and its
         subsidiaries taken as a whole;


                  (f) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly
         existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of its
         jurisdiction of incorporation, with power and authority (corporate and
         other) to own its properties and conduct its business as described in
         the Prospectus, and has been duly qualified as a foreign corporation
         for the transaction of business and is in good standing under the laws
         of each other jurisdiction in which it owns or leases properties, or
         conducts any business, so as to require such qualification, other than
         where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not have
         a material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as
         a whole;


                  (g) each of the subsidiaries of the Company listed on Exhibit
         A (the "Principal Subsidiaries"), has been duly incorporated and is
         validly existing as a corporation under the laws of its jurisdiction of
         incorporation, with power and authority (corporate and other) to own
         its properties and conduct its business as described in the Prospectus,
         and has been duly qualified as a foreign corporation for the
         transaction of business and is in good standing under the laws of each
         jurisdiction in which it owns or leases properties, or conducts any
         business, so as to require such qualification, other than where the
         failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not have a
         material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a
         whole; and all the outstanding shares of capital stock of each
         Principal Subsidiary of the Company have been duly authorized and
         validly issued, are fully-paid and non-assessable, and are owned by the
         Company, directly or indirectly, free and clear of all liens,
         encumbrances, security interests and claims;


                  (h) prior to the Recapitalization, DKB and the CBC Entities
         owned all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock, par
         value $1.00 per share of the Company;


                  (i) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
         delivered by the Company;

                                       6
<PAGE>   7
                  (j) the Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth
         in the Prospectus and such authorized capital stock conforms as to
         legal matters to the description thereof set forth in the Prospectus,
         and all of the outstanding shares of capital stock (including the
         Underwritten Shares) of the Company have been duly authorized, are
         validly issued, fully-paid and non-assessable and, other than the
         Underwritten Shares, will be owned by DKB following the sale of the
         Underwritten Shares; and, except as described in or expressly
         contemplated by the Prospectus, such capital stock is not subject to
         any pre-emptive or similar rights and there are no outstanding rights
         (including, without limitation, pre-emptive rights), warrants or
         options to acquire, or instruments convertible into or exchangeable
         for, any shares of capital stock or other equity interest in the
         Company or any of its subsidiaries, or any contract, commitment,
         agreement, understanding or arrangement of any kind relating to the
         issuance of any capital stock of the Company or any such subsidiary,
         any such convertible or exchangeable securities or any such rights,
         warrants or options;

                  (k) the Additional Shares have been duly authorized and, when
         issued and delivered to and paid for by the Underwriters in accordance
         with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued and will be
         fully paid and non-assessable and will conform to the description
         thereof in the Prospectus; and the issuance of the Additional Shares is
         not subject to any preemptive or similar rights;

                  (l) The Assignment Agreement has been, and each of the
         Regulatory Compliance Agreement, Registration Rights Agreement and Tax
         Allocation Agreement, in each case, between the Company and DKB
         (collectively with the Assignment Agreement, the "Intercompany
         Agreements") will be, on or prior to the Closing Date, duly authorized,
         executed and delivered by the Company and constitutes or will
         constitute a valid and binding agreement of the Company, enforceable in
         accordance with its terms except as the enforceability thereof may be
         limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors'
         rights generally and the availability of equitable remedies may be
         limited by equitable principles of general applicability;

                                       7
<PAGE>   8
                  (m) neither the Company nor any of its Principal Subsidiaries
         is, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both would be, in
         violation of or in default under, its Certificate of Incorporation or
         By-Laws or any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or
         other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its
         Principal Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of them or any
         of their respective properties is bound, except for violations and
         defaults which individually and in the aggregate are not material to
         the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; the issue and sale
         of the Shares and the performance by the Company of its obligations
         under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
         contemplated herein will not conflict with or result in a breach of any
         of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any
         indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement
         or instrument to which the Company or any of its Principal Subsidiaries
         is a party or by which the Company or any of its Principal Subsidiaries
         is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or
         any of its Principal Subsidiaries is subject, nor will any such action
         result in any violation of the provisions of the Certificate of
         Incorporation or the By-laws of the Company or any applicable law or
         statute or any order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental
         agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company, its Principal
         Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties; and no consent,
         approval, authorization, order, license, registration or qualification
         of or with any such court or governmental agency or body is required
         for the issue and sale of the Shares or the consummation by the Company
         of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except such
         consents, approvals, authorizations, orders, licenses, registrations or
         qualifications as have been obtained under the Securities Act and as
         may be required under foreign or state securities or Blue Sky Laws in
         connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares by the
         Underwriters;

                  (n) other than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus,
         there are no legal or governmental investigations, actions, suits or
         proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened
         against or affecting the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of
         their respective properties or to which the Company or any of its
         subsidiaries is or may be a party or to which any property of the
         Company or any of its subsidiaries is or may be the subject which, if
         determined adversely to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, could
         individually or in the aggregate reasonably be expected to have a
         material adverse effect on the general affairs, business, prospects,
         management, financial position, stockholders' equity or results of
         operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and,
         to the best of the Company's knowledge, no such

                                       8
<PAGE>   9
         proceedings are threatened or contemplated by governmental authorities
         or threatened by others; and there are no statutes, regulations,
         contracts or other documents that are required to be described in the
         Registration Statement or Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the
         Registration Statement that are not described or filed as required;

                  (o) no relationship, direct or indirect, exists between or
         among the Company or any of its subsidiaries on the one hand, and the
         directors, officers, stockholders, customers or suppliers of the
         Company or any of its subsidiaries on the other hand, which is required
         by the Securities Act to be described in the Registration Statement and
         the Prospectus which is not so described;

                  (p) other than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus,
         no person has the right to require the Company to register any
         securities for offering and sale under the Securities Act by reason of
         the filing of the Registration Statement with the Commission or the
         issue and sale of the Shares;

                  (q) the Company is not and, after giving effect to the
         offering and sale of the Shares, will not be an "investment company",
         as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
         amended (the "Investment Company Act");

                  (r) KPMG Peat Marwick LLP who have certified certain financial
         statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are independent public
         accountants as required by the Securities Act;

                  (s) the Company has not taken nor will it take, directly or
         indirectly, any action designed to, or that might be reasonably
         expected to, cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the
         price of the Stock;

                  (t) each of the Company and its Principal Subsidiaries owns,
         possesses or has obtained all licenses, permits, certificates,
         consents, orders, approvals and other authorizations from, and has made
         all declarations and filings with, all federal, state, local and other
         governmental authorities (including foreign regulatory agencies), all
         self-regulatory organizations and all courts and other tribunals,
         domestic or foreign, necessary to own or lease, as the case may be, and
         to operate its properties and to carry on its business as conducted as
         of the date hereof, and neither the Company nor any Principal
         Subsidiary has received any actual notice of any proceeding relating to
         revocation or modification of any such license, permit, certificate,
         consent, order, approval or other

                                       9
<PAGE>   10
         authorization; and each of the Company and its Principal Subsidiaries
         is in compliance in all material respects with all laws and regulations
         relating to the conduct of its business as conducted as of the date
         hereof; and

                  (u) the Company and its Principal Subsidiaries (i) are in
         compliance with any and all applicable foreign, federal, state and
         local laws and regulations relating to the protection of human health
         and safety, the environment or hazardous or toxic substances or wastes,
         pollutants or contaminants ("Environment Laws"), (ii) have received all
         permits, licenses or other approvals required of them under applicable
         Environmental Laws to conduct their respective businesses and (iii) are
         in compliance with all terms and conditions of any such permit, license
         or approval, except where such noncompliance with Environmental Laws,
         failure to receive required permits, licenses or other approvals or
         failure to comply with the terms and conditions of such permits,
         licenses or approvals would not, singly or in the aggregate, have a
         material adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a
         whole; the Company has reasonably concluded that the costs and
         liabilities associated with its compliance with Environmental Laws
         would not, singly, or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect
         on the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

         5. The Company covenants and agrees with each of the several
Underwriters as follows:

                  (a) to use its best efforts to cause the Registration
         Statement to become effective at the earliest possible time and, if
         required, to file the final Prospectus with the Commission within the
         time periods specified by Rule 424(b) and Rule 430A under the
         Securities Act and to file promptly all reports and any definitive
         proxy or information statements required to be filed by the Company
         with the Commission pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of
         the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of the Prospectus and for so
         long as the delivery of a prospectus is required in connection with the
         offering or sale of the Shares; and to furnish copies of the Prospectus
         to the Underwriters in New York City prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City
         time, on the Business Day next succeeding the date of this Agreement in
         such quantities as the Representatives may reasonably request;

                  (b) to deliver, at the expense of the Company, to the
         Representatives eight signed copies of the Registration Statement (as
         originally filed) and each amendment thereto, in each case including
         exhibits and documents incorporated by reference therein, and to each

                                       10
<PAGE>   11
         other Underwriter a conformed copy of the Registration Statement (as
         originally filed) and each amendment thereto, in each case without
         exhibits but including the documents incorporated by reference therein
         and, during the period mentioned in paragraph (e) below, to each of the
         Underwriters as many copies of the Prospectus (including all amendments
         and supplements thereto) and documents incorporated by reference
         therein as the Representatives may reasonably request;

                  (c) before filing any amendment or supplement to the
         Registration Statement or the Prospectus, whether before or after the
         time the Registration Statement becomes effective, to furnish to the
         Representatives a copy of the proposed amendment or supplement for
         review and not to file such proposed amendment or supplement to which
         the Representatives reasonably object;

                  (d) to advise the Representatives promptly, and to conform
         such advice in writing (i) when the Registration Statement has become
         effective, (ii) when any amendment to the Registration Statement has
         been filed or becomes effective, (iii) when any supplement to the
         Prospectus or any amended Prospectus has been filed and to furnish the
         Representatives with copies thereof, (iv) of any request by the
         Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or any
         amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or for any additional
         information, (v) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order
         suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of any
         order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or
         the Prospectus or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for
         that purpose, (vi) of the occurrence of any event, within the period
         referenced in paragraph (e) below, as a result of which the Prospectus
         as then amended or supplemented would include an untrue statement of a
         material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to
         make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the
         Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, and (vii) of
         the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to any
         suspension of the qualification of the Shares for offer and sale in any
         jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for
         such purpose; and to use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of
         any such stop order, or of any order preventing or suspending the use
         of any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus, or of any order
         suspending any such qualification of the Shares, or notification of any
         such order thereof and, if issued, to obtain as soon as possible the
         withdrawal thereof;

                                       11
<PAGE>   12
                  (e) if, during such period of time after the first date of the
         public offering of the Shares as in the opinion of counsel for the
         Underwriters a prospectus relating to the Shares is required by law to
         be delivered in connection with sales by the Underwriters or any
         dealer, any event shall occur as a result of which it is necessary to
         amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to make the statements
         therein, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is
         delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, or if it is necessary to
         amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with law, forthwith to
         prepare and furnish, at the expense of the Company, to the Underwriters
         and to the dealers (whose names and addresses the Representatives will
         furnish to the Company) to which Shares may have been sold by the
         Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters and to any other dealers
         upon request, such amendments or supplements to the Prospectus as may
         be necessary so that the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or
         supplemented will not, in the light of the circumstances when the
         Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, be misleading or so that the
         Prospectus will comply with law;

                  (f) to endeavor to qualify the Shares for offer and sale under
         the securities or Blue Sky laws of such jurisdictions as the
         Representatives shall reasonably request and to continue such
         qualification in effect so long as reasonably required for distribution
         of the Shares; provided that the Company shall not be required to file
         a general consent to service of process in any jurisdiction;

                  (g) to make generally available to its security holders and to
         the Representatives as soon as practicable an earnings statement
         covering a period of at least twelve months beginning with the first
         fiscal quarter of the Company occurring after the effective date of the
         Registration Statement, which shall satisfy the provisions of Section
         11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 of the Commission promulgated
         thereunder;

                  (h) During a period of two years after the effective date of
         the Registration Statement, to furnish to the Representatives copies of
         all reports or other communications (financial or other) furnished to
         holders of the Shares, and copies of any reports and financial
         statements furnished to or filed with the Commission or any national
         securities exchange;

                  (i) for a period of 180 days after the date of the initial
         public offering of the Shares not to (i) offer, sell, contract to sell,
         or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, any securities of the
         Company which are substantially similar to shares of Stock, including
         but not limited to any securities that are convertible into or
         exchangeable for, or that represent 

                                       12
<PAGE>   13
         the right to receive Stock or any such substantially similar securities
         or (ii) enter into any swap, option, future, forward or other agreement
         that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of
         ownership of the Stock or any such substantially `similar securities,
         without the prior written consent of J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., other
         than the Shares to be sold hereunder and shares of Stock issued
         pursuant to employee stock option plans existing on the date of the
         initial public offering;

                  (j) to use the net proceeds received by the Company from the
         sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement in the manner specified
         in the Prospectus under the caption "Use of Proceeds";

                  (k) to use its best efforts to list, subject to notice of
         issuance, the Shares on the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange");

                  (l) whether or not the transactions contemplated in this
         Agreement are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, to pay or
         cause to be paid all costs and expenses incident to the performance of
         its obligations hereunder, including without limiting the generality of
         the foregoing, all costs and expenses (i) incident to the preparation,
         issuance, execution and delivery of the Shares, (ii) incident to the
         preparation, printing and filing under the Securities Act of the
         Registration Statement, the Prospectus and any preliminary prospectus
         (including in each case all exhibits, amendments and supplements
         thereto), (iii) incurred in connection with the registration or
         qualification of the Shares under the laws of such jurisdictions as the
         Representatives may designate (including fees of counsel for the
         Underwriters and its disbursements), (iv) in connection with the
         listing of the Shares on the Exchange, (v) related to the filing with,
         and clearance of the offering by, the NASD including the fees and
         expenses of J.P. Morgan, acting as "qualified independent underwriter"
         within the meaning of Rule 2720 of the Rules of Conduct of the NASD,
         (vi) in connection with the printing (including word processing and
         duplication costs) and delivery of this Agreement, any dealer
         agreements, any Blue Sky Memoranda and the furnishing to the
         Underwriters and dealers of copies of the Registration Statement and
         the Prospectus, including mailing and shipping, as herein provided,
         (vii) any expenses incurred by the Company in connection with a "road
         show" presentation to potential investors, (viii) the cost of preparing
         stock certificates and (ix) the cost and charges of any transfer agent
         and any registrar.

         6. The several obligations of the Underwriters hereunder to purchase
the Shares on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may

                                       13
<PAGE>   14
be, are subject to the performance by the Company of its respective obligations
hereunder and to the following additional conditions:

                  (a) the Registration Statement shall have become effective (or
         if a post-effective amendment is required to be filed under the
         Securities Act, such post-effective amendment shall have become
         effective) not later than 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the date
         hereof; and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the
         Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment shall be in
         effect, and no proceedings for such purpose shall be pending before or
         threatened by the Commission; the Prospectus shall have been filed with
         the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) within the applicable time
         period prescribed for such filing by the rules and regulations under
         the Securities Act and in accordance with Section 5(a) hereof; and all
         requests for additional information shall have been complied with to
         the satisfaction of the Representatives;

                  (b) the representations and warranties of the Company
         contained herein are true and correct on and as of the Closing Date or
         the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, as if made on and as
         of the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be,
         and the Company shall have complied with all agreements and all
         conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or
         prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case
         may be;

                  (c) subsequent to the execution and delivery of this Agreement
         and prior to the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the
         case may be, there shall not have occurred any downgrading, nor shall
         any notice have been given of (i) any downgrading, (ii) any intended or
         potential downgrading or (iii) any review or possible change that does
         not indicate an improvement, in the rating accorded any securities of
         or guaranteed by the Company by any "nationally recognized statistical
         rating organization," as such term is defined for purposes of Rule
         436(g)(2) under the Securities Act;

                  (d) since the respective dates as of which information is
         given in the Prospectus there shall not have been any change in the
         capital stock or long-term debt of the Company or any of its
         subsidiaries or any material adverse change, or any development
         involving a prospective material adverse change, in or affecting the
         general affairs, business, prospects, management, financial position,
         stockholders' equity or results of operations of the Company and its
         subsidiaries, taken as a whole, otherwise than as set forth or
         contemplated in the Prospectus, the effect of which in the judgment of
         the Representatives makes it impracticable or 

                                       14
<PAGE>   15
         inadvisable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the
         Shares on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case
         may be, on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus;
         and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has sustained since
         the date of the latest audited financial statements included or
         incorporated by reference in the Prospectus any material loss or
         interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other
         calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor
         dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree, otherwise
         than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus;

                  (e) the Representatives shall have received on and as of the
         Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, a
         certificate of an executive officer of the Company, with specific
         knowledge about the Company's financial matters, satisfactory to the
         Representatives to the effect set forth in subsections (a) through (d)
         of this Section and to the further effect that there has not occurred
         any material adverse change, or any development involving a prospective
         material adverse change, in or affecting the general affairs, business,
         prospects, management, financial position, stockholders' equity or
         results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a
         whole from that set forth or contemplated in the Registration
         Statement;

                  (f) Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP, counsel for the Company, shall
         have furnished to the Representatives their written opinion, dated the
         Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, in
         form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, to the effect
         that:

                           (i) this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed
                  and delivered by the Company;

                           (ii) the authorized capital stock of the Company
                  conforms as to legal matters to the description thereof
                  contained in the Prospectus;

                           (iii) all of the outstanding shares of capital stock
                  (including the Underwritten Shares) of the Company have been
                  duly authorized and are validly issued, fully paid and non-
                  assessable and, except as described in or expressly
                  contemplated by the Prospectus, such capital stock, is not
                  subject to any preemptive or similar rights;

                                       15
<PAGE>   16
                           (iv) the Additional Shares have been duly authorized
                  and, when issued and delivered to and paid for by the U.S.
                  Underwriters in accordance with the terms of this Agreement,
                  will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and will
                  conform to the description thereof in the Prospectus; and the
                  issuance of the Additional Shares is not subject to any
                  preemptive or similar rights;

                           (v) such counsel does not know of any statutes,
                  regulations, contracts or other documents that are required to
                  be described in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or to
                  be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that are
                  not described or filed as required;

                           (vi) the statements in the Prospectus under
                  "Management--Long-Term Incentive Plan; --Defined Benefit
                  Plans; --Employment Agreements"; "Relationship with
                  DKB--Regulatory Compliance Agreements; --Registration Rights
                  Agreement; --Tax Allocation Agreement"; "Description of
                  Capital Stock"; "Certain United States Tax Consequences to
                  Non-United States Holders"; and "Underwriting," and in the
                  Registration Statement in Items 14 and 15, insofar as such
                  statements constitute a summary of the terms of the Stock,
                  legal matters, documents or proceedings referred to therein,
                  fairly present the information called for with respect to such
                  terms, legal matters, documents or proceedings;

                           (vii) such counsel is of the opinion that the
                  Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendments
                  and supplements thereto (other than the financial statements
                  and related schedules and other financial and statistical data
                  included or incorporated by reference therein, as to which
                  such counsel need express no opinion) comply as to form in all
                  material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act
                  and has no reason to believe that (other than the financial
                  statements and related schedules and other financial and
                  statistical data included or incorporated by reference
                  therein, as to which such counsel need express no belief) the
                  Registration Statement and the Prospectus included therein at
                  the time the Registration Statement became effective contained
                  any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a
                  material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
                  make the statements therein not misleading, or that the
                  Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if applicable,
                  contains any untrue 

                                       16
<PAGE>   17
                  statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact
                  necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the
                  light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
                  misleading;

                           (viii) no consent, approval, authorization, order,
                  license, registration or qualification of or with any court or
                  governmental agency or body is required for the issue and sale
                  of the Shares or the consummation of the other transactions
                  contemplated by this Agreement, except such consents,
                  approvals, authorizations, orders, licenses, registrations or
                  qualifications as have been obtained under the Securities Act
                  and as may be required under foreign or state securities or
                  Blue Sky laws in connection with the purchase and distribution
                  of the Shares by the Underwriters; and

                           (ix) the Company is not and, after giving effect to
                  the offering and sale of the Shares, will not be an
                  "investment company" as such term is defined in the Investment
                  Company Act;

                           (x) each Intercompany Agreement has been duly
                  authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and
                  constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Company,
                  enforceable in accordance with its terms except as the
                  enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy,
                  insolvency or similar laws affecting creditors' rights
                  generally and the availability of equitable remedies may be
                  limited by equitable principles of general applicability; and
                  the exercise of the CBC Option has been duly authorized,
                  executed and delivered by the Company.


                  (g) Ernest D. Stein, Executive Vice President and General
         Counsel for the Company, shall have furnished to the Representatives
         his written opinion, dated the Closing Date or the Additional Closing
         Date, as the case may be, in form and substance satisfactory to the
         Representatives, to the effect that:

                           (i) the Company has been duly incorporated and is
                  validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the
                  laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, with power and
                  authority (corporate and other) to own its properties and
                  conduct its business as described in the Prospectus;

                           (ii) the Company has been duly qualified as a foreign
                  corporation for the transaction of business and is in good
                  standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which it
                  owns or leases 

                                       17
<PAGE>   18
                  properties, or conducts any business, so as to require such
                  qualification, other than where the failure to be so qualified
                  or in good standing would not have a material adverse effect
                  on the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole;

                           (iii) each of the Company's Principal Subsidiaries
                  has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a
                  corporation under the laws of its jurisdiction of
                  incorporation with power and authority (corporate and other)
                  to own its properties and conduct its business as described in
                  the Prospectus and has been duly qualified as a foreign
                  corporation for the transaction of business and is in good
                  standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which it
                  owns or leases properties, or conducts any business, so as to
                  require such qualification, other than where the failure to be
                  so qualified and in good standing would not have a material
                  adverse effect on the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a
                  whole; and all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of
                  each Principal Subsidiary have been duly and validly
                  authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable, and
                  are owned directly or indirectly by the Company, free and
                  clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities and claims;

                           (iv) other than set forth or contemplated in the
                  Prospectus, there are no legal or governmental investigations,
                  actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the best of such
                  counsel's knowledge, threatened against or affecting the
                  Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective
                  properties or to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries
                  is or may be a party or to which any property of the Company
                  or its subsidiaries is or may be the subject which, if
                  determined adversely to the Company or any of its
                  subsidiaries, could individually or in the aggregate,
                  reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on
                  the general affairs, business, prospects, management,
                  financial position, stockholders' equity or results of
                  operations of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a
                  whole; to the best of such counsel's knowledge, no such
                  proceedings are threatened or contemplated by governmental
                  authorities or threatened by others; and such counsel does not
                  know of any statutes, regulations, contracts or other
                  documents that are required to be described in the
                  Registration Statement or Prospectus or to be filed as
                  exhibits to the Registration Statement that are not described
                  or filed as required;

                                       18
<PAGE>   19
                           (v) such counsel is of the opinion that the
                  Registration Statement and the Prospectus and any amendments
                  and supplements thereto (other than the financial statements
                  and related schedules and other financial and statistical data
                  included or incorporated by reference therein, as to which
                  such counsel need express no opinion) comply as to form in all
                  material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act
                  and has no reason to believe that (other than the financial
                  statements and related schedules and other financial and
                  statistical data included or incorporated by reference
                  therein, as to which such counsel need express no belief) the
                  Registration Statement and the Prospectus included therein at
                  the time of the Registration Statement became effective
                  contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted
                  to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
                  necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or
                  that the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, if
                  applicable, contains any untrue statement of a material fact
                  or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make
                  the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances
                  under which they were made, not misleading;

                           (vi) neither the Company nor any of its Principal
                  Subsidiaries is, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time
                  or both would be, in violation of or in default under, its
                  Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws or any indenture,
                  mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or
                  instrument known to such counsel to which the Company or any
                  of its Principal Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any
                  of them or any of their respective properties is bound, except
                  for violations or defaults which individually and in the
                  aggregate are not material to the Company and its subsidiaries
                  taken as a whole; the sale of the Shares being delivered on
                  the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case
                  may be, and the performance by the Company of its obligations
                  under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
                  contemplated herein will not conflict with or result in a
                  breach of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a
                  default under, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan
                  agreement or other agreement or instrument known to such
                  counsel to which the Company or any of its Principal
                  Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its
                  Principal Subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the
                  property or assets of the Company or any of its Principal
                  Subsidiaries is subject, nor will any such action result in
                  any violation of the provisions of the Certificate of
                  Incorporation or the By-Laws of the

                                       19
<PAGE>   20
                  Company or any applicable law or statute or any order, rule or
                  regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having
                  jurisdiction over the Company, its Principal Subsidiaries or
                  any of their respective properties;

                           (vii) the documents incorporated by reference in the
                  Prospectus or any further amendment or supplement thereto made
                  by the Company prior to the Closing Date or the Additional
                  Closing Date, as the case may be, (other than the financial
                  statements and related schedules and other financial and
                  statistical data included therein, as to which such counsel
                  need not express no opinion), when they were filed with the
                  Commission, complied as to form in all material respects with
                  the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and
                  regulations of the Commission thereunder;

                           (viii) each of the Company and its Principal
                  Subsidiaries owns, possesses or has obtained all licenses,
                  permits, certificates, consents, orders, approvals and other
                  authorizations from, and has made all declarations and filings
                  with, all federal, state, local and other governmental
                  authorities (including foreign regulatory agencies), all
                  self-regulatory organizations and all courts and other
                  tribunals, domestic or foreign, necessary to own or lease, as
                  the case may be, and to operate its properties and to carry on
                  its business as conducted as of the date hereof, and neither
                  the Company nor any such Principal Subsidiary has received any
                  actual notice of any proceeding relating to revocation or
                  modification of any such license, permit, certificate,
                  consent, order, approval or other authorization; and each of
                  the Company and its Principal Subsidiaries is in compliance in
                  all material respects with all laws and regulations relating
                  to the conduct of its business as conducted as of the date of
                  the Prospectus; and

                           (ix) each of the Company and its Principal
                  Subsidiaries is in compliance with all Environmental Laws,
                  except, in each case, where noncompliance, individually or in
                  the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on the
                  Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole; there are no
                  legal or governmental proceedings pending or, to the knowledge
                  of such counsel, threatened against or affecting the Company
                  or any of its subsidiaries under any Environmental Law which,
                  individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected
                  to have a material adverse effect on the Company and its
                  subsidiaries as a whole.

                                       20
<PAGE>   21
         In rendering the opinions set forth in paragraphs (f) and (g) of this
Section, such counsel may rely (A) as to matters involving the application of
laws other than the laws of the United States and the States of Delaware and New
York, to the extent such counsel deems proper and to the extent specified in
such opinion, if at all, upon an opinion or opinions (in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to Underwriters' counsel) of other counsel reasonably
acceptable to Underwriters' counsel, familiar with the applicable laws; (B) as
to matters of fact, to the extent such counsel deems proper, on certificates of
responsible officers of the Company and, in the case of Ernest D. Stein,
certificates or other written statements of officials of jurisdictions having
custody of documents respecting the corporate existence or good standing of the
Company. The opinions of such counsel for the Company shall state that the
opinions of any such other counsel upon which they relied is in form
satisfactory to such counsel and, in such counsel's opinion, the Underwriters
and they are justified in relying thereon. With respect to the matters to be
covered in subparagraph (vii) of paragraph (f) and subparagraphs (v) and (vii)
paragraph (g) above counsel may state their opinion and belief is based upon
their participation in the preparation of the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto (other than, in the case of
Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP, the documents incorporated by reference therein) and
review and discussion of the contents thereof (including the documents
incorporated by reference therein) but is without independent check or
verification except as specified.

         The opinions of Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP and Ernest D. Stein described
above shall be rendered to the Underwriters at the request of the Company and
shall so state therein.

                  (h) on the effective date of the Registration Statement and
         the effective date of the most recently filed post-effective amendment
         to the Registration Statement and also on the Closing Date or
         Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
         shall have furnished to you letters, dated the respective dates of
         delivery thereof, in form and substance satisfactory to you, containing
         statements and information of the type customarily included in
         accountants' "comfort letters" to underwriters with respect to the
         financial statements and certain financial information contained in the
         Registration Statement and the Prospectus;


                  (i) the Representatives shall have received on and as of the
         Closing Date or Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, an opinion
         of Davis Polk & Wardwell, counsel to the Underwriters, with respect to
         the due authorization and valid issuance of the Shares, the
         Registration Statement, the Prospectus and other related matters as the
         Representatives 

                                       21
<PAGE>   22
         may reasonably request, and such counsel shall have received such
         papers and information as they may reasonably request to enable them to
         pass upon such matters;

                  (j) the Shares to be delivered on the Closing Date or
         Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, shall have been approved
         for listing on the Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance;

                  (k) on or prior to the Closing Date or Additional Closing
         Date, as the case may be, the Company shall have furnished to the
         Representatives such further certificates and documents as the
         Representatives shall reasonably request;

                  (l) The "lock-up" agreements, each substantially in the form
         of Exhibit B hereto, between you and DKB and certain officers and
         directors of the Company relating to sales and certain other
         dispositions of shares of Stock or certain other securities, delivered
         to you on or before the date hereof, shall be in full force and effect
         on the Closing Date or Additional Closing Date, as the case may be; and

                  (m) the Company shall have purchased the CBC Option pursuant
         to the Assignment Agreement and notice of exercise of the CBC Option
         shall have been given.

         7. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter
and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of
either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from
and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including,
without limitation, the legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection
with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted) caused by any untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus (as amended or supplemented if the
Company shall have furnished any amendments or supplements thereto) or any
preliminary prospectus, or caused by the omission or alleged omission to state
therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such losses, claims,
damages or liabilities are caused by any untrue statement or omission or alleged
untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with
information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by
such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein.

                                       22
<PAGE>   23
         The Company also agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, J.P. Morgan and
each person, if any, who controls J.P. Morgan within the meaning of either
Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and
against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities incurred as a result
of J.P. Morgan's participation as a "qualified independent underwriter" within
the meaning of Rule 2720 of the Rules of Conduct of the NASD in connection with
the offering of the Shares.

         Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and
hold harmless the Company, its directors, officers who sign the Registration
Statement and each person who controls the Company within the meaning of Section
15 of the Securities Act and Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent
as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to each Underwriter, but only with
reference to information relating to such Underwriter furnished to the Company
in writing by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in
the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, any amendment or supplement thereto,
or any preliminary prospectus.

         If any suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or
regulatory investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against
any person in respect of which indemnity may be sought pursuant to any of the
three preceding paragraphs, such person (the "Indemnified Person") shall
promptly notify the person against whom such indemnity may be sought (the
"Indemnifying Person") in writing, and the Indemnifying Person, upon request of
the Indemnified Person, shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the
Indemnified Person to represent the Indemnified Person and any others the
Indemnifying Person may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the fees and
expenses of such counsel related to such proceeding. In any such proceeding, any
Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees
and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Person
unless (i) the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person shall have
mutually agreed to the contrary, (ii) the Indemnifying Person has failed within
a reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified
Person or (iii) the named parties in any such proceeding (including any impeded
parties) include both the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person and
representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to
actual or potential differing interests between them. It is understood that the
Indemnifying Person shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related
proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more
than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Indemnified
Persons, and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are
incurred provided, however, that if indemnity may be sought pursuant to the
second paragraph of this Section 7 in respect of such proceeding, then in
addition to such separate firm for the Underwriters and such 

                                       23
<PAGE>   24
control persons of the Underwriters the Indemnifying Person shall be liable for
the fees and expenses of not more than one separate firm (in addition to any
local counsel) for J.P. Morgan in its capacity as a "qualified independent
underwriter" and all persons, if any, who control J.P. Morgan, within the
meaning of either Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange
Act. Any such separate firm for the Underwriters and such control persons of
Underwriters shall be designated in writing by J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and
any such separate firm for the Company, its directors, officers who sign the
Registration Statement and such control persons of the Company shall be
designated in writing by the Company. The Indemnifying Person shall not be
liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written
consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for
the plaintiff, the Indemnifying Person agrees to indemnify any Indemnified
Person from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or
judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an Indemnified
Person shall have requested an Indemnifying Person to reimburse the Indemnified
Person for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by the second and third
sentences of this paragraph, the Indemnifying Person agrees that it shall be
liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent
if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by such
Indemnifying Person of the aforesaid request and (ii) such Indemnifying Person
shall not have reimbursed the Indemnified Person in accordance with such request
prior to the date of such settlement. No Indemnifying Person shall, without the
prior written consent of the Indemnified Person, effect any settlement of any
pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Person is
or could have been a party and indemnity could have been sought hereunder by
such Indemnified Person, unless such settlement includes an unconditional
release of such Indemnified Person from all liability on claims that are the
subject matter of such proceeding.

         If the indemnification provided for in the first, second or third
paragraphs of this Section 7 is unavailable to an Indemnified Person or
insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred
to therein, then each Indemnifying Person under such paragraph, in lieu of
indemnifying such Indemnified Person thereunder, shall contribute to the amount
paid or payable by such Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims,
damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the
relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters
or J.P. Morgan in its capacity as "qualified independent underwriter," as the
case may be, on the other hand from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if the
allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in
such proportions as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits
referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company on
the one hand and the Underwriters or J.P. 

                                       24
<PAGE>   25
Morgan in its capacity as "qualified independent underwriter," as the case may
be, on the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions that
resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other
relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company
on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand shall be deemed to be in
the same respective proportions as the net proceeds from the offering (before
deducting expenses) received by the Company and the total underwriting discounts
and the commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in
the table on the cover of the Prospectus, or the fee received by J.P. Morgan in
its capacity as a "qualified independent underwriter," bear to the aggregate
public offering price of the Shares. The relative fault of the Company on the
one hand and the Underwriters or J.P. Morgan in its capacity as "qualified
independent underwriter," as the case may be, on the other hand shall be
determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged
untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state
a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company or by the
Underwriters or J.P. Morgan in its capacity as "qualified independent
underwriter," as the case may be, and the parties' relative intent, knowledge,
access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or
omission.

         The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and
equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 7 were determined by pro rata
allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such
purposes) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the
equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. The
amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Person as a result of the losses,
claims, damages or liabilities referred to in the immediately preceding
paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth
above, any legal or other expenses incurred by such Indemnified Person in
connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7, in no event shall an
Underwriter be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by
which the total price at which the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to
the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages that
such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of
fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the
Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters' obligations to
contribute pursuant to this Section 7 are several in proportion to the
respective number of Shares set forth opposite their names in Schedule I or
Schedule II hereto, and not joint.

                                       25
<PAGE>   26
         The remedies provided for in this Section 7 are not exclusive and shall
not limit any rights or remedies which may otherwise be available to any
indemnified party at law or in equity.

         The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section 7
and the representations and warranties of the Company set forth in this
Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i)
any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf
of any Underwriter or any person controlling any Underwriter or by or on behalf
of the Company, its officers or directors or any other person controlling the
Company and (iii) acceptance of and payment for any of the Shares.

         8. Notwithstanding anything herein contained, this Agreement (or the
obligations of the several Underwriters with respect to the Option Shares) may
be terminated in the absolute discretion of the Representatives, by notice given
to the Company, if after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and prior
to the Closing Date (or, in the case of the Option Shares, prior to the
Additional Closing Date) (i) trading generally shall have been suspended or
materially limited on or by, as the case may be, any of the New York Stock
Exchange, the American Stock Exchange or the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., (ii) trading of any securities of or guaranteed by the Company
shall have been suspended on any exchange or in any over-the-counter market,
(iii) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities in New York shall
have been declared by either Federal or New York State authorities, or (iv)
there shall have occurred any outbreak or escalation of hostilities or any
change in financial markets or any calamity or crisis that, in the judgment of
the Representatives, is material and adverse and which, in the judgment of the
Representatives, makes it impracticable to market the Shares being delivered at
the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, on the
terms and in the manner contemplated in the Prospectus.

         9. This Agreement shall become effective upon the later of (x)
execution and delivery hereof by the parties hereto and (y) release of
notification of the effectiveness of the Registration Statement (or, if
applicable, any post-effective amendment) by the Commission.

         If on the Closing Date or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may
be, any one or more of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares
which it or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the
aggregate number of Shares which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters
agreed but failed or refused to purchase is not more than one-tenth of the
aggregate number of Shares to be purchased on such date, the other Underwriters
obligated to purchase on such date shall be obligated severally in the
proportions that the 

                                       26
<PAGE>   27
number of Shares set forth opposite their respective names in Schedule I or
Schedule II bears to the aggregate number of Underwritten Shares set forth
opposite the names of all such non-defaulting Underwriters, or in such other
proportions as the Representatives may specify, to purchase the Shares which
such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to
purchase on such date; provided that in no event shall the number of Shares that
any Underwriter has agreed to purchase pursuant to Section 1 be increased
pursuant to this Section 9 by an amount in excess of one-tenth of such number of
Shares without the written consent of such Underwriter. If on the Closing Date
or the Additional Closing Date, as the case may be, any Underwriter or
Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Shares which it or they have
agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the aggregate number of Shares
with respect to which such default occurs is more than one-tenth of the
aggregate number of Shares to be purchased on such date, and arrangements
satisfactory to the applicable Representatives and the Company for the purchase
of such Shares are not made within 36 hours after such default, this Agreement
(or the obligations of the several Underwriters to purchase the Option Shares,
as the case may be) shall terminate without liability on the part of any
non-defaulting Underwriter or the Company. In any such case either you or the
Company shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date (or, in the case of
the Option Shares, the Additional Closing Date), but in no event for longer than
seven days, in order that the required changes, if any, in the Registration
Statement and in the Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements may be
effected. Any action taken under this paragraph shall not relieve any defaulting
Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under
this Agreement.

         10. If this Agreement shall be terminated by the Underwriters, or any
of them, because of any failure or refusal on the part of the Company to comply
with the terms or to fulfill any of the conditions of this Agreement, or if for
any reason the Company shall be unable to perform its obligations under this
Agreement or any condition of the Underwriters' obligations cannot be fulfilled,
the Company agrees to reimburse the Underwriters or such Underwriters as have so
terminated this Agreement with respect to themselves, severally, for all
out-of-pocket expenses (including the fees and expenses of its counsel)
reasonably incurred by the Underwriters in connection with this Agreement or the
offering contemplated hereunder.

         11. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon
the Company, the Underwriters, any controlling persons referred to herein and
their respective successors and assigns. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this
Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any other person, firm or
corporation any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of
this Agreement or any provision herein contained. No purchaser of Shares from

                                       27
<PAGE>   28
any Underwriter shall be deemed to be successor by reason merely of such
purchase.

         12. Any action by the Underwriters hereunder may be taken by J.P.
Morgan Securities Inc. alone on behalf of the Representatives or Underwriters,
and any such action taken by J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. alone shall be binding
upon the Representatives or Underwriters. All notices and other communications
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if
mailed or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication. Notices to the
Underwriters shall be given to the Representatives, c/o J.P. Morgan Securities
Inc., 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10260 (telefax: _________); Attention:
Syndicate Department. Notices to the Company shall be given to it at
______________, ___________, ______________, (telefax: _________); Attention:
___________.

         13. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall
be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.

         14. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO THE CONFLICTS
OF LAWS PROVISIONS THEREOF.

                                       28
<PAGE>   29
      If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and
return four counterparts hereof.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                       THE CIT GROUP INC.

                                       By:_____________________________________
                                           Title:

Accepted: ________, 1997

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
Lehman Brothers Inc.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
Salomon Brothers Inc
UBS Securities LLC

Acting severally on behalf
of themselves and the 
several Underwriters listed in
Schedule I hereto.

By: J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.



By:____________________________
    Title:

                                       29
<PAGE>   30
                                                                      SCHEDULE I






<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       NUMBER OF
                                                                     UNDERWRITTEN 
                                                                        SHARES
UNDERWRITER                                                        TO BE PURCHASED
- -----------                                                        ---------------
<S>                                                        <C>
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc.
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
Lehman Brothers Inc.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
Salomon Brothers Inc
UBS Securities LLC                                                 --------

                                                            Total  ========
</TABLE>

                                       30

<PAGE>   1
                                                                      Exhibit 5


                     [Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP Letterhead]

   
                                                       November 12, 1997
    

The CIT Group, Inc.
1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036


Dear Sirs:

     We have acted as special counsel to The CIT Group, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the preparation and filing by
the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") of a
Registration Statement on Form S-2, Commission file number 333-36435 (the
"Registration Statement"), under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), relating to the offer and sale of a maximum of 36,225,000
shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (the
"Class A Common Stock," and the shares of Class A Common Stock covered by the
Registration Statement are referred to herein as the "Shares"). The Shares are
to be purchased by certain underwriters and offered for sale to the public
pursuant to the terms of the Underwriting Agreement (the "Underwriting
Agreement"), the form of which will be filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.

     In our capacity as special counsel to the Company in connection with the
preparation and filing by the Company of the Registration Statement and the
offer and sale of Shares contemplated thereby, we have examined originals,
telecopies or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of
such records of the Company and all such agreements, certificates of public
officials, certificates of officers or representatives of the Company and
others, and such other documents, certificates and corporate or other records
as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for this opinion.

     In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the
legal capacity of natural persons signing or delivering any instrument, the
authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to
original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic
copies and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. As to
any facts material to this opinion that were not independently established or
verified, we have relied upon statements and representations of officers and
other representatives of the Company and others.

     We are attorneys admitted to practice in the State of New York and the
opinion set forth below is limited to the laws of the State of New York and the
Delaware General Corporation Law. Paul N. Roth, a member of this firm, is a
director of the Company.

<PAGE>   2
     Based upon the foregoing, and having regard for such legal considerations
as we deem relevant, we are of the opinion that, upon the filing in
accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law of the Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company filed as an Exhibit to the
Registration Statement, the Shares will be duly authorized by the Company and,
upon payment and delivery in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement, will
be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

     We have reviewed the discussion contained under the heading "Certain
United States Tax Consequences to Non-United States Holders" in the Prospectus
forming a part of the Registration Statement. In our opinion, such discussion
sets forth the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable
generally to non-U.S. holders of the Shares and to such holders' ownership and
disposition of the Shares.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to this firm under the heading
"Legal Matters" in the Prospectus which forms a part thereof. In giving such
consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose
consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and
regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.


                                   Very truly yours,


                                   /s/ Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP
                                   ----------------------------
                                       SCHULTE ROTH & ZABEL LLP


<PAGE>   1

                                                                      
                                                                       
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.4


                         REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT


                  THIS REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is
made and entered into as of this ____ day of __________, 1997 by and between THE
DAI-ICHI KANGYO BANK, LIMITED, a Japanese bank (the "Bank"), and THE CIT GROUP,
INC., a Delaware corporation ("CIT").


                                    RECITALS


                  WHEREAS, the Bank currently owns 80% of the outstanding common
stock of CIT;

                  WHEREAS, CIT is contemplating the issuance of shares of common
stock in an initial public offering (the "Offering") and following the Offering,
the Bank will be the beneficial and record owner of ________ shares of Class B
common stock of CIT (the "Shares");

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the
mutual covenants herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration
had and received, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged,
the parties hereto agree as follow:

                  1. Restriction of CIT's Activities.

                      (a) CIT and its Subsidiaries shall not engage in any
Covered Activity (as defined in Section 5 below) without prior notice to and
approval by the Bank in accordance with Section 1(e).

                      (b) CIT and its Subsidiaries shall not engage in any
Covered Activity without prior approval of (A) the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System (the "Board") and (B) the Ministry of Finance of Japan
("MOF") having been obtained by the Bank or any notice or filing required
pursuant to Section 1(e) hereof having been given or made by the Bank and
accepted, if applicable.

                      (c) CIT and its Subsidiaries shall not engage in any
activity that would cause the Bank, CIT or any Affiliate of the Bank or CIT to
violate the Act (as defined in Section 5 below) or the Banking Law (as defined
in Section 5 below).

                      (d) In the event that, at any time, it is determined by
the Bank that an activity then conducted by CIT or any Subsidiary of CIT, or any
Covered Activity entered into by CIT or any Subsidiary of CIT, is prohibited by
the Act or the Banking Law, CIT shall take, or cause the relevant Subsidiary to
take, all reasonable steps to cease such activity or Covered Activity
immediately.


<PAGE>   2

                      (e) Following the receipt of a notice from CIT under
Section 1(a), the Bank shall determine (i) whether the proposed Covered Activity
is permissible pursuant to laws and regulations applicable to the Bank and its
Affiliates, including without limitation the Act and the Banking Law, and (ii)
whether applications, notices or other filings should be filed or made with the
Board or MOF in connection with the proposed Covered Activity. If the Bank
determines that such proposed Covered Activity is so permissible and does not
require any application, notice or other filing with the Board or MOF, it shall
so notify CIT and CIT may engage or cause its Subsidiaries to engage in such
proposed Covered Activity. If the Bank determines that such proposed Covered
Activity is not so permissible, CIT and its Subsidiaries shall not engage in
such proposed Covered Activity. If the Bank determines that such proposed
Covered Activity is permissible, but that an application, notice or other filing
with the Board or MOF is required, the Bank shall notify CIT whether the Bank
will make such application, notice or other filing and neither CIT nor any
Subsidiary shall commence such proposed Covered Activity except upon compliance
with this Section 1.

                      (f) CIT and its Subsidiaries will comply with, and will
assist the Bank to obtain, all approvals and consents as may be required by the
Act or the Banking Law.

                  2. Term. The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date
hereof and shall continue until the earlier of (i) the date on which the Bank
owns none of the Shares or (ii) the date on which the Bank, after having in its
sole discretion requested an opinion from regulatory counsel in the United
States and Japan with respect thereto, shall have received a written opinion
from such counsel (and delivered a copy of such opinion to CIT) that (i) the
Bank is not required to receive prior approval from or give notice to or make
filings with the Board or MOF under the Act and the Banking Law, as the case may
be, as a result of CIT or any Subsidiary of CIT commencing or engaging in any
Covered Activity, and (ii) the Bank and CIT are no longer subject to the
jurisdiction of MOF or the Board, as the case may be, with respect to the
activities and transactions in which CIT may engage. In the event that such
opinion is delivered with respect to only one of the United States or Japan,
this Agreement shall terminate only with respect to compliance with the
applicable laws and regulations of such jurisdiction.

                  3. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed under the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles
of conflict of laws.

                  4. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number
of counterparts, each of which, when executed by all of the parties to this
Agreement, shall be deemed to be an original, and all of which counterparts
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

                  5. Definitions. Capitalized terms not otherwise herein defined
shall be given the definitions in Regulation Y, 12 C.F.R. Section 225 et seq. A
"Covered Activity" means any new activity or any activity or transaction for
which (i) the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (12 U.S.C. secs. 1841
et seq.) or any successor thereto, or any regulation, interpretation, policy,
guideline, request, directive or order (whether or not having the force of law
and whether or not the failure to comply therewith would be unlawful) made
pursuant thereto (the "Act"), or


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3


(ii) the Japanese Banking Law, as amended (Law No. 59, June 1, 1981) or any
successor thereto or any regulation, interpretation, policy, guideline, request,
directive or order (whether or not having the force of law and whether or not
the failure to comply therewith would be unlawful) made pursuant thereto (the
"Banking Law"), requires the Bank to receive prior approval from or give notice
to or make other filings with the Board or MOF, as the case may be.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Agreement to be executed by their respective authorized officers as of the date
first written above.


                                           THE DAI-ICHI KANGYO BANK, LIMITED
                                       
                                       
                                           By: _________________________________
                                       
                                       
                                           THE CIT GROUP, INC.
                                       
                                       
                                           By: _________________________________
                                       
                                       


                                      -3-

<PAGE>   1

                                                                  Exhibit 10.5 
                                                                       

                          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

                                 by and between

                               THE CIT GROUP, INC.

                                       and

                        THE DAI-ICHI KANGYO BANK, LIMITED

                          Dated as of November __, 1997
<PAGE>   2

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                     Page
                                                                     ----

1.   DEFINITIONS.......................................................1

2.  REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT..............................5

    2.1  DEMAND REGISTRATION...........................................5
    2.2  INCIDENTAL REGISTRATION.......................................8
    2.3  SHELF REGISTRATION...........................................10
    2.4  EXPENSES.....................................................11
    2.5  UNDERWRITTEN OFFERINGS.......................................11
    2.6   CONVERSIONS; EXERCISES......................................12
    2.7  POSTPONEMENTS................................................12

3.  HOLDBACK ARRANGEMENTS.............................................13

    3.1  RESTRICTIONS ON SALE BY HOLDERS OF REGISTRABLE SECURITIES....13
    3.2  RESTRICTIONS ON SALE BY THE COMPANY AND OTHERS...............13

4.  REGISTRATION PROCEDURES...........................................14

    4.1  OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY...................................14
    4.2  SELLER INFORMATION...........................................18
    4.3  NOTICE TO DISCONTINUE........................................19

5.  INDEMNIFICATION; CONTRIBUTION.....................................19

    5.1  INDEMNIFICATION BY THE COMPANY...............................19
    5.2  INDEMNIFICATION BY HOLDERS...................................20
    5.3  CONDUCT OF INDEMNIFICATION PROCEEDINGS.......................21
    5.4  CONTRIBUTION.................................................22
    5.5  OTHER INDEMNIFICATION........................................22
    5.6  INDEMNIFICATION PAYMENTS.....................................23

6.  GENERAL...........................................................23

    6.1  REGISTRATION RIGHTS TO OTHERS................................23
    6.2  AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION; RULE 144; RULE 144A; 
          OTHER EXEMPTIONS ...........................................23
    6.3  AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS.......................................23
    6.4  NOTICES......................................................24
    6.5  SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.......................................25
    6.6  COUNTERPARTS.................................................25
    6.7  DESCRIPTIVE HEADINGS, ETC....................................26
    6.8  SEVERABILITY.................................................26
    6.09  GOVERNING LAW...............................................26
    6.10  REMEDIES; SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE..............................26
    6.11  ENTIRE AGREEMENT............................................27
    6.12  NOMINEES FOR BENEFICIAL OWNERS..............................27
    6.13  CONSENT TO JURISDICTION.....................................28
    6.14  FURTHER ASSURANCES..........................................28
    6.15   NO INCONSISTENT AGREEMENTS.................................28
    6.16  CONSTRUCTION................................................28
<PAGE>   3

   
    
            REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this or the "Agreement") dated as of
November __, 1997, by and between The CIT Group, Inc. a Delaware corporation
(the "Company") and The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Limited, a Japanese banking
corporation (the "Initial Holder").

                              W I T N E S S E T H :

            WHEREAS, the Initial Holder owns all of the outstanding shares of
Class B Common Stock of the Company; and

            WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company has determined that
it is in the best interest of the Company to provide the Initial Holder with
certain registration rights upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth herein;

            NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration the
receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be
legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:


      1. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have
the following meanings:

            "Affiliate" shall mean (i) with respect to any Person, any other
Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or
indirect common control with such Person, and (ii) with respect to any
individual, shall also mean the spouse, sibling, child, step-child, grandchild,
niece, nephew or parent of such Person, or the spouse of any thereof.

            "Blackout Period" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.7.

            "Class A Common Stock" shall mean the Class A Common Stock of the
Company, par value $.01 per share (and any other securities issued in respect
thereof or in exchange therefor).

            "Class B Common Stock" shall mean the Class B Common Stock of the
Company, par value $.01 per share (and any other securities issued in respect
thereof or in exchange therefor).

            "Common Stock" means, together, the Class A Common Stock and the
Class B Common Stock.

            "Demand Registration" shall mean a registration required to be
effected by the Company pursuant to Section 2.1.

            "Demand Registration Statement" shall mean a registration statement
of the Company which covers the Registrable Securities requested to be included
therein 
<PAGE>   4

pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.1 and all amendments and supplements to
such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case
including the Prospectus contained therein, all exhibits thereto and all
material incorporated by reference (or deemed to be incorporated by reference)
therein.

            "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations thereunder, or any
similar or successor statute.

            "Holders" shall mean the Initial Holder for so long as it owns any
Registrable Securities and such of its successors and permitted assigns
(including any Permitted Transferees of Registrable Securities) who acquire or
are otherwise the transferee of Registrable Securities, directly or indirectly,
from such Initial Holder (or any subsequent Holder), for so long as such
successors and permitted assigns own any Registrable Securities. For purposes of
this Agreement, a Person will be deemed to be a Holder whenever such Person
holds an option to purchase, or a security convertible into or exercisable or
exchangeable for, Registrable Securities, whether or not such purchase,
conversion, exercise or exchange has actually been effected and disregarding any
legal restrictions upon the exercise of such rights. Registrable Securities
issuable upon exercise of an option or upon conversion, exchange or exercise of
another security shall be deemed outstanding for the purposes of this Agreement.

            "Holders' Counsel" shall mean one firm of counsel (per registration)
to the Holders of Registrable Securities participating in such registration,
which counsel shall be selected (i) in the case of a Demand Registration, by the
Initiating Holders holding a majority of the Registrable Securities for which
registration was requested in the Request, and (ii) in all other cases, by the
Majority Holders of the Registration.

            "Incidental Registration" shall mean a registration required to be
effected by the Company pursuant to Section 2.2.

            "Incidental Registration Statement" shall mean a registration
statement of the Company which covers the Registrable Securities requested to be
included therein pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.2 and all amendments
and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective
amendments, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein, all
exhibits thereto and all material incorporated by reference (or deemed to be
incorporated by reference) therein.

            "Initial Holder" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble
hereto.

            "Initiating Holders" shall mean, with respect to a particular
registration, the Holders who initiated the Request for such registration.

            "Inspectors" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(g).

            "Majority Holders" shall mean one or more Holders of Registrable
Securities who hold a majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   5

            "Majority Holders of the Registration" shall mean, with respect to a
particular registration, one or more Holders of Registrable Securities who hold
a majority of the Registrable Securities to be included in such registration.

            "NASD" shall mean the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc.

            "Permitted Transferee" shall mean any Person to which a Holder has
assigned its rights and obligations hereunder, in accordance with Section 6.5 of
this Agreement.

            "Person" shall mean any individual, firm, partnership, corporation,
trust, joint venture, association, joint stock company, limited liability
company, unincorporated organization or any other entity or organization,
including a government or agency or political subdivision thereof, and shall
include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.

            "Prospectus" shall mean the prospectus included in a Registration
Statement (including, without limitation, any preliminary prospectus and any
prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus
filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A
promulgated under the Securities Act), and any such Prospectus as amended or
supplemented by any prospectus supplement, and all other amendments and
supplements to such Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and in each
case including all material incorporated by reference (or deemed to be
incorporated by reference) therein.

            "Registrable Securities" shall mean (i) all shares of Class A Common
Stock which are issued or issuable upon the conversion of any shares of Class B
Common Stock currently held or hereafter acquired by the Initial Holder or its
successors or permitted assigns, (ii) all shares of Class A Common Stock at any
time held by or acquired by the Initial Holder or its successors or permitted
assigns, (iii) all shares of Class A Common Stock issued or issuable in exchange
for or upon conversion of any other securities of the Company now held or
hereafter acquired by the Initial Holder or its successors or permitted assigns
and (iv) any other securities of the Company (or any successor or assign of the
Company, whether by merger, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise) which
may be issued or issuable with respect to, in exchange for, or in substitution
of, the Registrable Securities referenced in clauses (i) through (iii) above by
reason of any dividend or stock split, combination of shares, merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, reorganization, sale of
assets or similar transaction. As to any particular Registrable Securities, such
securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (A) a registration
statement with respect to the sale of such securities shall have been declared
effective under the Securities Act and such securities have been disposed of in
accordance with such registration statement, (B) such securities are sold
pursuant to Rule 144 (or any similar provisions then in force) under the
Securities Act, (C) such securities have been otherwise transferred, a new
certificate or other evidence of ownership for them not bearing the legend
restricting further transfer shall have been delivered by the Company and
subsequent public distribution of them shall not require 


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   6

registration under the Securities Act, or (D) such securities shall have ceased
to be outstanding.

            "Registration Expenses" shall mean any and all expenses incident to
the performance of or compliance with this Agreement by the Company and its
subsidiaries, including, without limitation (i) all SEC, stock exchange, NASD
and other registration, listing and filing fees, (ii) all fees and expenses
incurred in connection with compliance with state securities or blue sky laws
and compliance with the rules of any stock exchange (including fees and
disbursements of counsel in connection with such compliance and the preparation
of a blue sky memorandum and legal investment survey), (iii) all expenses of any
Persons in preparing or assisting in preparing, word processing, printing,
distributing, mailing and delivering any Registration Statement, any Prospectus,
any underwriting agreements, transmittal letters, securities sales agreements,
securities certificates and other documents relating to the performance of or
compliance with this Agreement, (iv) the fees and disbursements of counsel for
the Company, (v) the fees and disbursements of Holders' Counsel, (vi) the fees
and disbursements of all independent public accountants (including the expenses
of any audit and/or "cold comfort" letters) and the fees and expenses of other
Persons, including experts, retained by the Company, (vii) the expenses incurred
in connection with making road show presentations and holding meetings with
potential investors to facilitate the distribution and sale of Registrable
Securities which are customarily borne by the issuer, (viii) any fees and
disbursements of underwriters customarily paid by issuers or sellers of
securities, and (ix) premiums and other costs of policies of insurance against
liabilities arising out of the public offering of the Registrable Securities
being registered; provided, however, that Registration Expenses shall not
include discounts and commissions payable to underwriters, selling brokers,
dealer managers or other similar Persons engaged in the distribution of any of
the Registrable Securities; and, provided further, that in any case where
Registration Expenses are not to be borne by the Company, such expenses shall
not include salaries of Company personnel or general overhead expenses of the
Company, auditing fees, premiums or other expenses relating to liability
insurance required by the underwriters of the Company or other expenses for the
preparation of financial statements or other data normally prepared by the
Company in the ordinary course of its business or which the Company would have
incurred in any event.

            "Registration Statement" shall mean any registration statement of
the Company which covers any Registrable Securities and all amendments and
supplements to any such Registration Statement, including post-effective
amendments, in each case including all Prospectuses contained therein, all
exhibits thereto and all material incorporated by reference (or deemed to be
incorporated by reference) therein.

            "Request" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

            "SEC" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any
successor agency having jurisdiction to enforce the Securities Act.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   7

            "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
from time to time, and the rules and regulations thereunder, or any similar or
successor statute.

            "Shelf Registration" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.1(a).

            "Underwriters" shall mean the underwriters, if any, of the offering
being registered under the Securities Act.

            "Underwritten Offering" shall mean a sale of securities of the
Company to an Underwriter or Underwriters for reoffering to the public.

            "Withdrawn Demand Registration" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.1(a).

            "Withdrawn Request" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.1(a).

      2. REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.


            2.1 Demand Registration.

                  (a) Right to Demand Registration. Subject to the limitations
set forth in this Section 2.1, at any time or from time to time, any Holder
shall have the right to request in writing (a "Request") that the Company
register all or any part of such Holder's Registrable Securities which are not
at such time included in an effective Shelf Registration under Section 2.3
(which Request shall specify the amount of Registrable Securities intended to be
disposed of by such Holders and the intended method of disposition thereof) by
filing with the SEC a Demand Registration Statement. As promptly as practicable,
but no later than 10 days after receipt of a Request, the Company shall give
written notice of such requested registration to all Holders of Registrable
Securities. Subject to Section 2.1(b), the Company shall include in a Demand
Registration (i) the Registrable Securities intended to be disposed of by the
Initiating Holders and (ii) the Registrable Securities intended to be disposed
of by any other Holder which shall have made a written request (which request
shall specify the amount of Registrable Securities to be registered and the
intended method of disposition thereof) to the Company for inclusion of such
Registrable Securities in such registration within 20 days after the receipt of
such written notice from the Company. The Company shall, as expeditiously as
possible following a Request, use its best efforts to cause to be filed with the
SEC a Demand Registration Statement providing for the registration under the
Securities Act of the Registrable Securities which the Company has been so
requested to register by all such Holders, to the extent necessary to permit the
disposition of such Registrable Securities so to be registered in accordance
with the intended methods of disposition thereof specified in such Request or
further requests (including, without limitation, by means of a shelf
registration pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (a "Shelf
Registration") if so requested and if the Company is then eligible to use such a
registration). The Company shall use its best efforts to have such Demand
Registration Statement declared effective by the SEC as soon as practicable
thereafter and to keep 


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   8

such Demand Registration Statement continuously effective for the period
specified in Section 4.1(b). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will not
be required to file a Demand Registration Statement for Registrable Securities
if the reasonably anticipated aggregate price to the public for such Registrable
Securities would be less than $100 million.

                  A Request may be withdrawn prior to the filing of the Demand
Registration Statement by the Majority Holders of the Registration (a "Withdrawn
Request") and a Demand Registration Statement may be withdrawn prior to the
effectiveness thereof by the Majority Holders of the Registration (a "Withdrawn
Demand Registration"). Any Holder requesting inclusion in a Demand Registration
may, at any time prior to the effective date of the Demand Registration
Statement (and for any reason) revoke such request by delivering written notice
to the Company revoking such requested inclusion; provided, however, that if any
Demand Registration Statement shall be withdrawn prior to the effectiveness
thereof as a result of such Holder or Holders having revoked its or their
request for inclusion in such Demand Registration Statement, such withdrawing
Holder or Holders, on a pro rata basis, as the case may be, shall reimburse the
Company for the reasonable out-of-pocket Registration Expenses relating to the
preparation and filing of such Demand Registration Statement (to the extent
actually incurred).

                  The registration rights granted pursuant to the provisions of
this Section 2.1 shall be in addition to the registration rights granted
pursuant to the other provisions of Section 2 hereof.

            (b) Priority in Demand Registrations. If a Demand Registration
involves an Underwritten Offering, and the sole or lead managing Underwriter, as
the case may be, of such Underwritten Offering shall advise the Company in
writing (with a copy to each Holder requesting registration) on or before the
date that is five days prior to the date then scheduled for such offering that,
in its opinion, the amount of Registrable Securities requested to be included in
such Demand Registration exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering
within a price range acceptable to the Majority Holders of the Registration
(such writing to state the basis of such opinion and the approximate number of
Registrable Securities which may be included in such offering), the Company
shall include in such Demand Registration, to the extent of the number which the
Company is so advised may be included in such offering, the Registrable
Securities requested to be included in the Demand Registration by the Holders
allocated pro rata in proportion to the number of Registrable Securities
requested to be included in such Demand Registration by each of them. In the
event the Company shall not, by virtue of this Section 2.1(b), include in any
Demand Registration all of the Registrable Securities of any Holder requesting
to be included in such Demand Registration, such Holder may, upon written notice
to the Company given within five days of the time such Holder first is notified
of such matter, reduce the amount of Registrable Securities it desires to have
included in such Demand Registration, whereupon only the Registrable Securities,
if any, it desires to have included will be so included and the Holders not so


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   9

reducing shall be entitled to a corresponding increase in the amount of
Registrable Securities to be included in such Demand Registration.

            (c) Limitations on Registrations. Until such time, if any, that the
total number of shares of Class B Common Stock then outstanding represents less
than 25% of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding,
there shall be no limit on the number of occasions on which Holders of
Registrable Securities may exercise their right to request registration under
this Section 2.1. After such time, if any, as the total number of shares of
Class B Common Stock then outstanding represents less than 25% of the aggregate
number of shares of Common Stock then outstanding, Holders of Registrable
Securities may exercise their rights under this Section 2.1 (through notice
delivered by any Holder of Registrable Securities) on not more than four
occasions in the aggregate for all such Holders; provided, however, that if the
Initial Holder and/or its subsidiaries continue to hold any Registrable
Securities after such four additional Demand Registrations, then the Initial
Holder and/or its subsidiaries may, on up to two additional occasions, request
the registration of all or any part of its or their remaining Registrable
Securities under this Section 2.1. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, the Company shall not be obligated to effect a Demand Registration
unless 150 days have elapsed since the last day that a prior Demand Registration
Statement remained effective (or, if earlier, the day on which the last of the
Registrable Securities covered by such prior Demand Registration Statement was
sold).

            (d) Underwriting; Selection of Underwriters. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in Section 2.1(a), if the Initiating Holders
holding a majority of the Registrable Securities for which registration was
requested in the Request so elect, the offering of such Registrable Securities
pursuant to such Demand Registration shall be in the form of a firm commitment
Underwritten Offering; and such Initiating Holders may require that all Persons
(including other Holders) participating in such registration sell their
Registrable Securities to the Underwriters at the same price and on the same
terms of underwriting applicable to the Initiating Holders. If any Demand
Registration involves an Underwritten Offering, the sole or managing
Underwriters and any additional investment bankers and managers to be used in
connection with such registration shall be selected by the Initiating Holders
holding a majority of the Registrable Securities for which registration was
requested in the Request, subject to the approval of the Company (such approval
not to be unreasonably withheld).

            (e) Registration of Other Securities. Whenever the Company shall
effect a Demand Registration, no securities other than the Registrable
Securities shall be covered by such registration unless the Majority Holders of
the Registration shall have consented in writing to the inclusion of such other
securities.

            (f) Effective Registration Statement; Suspension. A Demand
Registration Statement shall not be deemed to have become effective (and the
related registration will not be deemed to have been effected) (i) unless it has
been declared effective by the SEC and remains effective in compliance with the
provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all
Registrable Securities covered by such 


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   10

Demand Registration Statement for the time period specified in Section 4.1(b),
(ii) if the offering of any Registrable Securities pursuant to such Demand
Registration Statement is interfered with by any stop order, injunction or other
order or requirement of the SEC or any other governmental agency or court, or
(iii) if, in the case of an Underwritten Offering, the conditions to closing
specified in an underwriting agreement to which the Company is a party are not
satisfied other than by the sole reason of any breach or failure by the Holders
of Registrable Securities or are not otherwise waived.

            (g) Other Registrations. During the period (i) beginning on the date
of a Request and (ii) ending on the date that is 90 days after the date that a
Demand Registration Statement filed pursuant to such Request has been declared
effective by the SEC or, if the Holders shall withdraw such Request or such
Demand Registration Statement, on the date of such Withdrawn Request or such
Withdrawn Registration Statement, the Company shall not, without the consent of
the Majority Holders of the Registration, file a registration statement
pertaining to any other equity securities of the Company.

            (h) Registration Statement Form. Registrations under this Section
2.1 shall be on such appropriate registration form of the SEC (i) as shall be
selected by the Initiating Holders holding a majority of the Registrable
Securities for which registration was requested in the Request, and (ii) which
shall be available for the sale of Registrable Securities in accordance with the
intended method or methods of disposition specified in the requests for
registration. The Company agrees to include in any such Registration Statement
all information which any selling Holder, upon advice of counsel, shall
reasonably request.

      2.2 Incidental Registration.

            (a) Right to Include Registrable Securities. If the Company at any
time or from time to time proposes to register any of its equity securities
under the Securities Act (other than in a registration on Form S-4 or S-8 or any
successor form to such forms and other than pursuant to Section 2.1 or 2.3)
whether or not pursuant to registration rights granted to other holders of its
securities and whether or not for sale for its own account, the Company shall
deliver prompt written notice (which notice shall be given at least 30 days
prior to such proposed registration) to all Holders of Registrable Securities of
its intention to undertake such registration, describing in reasonable detail
the proposed registration and distribution (including the anticipated range of
the proposed offering price, the class and number of securities proposed to be
registered and the distribution arrangements) and of such Holders' right to
participate in such registration under this Section 2.2 as hereinafter provided.
Subject to the other provisions of this paragraph (a) and Section 2.2(b), upon
the written request of any Holder made within 20 days after the receipt of such
written notice (which request shall specify the amount of Registrable Securities
to be registered and the intended method of disposition thereof), the Company
shall effect the registration under the Securities Act of all Registrable
Securities requested by Holders to be so registered (an "Incidental
Registration"), to the extent requisite to permit the disposition (in accordance
with the intended methods 


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   11

thereof as aforesaid) of the Registrable Securities so to be registered, by
inclusion of such Registrable Securities in the Registration Statement which
covers the securities which the Company proposes to register and shall cause
such Registration Statement to become and remain effective with respect to such
Registrable Securities in accordance with the registration procedures set forth
in Section 4. If an Incidental Registration involves an Underwritten Offering,
immediately upon notification to the Company from the Underwriter of the price
at which such securities are to be sold, the Company shall so advise each
participating Holder. The Holders requesting inclusion in an Incidental
Registration may, at any time prior to the effective date of the Incidental
Registration Statement (and for any reason), revoke such request by delivering
written notice to the Company revoking such requested inclusion.

            If at any time after giving written notice of its intention to
register any securities and prior to the effective date of the Incidental
Registration Statement filed in connection with such registration, the Company
shall determine for any reason not to register or to delay registration of such
securities, the Company may, at its election, give written notice of such
determination to each Holder of Registrable Securities and, thereupon, (A) in
the case of a determination not to register, the Company shall be relieved of
its obligation to register any Registrable Securities in connection with such
registration (but not from its obligation to pay the Registration Expenses
incurred in connection therewith), without prejudice, however, to the rights of
Holders to cause such registration to be effected as a registration under
Section 2.1 and (B) in the case of a determination to delay such registration,
the Company shall be permitted to delay the registration of such Registrable
Securities for the same period as the delay in registering such other
securities; provided, however, that if such delay shall extend beyond 120 days
from the date the Company received a request to include Registrable Securities
in such Incidental Registration, then the Company shall again give all Holders
the opportunity to participate therein and shall follow the notification
procedures set forth in the preceding paragraph. There is no limitation on the
number of such Incidental Registrations pursuant to this Section 2.2 which the
Company is obligated to effect.

            The registration rights granted pursuant to the provisions of this
Section 2.2 shall be in addition to the registration rights granted pursuant to
the other provisions of Section 2 hereof.

            (b) Priority in Incidental Registration. If an Incidental
Registration involves an Underwritten Offering (on a firm commitment basis), and
the sole or the lead managing Underwriter, as the case may be, of such
Underwritten Offering shall advise the Company in writing (with a copy to each
Holder requesting registration) on or before the date that is five days prior to
the date then scheduled for such offering that, in its opinion, the amount of
securities (including Registrable Securities) requested to be included in such
registration exceeds the amount which can be sold in such offering without
materially interfering with the successful marketing of the securities being
offered (such writing to state the basis of such opinion and the approximate
number of such securities which may be included in such offering without such
effect), the Company shall include in such registration, to the extent of the
number which the Company is so advised may be 


                                      -9-
<PAGE>   12

included in such offering without such effect, (i) in the case of a registration
initiated by the Company, (A) first, the securities that the Company proposes to
register for its own account, (B) second, the Registrable Securities requested
to be included in such registration by the Holders, allocated pro rata in
proportion to the number of Registrable Securities requested to be included in
such registration by each of them, and (C) third, other securities of the
Company to be registered on behalf of any other Person, and (ii) in the case of
a registration initiated by a Person other than the Company, (A) first, the
Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration by the
Holders and by any Persons initiating such registration, allocated pro rata in
proportion to the number of securities requested to be included in such
registration by each of them, (B) second, the securities that the Company
proposes to register for its own account, and (C) third, other securities of the
Company to be registered on behalf of any other Person; provided, however, that
in the event the Company will not, by virtue of this Section 2.2(b), include in
any such registration all of the Registrable Securities of any Holder requested
to be included in such registration, such Holder may, upon written notice to the
Company given within three days of the time such Holder first is notified of
such matter, reduce the amount of Registrable Securities it desires to have
included in such registration, whereupon only the Registrable Securities, if
any, it desires to have included will be so included and the Holders not so
reducing shall be entitled to a corresponding increase in the amount of
Registrable Securities to be included in such registration.

            (c) Selection of Underwriters. If any Incidental Registration
involves an Underwritten Offering, the sole or managing Underwriter(s) and any
additional investment bankers and managers to be used in connection with such
registration shall be selected by the Company, subject to the approval of the
Majority Holders of the Registration (such approval not to be unreasonably
withheld).

      2.3 Shelf Registration. If a request made pursuant to this Section 2 is
for a Shelf Registration, the Company shall use its best efforts to keep the
Shelf Registration continuously effective through the date on which all of the
Registrable Securities covered by such Shelf Registration may be sold pursuant
to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act (or any successor provision having
similar effect); provided, however, that prior to the termination of such Shelf
Registration, the Company shall first furnish to each Holder of Registrable
Securities participating in such Shelf Registration (i) an opinion, in form and
substance satisfactory to the Majority Holders of the Registration, of counsel
for the Company satisfactory to the Majority Holders of the Registration stating
that such Registrable Securities are freely saleable pursuant to Rule 144(k)
under the Securities Act (or any successor provision having similar effect) or
(ii) a "No-Action Letter" from the staff of the SEC stating that the SEC would
not recommend enforcement action if the Registrable Securities included in such
Shelf Registration were sold in a public sale other than pursuant to an
effective registration statement.

      2.4 Expenses. The Company shall pay all Registration Expenses in
connection with any Demand Registration, Incidental Registration or Shelf
Registration, whether or not such registration shall become effective and
whether or not all Registrable Securities originally requested to be included in
such registration are withdrawn or 


                                      -10-
<PAGE>   13

otherwise ultimately not included in such registration, except as otherwise
provided with respect to a Withdrawn Request and a Withdrawn Demand Registration
in Section 2.1(a). Each Holder shall pay all discounts and commissions payable
to underwriters, selling brokers, managers or other similar Persons engaged in
the distribution of such Holder's Registrable Securities pursuant to any
registration pursuant to this Section 2.

      2.5 Underwritten Offerings.

            (a) Demand Underwritten Offerings. If requested by the sole or lead
managing Underwriter for any Underwritten Offering effected pursuant to a Demand
Registration, the Company shall enter into a customary underwriting agreement
with the Underwriters for such offering, such agreement to be reasonably
satisfactory in substance and form to each Holder of Registrable Securities
participating in such offering and to contain such representations and
warranties by the Company and such other terms as are generally prevailing in
agreements of that type, including, without limitation, indemnification and
contribution to the effect and to the extent provided in Section 5.

            (b) Holders of Registrable Securities to be Parties to Underwriting
Agreement. The Holders of Registrable Securities to be distributed by the
Underwriters in an Underwritten Offering contemplated by Section 2 shall be
parties to the underwriting agreement between the Company and such Underwriters
and may, at such Holders' option, require that any or all of the representations
and warranties by, and the other agreements on the part of, the Company to and
for the benefit of such Underwriters shall also be made to and for the benefit
of such Holders of Registrable Securities and that any or all of the conditions
precedent to the obligations of such Underwriters under such underwriting
agreement be conditions precedent to the obligations of such Holders of
Registrable Securities; provided, however, that the Company shall not be
required to make any representations or warranties with respect to written
information specifically provided by a selling Holder for inclusion in the
Registration Statement. No Holder shall be required to make any representations
or warranties to, or agreements with, the Company or the Underwriters other than
representations, warranties or agreements regarding such Holder, such Holder's
Registrable Securities and such Holder's intended method of disposition.

            (c) Participation in Underwritten Registration. Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, no Person may participate in any underwritten
registration hereunder unless such Person (i) agrees to sell its securities on
the same terms and conditions provided in any underwritten arrangements approved
by the Persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangement and (ii)
accurately completes and executes in a timely manner all questionnaires, powers
of attorney, indemnities, custody agreements, underwriting agreements and other
documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

            2.6 Conversions; Exercises. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
herein, in order for any Registrable Securities that are issuable upon the
exercise of conversion rights, options or warrants to be included in any
registration pursuant to 


                                      -11-
<PAGE>   14

Section 2 hereof, the exercise of such conversion rights, options or warrants
must be effected no later than immediately prior to the closing of any sales
under the Registration Statement pursuant to which such Registrable Securities
are to be sold

            2.7 Postponements. The Company shall be entitled to postpone a
Demand Registration and to require the Holders of Registrable Securities to
discontinue the disposition of their securities covered by a Shelf Registration
during any Blackout Period (as defined below) (i) if the Board of Directors of
the Company determines in good faith that effecting such a registration or
continuing such disposition at such time would have a material adverse effect
upon a proposed sale of all (or substantially all) of the assets of the Company
or a merger, reorganization, recapitalization or similar current transaction
materially affecting the capital structure or equity ownership of the Company,
or (ii) if the Company is in possession of material information which the Board
of Directors of the Company determines in good faith it is not in the best
interests of the Company to disclose in a registration statement at such time;
provided, however, that the Company may only delay a Demand Registration
pursuant to this Section 2.7 by delivery of a Blackout Notice (as defined below)
within 30 days of delivery of the request for such Registration under Section
2.1 or Section 2.3, as applicable, and may delay a Demand Registration and
require the Holders of Registrable Securities to discontinue the disposition of
their securities covered by a Shelf Registration only for a reasonable period of
time not to exceed 90 days (or such earlier time as such transaction is
consummated or no longer proposed or the material information has been made
public) (the "Blackout Period"). There shall not be more than one Blackout
Period in any 12-month period. The Company shall promptly notify the Holders in
writing (a "Blackout Notice") of any decision to postpone a Demand Registration
or to discontinue sales of Registrable Securities covered by a Shelf
Registration pursuant to this Section 2.7 and shall include a general statement
of the reason for such postponement, an approximation of the anticipated delay
and an undertaking by the Company promptly to notify the Holders as soon as a
Demand Registration may be effected or sales of Registrable Securities covered
by a Shelf Registration may resume. In making any such determination to initiate
or terminate a Blackout Period, the Company shall not be required to consult
with or obtain the consent of any Holder, and any such determination shall be
the Company's sole responsibility. Each Holder shall treat all notices received
from the Company pursuant to this Section 2.7 in the strictest confidence and
shall not disseminate such information. If the Company shall postpone the filing
of a Demand Registration Statement, the Majority Holders of Registrable
Securities who were to participate therein shall have the right to withdraw the
request for registration. Any such withdrawal shall be made by giving written
notice to the Company within 30 days after receipt of the Blackout Notice. The
Company shall pay all Registration Expenses in connection with such withdrawn
registration request.


      3. HOLDBACK ARRANGEMENTS.


            3.1 Restrictions on Sale by Holders of Registrable Securities. Each
Holder of Registrable Securities agrees, by acquisition of such Registrable
Securities, if timely requested in writing by the sole or lead managing
Underwriter in an Underwritten 


                                      -12-
<PAGE>   15

Offering of any Registrable Securities, not to make any short sale of, loan,
grant any option for the purchase of or effect any public sale or distribution,
including a sale pursuant to Rule 144 (or any successor provision having similar
effect) under the Securities Act of any Registrable Securities or any other
equity security of the Company (or any security convertible into or exchangeable
or exercisable for any equity security of the Company) (except as part of such
underwritten registration), during the nine business days (as such term is used
in Regulation M under the Exchange Act) prior to, and during the time period
reasonably requested by the sole or lead managing Underwriter not to exceed 90
days, beginning on the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement.

            3.2 Restrictions on Sale by the Company and Others. The Company
agrees that (i) if timely requested in writing by the sole or lead managing
Underwriter in an Underwritten Offering of any Registrable Securities, not to
make any short sale of, loan, grant any option for the purchase of or effect any
public sale or distribution of any of the Company's equity securities (or any
security convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for any of the
Company's equity securities) during the nine business days (as such term is used
in Regulation M under the Exchange Act) prior to, and during the time period
reasonably requested by the sole or lead managing Underwriter not to exceed 90
days, beginning on the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement
(except as part of such underwritten registration or pursuant to registrations
on Forms S-4 or S-8 or any successor form to such forms), and (ii) it will cause
each holder of equity securities (or any security convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for any of its equity securities) of the Company
purchased from the Company at any time after the date of this Agreement (other
than in a registered public offering) to so agree.

      4. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES.

            4.1 Obligations of the Company. Whenever the Company is required to
effect the registration of Registrable Securities under the Securities Act
pursuant to Section 2 of this Agreement, the Company shall, as expeditiously as
possible:

            (a) prepare and file with the SEC (promptly, and in any event within
60 days after receipt of a request to register Registrable Securities) the
requisite Registration Statement to effect such registration, which Registration
Statement shall comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements
of the applicable form and include all financial statements required by the SEC
to be filed therewith, and the Company shall use its best efforts to cause such
Registration Statement to become effective (provided, that the Company may
discontinue any registration of its securities that are not Registrable
Securities, and, under the circumstances specified in Section 2.2, its
securities that are Registrable Securities); provided, however, that before
filing a Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendments or supplements
thereto, or comparable statements under securities or blue sky laws of any
jurisdiction, the Company shall (i) provide Holders' Counsel and any other
Inspector with an adequate and appropriate opportunity to participate in the
preparation of such Registration Statement and each Prospectus included therein
(and each amendment or supplement thereto or comparable statement) to be filed
with the SEC, which documents shall be subject to the 


                                      -13-
<PAGE>   16

review and comment of Holders' Counsel, and (ii) not file any such Registration
Statement or Prospectus (or amendment or supplement thereto or comparable
statement) with the SEC to which Holder's Counsel, any selling Holder or any
other Inspector shall have reasonably objected on the grounds that such filing
does not comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities
Act or of the rules or regulations thereunder;

            (b) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to
such Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as
may be necessary (i) to keep such Registration Statement effective, and (ii) to
comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition
of all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement, in each
case until such time as all of such Registrable Securities have been disposed of
in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the seller(s) thereof
set forth in such Registration Statement; provided, that except with respect to
any Shelf Registration, such period need not extend beyond nine months after the
effective date of the Registration Statement; and provided, further, that with
respect to any Shelf Registration, such period need not extend beyond the time
period provided in Section 2.3, and which periods, in any event, shall terminate
when all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been
sold (but not before the expiration of the 90 day period referred to in Section
4(3) of the Securities Act and Rule 174 thereunder, if applicable);

            (c) furnish, without charge, to each selling Holder of such
Registrable Securities and each Underwriter, if any, of the securities covered
by such Registration Statement, such number of copies of such Registration
Statement, each amendment and supplement thereto (in each case including all
exhibits), and the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement (including
each preliminary Prospectus) in conformity with the requirements of the
Securities Act, and other documents, as such selling Holder and Underwriter may
reasonably request in order to facilitate the public sale or other disposition
of the Registrable Securities owned by such selling Holder (the Company hereby
consenting to the use in accordance with applicable law of each such
Registration Statement (or amendment or post-effective amendment thereto) and
each such Prospectus (or preliminary prospectus or supplement thereto) by each
such selling Holder of Registrable Securities and the Underwriters, if any, in
connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by
such Registration Statement or Prospectus);

            (d) prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use its
best efforts to register or qualify all Registrable Securities and other
securities covered by such Registration Statement under such other securities or
blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as any selling Holder of Registrable
Securities covered by such Registration Statement or the sole or lead managing
Underwriter, if any, may reasonably request to enable such selling Holder to
consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities
owned by such selling Holder and to continue such registration or qualification
in effect in each such jurisdiction for as long as such Registration Statement
remains in effect (including through new filings or amendments or renewals), and
do any and all other acts and things which may be necessary or advisable to
enable any such selling


                                      -14-
<PAGE>   17

Holder to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable
Securities owned by such selling Holder; provided, however, that the Company
shall not be required to (i) qualify generally to do business in any
jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this
Section 4.1(d), (ii) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction, or
(iii) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction;

            (e) use its reasonable best efforts to obtain all other approvals,
consents, exemptions or authorizations from such governmental agencies or
authorities as may be necessary to enable the selling Holders of such
Registrable Securities to consummate the disposition of such Registrable
Securities;

            (f) promptly notify Holders' Counsel, each Holder of Registrable
Securities covered by such Registration Statement and the sole or lead managing
Underwriter, if any: (i) when the Registration Statement, any pre-effective
amendment, the Prospectus or any prospectus supplement related thereto or
post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed and, with
respect to the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment, when the
same has become effective, (ii) of any request by the SEC or any state
securities or blue sky authority for amendments or supplements to the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus related thereto or for additional
information, (iii) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the
effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the initiation or threat of any
proceedings for that purpose, (iv) of the receipt by the Company of any
notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of any
Registrable Securities for sale under the securities or blue sky laws of any
jurisdiction or the initiation of any proceeding for such purpose, (v) of the
existence of any fact of which the Company becomes aware or the happening of any
event which results in (A) the Registration Statement containing an untrue
statement of a material fact or omitting to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make any statements therein not misleading, or
(B) any Prospectus included in such Registration Statement containing an untrue
statement of a material fact or omitting to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make any statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (vi) if at any time
the representations and warranties contemplated by Section 2.5(b) cease to be
true and correct in all material respects, and (vii) of the Company's reasonable
determination that a post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement would
be appropriate or that there exists circumstances not yet disclosed to the
public which make further sales under such Registration Statement inadvisable
pending such disclosure and post-effective amendment; and, if the notification
relates to an event described in any of the clauses (ii) through (vii) of this
Section 4.1(f), the Company shall promptly prepare a supplement or
post-effective amendment to such Registration Statement or related Prospectus or
any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required
document so that (1) such Registration Statement shall not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and
(2) as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of the Registrable Securities
being sold thereunder, such Prospectus shall not include an untrue statement of
a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein in 


                                      -15-
<PAGE>   18

the light of the circumstances under which they were made not misleading (and
shall furnish to each such Holder and each Underwriter, if any, a reasonable
number of copies of such Prospectus so supplemented or amended); and if the
notification relates to an event described in clause (iii) of this Section
4.1(f), the Company shall take all reasonable action required to prevent the
entry of such stop order or to remove it if entered;

            (g) make available for inspection by any selling Holder of
Registrable Securities, any sole or lead managing Underwriter participating in
any disposition pursuant to such Registration Statement, Holders' Counsel and
any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by any such seller or any
Underwriter (each, an "Inspector" and, collectively, the "Inspectors"), all
financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the
Company and any subsidiaries thereof as may be in existence at such time
(collectively, the "Records") as shall be necessary, in the opinion of such
Holders' and such Underwriters' respective counsel, to enable them to exercise
their due diligence responsibility and to conduct a reasonable investigation
within the meaning of the Securities Act, and cause the Company's and any
subsidiaries' officers, directors and employees, and the independent public
accountants of the Company, to supply all information reasonably requested by
any such Inspectors in connection with such Registration Statement;

            (h) obtain an opinion from the Company's counsel and a "cold
comfort" letter from the Company's independent public accountants who have
certified the Company's financial statements included or incorporated by
reference in such Registration Statement, in each case dated the effective date
of such Registration Statement (and if such registration involves an
Underwritten Offering, dated the date of the closing under the underwriting
agreement), in customary form and covering such matters as are customarily
covered by such opinions and "cold comfort" letters delivered to underwriters in
underwritten public offerings, which opinion and letter shall be reasonably
satisfactory to the sole or lead managing Underwriter, if any, and to the
Majority Holders of the Registration, and furnish to each Holder participating
in the offering and to each Underwriter, if any, a copy of such opinion and
letter addressed to such Holder (in the case of the opinion) and Underwriter (in
the case of the opinion and the "cold comfort" letter);

            (i) provide a CUSIP number for all Registrable Securities and
provide and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and registrar for all such
Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement not later than the
effectiveness of such Registration Statement;

            (j) otherwise use its best efforts to comply with all applicable
rules and regulations of the SEC and any other governmental agency or authority
having jurisdiction over the offering, and make available to its security
holders, as soon as reasonably practicable but no later than 90 days after the
end of any 12-month period, an earnings statement (i) commencing at the end of
any month in which Registrable Securities are sold to Underwriters in an
Underwritten Offering and (ii) commencing with the first day of the Company's
calendar month next succeeding each sale of Registrable 


                                      -16-
<PAGE>   19

Securities after the effective date of a Registration Statement, which statement
shall cover such 12-month periods, in a manner which satisfies the provisions of
Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder;

            (k) use its best efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities to
be listed (i) on each national securities exchange on which the Company's
securities are then listed or (ii) if securities of the Company are not at the
time listed on any national securities exchange (or if the listing of
Registrable Securities is not permitted under the rules of each national
securities exchange on which the Company's securities are then listed), on a
national securities exchange designated by the Majority Holders of the
Registration;

            (l) keep each selling Holder of Registrable Securities advised in
writing as to the initiation and progress of any registration under Section 2
hereunder;

            (m) enter into and perform customary agreements (including, if
applicable, an underwriting agreement in customary form) and provide officers'
certificates and other customary closing documents;

            (n) cooperate with each selling Holder of Registrable Securities and
each Underwriter participating in the disposition of such Registrable Securities
and their respective counsel in connection with any filings required to be made
with the NASD and make reasonably available its employees and personnel and
otherwise provide reasonable assistance to the Underwriters (taking into account
the needs of the Company's businesses and the requirements of the marketing
process) in the marketing of Registrable Securities in any Underwritten
Offering;

            (o) furnish to each Holder participating in the offering and the
sole or lead managing Underwriter, if any, without charge, at least one
manually-signed copy of the Registration Statement and any post-effective
amendments thereto, including financial statements and schedules, all documents
incorporated therein by reference and all exhibits (including those deemed to be
incorporated by reference);

            (p) cooperate with the selling Holders of Registrable Securities and
the sole or lead managing Underwriter, if any, to facilitate the timely
preparation and delivery of certificates not bearing any restrictive legends
representing the Registrable Securities to be sold, and cause such Registrable
Securities to be issued in such denominations and registered in such names in
accordance with the underwriting agreement prior to any sale of Registrable
Securities to the Underwriters or, if not an Underwritten Offering, in
accordance with the instructions of the selling Holders of Registrable
Securities at least three business days prior to any sale of Registrable
Securities;

            (q) if requested by the sole or lead managing Underwriter or any
selling Holder of Registrable Securities, immediately incorporate in a
prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information concerning
such Holder of Registrable Securities, the Underwriters or the intended method
of distribution as the sole 


                                      -17-
<PAGE>   20

or lead managing Underwriter or the selling Holder of Registrable Securities
reasonably requests to be included therein and as is appropriate in the
reasonable judgment of the Company, including, without limitation, information
with respect to the number of shares of the Registrable Securities being sold to
the Underwriters, the purchase price being paid therefor by such Underwriters
and with respect to any other terms of the Underwritten Offering of the
Registrable Securities to be sold in such offering; make all required filings of
such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment as soon as notified of
the matters to be incorporated in such Prospectus supplement or post-effective
amendment; and supplement or make amendments to any Registration Statement if
requested by the sole or lead managing Underwriter of such Registrable
Securities; and

            (r) use its reasonable best efforts to take all other steps
necessary to expedite or facilitate the registration and disposition of the
Registrable Securities contemplated hereby.

      4.2 Seller Information. The Company may require each selling Holder of
Registrable Securities as to which any registration is being effected to furnish
to the Company such information regarding such Holder, such Holder's Registrable
Securities and such Holder's intended method of disposition as the Company may
from time to time reasonably request in writing; provided, that such information
shall be used only in connection with such registration.

            If any Registration Statement or comparable statement under blue sky
laws refers to any Holder by name or otherwise as the Holder of any securities
of the Company, then such Holder shall have the right to require (i) the
insertion therein of language, in form and substance satisfactory to such Holder
and the Company, to the effect that the holding by such Holder of such
securities is not to be construed as a recommendation by such Holder of the
investment quality of the Company's securities covered thereby and that such
holding does not imply that such Holder will assist in meeting any future
financial requirements of the Company, and (ii) in the event that such reference
to such Holder by name or otherwise is not in the judgment of the Company, as
advised by counsel, required by the Securities Act or any similar federal
statute or any state blue sky or securities law then in force, the deletion of
the reference to such Holder.

            4.3 Notice to Discontinue. Each Holder of Registrable Securities
agrees by acquisition of such Registrable Securities that, upon receipt of any
notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in
Section 4.1(f)(ii) through (vii), such Holder shall forthwith discontinue
disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement
covering such Registrable Securities until such Holder's receipt of the copies
of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 4.1(f) and, if
so directed by the Company, such Holder shall deliver to the Company (at the
Company's expense) all copies, other than permanent file copies, then in such
Holder's possession of the Prospectus covering such Registrable Securities which
is current at the time of receipt of such notice. If the Company shall give any
such notice, the Company shall extend the period during which such Registration
Statement shall be maintained effective pursuant to this Agreement (including,
without limitation, the period 


                                      -18-
<PAGE>   21

referred to in Section 4.1(b)) by the number of days during the period from and
including the date of the giving of such notice pursuant to Section 4.1(f) to
and including the date when the Holder shall have received the copies of the
supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by and meeting the requirements
of Section 4.1(f).

5. INDEMNIFICATION; CONTRIBUTION.

      5.1 Indemnification by the Company. The Company agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each Holder of
Registrable Securities, its officers, directors, partners, members,
shareholders, employees, Affiliates and agents (collectively, "Agents") and each
Person who controls such Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) and
its Agents with respect to each registration which has been effected pursuant to
this Agreement, against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities,
joint or several, actions or proceedings (whether commenced or threatened) in
respect thereof, and expenses (as incurred or suffered and including, but not
limited to, any and all expenses incurred in investigating, preparing or
defending any litigation or proceeding, whether commenced or threatened, and the
reasonable fees, disbursements and other charges of legal counsel) in respect
thereof (collectively, "Claims"), insofar as such Claims arise out of or are
based upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained
in any Registration Statement or Prospectus (including any preliminary, final or
summary prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto) related to any such
registration or any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading, or any violation by the Company of the Securities Act or any rule or
regulation thereunder applicable to the Company and relating to action or
inaction required of the Company in connection with any such registration, or
any qualification or compliance incident thereto; provided, however, that the
Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such Claims
arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement
of a material fact or omission or alleged omission of a material fact so made in
reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company in an instrument duly executed by such Holder specifically stating that
it was expressly for use therein. The Company shall also indemnify any
Underwriters of the Registrable Securities, their Agents and each Person who
controls any such Underwriter (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the
same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of the Holders
of Registrable Securities. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect
regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Person who may be
entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Section 5 and shall survive the
transfer of securities by such Holder or Underwriter.

      5.2 Indemnification by Holders. Each Holder, if Registrable Securities
held by it are included in the securities as to which a registration is being
effected, agrees to, severally and not jointly, indemnify and hold harmless, to
the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company, its directors and officers,
each other Person who participates as an Underwriter in the offering or sale of
such securities and its Agents and each Person who controls the Company or any
such Underwriter (within the meaning of the Securities Act) 


                                      -19-
<PAGE>   22

and its Agents against any and all Claims, insofar as such Claims arise out of
or are based upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in any Registration Statement or Prospectus (including any
preliminary, final or summary prospectus and any amendment or supplement
thereto) related to any such registration, or any omission or alleged omission
to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein not misleading, to the extent, but only to the
extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or
alleged omission was made in reliance upon and in conformity with written
information furnished to the Company in an instrument duly executed by such
Holder specifically stating that it was expressly for use therein; provided,
however, that the aggregate amount which any such Holder shall be required to
pay pursuant to this Section 5.2 shall in no event be greater than the amount of
the net proceeds received by such Holder upon the sale of the Registrable
Securities pursuant to the Registration Statement giving rise to such Claims
less all amounts previously paid by such Holder with respect to any such Claims.
Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any
investigation made by or on behalf of such indemnified party and shall survive
the transfer of such securities by such Holder or Underwriter.

      5.3 Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings. Promptly after receipt by an
indemnified party of notice of any Claim or the commencement of any action or
proceeding involving a Claim under this Section 5, such indemnified party shall,
if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party
pursuant to Section 5, (i) notify the indemnifying party in writing of the Claim
or the commencement of such action or proceeding; provided, that the failure of
any indemnified party to provide such notice shall not relieve the indemnifying
party of its obligations under this Section 5, except to the extent the
indemnifying party is materially and actually prejudiced thereby and shall not
relieve the indemnifying party from any liability which it may have to any
indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 5, and (ii) permit such
indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably
satisfactory to the indemnified party; provided, however, that any indemnified
party shall have the right to employ separate counsel and to participate in the
defense of such claim, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the
expense of such indemnified party unless (A) the indemnifying party has agreed
in writing to pay such fees and expenses, (B) the indemnifying party shall have
failed to assume the defense of such claim and employ counsel reasonably
satisfactory to such indemnified party within 10 days after receiving notice
from such indemnified party that the indemnified party believes it has failed to
do so, (C) in the reasonable judgment of any such indemnified party, based upon
advice of counsel, a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified
party and the indemnifying party with respect to such claims (in which case, if
the indemnified party notifies the indemnifying party in writing that it elects
to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party, the
indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such claim
on behalf of such indemnified party) or (D) such indemnified party is a
defendant in an action or proceeding which is also brought against the
indemnifying party and reasonably shall have concluded that there may be one or
more legal defenses available to such indemnified party which are not available
to the 


                                      -20-
<PAGE>   23

indemnifying party. No indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of
any such claim or action effected without its written consent, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld. In addition, without the consent of the
indemnified party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), no
indemnifying party shall be permitted to consent to entry of any judgment with
respect to, or to effect the settlement or compromise of any pending or
threatened action or claim in respect of which indemnification or contribution
may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified party is an actual or
potential party to such action or claim), unless such settlement, compromise or
judgment (1) includes an unconditional release of the indemnified party from all
liability arising out of such action or claim, (2) does not include a statement
as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf
of any indemnified party, and (3) does not provide for any action on the part of
any party other than the payment of money damages which is to be paid in full by
the indemnifying party.

      5.4 Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in Section 5.1 or
5.2 from the indemnifying party for any reason is unavailable to (other than by
reason of exceptions provided therein), or is insufficient to hold harmless, an
indemnified party hereunder in respect of any Claim, then the indemnifying
party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the
amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such Claim in
such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the
indemnifying party, on the one hand, and the indemnified party, on the other
hand, in connection with the actions which resulted in such Claim, as well as
any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such
indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference to,
among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or
alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to
state a material fact, has been made by, or relates to information supplied by,
such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the parties' relative intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such
action. If, however, the foregoing allocation is not permitted by applicable
law, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable
by such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not
only such relative faults but also the relative benefits of the indemnifying
party and the indemnified party as well as any other relevant equitable
considerations.

            The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if
contribution pursuant to this Section 5.4 were determined by pro rata allocation
or by any other method of allocation which does not take into account the
equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. The
amount paid or payable by a party as a result of any Claim referred to in the
immediately preceding paragraph shall be deemed to include, subject to the
limitations set forth in Section 5.3, any legal or other fees, costs or expenses
reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or
proceeding. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 5.4 to the contrary, no
indemnifying party (other than the Company) shall be required pursuant to this
Section 5.4 to contribute any amount in excess of the net proceeds received by
such indemnifying party from the sale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to
the Registration Statement giving rise to such Claims, less all amounts
previously paid by such indemnifying party 


                                      -21-
<PAGE>   24

with respect to such Claims. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation
(within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to
contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent
misrepresentation.

      5.5 Other Indemnification. Indemnification similar to that specified in
the preceding Sections 5.1 and 5.2 (with appropriate modifications) shall be
given by the Company and each selling Holder of Registrable Securities with
respect to any required registration or other qualification of securities under
any federal or state law or regulation of any governmental authority, other than
the Securities Act. The indemnity agreements contained herein shall be in
addition to any other rights to indemnification or contribution which any
indemnified party may have pursuant to law or contract.

      5.6 Indemnification Payments. The indemnification and contribution
required by this Section 5 shall be made by periodic payments of the amount
thereof during the course of any investigation or defense, as and when bills are
received or any expense, loss, damage or liability is incurred.

6. GENERAL.

      6.1 Registration Rights to Others. The Company has not previously entered
into an agreement with respect to its securities granting any registration
rights to any Person. If the Company shall at any time hereafter provide to any
holder of any securities of the Company rights with respect to the registration
of such securities under the Securities Act, (i) such rights shall not be in
conflict with or adversely affect any of the rights provided in this Agreement
to the Holders and (ii) if such rights are provided on terms or conditions more
favorable to such holder than the terms and conditions provided in this
Agreement, then this Agreement shall automatically be deemed amended or
supplemented to the extent necessary to provide to the Holders such more
favorable terms or conditions and the Company shall provide such documentation
(including an amendment to this Agreement or other writing) as any Holder shall
at any time reasonably request to evidence such amendment.

      6.2 Availability of Information; Rule 144; Rule 144A; Other Exemptions.
The Company covenants that it shall timely file any reports required to be filed
by it under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (including, but not limited
to, the reports under Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act referred to in
subparagraph (c) of Rule 144 under the Securities Act), and that it shall take
such further action as any Holder of Registrable Securities may reasonably
request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable such Holder to
sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within
the limitation of the exemptions provided by (i) Rule 144 and Rule 144A under
the Securities Act, as such rules may be amended from time to time, or (ii) any
other rule or regulation now existing or hereafter adopted by the SEC. Upon the
request of any Holder of Registrable Securities, the Company shall deliver to
such Holder a written statement as to whether it has complied with such
requirements.


                                      -22-
<PAGE>   25

      6.3 Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement may not be
amended, modified, supplemented or terminated, and waivers or consents to
departures from the provisions hereof may not be given, without the written
consent of the Company and the Holders of not less than 50% of the Registrable
Securities then outstanding; provided, however, that no such amendment,
modification, supplement, waiver or consent to departure shall reduce the
aforesaid percentage of Registrable Securities without the written consent of
all of the Holders of Registrable Securities; and provided further, that nothing
herein shall prohibit any amendment, modification, supplement, termination,
waiver or consent to departure the effect of which is limited only to those
Holders who have agreed to such amendment, modification, supplement,
termination, waiver or consent to departure.

      6.4 Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or
permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand delivery, telecopier or
electronic mail, any courier guaranteeing overnight delivery or first class
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid,
addressed to the applicable party at the address set forth below or such other
address as may hereafter be designated in writing by such party to the other
parties in accordance with the provisions of this Section:

            (i)   If to the Company, to:

            The CIT Group, Inc.
            650 CIT Drive
            Livingston, NJ  07039-5795
            Attention:  Ernest D. Stein, Esq.
            Fax:  (973) 740-5264
            Telephone:  (973) 740-5013
            Electronic Mail:  [email protected]

            (ii)  If to the Initial Holder, to:

            The Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Limited
            CIT Office-International Planning
              and Coordination Division
            1-5, Uchisaiwaicho, 1-chome
            Chiyoda-ku
            Tokyo 100, Japan
            Attention:  Senior Manager
            Telephone: (813) 3596-2420
            Fax: (813) 3596-2259
            Electronic Mail:  [email protected]

            (iii) If to any subsequent Holder, to the address 
                  of such Person set forth in the records of the 
                  Company.


                                      -23-
<PAGE>   26

            (iv)  In each case, with a copy to:

            Schulte Roth & Zabel
            900 Third Avenue
            New York, NY  10002
            Attention:  Paul N. Roth, Esq.
            Fax:  (212) 593-5955
            Telephone:  (212) 756-2450
            Electronic Mail:  [email protected]

            All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been
duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; when receipt
is acknowledged, if telecopied or sent by electronic mail; the fourth business
day following the date delivered to a courier; and ten days after being
deposited in the mail, if sent first class or certified mail, return receipt
requested, postage prepaid.

      6.5 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of
and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors
and permitted assigns (including any Permitted Transferee of Registrable
Securities). Any Holder may assign its rights and obligations under this
Agreement to any transferee of its Registrable Securities representing at least
4% of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock in one transaction or a
series of transactions (other than a transferee that acquires such Registrable
Securities in a registered public offering or pursuant to a sale under Rule 144
of the Securities Act (or any successor rule)); provided, however, if any
transferee shall take and hold Registrable Securities, such transferee shall
promptly notify the Company and by taking and holding such Registrable
Securities such transferee shall automatically be entitled to receive the
benefits of and be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by and to
perform all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement as if it were a party
hereto (and shall, for all purposes, be deemed a Holder under this Agreement).
If the Company shall so request, any successor or permitted assign (in
accordance with the foregoing) shall agree in writing to acquire and hold the
Registrable Securities subject to all of the terms hereof. For purposes of this
Agreement, "successor" for any entity other than a natural person shall mean a
successor to such entity as a result of such entity's merger, consolidation,
liquidation, dissolution, sale of substantially all of its assets, or similar
transaction. Except as provided above or otherwise permitted by this Agreement,
neither this Agreement nor any right, remedy, obligation or liability arising
hereunder or by reason hereof shall be assignable by any Holder or by the
Company without the consent of the other parties hereto.

      6.6 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed to
be an original, but all of which counterparts, taken together, shall constitute
one and the same instrument.

      6.7 Descriptive Headings, Etc. The headings in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the
meaning of terms 


                                      -24-
<PAGE>   27

contained herein. Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires: (1)
words of any gender shall be deemed to include each other gender; (2) words
using the singular or plural number shall also include the plural or singular
number, respectively; (3) the words "hereof", "herein" and "hereunder" and words
of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a
whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and Section and
paragraph references are to the Sections and paragraphs of this Agreement unless
otherwise specified; (4) the word "including" and words of similar import when
used in this Agreement shall mean "including, without limitation," unless
otherwise specified; (5) "or" is not exclusive; and (6) provisions apply to
successive events and transactions.

      6.8 Severability. In the event that any one or more of the provisions,
paragraphs, words, clauses, phrases or sentences contained herein, or the
application thereof in any circumstances, is held invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the validity, legality and
enforceability of any such provision, paragraph, word, clause, phrase or
sentence in every other respect and of the other remaining provisions,
paragraphs, words, clauses, phrases or sentences hereof shall not be in any way
impaired, it being intended that all rights, powers and privileges of the
parties hereto shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

      6.09 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York (without giving effect to the
conflict of laws principles thereof).

      6.10 Remedies; Specific Performance. The parties hereto acknowledge that
money damages would not be an adequate remedy at law if any party fails to
perform in any material respect any of its obligations hereunder, and
accordingly agree that each party, in addition to any other remedy to which it
may be entitled at law or in equity, shall be entitled to seek to compel
specific performance of the obligations of any other party under this Agreement,
without the posting of any bond, in accordance with the terms and conditions of
this Agreement in any court of the United States or any State thereof having
jurisdiction, and if any action should be brought in equity to enforce any of
the provisions of this Agreement, none of the parties hereto shall raise the
defense that there is an adequate remedy at law. Except as otherwise provided by
law, a delay or omission by a party hereto in exercising any right or remedy
accruing upon any such breach shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute
a waiver of or acquiescence in any such breach. No remedy shall be exclusive of
any other remedy. All available remedies shall be cumulative. The failure to
file a Demand Registration Statement within 60 days of a Request under Section
2.1 or 2.3 shall constitute, in the absence of an injunction, a stop order or a
Blackout Period having been imposed or a Withdrawn Request, a breach of this
Agreement entitling the Holders to remedies hereunder.

      6.11 Entire Agreement. This Agreement is intended by the parties as a
final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive
statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of
the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises or
undertakings, other than those set 


                                      -25-
<PAGE>   28

forth or referred to herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and
understandings between the Company and the other parties to this Agreement with
respect to such subject matter.

      6.12 Nominees for Beneficial Owners. In the event that any Registrable
Securities are held by a nominee for the beneficial owner thereof, the
beneficial owner thereof may, at its election in writing delivered to the
Company, be treated as the holder of such Registrable Securities for purposes of
any request or other action by any holder or holders of Registrable Securities
pursuant to this Agreement or any determination of any number or percentage of
shares of Registrable Securities held by any holder or holders of Registrable
Securities contemplated by this Agreement. If the beneficial owner of any
Registrable Securities so elects, the Company may require assurances reasonably
satisfactory to it of such owner's beneficial ownership of such Registrable
Securities.


                                      -26-
<PAGE>   29

      6.13 Consent to Jurisdiction. Each party to this Agreement hereby
irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that any legal action, suit or proceeding
arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any agreements or transactions
contemplated hereby may be brought in any federal court of the Southern District
of New York or any state court located in New York County, State of New York,
and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally expressly submits to the personal
jurisdiction and venue of such courts for the purposes thereof and hereby
irrevocably and unconditionally waives any claim (by way of motion, as a defense
or otherwise) of improper venue, that it is not subject personally to the
jurisdiction of such court, that such courts are an inconvenient forum or that
this Agreement or the subject matter may not be enforced in or by such court.
Each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consents to the service of
process of any of the aforementioned courts in any such action, suit or
proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by registered or certified mail,
postage prepaid, to the address set forth or provided for in Section 6.4 of this
Agreement, such service to become effective 10 days after such mailing. Nothing
herein contained shall be deemed to affect the right of any party to serve
process in any manner permitted by law or commence legal proceedings or
otherwise proceed against any other party in any other jurisdiction to enforce
judgments obtained in any action, suit or proceeding brought pursuant to this
Section.

      6.14 Further Assurances. Each party hereto shall do and perform or cause
to be done and performed all such further acts and things and shall execute and
deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents as
any other party hereto reasonably may request in order to carry out the intent
and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

      6.15 No Inconsistent Agreements. The Company will not hereafter enter into
any agreement which is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders in
this Agreement.

      6.16 Construction. The Company and the Initial Holder acknowledge that
each of them has had the benefit of legal counsel of its own choice and has been
afforded an opportunity to review this Agreement with its legal counsel and that
this Agreement shall be construed as if jointly drafted by the Company and the
Initial Holder.


                                      -27-
<PAGE>   30

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed as of the date first written above.

THE CIT GROUP, INC.                 THE DAI-ICHI KANGYO BANK, LIMITED


By:                                 By:
   ----------------------------        -------------------------------
   Name:                                Name:
   Title:                               Title:


                                      -28-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 10.6

                               THE CIT GROUP, INC.


                                  April 1, 1997

Mr. Albert R. Gamper, Jr.
650 CIT Drive
Livingston, New Jersey  07039

Dear Al:

            Reference is made to your employment agreement, dated December 29,
1989 (the "Employment Agreement"), with The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. (the
"Company"), as amended by letter agreements dated November 16, 1992 and December
20, 1994. The Board of Directors (the "Board") of The CIT Group Holdings, Inc.
(the "Company"), is pleased to extend your employment agreement with the Company
on the following terms and conditions, all other terms and conditions being null
and void:

            1. TERM. This letter agreement will be effective as of April 1,
1997. The term of this Agreement (the "Term") will be for a period of
thirty-three months beginning on April 1, 1997 and, except as otherwise provided
in paragraph 4 below, ending on December 31, 1999. This letter agreement and the
Term may be extended for one or more additional periods as provided in paragraph
7 or by written agreement signed by you and the Company at any time prior to the
end of the Term then in effect.

            2. DUTIES AND AUTHORITY. During the Term, you shall serve as the
Chief Executive Officer, President, Chairman of the Executive Committee and
member of the Board of the Company. Subject to the overall direction and control
of the Board, as Chief Executive Officer and President, you shall have general
charge and control of the business and affairs of the Company, which shall
include but shall not be limited to responsibility for overall policy making as
well as day-to-day operations (including hiring and firing of personnel,
establishing credit policy, personnel compensation and the nature and pricing of
the business of the Company). You agree to devote substantially all of your
business time and energies to the business of the Company and to faithfully,
diligently and competently perform your duties hereunder, except that you may
devote a reasonable amount of time to serving as a director of not-for-profit
institutions, and with the approval of the Board, of business corporations. You
shall not be assigned any duties that are inconsistent with your status as Chief
Executive Officer and President of the Company.
<PAGE>   2
         3. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS. In full consideration for all services
rendered by you in all capacities during the Term, you will receive the
following compensation and benefits:

                  (a) BASE SALARY. An annual base salary of not less than the
amount you received immediately prior to the commencement of this current
employment agreement payable in accordance with the customary payroll practices
of the Company. Your Base Salary and performance will be reviewed by the Board
during the Term pursuant to normal Company practices. Your Base Salary may be
increased (but not reduced) by the Board from time to time, based upon your
performance and responsibilities, pursuant to the Company's standard procedures
for salary adjustments.

                  (b) BONUSES. You will participate in all executive bonus and
incentive compensation plans (collectively, "Incentive Plans") now or hereafter
maintained by the Company for which your level of employment makes you eligible
in accordance with the Company's policies and the terms of such Incentive Plans.

                  (c) EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT. The Company will reimburse you for
your ordinary and necessary business and travel expenses incurred by you in the
performance of your duties. When traveling on Company business, you shall be
authorized for security reasons to travel on CIT's corporate aircraft or when
flying on commercial airlines, first class is authorized.

                  (d) OTHER BENEFITS. You will be eligible to participate in all
employee retirement and welfare benefit plans now or hereafter maintained by or
on behalf of the Company, including the Company's Executive Retirement Program
and receive all fringe benefits and vacations, for which your level of
employment makes you eligible in accordance with the Company's policies and the
terms of such plans. In addition, the Company will provide you with (i) a
supplemental pension benefit and (ii) a supplemental savings benefit, in each
case in an amount equal to the value of the benefit you would be entitled to
receive under the Company's Retirement Plan or Savings Incentive Plan, as the
case may be, but for the limitations on the amount of such benefits imposed by
Internal Revenue Code Sections 415 and 401(a)(17). In connection with your
benefits under the Company's Executive Retirement Program, the Company will not
unreasonably withhold its consent to your retirement.

                  (e) ADDITIONAL BENEFITS. In addition to the benefits described
above, the Company shall provide the following special benefits to you:

                        (1) Attorney and Accountant Expense Reimbursement. The
Company shall reimburse you for up to $25,000 annually for attorneys' fees and
disbursements incurred by you for tax advice or other legal counsel and for
accounting fees incurred by you for tax advice or other financial planning;

                        (2) Office and Staff. The Company shall provide you with
suitable offices located in northern New Jersey, and you shall not be required
to


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
relocate your residence from the New Jersey area. You may also employ
secretaries and assistants of your own selection as you deem appropriate or
necessary. The Company shall also provide you with a car and driver
substantially equivalent to that enjoyed by you under your past employment
agreement.

                        (3) Dues. The Company shall reimburse you for the full
cost (annual dues plus initiation fees) of one country club or luncheon club
membership of your choice; and

                        (4)   Indemnification and Insurance.  The Company will
provide you with suitable director's and officer's liability insurance to the
extent available on commercially reasonable terms. The Company shall not amend
the provisions of Article ELEVENTH and TWELFTH of its Restated Certificate of
Incorporation or Article X of its By-Laws in any manner adverse to you without
your consent.

                  (f) MODIFICATIONS. The Company may at any time or from time to
time amend, modify, suspend or terminate any bonus, incentive compensation or
other benefit plans or programs provided hereunder for any reason and without
your consent; provided that, without your consent, the Company may not reduce
the aggregate value of the benefits provided to the Executive hereunder, or
administer the Company Executive Retirement Program in a manner substantially
inconsistent with past practices.

             4.   TERMINATION OF THE EXECUTIVE'S EMPLOYMENT.

                  (a) BY THE COMPANY. The Board by majority vote may terminate
your employment in its sole discretion at any time during the Term, with or
without Cause, upon written notice by the Company to you, and your employment
will terminate on the date notice is given. For purposes of this letter
agreement, "Cause" means (A) your gross negligence, recklessness or malfeasance
in the performance of your duties hereunder, (B) your committing any criminal
act, act of fraud or other misconduct resulting or intending to result directly
or indirectly in gain or personal enrichment at the expense of the Company, or
(C) your willfully engaging in any conduct relating to the business of the
Company that could reasonably be expected to have a materially detrimental
effect on the business of financial condition of the Company. For purposes
hereof, you will be deemed to have committed an act if, based upon the Company's
investigation of the facts, the Board reasonably concludes that you committed
such an act.

                  (b) BY YOU. You may terminate your employment with the Company
at any time during the Term, with or without Good Reason, upon written notice by
you to the Company, and your employment will terminate on the date such notice
is given. For purposes of this letter agreement, "Good Reason" means the
assignment to you of duties and responsibilities not commensurate with your
status as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the failure of the Company to
provide compensation and benefits to you at the levels required herein or the
failure of the Company to adhere in any substantial manner to any of its other
covenants herein. Termination of your


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
employment by you following the completion of a Change of Control contract
extension as provided in 7a will be deemed a "Good Reason" termination entitling
you to the benefits and payments covered in paragraph 5.

            5.    SEVERANCE PAYMENT.

                  (a) WITHOUT CAUSE AND GOOD REASON TERMINATION. If during the
Term the Company terminates your employment without Cause or you terminate your
employment for Good Reason, all compensation payable to you under paragraph 3
hereof will cease as of the effective date of notice of such termination (the
"Termination Date") and the Company will pay to you, subject to paragraph 6, the
following sums:

                        (1)   Your Base Salary on the Termination Date for the
                              greater of 36 months or the remainder of the Term,
                              payable in 24 equal installments at the end of
                              each of the 24 months following the Termination
                              Date. If, however, prior to the second anniversary
                              of the Termination Date, you violate the
                              noncompetition provisions of paragraph 6(b)(A),
                              then the Company will have no obligation to make
                              any of the payments that remain payable by the
                              Company under this paragraph 5(a)(1) on or after
                              the date of such violation.

                        (2)   All previously earned and accrued entitlements and
                              benefits from the Company, including any such
                              entitlements and benefits under the Company's
                              pension, disability and life insurance plans,
                              policies and programs.

                        (3)   Full benefit coverage under all of the Company's
                              life insurance, health, disability, dental,
                              accidental death and dismemberment and other
                              employee welfare programs, plans and policies. In
                              the event that your participation in any such
                              employee welfare program, plan or policy is
                              barred, by law or otherwise, the Company shall at
                              its election arrange to provide you with benefits
                              substantially similar to those which you are
                              entitled to receive under such program, plan or
                              policy or the Company shall pay you the after-tax
                              economic equivalent thereof. For purposes of the
                              preceding sentence, after tax economic equivalent
                              shall be deemed to be the cost that would be
                              incurred by you in obtaining such


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
                              benefit at the lowest available individual basis.
                              The Company's obligation to provide benefit
                              coverage under such employee benefit programs,
                              plans and policies shall cease in the event that
                              you receive comparable coverage from any
                              subsequent employer.

                        (4)   The reasonable costs of outplacement services,
                              including a fully equipped office and secretary to
                              be utilized by you for up to one year.

                        (5)   Any awards due to you under the terms of the
                              Company's "Career Incentive Plan" (Long Term
                              Incentive) or any plan as may have been hereafter
                              adopted by the Company. Upon such payment, all of
                              your rights under all such plans will then
                              terminate.

                        (6)   All benefits payable to you under the terms and
                              conditions of the company's Executive Benefits
                              Program, if any.

            All of the amounts and benefits to be provided pursuant to clauses
(3), (4), (5) and (6) above shall be provided without duplication for the
amounts and benefits to be provided pursuant to clause (2) above.

                  (b) FOR CAUSE TERMINATION - OR TERMINATION BY YOU WITHOUT GOOD
REASON. If your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or if you
terminate your employment for any reason other than Good Reason, you will
receive only the amounts specified in paragraph 5(a)(2). In the event you are
eligible under the terms and conditions of the Company's various executive
benefit plans, if any, you will also receive the benefits specified in paragraph
5(a)(6) provided you are not in breach of this Agreement.

                  (c) DEATH OR DISABILITY In the event of your death or your
disability due to physical or mental illness or other disability which renders
you unable, on other than a temporary basis, to perform the duties of your
employment, the Employment Term will terminate as of the date of your death or
disability and you will receive the benefits specified in paragraph 5(a)(2) and
(6) plus an amount equal to your Base Salary on such date for three years.
Disability will be determined by the Board in a manner consistent with the
Company's Long Term Disability Plan.

            6.    CONFIDENTIALITY AND COMPETITIVE ACTIVITY.

                  (a) You acknowledge that you have acquired and will continue
to acquire during the Term, confidential information regarding the business of
the Company, Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank (DKB), Chase Manhattan Corporation (CMC) and
their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. Accordingly, you agree that,
without the written consent of the Board, you will not, at any time, disclose to
any unauthorized person or


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
otherwise use any such confidential information. For this purpose, confidential
information means non-public information concerning the financial data, business
strategies, product development (and proprietary product data), customer lists,
marketing plans, and other proprietary information concerning the Company, DKB
or CMC and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates, except for specific
items which have become publicly available other than as a result of your breach
of this letter agreement.

                  (b) During the Term and, if you resign with or without Good
Reason or your employment is terminated by the Company with or without Cause
prior to the end of the Term, or if the Term expires without renewal, then for
two years after the Termination Date, you will not, without the written consent
of the Board, directly or indirectly, (A) knowingly engage or be interested in
(as owner, partner, stockholder, employee, director, officer, agent, consultant
or otherwise), with or without compensation, any business in the United States
which is in competition with any line of business actively being conducted on
the Termination Date by the Company or any of its subsidiaries; provided that if
your employment has been terminated by the Company without Cause or you have
terminated your employment with the Company for Good Reason (except in the event
of a Change of Control), you may so compete from and after the six month
anniversary of the Termination Date in which event you shall forfeit your right
to receive future severance payments pursuant to paragraph 5(a)(1) hereof, and
(B) whether or not your termination of employment occurred without Cause or for
Good Reason, hire any person who was employed by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates (other than persons employed in a clerical or other
non-professional position) within the six-month period preceding the date of
such hiring, or solicit, entice, persuade or induce any person or entity doing
business with the Company DKB or CMC and their respective subsidiaries and
affiliates, to terminate such relationship or to refrain from extending or
renewing the same. Nothing herein, however, will prohibit you from acquiring or
holding not more than one percent of any class of publicly traded securities of
any such business; provided that such securities entitle you to no more than one
percent of the total outstanding votes entitled to be cast by securityholders of
such business in matters on which such securityholders are entitled to vote.
Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, in the event of a
Change of Control, the provisions of clause (A) and clause (B) shall apply for
the two-year period following termination of your employment for any reason.

                  (c) REMEDY FOR BREACH. You hereby acknowledge that the
provisions of this paragraph 6 are reasonable and necessary for the protection
of the Company, DKB, CMC and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. In
addition, you further acknowledge that the Company, DKB, CMC and their
respective subsidiaries and affiliates will be irrevocably damaged if such
covenants are not specifically enforced. Accordingly, you agree that, in
addition to any other relief to which the Company may be entitled, the Company
will be entitled to seek and obtain injunctive relief (without the requirement
of any bond) from a court of competent jurisdiction for the purposes of
restraining you from an actual or threatened breach of such covenants. In
addition, and without limiting the Company's other remedies, in the event of any
breach by you of such


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
covenants, the Company will have no obligation to pay any of the amounts that
remain payable by the Company under paragraph 5(a)(1).

            7.    CHANGE OF CONTROL.

                  (a) TERMINATION/CONTRACT EXTENSION. If during the Term, a
"Change of Control" occurs as defined hereafter, the Term of your employment
shall automatically be extended until the first anniversary date of such Change
of Control, provided however, that if such anniversary date occurs prior to
December 31, 1999, you may elect to serve out the remainder of your contract
term. In the event that you serve out the remainder of the current term
following a Change of Control, you may elect to terminate your employment at any
time during the period commencing with the first anniversary of Change of
Control and ending with the current contract termination date and have such
termination deemed "Good Reason" (except under Section 6(b) hereof) provided you
have given 90 days notice of termination.

                  (b) SPECIAL PAYMENT. In addition to the compensation and
benefits already required under the provisions of your Employment Agreement, if
a Change of Control should occur on or prior to December 31, 1999, you will
receive a special payment (the "Special Payment"). The amount of such Special
Payment shall equal the sum of your prior four years' annual bonuses under The
CIT Group Bonus Plan and will be payable over a one-year period as follows: 1/2
of the payment shall be paid to you within 30 days after the date of the Change
of Control; 1/2 shall be paid to you on or before the first anniversary date of
such Change of Control: Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this
paragraph, all or any part of such Special Payment shall not be payable to you:
if during the one-year period commencing on the date of a Change of Control, and
ending on the first anniversary of such date: (i) your employment is
involuntarily terminated by the Company for "Cause" as defined in the Employment
Agreement; (ii) you voluntarily terminate employment with the Company for any
reason other than "Good Reason" as defined in the Employment Agreement; or (iii)
you breach any non-competition or confidentiality covenant under Section 6 of
the Employment Agreement. For purposes of this Paragraph (b) "Special Payment",
a termination of your employment on account of your death, disability or
retirement on or after age 55 under the terms of the Company's retirement plan
(provided such is consistent with Section 7(a)) shall constitute a termination
for "Good Reason." In the absence of a separate beneficiary designation, your
beneficiary under the Group Life Insurance Plan will receive any Special Payment
remaining to be paid upon your death.

                  (c) CHANGE OF CONTROL DEFINED. For purposes of this letter
agreement, a "Change of Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if: (1) any
Person or Group other than DKB or CMC or their Affiliates becomes the Beneficial
Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities representing a majority of the
combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities generally
entitled to vote for the election of directors (capitalized terms not otherwise
defined herein are used as defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
thereunder); or (2) as a result of a cash tender offer, merger or other business
combination, sales of assets or contested election, or any combination of the
foregoing transactions (a "Transaction"), the persons who were directors of the
Company immediately before the Transaction shall cease to constitute a majority
of the Board of the Company or of any successor to the Company. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, a Change of Control resulting from a Change of Control of DKB or
CMC shall not require the extension of the Term hereunder.

            8.    MISCELLANEOUS.

                  (a) SURVIVAL; NOTICES. The obligations of the Company in
paragraph 5 and your obligations in paragraph 6 will survive the termination of
this letter agreement. Any notice, consent or other communication made or given
in connection with this letter agreement will be in writing and will be deemed
to have been duly given when delivered or five days after mailed by United
States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the parties at
the address set forth on the first page of this letter agreement (attention:
General Counsel, if to the Company).

                  (b) ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This letter agreement supersedes any and
all existing agreements between you and the Company or any of its subsidiaries
or affiliates relating to the terms of your employment.

                  (c) AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. No provisions of this letter
agreement may be amended, modified, waived or discharged except as agreed to in
writing by you and the Company. The failure of a party to insist upon strict
adherence to any term of this letter agreement on any occasion will not be
considered a waiver thereof or deprive that party of the right thereafter to
insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this letter
agreement.

                  (d) SUCCESSORS. This letter agreement shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of you and the Company and its successors and permitted
assigns. Neither this letter agreement nor any of the rights of the parties
hereunder may be assigned by either party hereto except that the Company may
assign its rights and obligations hereunder to a corporation or other entity
that acquires substantially all of its assets. Any assignment or transfer of
this letter agreement in violation of the foregoing provisions will be void.

                  (e) GOVERNING LAW. This letter agreement will be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to
agreements made and to be performed in that State.

                  (f) LEGAL COUNSEL; OFFSETS AND REDUCTIONS. In the event you
obtain legal counsel to enforce your rights under this letter agreement, the
Company will pay you reasonable legal fees if you recover any amount on such
claim. Except as provided in paragraph 6, if your employment is terminated by
the Company, your


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9
severance shall not be subject to any offsets or reductions for your
subsequently earned income or reduction by reason of any claim by the Company.

                  (g) SEVERABILITY. If the provision of this letter agreement is
invalid or unenforceable, the balance of this letter agreement will remain in
effect, and if such provision is inapplicable to any person or circumstance, it
will nevertheless remain applicable to all other persons and circumstances.

                  (h) WITHHOLDINGS. The Company is authorized to withhold from
any benefit provided or payment due hereunder the amount of withholding taxes
due any federal, state, or local authority in respect of such benefit or payment
and to take such other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company
to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such withholding taxes.

                  (i) TAX GROSS-UP. In the event that any payment made to you
pursuant to this employment agreement with The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. (the
"Company") becomes subject to excise taxes under Section 4999 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the Company will pay to you the
amount of such excise taxes plus all federal, state and local taxes applicable
to the Company's payment of such excise taxes including any additional excise
taxes due under Section 4999 of the Code with respect to payments made pursuant
to this letter agreement.

The determination of amounts required to be paid under this letter agreement
shall be made by an independent auditor selected and paid by the Company. Such
independent auditor shall be a nationally recognized United States public
accounting firm, which may be the independent accounting firm used by the
Company to audit its financial statements.

            If you are in agreement with the terms of this letter, please so
indicate by signing and returning the enclosed copy of this letter, whereupon
this letter shall constitute a binding agreement between you and the Company.



                                    Very truly yours,

                                    THE CIT GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.



                                    By: ___________________________
                                        Name:
                                        Title:

Agreed:

__________________________________


                                      -9-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.7

                               THE CIT GROUP, INC.

                                December 6, 1996

Mr. Joseph M. Leone
650 CIT Drive
Livingston, NJ 07039

Dear Joe:

         Reference is made to your employment agreement, dated December 29, 1989
(the "Employment Agreement"), with The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. (the "Company),
as amended by letter agreements dated November 16, 1992 and December 20, 1994.
The Board of Directors (the "Board") of The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. (the
"Company"), is pleased to extend your employment agreement with the Company on
the following terms and conditions, all other terms and conditions being null
and void:

         1. TERM. This letter agreement will be effective as of January 1, 1997.
The term of this Agreement (the "Term") will be for a period of twenty-four
months beginning on January 1, 1997 and, except as otherwise provided in
paragraph 4 below, ending on December 31, 1998. This letter agreement and the
Term may be extended for one or more additional periods by written agreement
signed by you and the Company at any time prior to the end of the Term then in
effect.

         2. DUTIES. During the Term, you will serve in such capacities and
devote substantially all of your business time and energies to the business of
the Company and faithfully, diligently and competently perform such duties, as
are assigned to you by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the "CEO") or
pursuant to his delegation.

         3. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS. In full consideration for all services
rendered by you in all capacities during the Term, you will receive the
following compensation and benefits:

                  (a) BASE SALARY. An annual base salary of not less than the
amount you received immediately prior to the commencement of this current
employment agreement payable in accordance with the customary payroll practices
of the Company. Your Base Salary and performance will be reviewed by the CEO or
pursuant to his delegation during the Term pursuant to normal Company practices.
Your Base Salary may be increased (but not reduced) by the CEO from time to
time, based upon your performance and responsibilities, pursuant to the
Company's standard procedures for salary adjustments.

                  (b) BONUSES. You will participate in all executive bonus and
incentive compensation plans (collectively, "Incentive Plans") now or hereafter
maintained by the
<PAGE>   2
Company for which your level of employment makes you eligible in accordance with
the Company's policies and the terms of such Incentive Plans.

                  (c) EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT. The Company will reimburse you, in
accordance with applicable policies and practices of the Company in effect from
time to time, for your ordinary and necessary business expenses.

                  (d) OTHER BENEFITS. You will be eligible to participate in all
employee retirement and welfare benefit plans now or hereafter maintained by or
on behalf of the Company, including the Company's Executive Retirement Program
and receive all fringe benefits and vacations, for which your level of
employment makes you eligible in accordance with the Company's policies and the
terms of such plans. In addition, the Company will provide you with (i) a
supplemental pension benefit and (ii) a supplemental savings benefit, in each
case in an amount equal to the value of the benefit you would be entitled to
receive under the Company's Retirement Plan or Savings Incentive Plan, as the
case may be, but for the limitations on the amount of such benefits imposed by
Internal Revenue Code Sections 415 and 401(a) (17). In connection with your
benefits under the Company's Executive Retirement Program, the Company will not
unreasonably withhold its consent to your retirement.

                  (e) MODIFICATIONS. The Company may at any time or from time to
time amend, modify, suspend or terminate any bonus, incentive compensation or
other benefit plans or programs provided hereunder for any reason and without
your consent; provided that, without your consent, the Company may not reduce
the aggregate value of the benefits provided to the Executive hereunder, or
administer the Company Executive Retirement Program in a manner substantially
inconsistent with past practices.

         4. TERMINATION OF THE EXECUTIVE'S EMPLOYMENT.

                  (a) BY THE COMPANY. The Company may terminate your employment
in its sole discretion at any time during the Term, with or without Cause, upon
written notice by the Company to you, and your employment will terminate on the
date such notice is given. For purposes of this letter agreement, "Cause" means
(1) Nonperformance, defined as your substantial failure to perform your duties
or responsibilities, as determined by the CEO, or (2) Malfeasance, defined as
(A) your gross negligence, recklessness or malfeasance in the performance of
your duties hereunder, (B) your committing any criminal act, act or fraud or
other misconduct resulting or intending to result directly or indirectly in gain
or personal enrichment at the expense of the Company, or (C) your engaging in
any conduct relating to the business of the Company that could reasonably be
expected to have a materially detrimental effect on the business or financial
condition of the Company. For purposes hereof, you will be deemed to have
committed an act if, based upon the Company's investigation of the facts, it
reasonably concludes that you committed such an act.

                  (b) BY YOU. You may terminate your employment with the Company
at any time during the Term, with or without Good Reason, upon written notice by
you to the Company, and your employment will terminate on the date such notice
is given. For purposes of this letter agreement, "Good Reason" means the
assignment to you of duties and responsibilities

                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
not commensurate with your status as a senior executive of the Company, the
failure of the Company to provide compensation and benefits to you at the levels
required herein or the failure of the Company to adhere in any substantial
manner to any of its other covenants herein.

         5. SEVERANCE PAYMENT.

                  (a) WITHOUT CAUSE AND GOOD REASON TERMINATION. If during the
Term the Company terminates your employment without Cause or you terminate your
employment for Good Reason, all compensation payable to you under paragraph 3
hereof will cease as of the effective date of notice of such termination (the
"Termination Date") and the Company will pay to you, subject to paragraph 6, the
following sums:

                           1)       Your Base Salary on the Termination Date for
                                    the greater of 24 months or the remainder of
                                    the Term, payable 50% in 12 equal
                                    installments at the end of each of the 12
                                    months following the Termination Date, and
                                    50% in a lump sum on the anniversary of the
                                    Termination Date. If, however, prior to the
                                    anniversary of the Termination Date, you
                                    violate the noncompetition provisions of
                                    paragraph 6(b)(A), then the Company will
                                    have no obligation to make any of the
                                    payments that remain payable by the Company
                                    under this paragraph 5(a)(1) on or after the
                                    date of such violation.

                           2)       All previously earned and accrued
                                    entitlements and benefits from the Company,
                                    including any such entitlements and benefits
                                    under the Company's pension, disability and
                                    life insurance plans, policies and programs.

                           3)       Continued participation for eighteen months
                                    under the Company's welfare benefit plans in
                                    which you participated immediately prior to
                                    the Termination Date.

                           4)       The reasonable costs of outplacement
                                    services until such time as you accept new
                                    employment.

                           5)       Any awards due to you under the terms of the
                                    Company's "Career Incentive Plan" (Long Term
                                    Incentive) or any plan as may have been
                                    hereafter adopted by the Company. Upon such
                                    payment, all of your rights under all such
                                    plans will then terminate.

                           6)       All benefits payable to you under the terms
                                    and conditions of the Company's Executive
                                    Benefits Program, if any.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
         All of the amounts and benefits to be provided pursuant to clauses (3),
(4), (5) and (6) above shall be provided without duplication for the amounts and
benefits to be provided pursuant to clause (2) above.

                  (b) FOR CAUSE TERMINATION - NONPERFORMANCE.

                           1)       If your employment is terminated by the
                                    Company for Cause based on Nonperformance,
                                    as determined by the current CEO (Albert R.
                                    Gamper, Jr.), you will promptly receive the
                                    amounts and benefits specified in paragraphs
                                    5(a)(2), (3) and (4) above. In addition, you
                                    will receive an amount equal to your Base
                                    Salary on the Termination Date for 12
                                    months, payable in 12 equal installments at
                                    the end of each of the 12 months following
                                    the Termination Date.

                           2)       If your employment is terminated by the
                                    Company for Cause based on Nonperformance,
                                    as determined by the CEO (if other than
                                    Albert R. Gamper, Jr.), you will promptly
                                    receive the amounts and benefits specified
                                    in paragraph 5(a)(2), (3) and (4) above. In
                                    addition, you will receive an amount equal
                                    to your Base Salary on the Termination Date
                                    for 24 months, payable 50% in 12 equal
                                    installments at the end of each of the 12
                                    months following the Termination Date, and
                                    50% in a lump sum on the anniversary of the
                                    Termination Date.

                  (c) FOR CAUSE TERMINATION - MALFEASANCE OR TERMINATION BY YOU
WITHOUT GOOD REASON. If your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause
based on Malfeasance or if you terminate your employment for any reason other
than Good Reason, you will receive only the amounts specified in paragraph
5(a)(2)

                  (d) DEATH OR DISABILITY. In the event of your death or your
disability due to physical or mental illness or other disability which renders
you unable, on other than a temporary basis, to perform the duties of your
employment, the Employment Term will terminate as of the date of your death or
disability and you will receive the benefits specified in paragraph 5(a)(2) and
(6) plus an amount equal to your Base Salary on such date for one year.
Disability will be determined by the CEO or pursuant to his delegation in a
manner consistent with the Company's Long Term Disability Plan.

         6. CONFIDENTIALITY AND COMPETITIVE ACTIVITY.

                  (a) You acknowledge that you have acquired and will continue
to acquire during the Term, confidential information regarding the business of
the Company, Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank (DKB), Chase Manhattan Corporation (CMC) and
their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. Accordingly, you agree that,
without the written consent of the Board, you will not, at any time, disclose to
any unauthorized person or otherwise use any such

                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
confidential information. For this purpose, confidential information means
non-public information concerning the financial data, business strategies,
product development (and proprietary product data), customer lists, marketing
plans, and other proprietary information concerning the Company, DKB or CMC and
their respective subsidiaries and affiliates, except for specific items which
have become publicly available other than as a result of your breach of this
letter agreement.

                  (b) During the Term and, if you resign with or without Good
Reason or your employment is terminated by the Company with or without Cause
prior to the end of the Term, then for one year after the Termination Date, in
the case of clause (A) below, and for two years after the Termination Date, in
the case of clause (B) below, you will not, without the written consent of the
Board, directly or indirectly, (A) knowingly engage or be interested in (as
owner, partner, stockholder, employee, director, officer, agent, consultant or
otherwise), with or without compensation, any business in the New York
metropolitan area which is in competition with any line of business actively
being conducted on the Termination Date by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries; provided that if your employment has been terminated by the
Company without Cause or you have terminated your employment with the Company
for Good Reason, you may so compete in which event you shall forfeit your right
to receive future severance payments pursuant to paragraph 5(a)(1) hereof and
(B) whether or not your termination of employment occurred without Cause or for
Good Reason, hire any person who was employed by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates (other than persons employed in a clerical or other
non-professional position) within the six-month period preceding the date of
such hiring, or solicit, entice, persuade or induce any person or entity doing
business with the Company, DKB or CMC and their respective subsidiaries and
affiliates, to terminate such relationship or to refrain from extending or
renewing the same. Nothing herein, however, will prohibit you from acquiring or
holding not more than one percent of any class of publicly traded securities of
any such business; provided that such securities entitle you to no more than one
percent of the total outstanding votes entitled to be cast by securityholders of
such business in matters on which such securityholders are entitled to vote.

                  (c) REMEDY FOR BREACH. You hereby acknowledge that the
provisions of this paragraph 6 are reasonable and necessary for the protection
of the Company, DKB, CMC and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. In
addition, you further acknowledge that the Company, DKB, CMC and their
respective subsidiaries and affiliates will be irrevocably damaged if such
covenants are not specifically enforced. Accordingly, you agree that, in
addition to any other relief to which the Company may be entitled, the Company
will be entitled to seek and obtain injunctive relief (without the requirement
of any bond) from a court of competent jurisdiction for the purposes of
restraining you from any actual or threatened breach of such covenants. In
addition, and without limiting the Company's other remedies, in the event of any
breach by you of such covenants, the Company will have no obligation to pay any
of the amounts that remain payable by the Company under paragraph 5(a)(1).

                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
         7. CHANGE OF CONTROL.

                  (a) CONTRACT EXTENSION. If during the Term, a "Change of
Control" occurs as defined hereafter, the Term of your employment shall
automatically be extended until the second anniversary date of such Change of
Control.

                  (b) SPECIAL PAYMENT. In addition to the compensation and
benefits already required under the provisions of your Employment Agreement, if
a Change of Control should occur on or prior to December 31, 1998, you will
receive a special payment (the "Special Payment"). The amount of such Special
Payment shall equal the sum of your prior two years' annual bonuses under The
CIT Group Bonus Plan and will be payable over a two-year period as follows: 1/3
of the payment shall be paid to you within 30 days after the date of the Change
of Control; 1/3 shall be paid to you on or before the first anniversary date of
such Change of Control; and 1/3 shall be paid to you on or before the second
anniversary date of such Change of Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing
provisions of this paragraph, all or any part of such Special Payment shall not
be payable to you: (1) to the extent that such Special Payment or any part
thereof, when aggregated with any other benefit or compensation payment due or
owing to you, on account of a Change of Control, under the Employment Agreement
or any other benefit program maintained by the Company, would cause you to be
subject to taxation under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, or (2) if during the two-year period commencing on the date of a Change
of Control, and ending on the second anniversary of such date: (i) your
employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company for "Cause" as defined in
the Employment Agreement; (ii) you voluntarily terminate employment with the
Company for any reason other than "Good Reason" as defined in the Employment
Agreement; or (iii) you breach any noncompetition or confidentiality covenant
under Section 6 of the Employment Agreement. For purposes of this Paragraph (b)
"Special Payment", a termination of your employment on account of your death,
disability or retirement on or after age 55 under the terms of the Company's
retirement plan shall constitute a termination for "Good Reason." In the absence
of a separate beneficiary designation, your beneficiary under the Group Life
Insurance Plan will receive any Special Payment remaining to be paid upon your
death.

                  (c) CHANGE OF CONTROL DEFINED. For purposes of this letter
agreement, a "Change of Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if: (1) any
Person or Group other than DKB or CMC or their Affiliates becomes the Beneficial
Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities representing a majority of the
combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities generally
entitled to vote for the election of directors (capitalized terms not otherwise
defined herein are used as defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder); or (2) as a
result of a cash tender offer, merger or other business combination, sales of
assets or contested election, or any combination of the foregoing transactions
(a "Transaction"), the persons who were directors of the Company immediately
before the Transaction shall cease to constitute a majority of the Board of the
Company or of any successor to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a
Change of Control resulting from a Change of Control of DKB or CMC shall not
require the extension of the Term hereunder.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
         8. MISCELLANEOUS.

                  (a) SURVIVAL; NOTICES. The obligations of the Company in
paragraph 5 and your obligations in paragraph 6 will survive the termination of
this letter agreement. Any notice, consent or other communication made or given
in connection with this letter agreement will be in writing and will be deemed
to have been duly given when delivered or five days after mailed by United
States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the parties at
the address set forth on the first page of this letter agreement (attention:
General Counsel, if to the Company).

                  (b) ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This letter agreement supersedes any and
all existing agreements between you and the Company or any of its subsidiaries
or affiliates relating to the terms of your employment.

                  (c) AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS. No provisions of this letter
agreement may be amended, modified, waived or discharged except as agreed to in
writing by you and the Company. The failure of a party to insist upon strict
adherence to any term of this letter agreement on any occasion will not be
considered a waiver thereof or deprive that party of the right thereafter to
insist upon strict adherence to that term or any other term of this letter
agreement.

                  (d) SUCCESSORS. This letter agreement shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of you and the Company and its successors and permitted
assigns. Neither this letter agreement nor any of the rights of the parties
hereunder may be assigned by either party hereto except that the Company may
assign its rights and obligations hereunder to a corporation or other entity
that acquires substantially all of its assets. Any assignment or transfer of
this letter agreement in violation of the foregoing provisions will be void.

                  (e) GOVERNING LAW. This letter agreement will be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to
agreements made and to be performed in that State.

                  (f) LEGAL COUNSEL; OFFSETS AND REDUCTIONS. In the event you
obtain legal counsel to enforce your rights under this letter agreement, the
Company will pay you reasonable legal fees if you recover any amount on such
claim. Except as provided in paragraph 6, if your employment is terminated by
the Company, your severance shall not be subject to any offsets or reductions
for your subsequently earned income or reduction by reason of any claim by the
Company.

                  (g) SEVERABILITY. If the provision of this letter agreement is
invalid or unenforceable, the balance of this letter agreement will remain in
effect, and if such provision is inapplicable to any person or circumstance, it
will nevertheless remain applicable to all other persons and circumstances.

                  (h) WITHHOLDING. The Company is authorized to withhold from
any benefit provided or payment due hereunder the amount of withholding taxes
due any federal,

                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
state, or local authority in respect of such benefit or payment and to take such
other action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy all
obligations for the payment of such withholding taxes.

         If you are in agreement with the terms of this letter, please so
indicate by signing and returning the enclosed copy of this letter, whereupon
this letter shall constitute a binding agreement between you and the Company.

                                           Very truly yours,

                                           THE CIT GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

                                           By:
                                                -------------------------------
                                                    Name:
                                                    Title:

Agreed:

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

                                      -8-


<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.12




                            EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
                         OF THE CIT GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

                         Effective as of January 1, 1995



<PAGE>   2


                            EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
                         OF THE CIT GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.


                                  ESTABLISHMENT

                  The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") hereby
establishes, effective as of January 1, 1995, an unfunded, nonqualified deferred
compensation plan for a select group of key management or highly compensated
employees. All benefits under the Plan shall be paid out of the general assets
of the Company. The Company may establish and fund a grantor trust to provide
benefits under the Plan.


<PAGE>   3


                          EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN OF
                          THE CIT GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.




                  ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS

                  1.1 "BASE COMPENSATION" means (i) only the basic cash
remuneration paid to an employee for services rendered to the Company determined
prior to any reduction in compensation for elective contributions (within the
meaning of Section 401(k) of the Code), salary reductions (within the meaning of
Section 125 of the Code), and any amounts deferred pursuant to any other
deferred compensation arrangement sponsored by the Company, and (ii) with
respect to a period of disability for sickness or accident (other than long-term
disability), the salary or wages used by the Company as a basis for determining
benefits payable for such period but excluding:

                           (a) commissions, overtime pay and any bonuses or
special pay and incentive compensation;

                           (b) any payment made in connection with the
relocation of such Participants;

                           (c) any severance award, recruitment award, tuition
refund, suggestion award, director's fees, deferred compensation and expense
allowance paid to such Participant or any other reimbursement of expenses; and

                           (d) any other payment as determined by the Company in
accordance with any uniform rules which it may adopt, which shall at the time be
in force, and which shall be applied in a nondiscriminatory manner.

                  1.2 "BENEFICIARY" means any person, persons, or entity
designated by a Participant to receive any benefits payable in the event of the
Participant's death. If no valid Beneficiary designation is in effect at the
Participant's death, or if no person, persons or entity so designated survives
the Participant, or if each surviving validly designated Beneficiary is legally
impaired or prohibited from taking, the Participant's Beneficiary shall be his
surviving spouse, if any, or if the Participant has no surviving spouse, then
his estate. If the Committee is in doubt as to the right of any person to
receive such amount, it may retain such amount, without liability for any
interest thereon, until the rights thereto are determined, or the Committee may
pay such amount into any court of competent jurisdiction and such payment shall
be a complete discharge of the liability of the Plan.

                  1.3 "BENEFIT SERVICE" means a Participant's "Period of Benefit
Service" as defined under the Retirement Plan.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   4

                  1.4 "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company or any
committee thereof which may be delegated responsibility with respect to the
Plan.

                  1.5 "CAUSE" means the Participant's (i) substantial failure to
perform his duties or responsibilities, as determined by the CEO, (ii) gross
negligence, recklessness or malfeasance in the performance of his duties, (iii)
commission of any criminal act, act of fraud or other misconduct resulting or
intended to result directly or indirectly in gain or personal enrichment at the
expense of the Company, or (iv) engagement in any conduct relating to the
business of the Company that could reasonably be expected to have a materially
detrimental effect on the business or financial condition of the Company. For
purposes hereof, the Participant will be deemed to have committed an act if,
based upon the Company's investigation of the facts, it reasonably concludes
that the Participant committed such an act.

                  1.6. "CEO" means the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

                  1.7 "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

                  1.8 "COMMITTEE" means the members of the Employee Benefit
Plans Committee under the Retirement Plan.

                  1.9 "COMPANY" means The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. or any
successor thereto.

                  1.10 "EARLY RETIREMENT DATE" means the first day of a month
following a Participant's termination of employment on or after he has attained
age 55 and completed at least 10 years of Benefit Service.

                  1.11 "EFFECTIVE DATE" means January 1, 1995.

                  1.12 "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended.

                  1.13 "FINAL BASE COMPENSATION" means Base Compensation in
excess of the amount of Base Compensation used to determine benefits under the
Permanent Life Insurance Plan of The CIT Group Holdings, Inc.

                  1.14 "GOOD REASON" means the assignment of duties and
responsibilities not commensurate with the Participant's status as a senior
executive of the Company, the failure of the Company to provide compensation and
benefits to the Participant at the levels required under the terms of the
Participant's employment contract with the Company, or the failure of the
Company to adhere in any substantial manner to any of its other obligations to
the Participant under the terms of his employment with the Company.

                  1.15 "NORMAL RETIREMENT DATE" means the first day of the month
coincident with or next following the later of the date of the (i) Participant's
attainment of age 65, or (ii) Participant's completion of 10 years of Benefit
Service.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   5


                  1.16 "PARTICIPANT" means a key executive or highly
compensated, employee of the Company designated by the Committee to participate
in the Plan as designated on Appendix A.

                  1.17 "PLAN" means the Executive Retirement Plan of The CIT
Group Holdings, Inc.

                  1.18 "RETIREMENT PLAN" means The CIT Group Holdings, Inc.
Retirement Plan or any successor thereto.



                                      -4-
<PAGE>   6


                  ARTICLE 2. PARTICIPATION

                  2.1 PARTICIPATION

                      The Committee shall, in its sole discretion, select those
employees who shall be Participants in the Plan. Such employees shall become
Participants under the Plan effective on the date designated by the Committee.
The determination of the Committee with respect to participation under the Plan
shall be final.

                  2.2 TERMINATION OF PARTICIPATION

                      Subject to Section 5.10, a Participant shall no longer be
eligible to participate in the Plan upon the earlier of the (i) revocation of
his status as a Participant under the Plan by the Committee, or (ii) termination
of his employment with the Company as provided under Article 4.


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   7


                  ARTICLE 3. ACCRUED BENEFITS

                  3.1 DETERMINATION OF ACCRUED BENEFIT

                      As of any date, a Participant's accrued benefit shall be
an annual benefit in the form of a straight life annuity equal to 40% of Final
Base Compensation.

                  3.2 NORMAL RETIREMENT

                      (a) A Participant may retire on his Normal Retirement
Date.

                      (b) Subject to Article 4, a Participant who retires on his
Normal Retirement Date shall be entitled to receive a benefit equal to his
accrued benefit as determined under Section 3.1 commencing on his Normal
Retirement Date and ending with the payment due for the month in which the
Participant dies.

                  3.3 EARLY RETIREMENT

                      (a) A Participant may retire on his Early Retirement Date.

                      (b) Subject to Article 4, a Participant who retires on his
Early Retirement Date shall be entitled to receive, commencing on his Early
Retirement Date and ending with the payment due for the month in which the
Participant dies, a benefit equal to the benefit determined under Section 3.1 as
of his Early Retirement Date, reduced by one-half of 1 % for each month, if any,
by which commencement of his retirement benefit precedes the first day of the
month following the month in which his 60th birthday occurs.

                  3.4 FORM OF BENEFIT

                      In the absence of a valid election under Section 3.5, the
Participant's retirement benefits under the Plan shall be paid in a straight
life annuity for the Participant's life, payable in 12 equal monthly
installments per year, ending with the payment due for the month in which the
Participant dies.

                  3.5 OPTIONAL FORMS OF BENEFIT PAYMENT

                      (a) Subject to Article 4, a Participant may elect to
receive his retirement benefit in any form permitted by the Retirement Plan,
excluding any options listed under Section 6.3 of the Retirement Plan, provided
that the Committee receives an irrevocable election of such optional form from
the Participant at least 90 days (or within such other period permitted by the
Committee) prior to his becoming a Retiree. A Participant who fails to elect an
optional form of benefit payment in a timely manner shall automatically receive
his retirement benefit in accordance with Section 3.4 above.

                      (b) If a Participant elects to receive his retirement
benefit in the form of a joint and survivor annuity and his joint annuitant dies
before the Participant's benefit payments have commenced, then the Participant's
election under this Section 3.5 shall be null 


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   8

and void and a Participant may elect to receive his retirement benefit in any of
the other optional forms of benefit available under Retirement Plan (excluding
any options provided under Section 6.3 of the Retirement Plan), provided,
however, that the retirement benefit under such optional forms shall be the
actuarial equivalent of the retirement benefit described in Section 3.1 using
the same actuarial adjustments and assumptions used to make pension calculations
under the Retirement Plan.

                  3.6 RESTORATION TO SERVICE

                      If a Participant retires from active service and begins to
receive payment of his retirement benefit and again becomes an employee of the
Company, the payments under the Plan shall be discontinued and, upon subsequent
retirement from employment with the Company, the Participant's benefits under
the Plan shall be recomputed in accordance with the provisions of this Article
3, as applicable, and shall again become payable to such Participant in
accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The amount of any benefit payable
pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be offset by the actuarial equivalent
of the benefit that the Participant received from the Plan using the same
actuarial adjustments and assumptions used to make pension calculations under
the Retirement Plan.


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   9


                  ARTICLE 4. EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

                  4.1 DEATH

                      If termination of employment occurs by reason of the death
of the Participant while the Participant is in active service of the Company,
such Participant's Beneficiary shall not be eligible for any benefit under the
Plan, except for any life insurance benefits which may be payable under a
separate arrangement set forth in Appendix B.

                  4.2 DISABILITY

                      A Participant who is disabled and receiving payments under
the Company's Long-Term Disability Plan shall continue to accrue periods of
Benefit Service under the Plan until the earlier of (i) the date his long-term
disability benefit terminates, or (ii) his Normal Retirement Date. No benefit
under this Plan shall be payable to a Participant while he is receiving such
long-term disability benefit payments.

                  4.3 WITHOUT CAUSE OR FOR GOOD REASON

                      If a Participant is terminated by the Company without
Cause or a Participant terminates his employment for Good Reason, the
Participant shall be eligible for the following benefits under the Plan:

                      (a) If a Participant is 55 years of age or older on the
date of termination with the Company, he shall be eligible to receive a benefit
as described in Section 3.2 or 3.3 (as applicable) in the form of a single life
annuity, as soon as practicable following the Participant's date of termination.

                      (b) If a Participant is less than 55 years of age on the
date of termination with the Company, he shall be eligible to receive a lump sum
payment equal to an amount which represents the equivalent of the net after tax
present value to the Participant of the single life annuity that would have been
payable to the Participant at age 55. Such amount shall be calculated in
accordance with uniform methodology adopted by the Committee.

                  4.4 WITHOUT GOOD REASON PRIOR TO EARLY RETIREMENT

                      If a Participant terminates his employment with the
Company for any reason other than Good Reason and is not eligible to receive a
retirement benefit in accordance with Article 3, such Participant shall forfeit
all benefits under the Plan. The provisions of this Section 4.4 shall not apply
if the Plan is terminated by the Board or any successor thereto pursuant to the
provisions of Section 5.10.

                  4.5 TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

                      If the Plan is terminated by the Board (or any successor
thereto) pursuant to Section 5.10 hereto, each Participant shall be deemed
vested in his retirement benefit and shall be eligible to receive payment of his
retirement benefit in accordance with the terms of the 


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   10

Plan, provided that such benefit shall be computed based on the Participant's
Final Base Compensation on the date of termination of the Plan.

                  4.6 FOR CAUSE

                      If a Participant is terminated by the Company for Cause,
such Participant shall forfeit all benefits under the Plan regardless of his
eligibility to receive such benefits under the Plan.


                                      -9-
<PAGE>   11


                  ARTICLE 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS

                  5.1 ADMINISTRATION

                      The Committee shall have full power and authority to
administer and interpret the Plan. The Committee may from time to time establish
rules for the administration of the Plan that are consistent with the provisions
of the Plan.

                  5.2 CLAIMS PROCEDURE

                      All claims for benefits under the Plan shall be
administered in the same manner as provided under the Retirement Plan and the
Committee shall have the same powers and authority with respect to the
disposition of claims under this Plan that the Employee Benefit Plans Committee
has under the Retirement Plan. The determination of the Committee as to any
disputed questions arising under this Plan including, but not limited to, claims
for benefits and questions of construction and interpretation shall be final,
binding and conclusive upon all persons.

                  5.3 ARBITRATION

                      If a Participant has exhausted his remedies with respect
to a claim for benefits under Section 5.2, such Participant may seek review of
the Committee's determinations with respect thereto through binding arbitration
in New York City, New York, in accordance with the rules and constitution of the
American Arbitration Association. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any final
determination of the Committee pursuant to Section 5.2 shall be binding unless
the arbitrator determines that such determination was arbitrary and capricious.
Judgment upon any such arbitration award may be entered in a court of competent
jurisdiction in New York City, New York, and the Participant submits to the
jurisdiction of such court.

                  5.4 FUNDING

                      (a) All amounts payable in accordance with the Plan shall
constitute general unsecured obligations of the Company. Such amounts, as well
as any administrative costs relating to the Plan, shall be paid out of the
general assets of the Company unless the provisions of paragraph (b) below are
applicable.

                      (b) The Board may, for administrative reasons, establish a
grantor trust to fund benefits payable under the Plan and/or administrative
costs relating to the Plan. The assets of said trust will be held separate and
apart from other Company funds and shall be used exclusively for the purposes
set forth in the Plan and the applicable trust agreement, subject to the
following conditions:

                      (i) the creation of said trust shall not cause the Plan to
be other than "unfunded" for purposes of ERISA;


                                      -10-
<PAGE>   12


                      (ii) the Company shall be treated as the "grantor" of said
trust for purposes of Sections 671 and 677 of the Code; and

                      (iii) said trust agreement shall provide that the trust
fund assets may be used to satisfy claims of the Company's general creditors,
provided that the rights of such general creditors are enforceable under federal
law.

                  5.5 CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT NOT AFFECTED BY THE PLAN

                      Nothing contained in this Plan shall be construed as a
contract of employment; nor shall the Plan or its establishment confer any legal
rights upon any employee or other person for a continuation of employment with
the Company, nor interfere with the rights of the Company to discharge any
employee and to treat him without regard to the effect which that treatment
might have upon him as a Participant or potential Participant of the Plan. The
terms of the Plan shall govern all benefits payable under the Plan and shall
supersede any contractual obligations the Company may have with respect to the
payment of benefits under this Plan.

                  5.6 FACILITY OF PAYMENT

                      If the Committee shall find that any person to whom any
amount is payable under the Plan is found by a court of competent jurisdiction
unable to care for his affairs because of illness or accident, or is a minor, or
has died, then any payment due him or his estate (unless a prior claim therefor
has been made by a duly appointed legal representative) may, if the Committee so
elects, be paid to his spouse, a child, a relative, an institution maintaining
or having custody of such person, or any other person deemed by the Committee to
be a proper recipient on behalf of such person otherwise entitled to payment.
Any such payment shall be a complete discharge of the liability of the Plan
therefor.

                  5.7 WITHHOLDING TAXES

                      The Company shall have the right to deduct from each
payment to be made under the Plan any required withholding taxes.

                  5.8 NONALIENATION

                      Subject to applicable law, no benefit under the Plan shall
be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer,
assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge, and any attempt to do so shall be
void, nor shall any such benefit be in any manner liable for or subject to
garnishment, attachment, execution or levy, or liable for or subject to the
debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements or torts of the Participants.

                  5.9 CONSTRUCTION

                      (a) The Plan is intended to be an unfunded deferred
compensation arrangement for a select group of management or highly compensated
employees and therefore 


                                      -11-
<PAGE>   13


exempt from the requirements or Sections 201, 301 and 401 of ERISA. All rights
hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of New York.

                      (b) The masculine pronoun shall mean the feminine wherever
appropriate.

                  5.10 AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION

                      The Board may amend, modify or terminate the Plan at any
time. No such amendment shall diminish the rights of any Participant with
respect to benefits due him under the terms of the Plan at the time of its
modification amendment or termination.


                                      -12-
<PAGE>   14

                                   APPENDIX A

                                  PARTICIPATION

The following employees have been designated by the Committee to participate in
the Plan effective as of January 1, 1995.



(1)

(2)

(3)



                                      -13-
<PAGE>   15


                                   APPENDIX B

                                  DEATH BENEFIT





                                      -14-
<PAGE>   16
                          NEW EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
                         OF THE CIT GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.

                         Effective as of January 1, 1995
<PAGE>   17
                        NEW EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN OF
                          THE CIT GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.


                                  ESTABLISHMENT

         The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") hereby establishes,
effective as of January 1, 1995, an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation
plan for a select group of key management or highly compensated employees. All
benefits under the Plan shall be paid out of the general assets of the Company.
The Company may establish and fund a grantor trust to provide benefits under the
Plan.
<PAGE>   18
                        NEW EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN OF
                          THE CIT GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.


         ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS

         1.1 "BASE COMPENSATION" means (i) only the basic cash remuneration paid
to an employee for services rendered to the Company determined prior to any
reduction in compensation for elective contributions within the meaning of
Section 401(k) of the Code or salary reductions, (within the meaning of Section
125 of the Code) and any amounts deferred pursuant to any other deferred
compensation arrangement sponsored by the Company, and (ii) with respect to a
period of disability for sickness or accident (other than long-term disability),
the salary or wages used by the Company as a basis for determining benefits
payable for such period but excluding:

                  (a) commissions, overtime pay and any bonuses or special pay
and incentive compensation;

                  (b) any payment made in connection with the relocation of such
Participants;

                  (c) any severance award, recruitment award, tuition refund,
suggestion award, director's fees, deferred compensation and expense allowance
paid to such Participant or any other reimbursement of expenses; and

                  (d) any other payment as determined by the Company in
accordance with any uniform rules which it may adopt, which shall at the time be
in force, and which shall be applied in a nondiscriminatory manner.

         1.2 "BENEFICIARY" means any person, persons, or entity designated by a
Participant to receive any benefits payable in the event of the Participant's
death. If no valid Beneficiary designation is in effect at the Participant's
death, or if no person, persons or entity so designated survives the
Participant, or if each surviving validly designated Beneficiary is legally
impaired or prohibited from taking, the Participant's Beneficiary shall be his
surviving spouse, if any, or if the Participant has no surviving spouse, then
his estate. If the Committee is in doubt as to the right of any person to
receive such amount, it may retain such amount, without liability for any
interest thereon, until the rights thereto are determined, or the Committee may
pay such amount into any court of competent jurisdiction and such payment shall
be a complete discharge of the liability of the Plan.

         1.3 "BENEFIT SERVICE" means a Participant's Period of Benefit Service
as defined under the Retirement Plan.

         1.4 "BOARD" means the Board of Directors of the Company or any
committee thereof which may be delegated responsibility with respect to the
Plan.


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   19
         1.5 "CAUSE" means the Participant's (i) substantial failure to perform
his duties or responsibilities, as determined by the CEO, (ii) gross negligence,
recklessness or malfeasance in the performance of his duties, (iii) commission
of any criminal act, act of fraud or other misconduct resulting or intended to
result directly or indirectly in gain or personal enrichment at the expense of
the Company, or (iv) engagement in any conduct relating to the business of the
Company that could reasonably be expected to have a materially detrimental
effect on the business or financial condition of the Company. For purposes
hereof, the Participant will be deemed to have committed an act if, based upon
the Company's investigation of the facts, it reasonably concludes that the
Participant committed such an act.

         1.6 "CEO" means the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

         1.7 "CHANGE OF CONTROL" shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) any
person or group other than DKB or Chemical or their Affiliates becomes the
Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities representing a majority
of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities
generally entitled to vote for the election of directors (capitalized terms not
otherwise defined herein are used as defined under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) or
(ii) as a result of a cash tender offer, merger or other business combination,
sale of assets or contested election, or any combination of the foregoing
transactions (a "Transaction"), the persons who were directors of the Company
immediately before the Transaction shall cease to constitute a majority of the
Board of the Company or of any successor to the Company. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, a Change of Control resulting from a Change of Control of DKB or
Chemical shall not require the payment of any benefits as provided in Section
4.5.

         1.8 "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

         1.9 "COMMITTEE" means the Employee Benefit Plans Committee under the
Retirement Plan.

         1.10 "COMPANY" means The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. or any successor
thereto.

         1.11 "EARLY RETIREMENT DATE" means the first day of a month following a
Participant's termination of employment on or after he has attained age 55 and
completed at least 10 years of Benefit Service.

         1.12 "EFFECTIVE DATE" means January 1, 1995.

         1.13 "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended.

         1.14 "FINAL BASE COMPENSATION" means highest Base Compensation received
for any 12-consecutive-month-period during any of the five-consecutive-12-month
periods ending on a Participant's retirement date.


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   20
         1.15 "GOOD REASON" means the assignment of duties and responsibilities
not commensurate with the Participant's status as a senior executive of the
Company, the failure of the Company to provide compensation and benefits to the
Participant at the levels required under the terms of the Participant's
employment contract with the Company, or the failure of the Company to adhere in
any substantial manner to any of its other obligations to the Participant under
the terms of his employment with the Company.

         1.16 "NORMAL RETIREMENT DATE" means the first day of the month
coincident with or next following the later of date of the (i) Participant's
attainment of age 65, or (ii) Participant's completion of 10 years of Benefit
Service.

         1.17 "PARTICIPANT" means a key executive or highly compensated employee
of the Company designated by the Committee to participate in the Plan as
designated on Appendix A.

         1.18 "PLAN" means the New Executive Retirement Plan of The CIT Group
Holdings, Inc.

         1.19 "RETIREMENT PLAN" means The CIT Group Holdings, Inc. Retirement
Plan or any successor thereto.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   21
         ARTICLE 2. PARTICIPATION

         2.1      PARTICIPATION

                  The Committee shall, in its sole discretion, select those
employees who shall be Participants in the Plan. Such employees shall become
Participants under the Plan effective on the date designated by the Committee.
The determination of the Committee with respect to participation under the Plan
shall be final.

         2.2      TERMINATION OF PARTICIPATION

                  Subject to Section 5.10, a Participant shall no longer be
eligible to participate in the Plan upon the earlier of the (i) revocation of
his status as a Participant under the Plan by the Committee, or (ii) termination
of his employment with the Company as provided under Article 4.


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   22
         ARTICLE 3. ACCRUED BENEFITS

         3.1      DETERMINATION OF ACCRUED BENEFIT

                  As of any date, a Participant's accrued benefit shall be an
annual benefit in the form of a straight life annuity equal to the product of
his Final Base Compensation multiplied by the sum of (i) 50% for the first 10
years of Benefit Service, and (ii) 2% for each of the following 20 years of
Benefit Service and such product shall be reduced by the following offset
amounts, on account of benefits payable to the Participant, determined as of the
date of retirement:

                  (1)      the annual single life pension payable from the
                           Retirement Plan,

                  (2)      the benefit payable from The CIT Group Holdings, Inc.
                           Supplemental Retirement Plan converted to an annual
                           single life annuity,

                  (3)      the benefit payable from the Flexible Retirement
                           Contribution Account (FRA) of The CIT Group Holdings,
                           Inc. Savings Incentive Plan converted to an annual
                           single life annuity,

                  (4)      the benefit payable from the nonqualified FRA in The
                           CIT Group Holdings, Inc. Supplemental Savings
                           Incentive Plan converted to an annual single life
                           annuity, and

                  (5)      any annual single life pension payable under the
                           Split Dollar Insurance Plan of The CIT Group
                           Holdings, Inc.

                  For purposes of determining the converted single life
annuities payable as described in (2), (3) and (4) above, the same procedures
and assumptions as used for the Retirement Plan for similar conversions will be
applied.

         3.2      NORMAL RETIREMENT

                  (a)      A Participant may retire on his Normal Retirement
                           Date.

                  (b)      Subject to Article 4, a Participant who retires on
his Normal Retirement Date shall be entitled to receive a benefit equal to his
accrued benefit as determined under Section 3.1 commencing on his Normal
Retirement Date and ending with the payment due for the month in which the
Participant dies.

         3.3      EARLY RETIREMENT

                  (a)      A Participant may retire on his Early Retirement
Date.

                  (b)      Subject to Article 4, a Participant who retires on
his Early Retirement Date shall be entitled to receive, commencing on his Early
Retirement Date and


                                      -6-
<PAGE>   23
ending with the payment due for the month in which the Participant dies, a
benefit equal to the benefit determined under Section 3.1 as of his Early
Retirement Date, reduced by one-half of 1% for each month, if any, by which
commencement of his retirement benefit precedes the first day of the month
following the month in which his 60th birthday occurs.

         3.4      FORM OF BENEFIT

                  In the absence of a valid election under Section 3.5, the
Participant's retirement benefits under the Plan shall be paid in a straight
life annuity for the Participant's life, payable in 12 equal monthly
installments per year, ending with the payment due for the month in which the
Participant dies.

         3.5      OPTIONAL FORMS OF BENEFIT PAYMENT

                  (a) Subject to Article 4, a Participant may elect to receive
his retirement benefit in any form permitted by the Retirement Plan, excluding
any options listed under Section 6.3 of the Retirement Plan, provided that the
Committee receives an irrevocable election of such optional form from the
Participant at least 90 days (or within such other period permitted by the
Committee) prior to his becoming a Retiree. A Participant who fails to elect an
optional form of benefit payment in a timely manner shall automatically receive
his retirement benefit in accordance with Section 3.4 above.

                  (b) If a Participant elects to receive his retirement benefit
in the form of a joint and survivor annuity and his joint annuitant dies before
the Participant's benefit payments have commenced, then the Participant's
election under this Section 3.5 shall be null and void and a Participant may
elect to receive his retirement benefit in any of the other optional forms of
benefit available under the Retirement Plan (excluding any options provided
under Section 6.3 of the Retirement Plan); provided, however, that the
retirement benefit under such optional forms shall be the actuarial equivalent
of the retirement benefit described in Section 3.1 using the same actuarial
adjustments and assumptions used to make pension calculations under the
Retirement Plan.

         3.6      RESTORATION TO SERVICE

                  If a Participant retires from active service and begins to
receive payment of his retirement benefit and again becomes an employee of the
Company, the payments under the Plan shall be discontinued and, upon subsequent
retirement from employment with the Company, the Participant's benefits under
the Plan shall be recomputed in accordance with the provisions of this Article
3, as applicable, and shall again become payable to such Participant in
accordance with the provisions of the Plan. The amount of any benefit payable
pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be offset by the actuarial equivalent
of the benefit that the Participant received from the Plan using the same
actuarial adjustments and assumptions used to make pension calculations under
the Retirement Plan.


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   24
         ARTICLE 4. EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

         4.1      DEATH

                  If termination of employment occurs by reason of the death of
the Participant while the Participant is in active service of the Company, such
Participant's Beneficiary shall not be eligible for any benefit under the Plan,
except for any life-insurance benefits which may be payable under a separate
arrangement set forth in Appendix B.

         4.2      DISABILITY

                  A Participant who is disabled and receiving payments under the
Company's Long-Term Disability Plan shall continue to accrue periods of Benefit
Service under the Plan until the earlier of (i) the date his long-term
disability benefit terminates, or (ii) his Normal Retirement Date. No benefit
under this Plan shall be payable to a Participant while he is receiving such
long-term disability benefit payments.

         4.3      WITHOUT CAUSE OR FOR GOOD REASON

                  If a Participant has attained 10 years of Benefit Service and
is terminated by the Company without Cause or a Participant terminates his
employment for Good Reason, the Participant shall be eligible for the following
benefits under the Plan:

                  (a) If a Participant is 55 years of age or older on the date
of termination with the Company, he shall be eligible to receive a benefit as
described in Section 3.2 or 3.3 (as applicable) in the form of a single life
annuity, as soon as practicable following the Participant's date of termination.

                  (b) If a Participant is less than 55 years of age on the date
of termination with the Company, he shall be eligible to receive a lump sum
payment equal to an amount which represents the equivalent of the net after tax
present value to the Participant of the single life annuity that would have been
payable to the Participant at age 55. Such amount shall be calculated in
accordance with uniform methodology adopted by the Committee.

                  (c) If a Participant has not completed 10 years of Benefit
Service at the time of his termination of employment without cause or for Good
Reason, such Participant shall not be eligible to receive any benefits under the
Plan.

         4.4      TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

                  If the Plan is terminated by the Board (or any successor
thereto) pursuant to Section 5.10 hereto, each Participant shall be deemed
vested in his retirement benefit and shall be eligible to receive payment of his
retirement benefit in accordance with the terms of the Plan, provided, that such
benefit shall be computed based on the Participant's Final Base Compensation and
years of Benefit Service on the date of termination of the Plan; and provided,
further, that if a Participant has less than 10 years of Benefit Service at the
time of termination of


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   25
the Plan, he shall be eligible to receive an annual benefit in the form of a
straight life annuity equal to 5% of Final Base Compensation for each year of
Benefit Service accrued through the date of termination of the Plan and reduced
by the sum of the offset amounts set forth in Section 3.1 above. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, if a Participant has less than 5 years of Benefit Service on the
date of termination of the Plan, no benefit shall be payable to him under the
Plan.

         4.5      CHANGE OF CONTROL

                  If a Participant's employment is terminated by the Company (or
any successor thereto) without Cause or the Participant terminates employment
for Good Reason within 3 years following the date of the "Change of Control,"
then notwithstanding the Participant's period of Benefit Service, he shall be
eligible to receive a retirement benefit based on his Final Base Compensation
and years of Benefit Service accrued through the date of his termination which
amount shall be payable in accordance with Section 4.3 above. For purposes of
this Section 4.5, a Participant with less than 10 years of Benefit Service shall
be eligible to receive an annual benefit in the form of a straight life annuity
equal to 5% of Final Base Compensation for each year of Benefit Service accrued
through the date of termination of employment reduced by the sum of the offset
amounts set forth in Section 3.1 above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however,
if a Participant has less than 5 years of Benefit Service on the date of
termination of employment, no benefit shall be payable to him under the Plan.

         4.6      WITHOUT GOOD REASON PRIOR TO EARLY RETIREMENT

                  If a Participant terminates his employment with the Company
for any reason other than Good Reason and is not eligible to receive a
retirement benefit in accordance with Article 3, such Participant shall forfeit
all benefits under the Plan. The provisions of this Section 4.6 shall not apply
in the event the Plan is terminated by the Board or any successor thereto
pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.10.

         4.7      FOR CAUSE

                  If a Participant is terminated by the Company for Cause such
Participant shall forfeit all benefits under the Plan regardless of his
eligibility to receive such benefits under the Plan.


                                      -9-
<PAGE>   26
         ARTICLE 5. GENERAL PROVISIONS

         5.1      ADMINISTRATION

                  The Committee shall have full power and authority to
administer and interpret the Plan. The Committee may from time to time establish
rules for the administration of the Plan that are consistent with the provisions
of the Plan.

         5.2      CLAIMS PROCEDURE

                  All claims for benefits under the Plan shall be administered
in the same manner as provided under the Retirement Plan and the Committee shall
have the same powers and authority with respect to the disposition of claims
under this Plan that the Employee Benefit Plans Committee has under the
Retirement Plan. The determination of the Committee as to any disputed questions
arising under this Plan including, but not limited to, claims for benefits and
questions of construction and interpretation shall be final, binding and
conclusive upon all persons.

         5.3      ARBITRATION

                  If a Participant has exhausted his remedies with respect to a
claim for benefits under Section 5.2, such Participant may seek review of the
Committee's determinations with respect thereto through binding arbitration in
New York City, New York, in accordance with the rules and constitution of the
American Arbitration Association. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any final
determination of the Committee pursuant to Section 5.2 shall be binding unless
the arbitrator determines that such determination was arbitrary and capricious.
Judgment upon any such arbitration award may be entered in a court of competent
jurisdiction in New York City, New York, and the Participant submits to the
jurisdiction of such court.

         5.4      FUNDING

                  (a) All amounts payable in accordance with the Plan shall
constitute general unsecured obligations of the Company. Such amounts, as well
as any administrative costs relating to the Plan, shall be paid out of the
general assets of the Company unless the provisions of paragraph (b) below are
applicable.

                  (b) The Board may, for administrative reasons, establish a
grantor trust to fund benefits payable under the Plan and/or administrative
costs relating to the Plan. The assets of said trust will be held separate and
apart from other Company funds and shall be used exclusively for the purposes
set forth in the Plan and the applicable trust agreement, subject to the
following conditions:

                           (i) the creation of said trust shall not cause the
Plan to be other than "unfunded" for purposes of ERISA;


                                      -10-
<PAGE>   27
                           (ii) the Company shall be treated as the "grantor" of
said trust for purposes of Sections 671 and 677 of the Code; and

                           (iii) said trust agreement shall provide that the
trust fund assets may be used to satisfy claims of the Company's general
creditors, provided that the rights of such general creditors are enforceable
under federal law.

         5.5      CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT NOT AFFECTED BY THE PLAN

                  Nothing contained in this Plan shall be construed as a
contract of employment; nor shall the Plan or its establishment confer any legal
rights upon any employee or other person for a continuation of employment with
the Company, nor interfere with the rights of the Company to discharge any
employee and to treat him without regard to the effect which that treatment
might have upon him as a Participant or potential Participant of the Plan. The
terms of the Plan shall govern all benefits payable under the Plan and shall
supersede any contractual obligations the Company may have with respect to the
payment of benefits under this Plan.

         5.6      FACILITY OF PAYMENT

                  If the Committee shall find that any person to whom any amount
is payable under the Plan is found by a court of competent jurisdiction unable
to care for his affairs because of illness or accident, or is a minor, or has
died, then any payment due him or his estate (unless a prior claim therefor has
been made by a duly appointed legal representative) may, if the Committee so
elects, be paid to his spouse, a child, a relative, an institution maintaining
or having custody of such person, or any other person deemed by the Committee to
be a proper recipient on behalf of such person otherwise entitled to payment.
Any such payment shall be a complete discharge of the liability of the Plan
therefor.

         5.7      WITHHOLDING TAXES

                  The Company shall have the right to deduct from each payment
to be made under the Plan any required withholding taxes.

         5.8      NONALIENATION

                  Subject to applicable law, no benefit under the Plan shall be
subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment,
pledge, encumbrance or charge, and any attempt to do so shall be void, nor shall
any such benefit be in any manner liable for or subject to garnishment,
attachment, execution or levy, or liable for or subject to the debts, contracts,
liabilities, engagements or torts of the Participants.

         5.9      CONSTRUCTION

                  (a) The Plan is intended to be an unfunded deferred
compensation arrangement for a select group of management or highly compensated
employees and therefore


                                      -11-
<PAGE>   28
exempt from the requirements or Sections 201, 301 and 401 of ERISA. All rights
hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of New York.

                  (b) The masculine pronoun shall mean the feminine wherever
appropriate.

         5.10     AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION

                  The Board may amend, modify or terminate the Plan at any time.
No such amendment shall diminish the rights of any Participant with respect to
benefits due him under the terms of the Plan at the time of its modification
amendment or termination.


                                      -12-
<PAGE>   29
                                   APPENDIX A

                                  PARTICIPATION

The following employees have been designated by the Committee to participate in
the Plan effective as of January 1, 1995.


(1)

(2)

(3)


                                      -13-
<PAGE>   30
                                   APPENDIX B

                                  DEATH BENEFIT


                                      -14-

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.13

                               THE CIT GROUP, INC.

                       LONG-TERM EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN

                                November 1, 1997
<PAGE>   2
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page

Article 1.   Establishment, Objectives, and Duration.........................1
      1.1.   Establishment of the Plan.......................................1
      1.2.   Objectives of the Plan..........................................1
      1.3.   Duration of the Plan............................................1

Article 2.   Definitions.....................................................1
      2.1.   "Annual Incentive Award"........................................1
      2.2.   "Award".........................................................2
      2.3.   "Award Agreement"...............................................2
      2.4.   "Beneficial Owner" or "Beneficial Ownership"....................2
      2.5.   "Board" or "Board of Directors".................................2
      2.6.   "Change of Control".............................................2
      2.7.   "Code"..........................................................2
      2.8.   "Committee".....................................................2
      2.9.   "Company".......................................................2
      2.10.   "Director".....................................................2
      2.11.   "Disability"...................................................3
      2.12.   "Effective Date"...............................................3
      2.13.   "Employee".....................................................3
      2.14.   "Exchange Act".................................................3
      2.15.   "Fair Market Value"............................................3
      2.16.   "Freestanding SAR".............................................3
      2.17.   "Incentive Stock Option" or "ISO"..............................3
      2.18.   "Insider"......................................................3
      2.19.   "Nonemployee Director".........................................3
      2.20.   "Nonqualified Stock Option" or "NQSO"..........................3
      2.21.   "Option".......................................................3
      2.22.   "Option Price".................................................3
      2.23.   "Participant"..................................................4
      2.24   "Performance Share".............................................4
      2.25   "Performance Unit"..............................................4
      2.26   "Period of Restriction".........................................4
      2.27   "Person"........................................................4
      2.28  "Plan"...........................................................4
      2.29  "Restricted Stock"...............................................4
      2.30   "Retirement"....................................................4
      2.31   "Shares"........................................................4
      2.32   "Stock Appreciation Right" or "SAR".............................4
      2.33   "Subsidiary"....................................................4
      2.34.   "Tandem SAR"...................................................4


                                       i
<PAGE>   3
                                                                            Page

Article 3.   Administration..................................................5
      3.1.   The Administrator...............................................5
      3.2.   Authority of the Board..........................................5
      3.3.   Decisions Binding...............................................5

Article 4.   Shares Subject to the Plan and Maximum Awards...................5
      4.1.   Number of Shares Available for Grants...........................5
      4.2.   Lapsed Awards...................................................5
      4.3.   Adjustments in Authorized Shares................................6
      4.4.   Maximum Awards..................................................6

Article 5.   Eligibility and Participation...................................7
      5.1.   Eligibility.....................................................7
      5.2.   Actual Participation............................................7

Article 6.   Annual Incentive Awards.........................................7
      6.1.   General.........................................................7
      6.2.   Performance Measures and Targets................................7
      6.3.   Determination of Annual Incentive Awards........................7
      6.4.   Payment of Annual Incentive Awards..............................7
      6.5.   Termination of Employment.......................................7
      6.6.  Nontransferability of Annual Incentive Award.....................8

Article 7.   Stock Options...................................................8
      7.1.   Grant of Options................................................8
      7.2.   Award Agreement.................................................8
      7.3.   Option Price....................................................8
      7.4.   Duration of Options.............................................8
      7.5.   Exercise of Options.............................................8
      7.6.   Payment.........................................................9
      7.7.   Restrictions on Share Transferability...........................9
      7.8.   Termination of Employment.......................................9
      7.9.   Nontransferability of Options...................................9

Article 8.   Stock Appreciation Rights......................................10
      8.1.   Grant of SARs..................................................10
      8.2.   Exercise of Tandem SARs........................................10
      8.3.   Exercise of Freestanding SARs..................................10
      8.4.   SAR Agreement..................................................11
      8.5.   Term of SARs...................................................11
      8.6.   Payment of SAR Amount..........................................11
      8.7.   Rule 16b-3 Requirements........................................11
      8.8.   Termination of Employment......................................11
      8.9.   Nontransferability of SARs.....................................11

Article 9.   Restricted Stock...............................................12


                                       ii
<PAGE>   4
                                                                            Page

      9.1.   Grant of Restricted Stock......................................12
      9.2.   Restricted Stock Agreement.....................................12
      9.3.   Transferability................................................12
      9.4.   Other Restrictions.............................................12
      9.5.   Voting Rights..................................................12
      9.6.   Dividends and Other Distributions..............................12
      9.7.   Termination of Employment......................................13

Article 10.   Performance Units and Performance Shares......................13
      10.1.   Grant of Performance Units/Shares.............................13
      10.2.   Value of Performance Units/Shares.............................13
      10.3.   Earning of Performance Units/Shares...........................13
      10.4.   Payment of Performance Shares/Units...........................13
      10.5.   Termination of Employment.....................................14
      10.6.   Nontransferability............................................14

Article 11.   Performance Measures..........................................14

Article 12.   Beneficiary Designation.......................................14

Article 13.   Deferrals.....................................................15

Article 14.   Termination of Employment After a Change of Control...........15
      14.1.   Treatment of Outstanding Awards...............................15
      14.2.   Treatment of Options and Restricted Stock Granted
              in Consideration of the Termination of the CIT Career
              Incentive Plan or Granted in Consideration of the CIT
              Initial Public Offering.......................................15
    14.3.   Termination, Amendment, and Modifications of Change of Control
            Provisions......................................................16

Article 15.   Amendment, Adjustment, and Termination........................16
      15.1.   Amendment and Termination.....................................16
      15.2.   Adjustment of Awards..........................................16
      15.3.   Awards Previously Granted.....................................16
      15.4.   Compliance with Code Section 162(m)...........................17

Article 16.   Withholding...................................................17
      16.1.   Tax Withholding...............................................17
      16.2.   Share Withholding.............................................17

Article 17.   Successors....................................................17

Article 18.   Legal Construction............................................17
      18.1.   Gender and Number.............................................17
      18.2.   Severability..................................................17
      18.3.   Requirements of Law...........................................18
      18.4.   Securities Law Compliance.....................................18


                                      iii
<PAGE>   5
                                                                            Page

      18.5.   Governing Law.................................................18
      18.6.   Special Compensation..........................................18
      18.7.   Incompetent Payee.............................................18
      18.8.   Plan Not an Employment Contract...............................18


                                       iv
<PAGE>   6
                               THE CIT GROUP, INC.
                       LONG-TERM EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN


         ARTICLE 1. ESTABLISHMENT, OBJECTIVES, AND DURATION

         1.1. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PLAN. The CIT Group, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"), hereby establishes an
incentive compensation plan to be known as "The CIT Group, Inc. Long-Term Equity
Compensation Plan" (hereinafter referred to as the "Plan"), as set forth in this
document. The Plan permits the grant of Nonqualified Stock Options, Incentive
Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Performance Shares
and Performance Units.

         Subject to approval by the Company's Board of Directors, the Plan shall
become effective as of November 1, 1997 (the "Effective Date") and shall remain
in effect as provided in Section 1.3 hereof.

         1.2. OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN. The objectives of the Plan are to optimize
the profitability and growth of the Company through incentives which are
consistent with the Company's goals and which link the personal interests of
Participants to those of the Company's stockholders; to provide Participants
with an incentive for excellence in individual performance; and to promote
teamwork among Participants.

         The Plan is further intended to provide flexibility to the Company in
its ability to motivate, attract, and retain the services of Participants who
make significant contributions to the Company's success and to allow
Participants to share in the success of the Company.

         1.3. DURATION OF THE PLAN. The Plan shall commence on the Effective
Date, as described in Section 1.1 hereof, and shall remain in effect, subject to
the right of the Board of Directors to amend or terminate the Plan at any time
pursuant to Article 15 hereof, until all Awards granted hereunder are satisfied
by the issuance of Shares and/or the payment of cash. However, in no event may
an Award be granted under the Plan on or after the tenth anniversary of the
Effective Date.

         ARTICLE 2. DEFINITIONS

         Except where the context otherwise indicates, any masculine term used
herein shall include the feminine, the plural shall include the singular, and
the singular shall include the plural.

         Whenever used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings
set forth below, and when the meaning is intended, the initial letter of the
word shall be capitalized:

         2.1. "ANNUAL INCENTIVE AWARD" means annual incentive compensation
awarded under Article 6.
<PAGE>   7
         2.2. "AWARD" means, individually or collectively, a grant under this
Plan of Annual Incentive Awards, Nonqualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock
Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Performance Shares or
Performance Units.

         2.3. "AWARD AGREEMENT" means an agreement entered into by the Company
and each Participant setting forth the terms and provisions applicable to an
Award.

         2.4. "BENEFICIAL OWNER" or "BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP" shall have the
meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations
under the Exchange Act.

         2.5. "BOARD" or "BOARD OF DIRECTORS" means the board of directors of
the Company.

         2.6. "CHANGE OF CONTROL" will be deemed to have occurred as of the
first day any one (1) or more of the following paragraphs shall have been
satisfied:

                  a) Any Person or Group other than Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank,
                  Limited ("DKB") or an Affiliate (as such term is defined under
                  Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the
                  Exchange Act) of DKB becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or
                  indirectly, of securities representing a majority of the
                  combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding
                  securities generally entitled to vote for the election of
                  Directors;

                  (b) As a result of a cash tender offer, merger or other
                  business combination, sales of assets or contested election,
                  or any combination of the foregoing transactions (a
                  "Transaction"), the persons who were Directors of the Company
                  immediately before the Transaction shall cease to constitute a
                  majority of the Board of the Company or of any successor to
                  the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company's
                  initial public offering shall not constitute a Change of
                  Control for the purposes of this Plan.

         2.7. "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from
time to time.

         2.8. "COMMITTEE" means the Compensation Committee of the Board or such
other Committee appointed by the Board pursuant to Section 3.1 to administer the
Plan with respect to grants of Awards.

         2.9. "COMPANY" means The CIT Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and
any successor thereto, or any Subsidiary, division or affiliate thereof.

         2.10. "DIRECTOR" means any individual who is a member of the Board of
Directors.


                                       2
<PAGE>   8
         2.11. "DISABILITY" means a physical or mental impairment sufficient to
make an individual eligible for benefits under the Company's Long-Term
Disability Plan.

         2.12. "EFFECTIVE DATE" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 1.1 hereof.

         2.13. "EMPLOYEE" means any individual who is an employee of the Company
or any Subsidiary.

         2.14. "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended from time to time, or any successor thereto.

         2.15. "FAIR MARKET VALUE" means the closing sale price at which Shares
were sold regular way on the relevant date on the principal securities exchange
on which Shares were traded on such date or, if there was no sale on the
relevant date, then on the last previous day on which there was such a sale;
provided that "Fair Market Value" for any Awards made concurrent with or
contingent upon the consummation of the initial public offering of Shares in
1997 means the initial public offering price of Shares covered by such initial
public offering.

         2.16. "FREESTANDING SAR" means an SAR that is granted independently of
any Options, as described in Article 8 herein.

         2.17. "INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION" or "ISO" means an option to purchase
Shares granted under Article 7 herein and which is designated as an Incentive
Stock Option and which is intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 422.

         2.18. "INSIDER" shall mean an individual who is, on the relevant date,
an officer, Director or Beneficial Owner of ten percent (10%) or more of any
class of the Company's equity securities that is registered pursuant to Section
12 of the Exchange Act, all as defined under Section 16 of the Exchange Act and
the General Rules and Regulations promulgated thereunder.

         2.19. "NONEMPLOYEE DIRECTOR" means a Director who is not an Employee of
the Company or any Subsidiary or of the Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, Limited or any of
its direct or indirect subsidiaries.

         2.20. "NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION" or "NQSO" means an option to purchase
Shares granted under Article 7 herein which is not intended to be treated as an
"incentive stock option" under Code Section 422.

         2.21. "OPTION" means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock
Option.

         2.22. "OPTION PRICE" means the price at which a Share may be purchased
by a Participant pursuant to an Option.


                                       3
<PAGE>   9
         2.23. "PARTICIPANT" means an Employee or Director designated by the
Board to participate in the Plan.

         2.24. "PERFORMANCE SHARE" means an Award granted to a Participant, as
described in Article 10 herein.

         2.25. "PERFORMANCE UNIT" means an Award granted to a Participant, as
described in Article 10 herein.

         2.26. "PERIOD OF RESTRICTION" means the period during which the
transfer of Shares of Restricted Stock is limited in some way (based on the
passage of time, the achievement of performance goals, or upon the occurrence of
other events as determined by the Board, at its discretion), and the Shares are
subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, as provided in Article 9 herein.

         2.27. "PERSON" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section
3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof,
including a "group" as described in Section 13(d) thereof.

         2.28. "PLAN" means The CIT Group, Inc. Long-Term Equity Compensation
Plan.

         2.29. "RESTRICTED STOCK" means an Award of Shares granted to a
Participant pursuant to Article 9 herein.

         2.30. "RETIREMENT" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in The
CIT Group, Inc. Retirement Plan.

         2.31. "SHARES" means the shares of Class A common stock of the Company
par value $.01 per Share.

         2.32. "STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT" or "SAR" means an Award, granted alone
or in connection with a related Option, designated as an SAR, pursuant to the
terms of Article 8 herein. An SAR may be either a Freestanding SAR or a Tandem
SAR.

         2.33. "SUBSIDIARY" means any corporation, partnership, joint venture,
or other entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect majority voting
interest (including all divisions, affiliates, and related entities), provided
that for ISOs, "Subsidiary" has the meaning set forth in Code Section 422.

         2.34. "TANDEM SAR" means an SAR that is granted in connection with a
related Option pursuant to Article 8 herein, the exercise of which shall require
forfeiture of the right to purchase a Share under the related Option (and when a
Share is purchased under the Option, the Tandem SAR shall similarly be
canceled).


                                       4
<PAGE>   10
         ARTICLE 3. ADMINISTRATION

         3.1. THE ADMINISTRATOR. The Plan shall be administered by the Board or
a Committee appointed by the Board.

         3.2. AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD. Except as limited by law or by the
Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company, and subject to the
provisions of the Plan, the Board shall have full power and authority, in its
sole discretion, to (a) select Participants from among all eligible Employees
and Directors and determine the nature, amount, terms and conditions of Awards
in a manner consistent with the Plan; (b) make Awards to Participants; (c)
construe and interpret the Plan and any agreement or instrument entered into
under the Plan; (d) adopt, amend, waive or rescind such rules and regulations as
the Board may deem appropriate for the proper administration or operation of the
Plan; (e) subject to the provisions of Article 15, amend the terms and
conditions of any outstanding Award to the extent such terms and conditions are
within the discretion of the Board as provided in the Plan; and (f) make all
other determinations and take all other actions as may be necessary, appropriate
or advisable for the administration or operation of the Plan. As permitted by
law, the Board may delegate to the Committee or any other individual or
committee (including a Committee of Nonemployee Directors, to the extent that
the Committee shall not be so constituted) its authority, or any part thereof,
as it deems necessary, appropriate or advisable for proper administration or
operation of the Plan.

         3.3. DECISIONS BINDING. All determinations, interpretations, decisions
or other actions made or taken by the Board pursuant to the provisions of the
Plan and all related orders and resolutions of the Board shall be final,
conclusive and binding for all purposes and upon all persons, including without
limitation the Company, its stockholders, Directors, Employees, Participants,
and Participants' estates and beneficiaries.

         ARTICLE 4. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN AND MAXIMUM AWARDS

         4.1. NUMBER OF SHARES AVAILABLE FOR GRANTS. Subject to adjustment as
provided in Section 4.3 herein, the maximum number of Shares with respect to
which Awards may be granted to Participants under the Plan shall be twelve
million five hundred and three thousand (12,503,000) of the Company's total
outstanding shares of all classes of common stock of the Company. Shares issued
under the Plan may be either authorized but unissued Shares, treasury Shares or
any combination thereof.

         4.2. LAPSED AWARDS. If any Award granted under this Plan is canceled,
terminates, expires, or lapses for any reason without the issuance of Shares or
payment in respect thereof (with the exceptions of the termination of a Tandem
SAR upon exercise of the related Option, or the termination of a related Option
upon exercise of the corresponding Tandem SAR), any Shares subject to such Award
again shall be available for the grant of an Award under the Plan to the fullest
extent permitted under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act and Sections 422 and
162(m) of the Code.


                                       5
<PAGE>   11
         4.3. ADJUSTMENTS IN AUTHORIZED SHARES. In the event of any change in
         corporate capitalization, such as a stock split, stock dividend or
         combination of shares or a corporate transaction, such as any merger,
         consolidation, separation, including a spin-off, or other distribution
         of stock or property of the Company, any reorganization (whether or not
         such reorganization comes within the definition of such term in Code
         Section 368), or any partial or complete liquidation of the Company, an
         adjustment shall be made in the number and class of Shares which may be
         delivered under Section 4.1, in the number and class of and/or price of
         Shares subject to outstanding Awards granted under the Plan, and in the
         Awards limits set forth in subsections 4.4 (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e)
         as may be determined to be appropriate and equitable by the Board, in
         its sole discretion, to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights,
         provided, however, that the number of Shares subject to any Award shall
         always be a whole number.

         4.4. MAXIMUM AWARDS. The following rules shall apply to grants of such
Awards under the Plan:

         (a) ANNUAL INCENTIVE AWARDS: The maximum aggregate payout with respect
         to Annual Incentive Awards granted in any one fiscal year to any one
         Participant shall be 25% of the aggregate Annual Incentive Award pool
         established by the Committee.

         (b) STOCK OPTIONS: The maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be
         granted in the form of Stock Options, pursuant to any Award granted in
         any one fiscal year to any one single Participant shall be 100% of the
         maximum number of Shares provided under Section 4.1.

         (c) SARs: The maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be granted in
         the form of Stock Appreciation Rights, pursuant to any Award granted in
         any one fiscal year to any one single Participant shall be 100% of the
         maximum number of Shares provided under Section 4.1.

         (d) RESTRICTED STOCK: The maximum aggregate grant with respect to
         Awards of Restricted Stock granted in any one fiscal year to any one
         Participant shall be 100% of the maximum number of Shares provided
         under Section 4.1.

         (e) PERFORMANCE SHARES/PERFORMANCE UNITS: The maximum aggregate payout
         with respect to Awards of Performance Shares or Performance Units
         granted in any one fiscal year to any one Participant shall be 100% of
         the total remaining Shares at the end of the "Performance Period", as
         such term is defined under Section 10.1.


                                       6
<PAGE>   12
         ARTICLE 5. ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

         5.1. ELIGIBILITY. Persons eligible to participate in this Plan include
Directors and all Employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries, including
Employees who are members of the Board.

         5.2. ACTUAL PARTICIPATION. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the
Board may, from time to time, select from all eligible Employees, those to whom
Awards shall be granted and shall determine the nature, amount and terms and
conditions of each Award.

         ARTICLE 6. ANNUAL INCENTIVE AWARDS

         6.1. GENERAL. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Board may
grant Annual Incentive Awards to Participants at any time and from time to time
in such amount and upon such terms and conditions as the Board may determine.

         6.2. PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND TARGETS. The Board may establish each
year, within the first 90 days of such year, performance targets that must be
achieved in order for Annual Incentive Awards to be payable to Participants.
Such performance targets shall be based upon one or more performance measures,
which the Board shall select (concurrent with establishing each year's
performance targets). At the same time the Board selects performance measures
and specifies performance targets, the Board shall also determine the manner in
which such performance measure(s) shall be calculated or measured, including the
extent to which such measure(s) shall be adjusted to take into account certain
factors over which Participants have no or limited control, including, without
limitation, changes in accounting principles and extraordinary charges to
income.

         6.3. DETERMINATION OF ANNUAL INCENTIVE AWARDS . The Board shall
determine the Annual Incentive Award, if any, subject to the maximum Annual
Incentive Award limit specified in Section 4.4, payable to each Participant

         6.4. PAYMENT OF ANNUAL INCENTIVE AWARDS. Annual Incentive Awards shall
be payable to Participants at such time(s) and in cash or in Shares of
equivalent value or in some combination thereof, as the Board shall determine.

         6.5. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

                  (a) Subject to Section 6.5(b) hereto and the provisions of
                  Article 14, if a Participant's employment with the Company is
                  terminated prior to the payment by the Company of an Annual
                  Incentive Award for any Plan year, such Award shall be
                  forfeited and shall not be payable to the Participant.

                  (b) In the event of the Participant's death, Disability or
                  Retirement in the Plan year, the Board may grant and authorize
                  payment of an Award for such Plan year to the Participant or,
                  in the event of death, the Participant's


                                       7
<PAGE>   13
                  beneficiary as designated under Article 12 hereto, in such
                  amount as the Board in its discretion deems appropriate.

         6.6. NONTRANSFERABILITY OF ANNUAL INCENTIVE AWARD. No right to a Annual
Incentive Award may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise
alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution.

         ARTICLE 7. STOCK OPTIONS

         7.1. GRANT OF OPTIONS. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan,
Options may be granted to Employees in such number, and upon such terms, and at
any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Board, provided
however, in the case of ISOs, the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the
time the ISO is granted) of the Shares with respect to which ISOs are
exercisable for the first time by any optionee during any calendar year (under
all plans of the Company and any Subsidiary) shall not exceed $100,000.

         7.2. AWARD AGREEMENT. Each Option granted shall be evidenced by an
Award Agreement that shall specify the Option Price, the duration of the Option,
the number of Shares to which the Option pertains, and such other provisions as
the Board shall determine. The Award Agreement also shall specify whether the
Option is intended to be an ISO within the meaning of Code Section 422, or an
NQSO whose grant is intended not to fall under the provisions of Code Section
422.

         7.3. OPTION PRICE. The Option Price for each grant of an Option under
this Plan shall be at least equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair
Market Value of a Share on the date the Option is granted except that (i)
initial grants of NQSOs made under the Plan concurrent with or contingent upon
the consummation of the initial public offering of Shares in 1997 may be granted
with an exercise price equal to the initial public offering price of Shares
covered by such initial public offering and (ii) and in the case of an ISO
granted to an Employee owning (actually or constructively under Code Section
424(d)) more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all
classes of stock of the Company or of a Subsidiary, the Option Price shall not
be less than one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the
Shares on the date of grant.

         7.4. DURATION OF OPTIONS. Each Option granted to a Participant shall
expire at such time as the Board shall determine at the time of grant; provided,
however, that no Option shall be exercisable later than the tenth (10th)
anniversary date of its grant and no ISO granted to a five percent (5%)
shareholder of the Company shall be exercisable later than the fifth anniversary
of the date of grant.

         7.5. EXERCISE OF OPTIONS. Options granted under this Article 7 shall be
exercisable at such times and be subject to such restrictions and conditions as
the Board shall in each instance approve, which need not be the same for each
Award or for each Participant.


                                       8
<PAGE>   14
         7.6. PAYMENT. Options granted under this Article 7 shall be exercised
by the delivery of a written notice of exercise to the Company, setting forth
the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is to be exercised,
accompanied by full payment for the Shares.

         The Option Price upon exercise of any Option shall be payable to the
Company in full either (a) in cash or its equivalent, or (b) by tendering
previously acquired Shares having an aggregate Fair Market Value at the time of
exercise equal to the total Option price (provided that the Shares which are
tendered must have been held by the Participant for at least six (6) months
prior to their tender to satisfy the Option Price), or (c) by a combination of
(a) and (b).

         The Board also may allow cashless exercise as permitted under the
Federal Reserve Board's Regulation T, subject to applicable securities law
restrictions, or by any other means which the Board determines to be consistent
with the Plan's purpose and applicable law.

         Subject to any governing rules or regulations, as soon as practicable
after receipt of a written notification of exercise and full payment, the
Company shall deliver to the Participant, in the Participant's name, Share
certificates in an appropriate amount based upon the number of Shares purchased
under the Option(s); provided, however, that if the Board permits cashless
exercise of Options, a Participant may elect to receive the cash proceeds from
the cashless exercise in lieu of Shares.

         7.7. RESTRICTIONS ON SHARE TRANSFERABILITY. The Board may impose such
restrictions on the transfer of any Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of
an Option granted under this Article 7 as it may deem advisable, including,
without limitation, restrictions under applicable Federal securities laws, under
the requirements of any stock exchange or market upon which such Shares are then
listed and/or traded, and under any blue sky or state securities laws applicable
to such Shares.

         7.8. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Subject to the provisions of Article
14, each Participant's Award Agreement shall set forth the extent to which the
Participant shall have the right to exercise the Option following termination of
the Participant's employment with the Company or any Subsidiary. Such provisions
shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Board, shall be included in
the Award Agreement entered into with each Participant, need not be uniform
among all Options issued pursuant to this Article 7, and may reflect
distinctions based on the reasons for termination of employment.

         7.9. NONTRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS.

         (a)      INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS. No ISO granted under the Plan may be
                  sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated
                  or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent
                  and distribution. Further, all ISOs granted to a Participant
                  under the Plan shall be exercisable during his or her lifetime
                  only by such Participant or in the event of the Participant's
                  legal incapacity, the Participant's legal guardian or
                  representative.


                                       9
<PAGE>   15
         (b)      NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTIONS. Except as otherwise provided in a
                  Participant's Award Agreement, no NQSO granted under this
                  Article 7 may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or
                  otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by
                  the laws of descent and distribution. Further, except as
                  otherwise provided in a Participant's Award Agreement, all
                  NQSOs granted to a Participant under this Article 7 shall be
                  exercisable during his or her lifetime only by such
                  Participant or in the event of the Participant's legal
                  incapacity, the Participant's legal guardian or
                  representative.

         ARTICLE 8. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

         8.1. GRANT OF SARs. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan,
SARs may be granted to Participants at any time and from time to time as shall
be determined by the Board. The Board may grant Freestanding SARs, Tandem SARs,
or any combination of these forms of SAR.

         The Board shall have complete discretion in determining the number of
SARs granted to each Participant and, consistent with the provisions of the
Plan, in determining the terms and conditions pertaining to such SARs.

         The grant price of a Freestanding SAR shall equal the Fair Market Value
of a Share on the date of grant of the SAR. The grant price of Tandem SARs shall
equal the Option Price of the related Option.

         8.2. EXERCISE OF TANDEM SARs. Tandem SARs may be exercised for all or
part of the Shares subject to the related Option upon the surrender of the right
to exercise the equivalent portion of the related Option. A Tandem SAR may be
exercised only with respect to the Shares for which its related Option is then
exercisable.

         Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, with
respect to a Tandem SAR granted in connection with an ISO: (i) the Tandem SAR
will expire no later than the expiration of the underlying ISO; (ii) the value
of the payout with respect to the Tandem SAR may be for no more than one hundred
percent (100%) of the difference between the Option Price of the underlying ISO
and the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the underlying ISO at the
time the Tandem SAR is exercised; and (iii) the Tandem SAR may be exercised only
when the Fair Market Value of the Shares subject to the ISO exceeds the Option
Price of the ISO.

         8.3. EXERCISE OF FREESTANDING SARs. Freestanding SARs may be exercised
upon whatever terms and conditions the Board, in its sole discretion, imposes
upon them.


                                       10
<PAGE>   16
         8.4. SAR AGREEMENT. Each SAR grant shall be evidenced by an Award
Agreement that shall specify the grant price, the term of the SAR, and such
other provisions as the Board shall determine.

         8.5. TERM OF SARs. The term of an SAR granted under the Plan shall be
determined by the Board, in its sole discretion; provided, however, that such
term shall not exceed ten (10) years.

         8.6. PAYMENT OF SAR AMOUNT. Upon exercise of an SAR, a Participant
shall be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined by
multiplying:

         (a)      The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the
                  date of exercise over the grant price by

         (b)      The number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is
                  exercised.

         At the discretion of a Participant, the payment upon SAR exercise may
be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof,
subject to the availability of Shares to the Company.

         8.7. RULE 16b-3 REQUIREMENTS. Notwithstanding any other provision of
the Plan, the Board may impose such conditions on exercise of an SAR (including,
without limitation, the right of the Board to limit the time of exercise to
specified periods) as may be required to satisfy the requirements of any
exemption from the liability provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act (or
any successor rule).

         8.8. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Subject to the provisions of Article
14, each SAR Award Agreement shall set forth the extent to which the Participant
shall have the right to exercise the SAR following termination of the
Participant's employment with the Company or a Subsidiary. Such provisions shall
be determined in the sole discretion of the Board, shall be included in the
Award Agreement entered into with a Participant, need not be uniform among all
SARs issued pursuant to the Plan, and may reflect distinctions based on the
reasons for termination of employment.

         8.9. NONTRANSFERABILITY OF SARs. Except as otherwise provided in a
Participant's Award Agreement, no SAR granted under the Plan may be sold,
transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other
than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Further, except as
otherwise provided in a Participant's Award Agreement, all SARs granted to a
Participant under the Plan shall be exercisable during his or her lifetime only
by such Participant or in the event of the Participant's legal incapacity, the
Participant's legal guardian or representative.


                                       11
<PAGE>   17
         ARTICLE 9. RESTRICTED STOCK

         9.1. GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK. Subject to the terms and provisions of
the Plan, the Board, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of
Restricted Stock to Employees in such amounts as the Board shall determine.

         9.2. RESTRICTED STOCK AGREEMENT. Each Restricted Stock Award shall be
evidenced by a Restricted Stock Award Agreement that shall specify the
restrictions, including restrictions creating a substantial risk of forfeiture,
the Period(s) of Restriction, the number of Shares of Restricted Stock granted,
and as such other provisions as the Board shall determine. Restrictions on
Restricted Stock shall lapse at such time(s) and in such manner and subject to
such conditions as the Board shall in each instance determine, which need not be
the same for each Award or for each Participant.

         9.3. TRANSFERABILITY. Except as provided in this Article 9, the Shares
of Restricted Stock granted herein may not be sold, transferred, pledged,
assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the end of the applicable
Period of Restriction established by the Board and specified in the Restricted
Stock Award Agreement, or upon earlier satisfaction of any other conditions, as
specified by the Board in its sole discretion and set forth in the Restricted
Stock Award Agreement. All rights with respect to the Restricted Stock granted
to a Participant under the Plan shall be available during his or her lifetime
only to such Participant, or in the event of the Participant's legal incapacity,
to the Participant's legal guardian or representative.

         9.4. OTHER RESTRICTIONS. Subject to Article 11 herein, the Board shall
impose such other conditions and/or restrictions on any Shares of Restricted
Stock granted pursuant to the Plan as it may deem advisable including, without
limitation, a requirement that Participants pay a stipulated purchase price for
each Share of Restricted Stock, restrictions based upon the achievement of
specific performance goals (Company-wide, divisional, and/or individual),
time-based restrictions on vesting following the attainment of the performance
goals, and/or restrictions under applicable Federal or state securities laws.

         The Company or its designee shall retain the certificates representing
Shares of Restricted Stock in the Company's possession until such time as all
conditions and/or restrictions applicable to such Shares have been satisfied.

         Except as otherwise provided in this Article 9, Shares of Restricted
Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan shall become
freely transferable by the Participant after the last day of the applicable
Period of Restriction.

         9.5. VOTING RIGHTS. During the Period of Restriction, Participants
holding shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting
rights with respect to those Shares.

         9.6. DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS. During the Period of
Restriction, Participants holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder
may be credited with regular cash dividends paid with respect to the underlying
Shares while they are so held. The Board may


                                       12
<PAGE>   18
apply any restrictions to the dividends that the Board deems appropriate. In the
event that any dividend constitutes a "derivative security" within the meaning
of Rule 16a-1 of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated under the
Exchange Act or an "equity security" within the meaning of Section 3(a)(11) of
the Exchange Act, such dividend shall be subject to a period of restriction
equal to the remaining Period of Restriction applicable to the Restricted Stock
with respect to which the dividend has been paid.

         9.7. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Subject to the provisions of Article
14, each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall set forth the extent to which
the Participant shall have the right to receive unvested Restricted Shares
following termination of the Participant's employment with the Company or any
Subsidiary. Such provisions shall be determined in the sole discretion of the
Board, shall be included in the Award Agreement entered into with each
Participant, need not be uniform among all Shares of Restricted Stock issued
pursuant to the Plan, and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for
termination of employment.

         ARTICLE 10. PERFORMANCE UNITS AND PERFORMANCE SHARES

         10.1. GRANT OF PERFORMANCE UNITS/SHARES. Subject to the terms of the
Plan, Performance Units and/or Performance Shares may be granted to Participants
in such amounts and upon such terms, and at any time and from time to time, as
shall be determined by the Board. Each Award of Performance Shares and/or
Performance Units shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement that shall specify
the initial value of such Performance Shares and/or Performance Units, the time
period during which pre-established performance goals must be met (the
"Performance Period"), the performance goals upon which payment of such
Performance Shares and/or Performance Units depends (the "Performance Goals"),
the number of Performance Shares and/or Performance Units awarded and such other
terms and conditions as the Board may determine.

         10.2. VALUE OF PERFORMANCE UNITS/SHARES. Each Performance Unit shall
have an initial value that is established by the Board at the time of grant.
Each Performance Share shall have an initial value equal to the Fair Market
Value of a Share on the date of grant.

         10.3. EARNING OF PERFORMANCE UNITS/SHARES. Subject to the terms of this
Plan, after the applicable Performance Period has ended, the holder of
Performance Units/Shares shall be entitled to receive payout on the number and
value of Performance Units/Shares earned by the Participant over the Performance
Period, to be determined, as a function of the extent to which the corresponding
performance goals have been achieved.

         10.4. PAYMENT OF PERFORMANCE SHARES/UNITS. As soon as practicable after
the end of a Performance Period, if the applicable Performance Goals for that
Performance Period have been achieved (as determined by the Board pursuant to
this Article 10), the Company shall deliver to a Participant payment for such
Participant's Performance Shares and/or Performance Units in an amount
determined, as specified in such Participant's Performance Share and/or Unit
Award Agreement, on the last day of the Performance Period by reference to the
achievement of the applicable Performance Goals. The Board may permit a
Participant to elect payment of the aggregate value of such Participant's
Performance Shares and/or Performance Units in cash or in


                                       13
<PAGE>   19
Shares of equivalent value or in some combination thereof, subject to the
availability of Shares to the Company. If, and to the extent that, dividends
with respect to Shares are declared or paid during the Performance Period, the
Board may direct payment of dividend equivalents to a Participant in an amount
equal to the dividends that such Participant would receive or have received if
such Participant's Performance Shares were Shares; provided, however, that such
dividend equivalents shall be subject to the same restrictions as apply to
dividends payable with respect to Restricted Stock pursuant to Section 9.4.

         10.5. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. Subject to the provisions of Article
14, each Participant's Performance Share and/or Unit Award Agreement shall set
forth if, and the extent to which, the Participant shall have the right to
receive payment of Performance Shares and/or Performance Units following
termination of the Participant's employment with the Company or any Subsidiary.
Such terms and conditions shall be determined in the sole discretion of the
Board, need not be uniform among all Performance Share and/or Performance Unit
Awards and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination of
employment.

         10.6. NONTRANSFERABILITY. Except as otherwise provided in a
Participant's Award Agreement, Performance Units/Shares may not be sold,
transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other
than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Further, except as
otherwise provided in a Participant's Award Agreement, a Participant's rights
under the Plan shall be exercisable during the Participant's lifetime only by
the Participant or, in the event of the Participant's legal incapacity, the
Participant's legal representative.

         ARTICLE 11. PERFORMANCE MEASURES

         The performance measure(s) to be used for purposes of the Awards shall
be chosen from among net earnings, operating earnings or income, net income,
absolute and/or relative return on equity, capital invested or assets, earnings
per share, cash flow, profits, earnings growth, share price, total shareholder
return, economic value added, expense reduction, customer satisfaction, and any
combination of the foregoing measures as the Board deems appropriate.

         The Board shall have the discretion to adjust the determinations of the
degree of attainment of the preestablished Performance Goals.

         ARTICLE 12. BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION

         Each Participant under the Plan may, from time to time, name any
beneficiary or beneficiaries (who may be named contingently or successively) to
whom any benefit under the Plan is to be paid in case of his or her death before
he or she receives any or all of such benefit. Each such designation shall
revoke all prior designations by the same Participant, shall be in a form
prescribed by the Company, and will be effective only when filed by the
Participant in writing with the Company during the Participant's lifetime. In
the absence of a valid designation or if no validly designated beneficiary
survives the Participant or if each surviving validly designated beneficiary is
legally impaired or prohibited from taking, then the Participant's beneficiary
shall be the Participant's estate.


                                       14
<PAGE>   20
         ARTICLE 13. DEFERRALS

         The Board may permit or require a Participant to defer such
Participant's receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of Shares that
would otherwise be due to such Participant by virtue of the exercise of an
Option or SAR, the lapse or waiver of restrictions with respect to Restricted
Stock, or the satisfaction of any requirements or goals with respect to
Performance Units/Shares. If any such deferral election is required or
permitted, the Board shall, in its sole discretion, establish rules and
procedures for such payment deferrals.

         ARTICLE 14. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AFTER A CHANGE OF CONTROL

         14.1. TREATMENT OF OUTSTANDING AWARDS. If a Participant's employment
with the Company is terminated by the Company, or, if applicable, a Subsidiary,
or a successor to the Company or a Subsidiary, on or after a Change of Control
and prior to the first anniversary of such Change of Control:

                  (a) Any and all SARs and Options granted hereunder, other than
                  Options granted in consideration of the termination of The CIT
                  Group, Inc. Career Incentive Plan (the "CIT Career Incentive
                  Plan") or granted in consideration of The CIT Group, Inc.
                  Initial Public Offering (the "CIT Initial Public Offering"),
                  shall become immediately exercisable, and shall remain
                  exercisable throughout their entire term;

                  (b) Any Period of Restriction and restrictions imposed on
                  Restricted Stock, other than Restricted Stock granted in
                  consideration of the termination of the CIT Career Incentive
                  Plan or granted in consideration of the CIT Initial Public
                  Offering, shall lapse; and

                  (c) The target payout opportunities attainable under all
                  outstanding Awards of Annual Incentive Awards, Restricted
                  Stock, Performance Units and Performance Shares shall be
                  deemed to have been fully earned for the entire Performance
                  Period(s) as of the date of the Participant's termination of
                  employment with the Company. The vesting of all Awards
                  denominated in Shares shall be accelerated as of the date of
                  the Participant's termination of employment with the Company,
                  and there shall be paid out in cash to Participants within
                  thirty (30) days following the date of the Participant's
                  termination of employment with the Company a pro rata amount
                  based upon an assumed achievement of all relevant Performance
                  Goals and upon the length of time of the Performance Period
                  which has elapsed prior to such date of the Participant's
                  termination of employment with the Company, as determined by
                  the Board.

         14.2. TREATMENT OF OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED STOCK GRANTED IN
CONSIDERATION OF THE TERMINATION OF THE CIT CAREER INCENTIVE PLAN OR GRANTED IN
CONSIDERATION OF THE CIT INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING. If a Participant's employment
with the Company is terminated by


                                       15
<PAGE>   21
the Company, or, if applicable, a Subsidiary, or a successor to the Company or a
Subsidiary, on or after a Change of Control and prior to the fifth anniversary
of the Effective Date:

                  (a) All Options granted in consideration of the termination of
                  the CIT Career Incentive Plan or granted in consideration of
                  the CIT Initial Public Offering held by the Participant, if
                  any, shall become immediately exercisable and shall remain
                  exercisable throughout their entire term; and

                  (b) Any Period of Restriction and all restrictions imposed on
                  Restricted Stock granted in consideration of the termination
                  of the CIT Career Incentive Plan or granted in consideration
                  of the CIT Initial Public Offering, if any, shall lapse.

         14.3. TERMINATION, AMENDMENT, AND MODIFICATIONS OF CHANGE OF CONTROL
PROVISIONS. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan or any Award
Agreement provision, the provisions of this Article 14 may not be terminated,
amended, or modified on or after the date of Change of Control to affect
adversely any Award theretofore granted under the Plan without the prior written
consent of the Participant with respect to said Participant's outstanding
Awards; provided, however, the Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the
Board, may terminate, amend, or modify this Article 14 at any time and from time
to time prior to the date of a Change of Control.

         ARTICLE 15. AMENDMENT, ADJUSTMENT, AND TERMINATION.

         15.1. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION. Subject to Section 15.3, the Board may
at any time, and from time to time, in its sole discretion alter, amend, suspend
or terminate the Plan in whole or in part for any reason or for no reason;
provided, however, that no amendment or other action that requires stockholder
approval in order for the Plan to continue to comply with applicable law shall
be effective unless such amendment or other action shall be approved by the
requisite vote of stockholders of the Company entitled to vote thereon.

         15.2. ADJUSTMENT OF AWARDS. Subject to Section 15.3, the Board may make
adjustments to Awards and in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria
included in, Award Agreements in recognition of (a) unusual or nonrecurring
events (including, without limitation, the events described in Section 4.3)
affecting the Company or the financial statements of the Company, and/or (b)
changes in applicable laws, regulations or accounting principles whenever the
Board determines that such adjustments are appropriate.

         15.3. AWARDS PREVIOUSLY GRANTED. No alteration, amendment, suspension
or termination of the Plan shall adversely affect in any material way any Award
previously made under the Plan without the written consent of the affected
Participant; provided, however, that the Board may modify, without a
Participant's consent, any Award previously made to a Participant who is a
foreign national or employed outside the United States to recognize differences
in local law, tax policy or custom.


                                       16
<PAGE>   22
         15.4. COMPLIANCE WITH CODE SECTION 162(m). At all times when Code
Section 162(m) is applicable, all Awards granted under this Plan shall comply
with the requirements of Code Section 162(m); provided, however, that in the
event the Board determines that such compliance is not desired with respect to
any Award or Awards available for grant under the Plan, then compliance with
Code Section 162(m) will not be required. In addition, in the event that changes
are made to Code Section 162(m) to permit greater flexibility with respect to
any Award or Awards available under the Plan, the Board may, subject to this
Article 15, make any adjustments it deems appropriate.



         ARTICLE 16. WITHHOLDING.

         16.1. TAX WITHHOLDING. The Company shall have the power and the right
to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, an
amount sufficient to satisfy Federal, state, and local taxes, domestic or
foreign, required by law or regulation to be withheld with respect to any
taxable event arising as a result of this Plan.

         16.2. SHARE WITHHOLDING. With respect to withholding required upon the
exercise of Options or SARs, upon the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Stock,
or upon any other taxable event arising as a result of Awards granted hereunder,
Participants may elect, subject to the approval of the Board, to satisfy the
withholding requirement, in whole or in part, by having the Company withhold
Shares having a Fair Market Value on the date the tax is to be determined equal
to the statutory total tax (using the Federal Supplemental wage rate, and state
or local equivalent as well as any FICA or Medicare taxes) which could be
imposed on the transaction. All such elections shall be irrevocable, made in
writing, signed by the Participant, and shall be subject to any restrictions or
limitations that the Board, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.

         ARTICLE 17. SUCCESSORS.

         All obligations of the Company under the Plan with respect to Awards
granted hereunder shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the
existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase,
merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business
and/or assets of the Company.

         ARTICLE 18. LEGAL CONSTRUCTION

         18.1. GENDER AND NUMBER. Except where otherwise indicated by the
context, any masculine term used herein also shall include the feminine; the
plural shall include the singular and the singular shall include the plural.

         18.2. SEVERABILITY. In the event any provision of the Plan shall be
held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not
affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and
enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.


                                       17
<PAGE>   23
         18.3. REQUIREMENTS OF LAW. The granting of Awards and the issuance of
Shares under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and
regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national
securities exchanges as may be required.

         18.4. SECURITIES LAW COMPLIANCE. With respect to Insiders, transactions
under this Plan are intended to comply with all applicable conditions of Rule
16b-3 or its successors under the 1934 Act. To the extent any provision of the
Plan or action by the Board fails to so comply, it shall be deemed null and
void, to the extent permitted by law and deemed advisable by the Board.

         18.5. GOVERNING LAW. To the extent not preempted by Federal law, the
Plan, and all agreements hereunder, shall be construed in accordance with and
governed by the laws of the state of New York.

         18.6. SPECIAL COMPENSATION. Except as otherwise required by law or as
specifically provided in any plan or program maintained by the Company, no
payment under the Plan shall be included or taken into account in determining
any benefit under any pension, thrift, profit sharing, group insurance, or other
benefit plan maintained by the Company.

         18.7. INCOMPETENT PAYEE. If the Board shall find that any individual to
whom any amount is payable under the Plan is found by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be unable to care for his affairs because of illness or
accident, or is a minor, or has died, then the payment due him or his estate
(unless a prior claim thereof has been made by a duly appointed legal
representative) may, if the Board so elects, be paid to his spouse, a child, a
relative, an institution maintaining or having custody of such individual, or
any other individual deemed by the Board to be a proper recipient on behalf of
such individual otherwise entitled to payment. Any such payment shall constitute
a complete discharge of all liability of the Plan thereof.

         18.8. PLAN NOT AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT. This Plan is not and shall not
be deemed to constitute a contract of employment between the Company and any
Employee or other individual, nor shall anything herein contained be deemed to
give any Employee or other individual any right to be retained in his employer's
employ or to in any way limit or restrict his employer's right or power to
discharge any Employee or other individual at any time and to treat him without
any regard to the effect which such treatment might have upon him as a
Participant of the Plan.


                                       18

<PAGE>   1

                                                                    Exhibit 23.1

                         Independent Auditors' Consent

The Board of Directors
The CIT Group, Inc.

We consent to the use of our report dated January 17, 1997, except as to note 21
which is as of February 21, 1997 and note 22 which is as of September 26, 1997,
relating to the consolidated balance sheets of The CIT Group, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated
statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each
of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996, included in this
Amendment No. 2 to this Registration Statement on Form S-2 of The CIT Group,
Inc., and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the
Registration Statement.

KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Short Hills, New Jersey
   
November 10, 1997
    


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