COOPER INDUSTRIES INC
S-3/A, 1999-05-14
ELECTRIC LIGHTING & WIRING EQUIPMENT
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
      AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 14, 1999
    
   
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-75475
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                             ---------------------
 
   
                         PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1
    
                                    FORM S-3
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                             ---------------------
 
                            COOPER INDUSTRIES, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                             ---------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
                     OHIO                                        31-4156620
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation     (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
               or organization)
</TABLE>
 
                             ---------------------
                             600 TRAVIS, SUITE 5800
                              HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002
                                 (713) 209-8400
  (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
                   registrant's principal executive offices)
 
                            DIANE KOSMACH SCHUMACHER
                             SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
                         GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY
                             600 TRAVIS, SUITE 5800
                              HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002
                                 (713) 209-8400
                              (713) 209-8995 (FAX)
 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                             of agent for service)
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
               DAVID A. ZAGORE                             WILLIAM P. ROGERS, JR.
       SQUIRE, SANDERS & DEMPSEY L.L.P.                   CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE
      4900 KEY TOWER, 127 PUBLIC SQUARE                      825 EIGHTH AVENUE
            CLEVELAND, OHIO 44011                           NEW YORK, N.Y. 10019
                (216) 479-8500                                 (212) 474-1270
</TABLE>
 
                             ---------------------
 
       APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO PUBLIC:  From time
to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement, as determined
by market conditions.
 
       If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box.  [ ]
 
       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 other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.  [X]
 
       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 the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering.  [ ]
 
       If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.  [ ]
 
       If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule
434, please check the following box.  [ ]
   
                             ---------------------
    
       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 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY
NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
                            DATED             , 1999
 
PROSPECTUS
 
                            COOPER INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                                  $500,000,000
 
                                DEBT SECURITIES
 
       We may offer, in one or more offerings, debt securities having a total
initial public offering price of up to $500,000,000. We will offer our debt
securities in amounts, at prices and on terms we will determine at the time of
our offering based on market conditions. We will provide specific terms of these
securities in supplements to this prospectus for each series of debt securities
offered. You should read this prospectus and any supplement carefully before you
invest.
   
                         ------------------------------
    
 
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
 
                         ------------------------------
 
           The date of this prospectus is                     , 1999
<PAGE>   3
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               PAGE
                                                               ----
<S>                                                            <C>
Where You Can Find More Information.........................     1
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.............     2
The Company.................................................     2
Use of Proceeds.............................................     3
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges..........................     4
Description of the Debt Securities..........................     4
Plan of Distribution........................................    13
Legal Opinions..............................................    13
Experts.....................................................    13
</TABLE>
 
                                      (ii)
<PAGE>   4
 
                      WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
 
       We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy any document we file
with the SEC at the public reference facilities in the following locations:
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                        <C>                        <C>
      Public Reference Room      New York Regional Office   Chicago Regional Office
      450 Fifth Street, N.W.     7 World Trade Center       Citicorp Center
      Room 1024                  Suite 1300                 500 West Madison Street,
      Washington, DC 20549       New York, NY 10048         Suite 1400
                                                            Chicago, IL 60661-2511
</TABLE>
 
You may obtain information about the operation of the Commission's public
reference facilities by calling the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. Our filings
are also available to the public on the SEC's website located at
http://www.sec.gov.
 
       In addition, you may inspect our reports at the offices of the New York
Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005 and the Pacific Stock
Exchange, 301 Pine Street, San Francisco, California 94104.
 
       The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus the
information we file with the SEC in the documents listed below. This means that
we can disclose important information to you by including it in those documents.
The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this
prospectus, unless we update or supersede that information by the information
contained in this prospectus or a prospectus supplement. Information that we
file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information
in this prospectus. We are incorporating by reference into this prospectus the
following documents that we have filed with the SEC and our future filings with
the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, until our offering of our debt securities is completed:
 
       -  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
          1998;
 
   
       -  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999;
    
 
       -  Proxy Statement dated March 10, 1999 for the 1999 Annual Meeting of
          Shareholders;
 
   
       -  Current Reports on Form 8-K dated January 28, 1999, February 16, 1999,
          and April 23, 1999.
    
 
   
       This prospectus is part of a registration statement we have filed with
the SEC relating to our debt securities. As permitted by SEC rules, this
prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration
statement and the accompanying exhibits and schedules we file with the SEC. You
should read the registration statement, the exhibits and schedules for more
information about us and our debt securities. The registration statement,
exhibits and schedules are also available at the SEC's Public Reference Room or
through its web site. You may also request a copy of our filings with the SEC at
no cost, by writing to or telephoning us at our executive offices at the
following address:
    
 
                            Cooper Industries, Inc.
                           Attn: Corporate Secretary
                             600 Travis, Suite 5800
                               Houston, TX 77002
                                 (713) 209-8400
 
                                        1
<PAGE>   5
 
                DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
       Statements contained in this prospectus, including the documents that are
incorporated by reference, that are not historical facts are forward-looking
statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs as well as
assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Because
the statements are based on expectations as to future events and economic
performance and are not statements of fact, actual results may differ materially
from those projected. Important factors that could cause future results to
differ include:
 
       -  the effects of competition,
 
       -  legislative and regulatory changes,
 
       -  environmental liabilities,
 
       -  changes in the economy, and
 
       -  other factors discussed in this and other documents that we file with
          the SEC.
 
When used in our documents or oral presentations, the words "anticipate,"
"estimate," "expect," "objective," "projection," "forecast," "goal" or similar
words are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
       Cooper Industries, Inc. is a diversified, worldwide manufacturing company
doing business in two primary business segments: electrical products and tools &
hardware. Cooper was incorporated in Ohio in 1919 and today has over 100
manufacturing facilities and approximately 28,100 employees in the United States
and in more than 25 foreign countries.
 
ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS SEGMENT
 
       Our electrical products segment produces and markets electrical and
electronic distribution and circuit protection products and lighting fixtures
for use in residential, commercial and industrial construction, maintenance and
repair. In addition, the segment produces and markets products for use by
utilities and industries for primary electrical power distribution and control.
Some of the major products include:
 
       -  Buss(R) and Edison(R) fuses;
 
       -  Crouse-Hinds(R) and CEAG(R) electrical construction materials;
 
       -  Crouse-Hinds(R), Fail-Safe(TM), Halo(R) and Metalux(R) lighting
          fixtures;
 
       -  Menvier emergency lighting and fire detection systems;
 
       -  Kyle(R) distribution switchgear; and
 
       -  McGraw-Edison(TM) and RTE(R) power and distribution transformers and
          related products.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   6
 
TOOLS & HARDWARE SEGMENT
 
       Our tools & hardware segment produces and markets tools and hardware
items for use in residential, commercial and industrial construction,
maintenance and repair, and for general industrial and consumer use. Some of the
well-known products include:
 
       -  Campbell(R) chain;
 
       -  Crescent(R) wrenches;
 
       -  Diamond(R) horseshoes and farrier tools;
 
       -  Lufkin(R) measuring tapes;
 
       -  Nicholson(R) files and saws;
 
       -  Plumb(R) hammers;
 
       -  Weller(R) soldering equipment;
 
       -  Wiss(R) scissors;
 
       -  Xcelite(R) screwdrivers; and
 
       -  Buckeye(R), DGD(TM), Dotco(R) and Master Power(R) power tools.
 
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
       On October 9, 1998, we completed the sale of our automotive products
segment for $1.9 billion. We have used the proceeds from the sale to reduce debt
and buy back our common stock.
 
       In December 1998, we exchanged the remaining $189 million principal
amount of our 6.0% three-year exchangeable notes for 14,000,000 shares of
Wyman-Gordon Company common stock held by us. The exchange rate was one
Wyman-Gordon share per $13.50 principal amount of the notes. As a result of this
transaction, we no longer hold any Wyman-Gordon shares.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
       Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, we expect to use
the net proceeds from the sale of the debt securities to reduce short-term and
other indebtedness, to finance our operations and for other general corporate
purposes.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   7
 
                       RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
   
       The following table sets forth our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for
the five years ended December 31, 1998 and the three months ended March 31,
1999. The ratio of earnings to fixed charges has been calculated by dividing
fixed charges into the sum of fixed charges and income from continuing
operations before income tax expense and before equity in earnings or losses of
less than fifty-percent owned companies. Fixed charges consist of interest costs
and the estimated interest portion of rent expense.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS
   ENDED
 MARCH 31,           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
- ------------   -----------------------------------
    1999       1998   1997   1996   1995(1)   1994
- ------------   ----   ----   ----   -------   ----
<S>            <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>       <C>
    8.0x       5.6x   5.8x   4.1x    2.8x     4.7x
</TABLE>
    
 
(1)  Effective January 1, 1995, we exchanged our outstanding $1.60 convertible
     exchangeable preferred stock for $691.2 million of 7.05% convertible
     subordinated debentures due 2015. The exchange increased after-tax cash
     flows by approximately $20 million annually, but also increased interest
     expense included in fixed charges by approximately $49 million annually,
     resulting in a significant reduction in the ratio of earnings to fixed
     charges.
 
                       DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES
 
       The following description of the terms of the debt securities describes
the general terms of the debt securities to which any prospectus supplement may
relate. The prospectus supplement that relates to a particular offering of debt
securities will describe the terms of the debt securities offered and the extent
to which the following general provisions do not apply to that particular
offering. If the information in the prospectus supplement differs from this
prospectus, investors should rely on information in the prospectus supplement
with respect to the particular debt securities being offered.
 
   
       We will issue debt securities under an indenture dated January 15, 1990,
as amended by a supplemental indenture substantially in the form of Exhibit 4.2,
between us and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as trustee. We have filed the indenture
and the supplemental indenture as exhibits to the registration statement of
which this prospectus is a part. The following description is a summary of the
provisions of the indenture, as amended by the supplemental indenture. Because
it is a summary, it does not contain all of the information that may be
important to you. We urge you to read the entire indenture, including any
supplements thereto, because it, and not this description, defines your rights
as a holder of the debt securities. Whenever particular provisions or defined
terms of the indenture are used in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement,
the provisions or defined terms are incorporated herein by reference.
    
 
GENERAL
 
       The debt securities will be our unsecured obligations and will rank
equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt, unless we are
required by the covenant described below under "Covenants -- Covenants Limiting
Secured Indebtedness" to secure the debt securities. The indenture does not
limit the aggregate principal amount of debt securities that may be issued under
the indenture.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   8
 
       We may issue the debt securities in one or more series with the same or
various maturities at par, at a premium or at a discount. Debt securities
bearing no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below
market rates will be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. The
discount may be substantial. We will describe federal income tax consequences
and other special considerations applicable to any of these securities in the
applicable prospectus supplement. The debt securities will not contain any
provisions that may afford holders of the debt securities protection upon a
change in control of Cooper or upon a highly leveraged transaction, whether or
not the transaction results in a change in control of Cooper.
 
       You should refer to the prospectus supplement relating to the particular
series of debt securities being offered for the following terms:
 
   
       -  the designation, aggregate principal amount and authorized
          denominations of the debt securities;
    
 
       -  the percentage of the principal amount at which the debt securities
          will be issued;
 
       -  the date or dates on which the debt securities will mature;
 
       -  the date or dates on which principal will be payable and whether the
          debt securities will be payable on demand on or after any date;
 
       -  the rate or rates per annum at which the debt securities will bear
          interest, if any, or the method of determining the rate or rates;
 
       -  the date or dates from which interest, if any, will accrue and the
          times at which interest will be payable;
 
       -  provisions for a sinking, purchase or other similar fund, if any;
 
       -  if applicable, the date after which and the price or prices at which
          the debt securities may be redeemed;
 
       -  the principal amount of the debt securities which are issued bearing
          no interest or below-market interest payable upon declaration of
          acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities;
 
       -  any modifications of the events of default, covenants or defeasance
          provisions contained in the indenture pertaining to the debt
          securities; and
 
       -  any other terms of the debt securities.
 
       The following will occur at the office of the trustee in New York, New
York:
 
       -  We will make all principal, premium and interest payments on the debt
          securities, unless we elect to make interest payments by check mailed
          to the address of the person entitled to the payment as it appears on
          the register of holders of debt securities;
 
       -  the debt securities will be exchangeable for other authorized
          denominations; and
 
       -  transfers of the debt securities will be registrable.
 
       We will issue debt securities only in fully registered form without
coupons in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000. No
service charge will apply to any transfer or exchange of the debt securities,
but Cooper may require payment of a sum sufficient
                                        5
<PAGE>   9
 
to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with the
transfer or exchange.
 
COVENANTS
 
       The covenants summarized below are applicable so long as any of the debt
securities are outstanding. If indicated in the applicable prospectus
supplement, any of the following covenants may be deleted or modified from that
summarized below and additional covenants may be included with respect to the
debt securities offered by the prospectus supplement.
 
         DEFINITIONS
 
       The following definitions will be used in this description of the
covenants.
 
       "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of Cooper or any
committee of such Board or any committee of officers of Cooper duly authorized
by the Board of Directors to take any action under the indenture.
 
       "Consolidated Tangible Assets" means, as of any date, the total amount of
assets of Cooper and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis at the end of the
fiscal quarter immediately preceding that date, as determined under generally
accepted accounting principles, less: (a) Intangible Assets and (b) appropriate
adjustments on account of minority interests of other persons holding equity
investments in Subsidiaries, in the case of each of clauses (a) and (b) above as
reflected on the consolidated balance sheet of Cooper and its Subsidiaries as of
the end of the fiscal quarter immediately preceding that date.
 
       "Funded Debt" means:
 
       -  any Indebtedness maturing by its terms more than one year from the
          date of its issuance, including any Indebtedness renewable or
          extendible at the option of the obligor to a date later than one year
          from the date of its original issuance, excluding any portion of
          Indebtedness which is included in current liabilities; and
 
       -  any Indebtedness which may be payable from the proceeds of Funded Debt
          as defined above under the terms of the Funded Debt.
 
       "Indebtedness" of any corporation means all indebtedness for money
borrowed which is created, assumed, incurred or guaranteed in any manner by such
corporation or for which such corporation is otherwise responsible or liable.
 
       "Intangible Assets" means all goodwill, patents, trademarks, service
marks, trade names, copyrights, and all other items that would be treated as
intangibles on the consolidated balance sheet of Cooper and its Subsidiaries
prepared under generally accepted accounting principles.
 
       "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, lien, charge or
other encumbrance.
 
       "Principal Property" means:
 
   
       -  any manufacturing plant located in the continental United States, or
          manufacturing equipment located in any such manufacturing plant, that
          is owned or leased on the first date on which a debt security is
          authenticated by the trustee, or thereafter acquired or leased by
          Cooper or any Restricted Subsidiary, other than (a) any property that
          the Board of Directors determines is not of material importance to the
          total business conducted, or assets owned, by Cooper and its
          Subsidiaries as an
    
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   10
 
          entirety, or (b) any portion of any property that the Board of
          Directors determines is not of material importance to the use or
          operation of the property; and
 
       - any shares or Indebtedness issued by any Restricted Subsidiary.
 
   
       Manufacturing plant includes the land on which the plant is erected and
the fixtures thereto. Manufacturing plant does not include any plant in which
the aggregate interest of Cooper and its Restricted Subsidiaries does not exceed
fifty percent. Manufacturing equipment means manufacturing equipment in such
manufacturing plants used directly in the production of Cooper's or any
Restricted Subsidiary's products and does not include office equipment, computer
equipment, rolling stock and other equipment not directly used in the production
of Cooper's or any Restricted Subsidiary's products.
    
 
       "Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary substantially all the
property of which is located in the continental United States, other than:
 
   
       -  a Subsidiary primarily engaged in financing, including, without
          limitation, lending on the security of, purchasing or discounting,
          with or without recourse, receivables, leases, obligations or other
          claims arising from or in connection with the purchase or sale of
          products or services;
    
 
       -  a Subsidiary primarily engaged in leasing or insurance; or
 
       -  a Subsidiary primarily engaged in financing Cooper's operations
          outside the continental United States.
 
       "Sale and Leaseback Transaction" means any arrangement with any person
providing for the leasing by Cooper or any Restricted Subsidiary of any
Principal Property of Cooper or any Restricted Subsidiary whether the property
is now owned or hereafter acquired, which Principal Property has been or is to
be sold or transferred by Cooper or the Restricted Subsidiary to such person.
However, the following shall not be Sale and Leaseback Transactions:
 
       -  leases for a term of not more than three years;
 
       -  leases between Cooper and a Restricted Subsidiary or between
          Restricted Subsidiaries; and
 
       -  leases of property executed prior to, at the time of, or within one
          year after the later of, the acquisition, the completion of
          construction, including any improvements or alterations on real
          property, or the commencement of commercial operation, of the
          property.
 
   
       "Secured Indebtedness" of any corporation means Indebtedness secured by
any Lien upon property, including shares or Indebtedness issued by any
Restricted Subsidiary, owned by Cooper or any Restricted Subsidiary.
    
 
       "Subsidiary" means any corporation, a majority of the voting shares of
which are at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by Cooper or
by one or more Subsidiaries, or by Cooper and one or more Subsidiaries and which
is consolidated in Cooper's latest consolidated financial statements filed with
the SEC or provided generally to Cooper's shareholders.
 
         COVENANT LIMITING SECURED INDEBTEDNESS
 
       Neither Cooper nor any Restricted Subsidiary will create, assume,
guarantee, or incur any Secured Indebtedness, unless immediately thereafter the
aggregate amount of all Secured
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   11
 
   
Indebtedness, together with the discounted present value of all rentals due on
Sale and Leaseback Transactions, would not exceed fifteen percent of
Consolidated Tangible Assets. For purposes of the previous sentence, the term
Sale and Leaseback Transaction does not include Sale and Leaseback Transactions
otherwise excluded from the limitations on Sale and Leaseback Transactions as
described under "Covenants -- Covenant Limiting Sale and Leaseback
Transactions." However, this limitation on Secured Indebtedness does not apply
to the following types of Secured Indebtedness:
    
 
   
       -  any Lien on property as to which the debt securities are equally and
          ratably secured with, or at the option of Cooper, prior to, the
          Secured Indebtedness;
    
 
   
       -  Liens on property, including shares or Indebtedness, which is not a
          Principal Property;
    
 
   
       -  Liens on property, including shares or Indebtedness, of any
          corporation existing at the time the corporation becomes a Restricted
          Subsidiary;
    
 
   
       -  Liens on property, including shares or Indebtedness, existing at the
          time of acquisition of the property by Cooper or a Restricted
          Subsidiary;
    
 
   
       -  Liens to secure the payment of all or any part of the purchase price
          of property, including shares or Indebtedness, created upon the
          acquisition of such property by Cooper or a Restricted Subsidiary;
    
 
   
       -  Liens to secure any Secured Indebtedness incurred by Cooper or a
          Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of financing all or any part of
          the purchase price of property, or construction of improvements,
          alterations or repairs on the property, if incurred prior to, at the
          time of, or within one year after the later of the acquisition, the
          completion of construction, including any improvements, alterations or
          repairs to existing property, or commercial operation, of the
          property;
    
 
       -  Liens securing Secured Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary owing
          to Cooper or to another Restricted Subsidiary;
 
       -  Liens on property of a corporation existing at the time the
          corporation is merged or consolidated with Cooper or a Restricted
          Subsidiary or at the time of a sale, lease or other disposition of the
          properties of a corporation as an entirety or substantially as an
          entirety to Cooper or a Restricted Subsidiary;
 
   
       -  Liens on property of Cooper or a Restricted Subsidiary in favor of
          governmental authorities or any trustee or mortgagee acting on behalf,
          or for the benefit, of any governmental authorities to secure partial,
          progress, advance or other payments pursuant to any contract or
          statute or to secure any Indebtedness incurred for the purpose of
          financing all or any part of the purchase price or the cost of
          construction of the property subject to the Liens;
    
 
   
       -  Liens incurred or assumed in connection with the issuance of
          industrial revenue bonds or private activity bonds the interest of
          which is exempt from Federal income taxation under Section 103(b) of
          the Internal Revenue Code;
    
 
       -  Liens existing on the first date on which a debt security is
          authenticated by the trustee under the indenture; and
 
       -  any extension, renewal or replacement of any Lien referred to in the
          above list.
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   12
 
         COVENANT LIMITING SALE AND LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS
 
       Neither Cooper nor any Restricted Subsidiary may enter into any Sale and
Leaseback Transaction covering any Principal Property of Cooper or any
Restricted Subsidiary, unless:
 
       -  immediately thereafter the sum of the following does not exceed
          fifteen percent of Consolidated Tangible Assets:
 
   
         (a) the discounted present value, determined in accordance with a
             method of discounting which is consistent with generally accepted
             accounting principles, of all rentals due under the proposed Sale
             and Leaseback Transaction and all Sale and Leaseback Transactions
             entered into after the first date on which a debt security is
             authenticated by the trustee under the indenture, except for the
             following Sale and Leaseback Transactions: those of a Restricted
             Subsidiary entered into prior to becoming a Restricted Subsidiary
             and those of a corporation entered into prior to merging or
             consolidating with Cooper or a Restricted Subsidiary or prior to
             the time of a sale, lease or other disposition of its properties as
             an entirety or substantially as an entirety to Cooper or a
             Restricted Subsidiary; and
    
 
   
         (b) the aggregate amount of all Secured Indebtedness, except Secured
             Indebtedness permitted under "Covenant Limiting Secured
             Indebtedness" above; or
    
 
       -  an amount equal to the greater of the following is applied to
          retirement of Funded Debt within one year after the consummation of
          such Sale and Leaseback Transaction:
 
         (a) the net proceeds of the sale of property leased pursuant to the
             Sale and Leaseback Transaction, or
 
   
        (b) the fair market value of the property so leased;
    
 
   
        In each case after repayment of, or otherwise taking into account, as
        the case may be, the amount of any Secured Indebtedness secured by a
        Lien encumbering the Principal Property which Secured Indebtedness
        existed immediately prior to the Sale and Leaseback Transaction.
    
 
       However, this limitation does not apply to any Sale and Leaseback
Transaction:
 
       -  entered into in connection with the issuance of industrial revenue or
          private activity bonds the interest of which is exempt from Federal
          income taxation under Section 103(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, and
 
       -  if Cooper or a Restricted Subsidiary applies an amount equal to the
          net proceeds, after repayment of any Secured Indebtedness encumbering
          the Principal Property which Secured Indebtedness existed immediately
          before the Sale and Leaseback Transaction, of the sale or transfer of
          the Principal Property leased in the Sale and Leaseback Transaction to
          investment in another Principal Property within one year before or
          after the sale or transfer.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   13
 
       COVENANT LIMITING MERGERS, CONSOLIDATIONS AND CERTAIN SALES OF ASSETS
 
       Cooper will not merge into or consolidate with or convey or transfer its
properties substantially as an entirety to any person unless:
 
       -  the successor corporation is a corporation organized and existing
          under the laws of the United States of America or any State or the
          District of Columbia;
 
       -  the successor corporation assumes on the same terms and conditions the
          debt securities; and
 
       -  there is no event of default under the indenture.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
       The following are events of default with respect to any series:
 
       -  default for thirty days in payment of any interest installment when
          due;
 
       -  default in payment of principal of, or premium, if any, on, any of the
          debt securities of such series when due at its stated maturity, when
          called for redemption, by declaration or otherwise;
 
       -  default in the making of any payment for a sinking, purchase or
          similar fund provided for in respect of such series and continuance of
          such default for a period of thirty days;
 
       -  default in the performance of any other covenant in the indenture with
          respect to the debt securities of such series for ninety days after
          notice to Cooper by the trustee or by holders of twenty-five percent
          in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series;
          and
 
       -  some events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization.
 
   
       However, if indicated in the prospectus supplement for a particular
series of debt securities, any of the foregoing events of default may be deleted
or modified from that summarized above and additional events of default may be
included. No event of default for a single series of debt securities constitutes
an event of default for any other series of debt securities. If an event of
default described above occurs and is continuing for any series, either the
trustee or the holders of not less than twenty-five percent in total principal
amount of the debt securities of the series then outstanding, voting separately
as a series, may declare the principal of all outstanding debt securities of the
series and the accrued interest to be due and payable immediately. In the case
of debt securities issued bearing no interest or below-market interest, the
amount that may be declared due and payable immediately is the portion of the
principal specified in the terms of the debt securities, along with the accrued
interest.
    
 
       In some cases, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of a series may on behalf of the holders of all debt
securities of the series waive any past default or event of default for the debt
securities of the series or compliance with some provisions of the indenture,
except, among other things, an uncured default in payment of principal, premium,
if any, or interest, if any, on any of the debt securities of the series.
 
   
       The trustee will, within ninety days after the occurrence of an event of
default, without regard to any grace period or notice requirement, give to the
holders of the debt securities of the series notice of all uncured and unwaived
defaults known to it. Except in the case of default in
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   14
 
   
the payment of principal, premium or interest on any of the debt securities of
the series, the trustee will be protected in withholding the notice if it in
good faith determines that the withholding of the notice is in the interest of
the holders of the debt securities of the series. The trustee is entitled to be
indemnified by the holders of debt securities before proceeding to exercise any
right or power under the indenture at the request of holders of the debt
securities. The trustee's right to indemnification is subject to the duty of the
trustee during an event of default to act with the required standard of care.
Subject to the provisions of the indenture, the holders of a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may direct the
time, method and place of conducting proceedings for remedies available to the
trustee exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee for the series.
Cooper must file annually with the trustee a certificate of no default or
specifying any default that exists.
    
 
MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURE
 
       Cooper and the trustee may, without the consent of any holders of debt
securities, enter into supplemental indentures for, among others, the purposes
of:
 
       -  adding to Cooper's covenants;
 
       -  adding additional events of default;
 
       -  establishing the form or terms of debt securities;
 
       -  curing ambiguities or inconsistencies in the indenture; or
 
       -  making any other provisions about matters or questions arising under
          the indenture if the action does not adversely affect the interests of
          the holders of any affected series of debt securities.
 
       Cooper and the trustee may, with the consent of the holders of a majority
in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series to be
affected, execute supplemental indentures adding any provisions to or changing
or eliminating any of the provisions of the indenture or the debt securities of
a series or modifying any of the rights of the holders of the debt securities of
the series to be affected. However, no supplemental indenture may, without the
consent of the holder of each debt security affected, among other things:
 
   
       -  change the fixed maturity of any debt securities, not including
          payments due under any sinking, purchase or similar fund;
    
 
       -  reduce the principal amount of any debt securities;
 
       -  reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest on any debt
          securities;
 
       -  reduce any premium payable upon the redemption of any debt securities;
          or
 
       -  reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities of any series
          required to consent to any supplemental indentures.
 
DEFEASANCE
 
   
       Cooper may at its option (a) be discharged from any and all obligations
of the debt securities, except in each case for some obligations to register the
transfer or exchange of the debt securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated
debt securities, maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust,
or (b) be released from some restrictive covenants of the indenture, including
those described above under "Covenants," and will not be limited by any
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   15
 
restrictions on merger, consolidation or sales of assets, in each case if Cooper
takes the following actions:
 
   
       (1)  deposits with the trustee, in trust, money, U.S. Government
            Obligations or Eligible Obligations or any combination of these that
            through the payment of interest and principal under their terms,
            will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay all the principal,
            including any mandatory sinking fund payments, any interest and any
            premium on the debt securities on the dates the payments are due
            under the terms of the series; and
    
 
       (2)  provides to the trustee an opinion of counsel or a ruling from, or
            published by, the Internal Revenue Service, that holders of the debt
            securities of the series will not recognize income, gain or loss for
            Federal income tax purposes from Cooper's exercise of its option and
            will be required to pay Federal income tax on the same amount and in
            the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if
            the option had not been exercised.
 
       In addition, Cooper can also obtain a discharge under the indenture with
respect to all debt securities of a series by depositing with the trustee, in
trust, funds sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all of the debt
securities of the series, provided that all of the debt securities of the series
are by their terms to become due and payable within one year or are to be called
for redemption within one year. No opinion of counsel or ruling from the
Internal Revenue Service is required in this case.
 
       "U.S. Government Obligations" means generally (a) direct obligations of
the United States of America for the payment of which its full faith and credit
is pledged or (b) obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting
as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the timely
payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit
obligation by the United States of America, which, in either case, are not
callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer of the obligations.
 
       "Eligible Obligations" means obligations which, when deposited, cause the
relevant series of debt securities to be rated in the highest generic long-term
debt rating category assigned to legally defeased debt by one or more nationally
recognized rating agencies.
 
       If there is any discharge of debt securities under the terms of the
indenture described above, the holders of the discharged debt securities will be
able to look solely to the trust fund, and not to Cooper, for payments of
principal, any premium, and any interest.
 
THE TRUSTEE
 
   
       The Chase Manhattan Bank is the trustee under the indenture. The trustee
performs services for us and transacts other banking business, including the
extension of credit, with us from time to time in the normal course of business.
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   16
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
   
       We may sell the debt securities through underwriters, through agents or
dealers, directly to purchasers or any combination of these. Any dealer or agent
may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of
1933. The applicable prospectus supplement will show the terms relating to a
particular series of the debt securities, including the name or names of any
underwriters or agents, the purchase price and the proceeds to us from the sale,
any underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters'
compensation or commissions payable to agents, the initial public offering price
and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers, and
any securities exchanges on which the debt securities of the series may be
listed. If we use an agent or agents in the sale, the agent or agents will be
acting on a best efforts basis during their appointment.
    
 
       If we use underwriters in the sale, the underwriters will acquire the
debt securities for their own account and may resell the debt securities in one
or more transactions in the future. The underwriters may resell the debt
securities at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at
the time of sale, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, or at
negotiated prices. The debt securities may be offered to the public either
through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or by
underwriters without a syndicate. Unless otherwise described in the prospectus
supplement, the underwriters' obligations to purchase debt securities will be
dependent on various conditions and the underwriters will be obligated to
purchase all the debt securities of the series if any are purchased. Any initial
public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or
paid to dealers may be changed.
 
       We may authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers by
specified institutions to purchase debt securities from us at the public
offering price shown in the prospectus supplement under delayed delivery
contracts requiring payment and delivery on a specified future date. The
contracts will contain only those conditions shown in the prospectus supplement,
and the prospectus supplement will show the commissions we will pay for
solicitation of the contracts. The underwriters and other persons soliciting the
contracts will have no responsibility for the validity or performance of the
contracts.
 
       We may be required to indemnify agents and underwriters against some
civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933 or to
contribute to payments that the agents or underwriters may be required to make
for the liabilities. Agents and underwriters may be customers of, engage in
transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of
business.
 
                                 LEGAL OPINIONS
 
       Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P., 4900 Key Tower, 127 Public Square,
Cleveland, Ohio, will pass upon the validity of the debt securities for us.
Cravath, Swaine & Moore, Worldwide Plaza, 825 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York,
will pass upon the validity of the debt securities for any underwriters or
agents.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
       Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, have audited the consolidated
financial statements incorporated by reference in our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1998, as set forth in their report, which is
incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration
statement. Our consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference
in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP's report, given on their authority as experts
in accounting and auditing.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   17
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
       The following table sets forth the estimated expenses in connection with
the offering described in this Registration Statement.*
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                            <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee.........   $139,000
Legal fees..................................................     50,000
Printing and engraving......................................     25,000
Accountants' fees...........................................     15,000
Rating Agency fees..........................................    325,000
Blue Sky fees and expenses..................................      3,000
Trustee's fees..............................................      8,000
Miscellaneous expenses......................................      3,000
                                                               --------
                Total.......................................   $568,000
                                                               ========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* All amounts are estimated except for the registration fee.
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
       Section 1701.13 of the Ohio General Corporation Law contains detailed
provisions for indemnification of directors and officers of Ohio corporations
against expenses, judgments, fines and settlements in connection with
litigation.
 
       The Registrant's Articles of Incorporation and its Directors' and
Officers' Liability Insurance Policy provides for indemnification and insurance,
respectively, of the directors and officers of the Registrant against some
liabilities.
 
       In addition, on February 17, 1987, Cooper's board of directors authorized
the Registrant to enter into indemnification agreements with the directors and
some officers that may be designated from time to time by Cooper's board of
directors. The Board's action was approved by the shareholders at their Annual
Meeting on April 28, 1987. The indemnification agreements contain provisions for
indemnification against expenses, judgments, fines and settlements in connection
with threatened or pending litigation, inquiries or investigations that arise
out of the director's or officer's acts or omissions in his or her capacity as a
director or officer of the Registrant.
 
       Agreements which may be entered into by the Registrant, underwriters,
dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of debt securities may
provide for the indemnification of the Registrant, its controlling persons, its
directors and some of its officers by any agents, dealers or underwriters, as
the case may be, against some liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   18
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         NUMBER                                  DESCRIPTION
         ------                                  -----------
<C>                      <S>
          *1.1           Underwriting or Purchase Agreement.
           4.1           Form of Indenture dated as of January 15, 1990, between the
                         Registrant and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National
                         Association), as trustee (incorporated herein by reference
                         to Exhibit 4(a) of Registration Statement No. 33-33011).
           4.2           Form of Supplemental Indenture between The Registrant and
                         The Chase Manhattan Bank, as trustee.
          *4.3           Form of Debt Securities.
           5.1           Opinion of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.
          12.1           Calculation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
                         (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 12 of the
                         Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
                         1999).
          23.1           Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
          23.2           Consent of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P. (included in
                         Exhibit 5.1).
        **24.1           Powers of Attorney (included on signature page).
          25.1           Statement of Eligibility and Qualification on Form T-1 of
                         The Chase Manhattan Bank.
</TABLE>
    
 
 * Cooper will file any underwriting or purchase agreement and the form of any
   debt securities not previously filed in a Current Report on Form 8-K.
 
   
** Previously filed.
    
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
       The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
 
       (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
 
             (i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
       Securities Act of 1933;
 
             (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
       the effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent
       post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
       aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in
       this registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase
       or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
       securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
       deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering
       range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the
       Commission under Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume
       and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum
       aggregate offering price shown in the "Calculation of Registration Fee"
       table in the effective registration statement; and
 
             (iii)  To include any material information with respect to the plan
       of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement
       or any material change to the information in this registration statement;
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   19
 
       provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the
       information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by
       those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant
       under section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
       that are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement.
 
       (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a
new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
 
       (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
the offering.
 
       The undersigned Registrant hereby further undertakes that, for purposes
of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of
the Registrant's annual report under section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in this
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
       Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant under the provisions of the Ohio General Corporation Law or the
Registrant's Articles of Incorporation, 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 of
1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against 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 the director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court
of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether the indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   20
 
                                   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-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas, on May 14, 1999.
    
 
                                            COOPER INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
                                            By: /s/ H. John Riley, Jr.
                                              ----------------------------------
                                                H. John Riley, Jr.
                                                Chairman of the Board,
                                                President and Chief Executive
                                                Officer
   
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>                                                    <S>                          <C>
 
               /s/ H. John Riley, Jr.                  Director, Chairman of the    May 14, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------  Board, President and Chief
                 H. John Riley, Jr.                    Executive Officer
 
              /s/ D. Bradley McWilliams                Senior Vice President and    May 14, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------  Chief Financial Officer
                D. Bradley McWilliams
 
                 /s/ Terry A. Klebe                    Vice President and           May 14, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------  Controller (Principal
                   Terry A. Klebe                      Accounting Officer)
 
                */s/ Warren L. Batts                   Director                     May 14, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------
                   Warren L. Batts
 
               */s/ Alain J. P. Belda                  Director                     May 14, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  Alain J. P. Belda
 
                */s/ Robert M. Devlin                  Director                     May 14, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  Robert M. Devlin
 
                */s/ Clifford J. Grum                  Director                     May 14, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  Clifford J. Grum
 
                 */s/ Linda A. Hill                    Director                     May 14, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------
                    Linda A. Hill
 
                 */s/ Harold S. Hook                   Director                     May 14, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------
                   Harold S. Hook
 
            */s/ Constantine S. Nicandros              Director                     May 14, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------
              Constantine S. Nicandros
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   21
 
   
<TABLE>
<C>                                                     <S>                                  <C>
                   */s/ John D. Ong                     Director                             May 14, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------------
                     John D. Ong
 
               */s/ Sir Ralph H. Robins                 Director                             May 14, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------------
                 Sir Ralph H. Robins
 
                  */s/ Dan F. Smith                     Director                             May 14, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------------
                     Dan F. Smith
 
                 */s/ James R. Wilson                   Director                             May 14, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------------
                   James R. Wilson
 
 * By: ---------------------------------------------
                 Diane K. Schumacher
            pursuant to power of attorney
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   22
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         NUMBER                                  DESCRIPTION
         ------          ------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                      <S>
 
         *1.1            Underwriting or Purchase Agreement.
 
          4.1            Form of Indenture dated as of January 15, 1990, between the
                         Registrant and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National
                         Association), as trustee (incorporated herein by reference
                         to Exhibit 4(a) of Registration Statement No. 33-33011).
 
          4.2            Form of Supplemental Indenture between The Registrant and
                         The Chase Manhattan Bank, as trustee.
 
         *4.3            Form of Debt Securities.
 
          5.1            Opinion of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.
 
         12.1            Calculation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
                         (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 12 of the
                         Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
                         1999).
 
         23.1            Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
 
         23.2            Consent of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P. (included in
                         Exhibit 5.1).
 
       **24.1            Powers of Attorney (included on signature page).
 
         25.1            Statement of Eligibility and Qualification on Form T-1 of
                         The Chase Manhattan Bank.
</TABLE>
    
 
 * Cooper will file any underwriting or purchase agreement and the form of any
   debt securities not previously filed in a Current Report on Form 8-K.
 
   
** Previously filed.
    

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.2


                             COOPER INDUSTRIES, INC.
                                       AND
                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
                                   AS TRUSTEE



                          FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
                        DATED AS OF ______________, 1999


                                   DEBENTURES
              SUPPLEMENT TO INDENTURE DATED AS OF JANUARY 15, 1990


<PAGE>   2




This FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of ______________, 1999
("Supplemental Indenture"), is made and entered into between Cooper Industries,
Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Ohio,
having its principal office at 600 Travis, Suite 5800, Houston, Texas 77002 (the
"Company"), and The Chase Manhattan Bank, a New York corporation, as Trustee
(the "Trustee").

WHEREAS, the Company entered into an Indenture dated as of January 15, 1990 (the
"Indenture"), with The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association), for the
purpose of issuing its debentures, notes, bonds or other evidences of
indebtedness (the "Debentures") in one or more series, unlimited as to aggregate
principal amount and bearing such rates of interest, if any, maturing at such
time or times and having such other designations as shall be fixed in accordance
with the Indenture; and

WHEREAS, the Trustee is the successor by merger to The Chase Manhattan Bank
(National Association) and has succeeded to all interests of such national
association under the Indenture; and

WHEREAS, the Company proposes to issue a series of Debentures in the aggregate
principal amount of up to five hundred million dollars ($500,000,000) (the
"Fourth Series Notes") and to modify certain terms of the Indenture solely with
respect to the Fourth Series Notes and any Debentures that the Company issues
subsequent to the Fourth Series Notes (the "Subsequent Debentures"); and

WHEREAS, the entry into this Supplemental Indenture by the parties hereto is in
all respects permitted by the provisions of Section 11.01 of the Indenture; and

WHEREAS, all corporate and other action necessary to make this Supplemental
Indenture a valid and binding agreement of the Company in accordance with its
terms have been done.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the acceptance
and purchase of the Fourth Series Notes by the holders thereof, it is mutually
covenanted and agreed as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 5.05 of the Indenture is hereby amended, solely with respect
to the Fourth Series Notes and any Subsequent Debentures, by deleting the phrase
" . . .10% of Shareholders' Equity" in the first and the last sentences of
Section 5.05 and substituting therefor the phrase " . . .15% of Consolidated
Tangible Assets."

SECTION 2. Section 5.06 of the Indenture is hereby amended, solely with respect
to the Fourth Series Notes and any Subsequent Debentures, by deleting the phrase
" . . .10% of Shareholders' Equity" in the first sentence of Section 5.06 and
substituting therefor the phrase " . . .15% of Consolidated Tangible Assets."



                                       1
<PAGE>   3

SECTION 3. The Indenture is hereby amended, solely with respect to the Fourth
Series Notes and any Subsequent Debentures, by adding to Section 1.01 thereof
the following definitions in correct alphabetical order:

Consolidated Tangible Assets:

         The term "Consolidated Tangible Assets" means, as of any date, the
total amount of assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated
basis at the end of the fiscal quarter immediately preceding that date, as
determined under generally accepted accounting principles, less: (a) Intangible
Assets and (b) appropriate adjustments on account of minority interests of other
persons holding equity investments in Subsidiaries, in the case of each of
clauses (a) and (b) above as reflected on the consolidated balance sheet of the
Company and its Subsidiaries as of the end of the fiscal quarter immediately
preceding that date.

Intangible Assets:

         The term "Intangible Assets" means all goodwill, patents, trademarks,
service marks, trade names, copyrights, and all other items that would be
treated as intangibles on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its
Subsidiaries prepared under generally accepted accounting principles.

SECTION 4. The Indenture, as supplemented and amended by this Supplemental
Indenture and all other supplemental indentures thereto, is in all respects
ratified and confirmed, and the Indenture, the Supplemental Indenture and all
indentures supplemental thereto shall be read, taken and construed as one and
the same instrument; provided, however, that this Supplemental Indenture shall
apply only to the Fourth Series Notes and any Subsequent Debentures.

SECTION 5. If and to the extent any provision hereof limits, qualifies or
conflicts with another provision hereof which is required to be included in this
Supplemental Indenture by any provision of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, such
required provision shall control.

SECTION 6. In case any provision in this Supplemental Indenture or in the
Debentures of any series shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the
validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions (or of the
other series of Debentures) shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.

SECTION 7. If the provisions of the Fourth Series Notes or any series of the
Subsequent Debentures issued hereunder are inconsistent or conflict with the
provisions of this Supplemental Indenture, the provisions of the Fourth Series
Notes or the Subsequent Debentures of such series shall be controlling with
respect to such series.

SECTION 8. This Supplemental Indenture and each Debenture of any series shall be
deemed to be a contract made under the laws of the State of New York, and for
all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the said State.




                                       2
<PAGE>   4

SECTION 9. Capitalized terms used in this Supplemental Indenture that are not
otherwise defined herein that are defined in the Indenture shall remain as set
forth therein.

SECTION 10. This Supplemental Indenture may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be an original but such counterparts shall
together constitute but one and the same instrument.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be
duly executed and their respective corporate seals to be hereunto affixed and
attested, as of the day and year first above written.


COOPER INDUSTRIES, INC.                     THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
                                            AS TRUSTEE



By:                                         By: 
     ------------------------                    ------------------------------
                                                 Philbert J. Jones
Name:                                            Assistant Vice President
     ------------------------
Title:
      -----------------------

ATTEST:                                     ATTEST:



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

Title:                                      Title:
      -----------------------                     -----------------------------



(Corporate Seal)                            (Corporate Seal)



                                        3

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 5.1


                        SQUIRE, SANDERS & DEMPSEY L.L.P.
                                 4900 KEY TOWER
                                127 PUBLIC SQUARE
                           CLEVELAND, OHIO 44114-1304



   
                                  May 14, 1999
    



Cooper Industries, Inc.
600 Travis, Suite 5800
Houston, Texas 77002

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         Reference is made to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the
"Registration Statement") to be filed by Cooper Industries, Inc. (the "Company")
with respect to $500,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of debt securities
(the "Debt Securities") to be issuable under an indenture between the Company
and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (the "Indenture"). We have examined the
forms of the Indenture and the Debt Securities being filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement and such other documents and matters of law as we have
deemed necessary for purposes of this opinion.

         Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Debt
Securities, when executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee in
accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, and when issued and sold by the
Company as contemplated in the Registration Statement, will constitute valid and
binding obligations of the Company and will be entitled to the benefits of the
Indenture, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium,
reorganization, fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the enforcement of
creditors' rights generally and subject to general principles of equity (whether
considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).

         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and to the reference to our firm under the caption "Legal
Matters" in the prospectus contained therein.



                                           Respectfully submitted,



                                           /s/ Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.



<PAGE>   1



                                                                    Exhibit 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-75475) and related Prospectus of Cooper
Industries, Inc. for the registration of $500,000,000 of debt securities and to
the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 25, 1999,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Cooper Industries,
Inc., included as Appendix A to the Cooper Industries, Inc. Proxy Statement for
the 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and incorporated by reference in its
Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                                    /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Houston, Texas
May 14, 1999

<PAGE>   1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D. C. 20549

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

                                    FORM T-1

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                    UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF
                   A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

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

              CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF
                A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2) ________

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

                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)


       NEW YORK                                                  13-4994650
(State of incorporation                                        (I.R.S. employer
if not a national bank)                                      identification No.)

          270 PARK AVENUE
         NEW YORK, NEW YORK                                           10017
(Address of principal executive offices)                            (Zip Code)

                               William H. McDavid
                                General Counsel
                                270 Park Avenue
                            New York, New York 10017
                              Tel: (212) 270-2611
           (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

           ---------------------------------------------------------
                            COOPER INDUSTRIES, INC.
              (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

           OHIO                                                  31-4156620
(State or other jurisdiction of                               (I.R.S. employer
incorporation or organization)                               identification No.)

         600 TRAVIS, SUITE 5800
           HOUSTON, TEXAS                                            77002
(Address of principal executive offices)                           (Zip Code)

                    ----------------------------------------
                                DEBT SECURITIES
                      (Title of the indenture securities)

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

<PAGE>   2


                                    GENERAL

Item 1.  General Information.

         Furnish the following information as to the trustee:

         (a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to
which it is subject.

               New York State Banking Department, State House, Albany, New York
               12110.

               Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Washington,
               D.C., 20551

               Federal Reserve Bank of New York, District No. 2, 33 Liberty
               Street, New York, N.Y.

               Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C., 20429.


         (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

             Yes.


Item 2.  Affiliations with the Obligor.

         If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such
affiliation.

         None.


                                     - 2 -

<PAGE>   3


Item 16.   List of Exhibits

           List below all exhibits filed as a part of this Statement of
Eligibility.

           1. A copy of the Articles of Association of the Trustee as now in
effect, including the Organization Certificate and the Certificates of
Amendment dated February 17, 1969, August 31, 1977, December 31, 1980,
September 9, 1982, February 28, 1985, December 2, 1991 and July 10, 1996 (see
Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed in connection with Registration Statement No.
333-06249, which is incorporated by reference).

           2. A copy of the Certificate of Authority of the Trustee to Commence
Business (see Exhibit 2 to Form T-1 filed in connection with Registration
Statement No. 33-50010, which is incorporated by reference. On July 14, 1996,
in connection with the merger of Chemical Bank and The Chase Manhattan Bank
(National Association), Chemical Bank, the surviving corporation, was renamed
The Chase Manhattan Bank).

           3. None, authorization to exercise corporate trust powers being
contained in the documents identified above as Exhibits 1 and 2.

           4. A copy of the existing By-Laws of the Trustee (see Exhibit 4 to
Form T-1 filed in connection with Registration Statement No. 333-06249, which
is incorporated by reference).

           5. Not applicable.

           6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act
(see Exhibit 6 to Form T-1 filed in connection with Registration Statement No.
33-50010, which is incorporated by reference. On July 14, 1996, in connection
with the merger of Chemical Bank and The Chase Manhattan Bank (National
Association), Chemical Bank, the surviving corporation, was renamed The Chase
Manhattan Bank).

           7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee,
published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining
authority.

           8. Not applicable.

           9. Not applicable.

                                   SIGNATURE

           Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 the
Trustee, The Chase Manhattan Bank, a corporation organized and existing under
the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of
eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, all in the City of New York and State of New York, on the 31st day
of March, 1999.

                                    THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK

                                    By /s/ JOANNE ADAMIS
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                        Joanne Adamis
                                        Assistant Vice President


                                     - 3 -

<PAGE>   4



                             Exhibit 7 to Form T-1


                                Bank Call Notice

                             RESERVE DISTRICT NO. 2
                      CONSOLIDATED REPORT OF CONDITION OF

                            The Chase Manhattan Bank
                  of 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017
                     and Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries,
                    a member of the Federal Reserve System,

                  at the close of business December 31, 1998,
                 in accordance with a call made by the Federal
                 Reserve Bank of this District pursuant to the
                     provisions of the Federal Reserve Act.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      DOLLAR AMOUNTS
                     ASSETS                                                             IN MILLIONS
<S>                                                                                   <C>     
Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
     Noninterest-bearing balances and
     currency and coin ..............................................................    $ 13,915
     Interest-bearing balances ......................................................       7,805
Securities:
Held to maturity securities .........................................................       1,429
Available for sale securities .......................................................      56,327
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under
     agreements to resell ...........................................................      21,733
Loans and lease financing receivables:
     Loans and leases, net of unearned income.............................   $131,095
     Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses ...........................      2,711
     Less: Allocated transfer risk reserve ...............................          0
                                                                             --------
     Loans and leases, net of unearned income,
     allowance, and reserve .........................................................     128,384
Trading Assets ......................................................................      48,949
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized
     leases) ........................................................................       3,095
Other real estate owned .............................................................         239
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and
     associated companies ...........................................................         199
Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances
     outstanding ....................................................................       1,209
Intangible assets ...................................................................       2,081
Other assets ........................................................................      11,352
                                                                                         --------

TOTAL ASSETS ........................................................................    $296,717
                                                                                         ========
</TABLE>


                                     - 4 -

<PAGE>   5


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            LIABILITIES
<S>                                                                                          <C>     
Deposits
     In domestic offices ................................................................    $105,879
     Noninterest-bearing ...................................................     $ 39,175
     Interest-bearing ......................................................       66,704
                                                                                 --------    
     In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement,
     subsidiaries and IBF's .............................................................      79,294
     Noninterest-bearing ...................................................     $  4,082
     Interest-bearing ..................................................... .      75,212

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase ..............      32,546
Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury ................................................         629
Trading liabilities .....................................................................      36,807

Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under
     capitalized leases):
     With a remaining maturity of one year or less ......................................       4,478
     With a remaining maturity of more than one year through three years ................         213
     With a remaining maturity of more than three years .................................         115
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding ................................       1,209
Subordinated notes and debentures .......................................................       5,408
Other liabilities .......................................................................      10,855

TOTAL LIABILITIES .......................................................................     277,433
                                                                                             --------

                                 EQUITY CAPITAL

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus ...........................................           0
Common stock ............................................................................       1,211
Surplus  (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) ...............................      11,016
Undivided profits and capital reserves ..................................................       6,762
Net unrealized holding gains (losses)
on available-for-sale securities ........................................................         279
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments .....................................          16

TOTAL EQUITY CAPITAL ....................................................................      19,284
                                                                                             --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CAPITAL ....................................................    $296,717
                                                                                             ========
</TABLE>

I, Joseph L. Sclafani, E.V.P. & Controller of the above-named bank, do hereby
declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in conformance with the
instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true
to the best of my knowledge and belief.

                                    JOSEPH L. SCLAFANI

We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report of
Condition and declare that it has been examined by us, and to the best of our
knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true and correct.

                                    WALTER V. SHIPLEY           )
                                    THOMAS G. LABRECQUE         ) DIRECTORS
                                    WILLIAM B. HARRISON, JR.    )


                                      -5-



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