FEDERAL SIGNAL CORP /DE/
10-K, 1996-03-27
MOTOR VEHICLES & PASSENGER CAR BODIES
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                   SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                        Washington, D.C.  20549
                              Form 10-K
(X)     ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
        EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
        For the fiscal year ended     December 31,1995
                                      -------------------------------------
                                   OR
( )     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
        EXCHANGE ACT OF
        1934

        For the transition period from             to

        Commission File Number            1-6003

                           FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION

                 (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

             DELAWARE                                    36-1063330
   (State or other jurisdiction of                   (I.R.S. Employer
    incorporation or organization)                  Identification No.)

1415 WEST 22ND STREET, OAK BROOK, ILLINOIS                  60521
  (Address of principal executive offices)                (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code       (708) 954-2000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
                                                   Name of each exchange on
          Title of each class                          which registered

COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $1.00 PER SHARE,
 WITH PREFERRED SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS              NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                                  None
                            (Title of class)

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K (ss.229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will
not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]

State the aggregate market value of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the
Registrant as of March 1, 1996.
              Common stock, $1.00 par value -- $ 1,041,138,996

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant's classes of
common stock, as of March 1, 1996.
              Common stock, $1.00 par value -- 45,374,264 shares

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
        to be held on April 17, 1996, are incorporated by reference into Parts
        I, II and III.


                                                          -1-

<PAGE>


                                     PART I

Item 1.           Business.

      Federal Signal Corporation, founded in 1901, was reincorporated as a
Delaware Corporation in 1969. The company is a manufacturer and worldwide
supplier of safety, signaling and communications equipment, fire trucks,
rescues, aerial access platforms, street sweeping and vacuum loader vehicles,
parking control equipment, custom on-premise signage, carbide cutting tools,
precision punches and related die components.

      Products produced and services rendered by Registrant and its subsidiaries
(referred to collectively as "Registrant" herein, unless context otherwise
indicates) are divided into groups (business segments) as follows: Safety
Products, Sign, Tool and Vehicle. This classification of products and services
is based upon Registrant's historical divisional structure established by
management for the purposes of internal control, marketing and accounting.

      Developments, including acquisitions of businesses, considered significant
to the company or individual segments are described under the following
discussions of the applicable groups.

      The Financial Review sections, "Consolidated Results of Operations,"
"Group Operations" and "Financial Position and Cash Flow," and Note M - Segment
Information contained in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on April 17, 1996 are incorporated herein by reference.

Safety Products Group

      The Safety Products Group includes the Signal Products Division,
Aplicaciones Tecnologicas VAMA S.L., acquired in May, 1992, Justrite
Manufacturing, acquired in May, 1994, and Federal APD. The Signal Products
Division consists of Emergency Products, Electrical Products, Federal Warning
Systems and Commercial Products.

      Safety Products Group products manufactured by Registrant consist of: (1)
a variety of visual and audible warning and signaling devices used by private
industry, federal, state and local governments, building contractors, police,
fire and medical fleets, utilities and civil defense; (2) safety containment
products for handling and storing hazardous materials used by a wide variety of
industrial and laboratory customers as well as military agencies and municipal,
state and federal governments; and (3) parking, revenue control, and access
control equipment and systems for parking facilities, commercial businesses,
bridge and pier installation and residential developments.

      The visual and audible warning and signaling devices include emergency
vehicle warning lights, electromechanical and electronic vehicle sirens and
industrial signal lights, sirens, horns, bells and solid state audible signals,
audio/visual emergency warning and evacuation systems, including weather and
nuclear power plant warning notification systems and fire alarm system panels
and devices.

      In May 1994, the Registrant acquired the principal operating assets and
assumed the principal operating liabilities of Justrite Manufacturing Company
for cash. Justrite is an Illinois-based manufacturer of safety equipment for the
storage, transfer, use and disposal of flammable and hazardous materials.



                                                          -2-

<PAGE>



      The safety containment products offered by Justrite include safety
cabinets for flammables and corrosives; safety and dispenser cans; waste
receptacles and disposal cans; spill control pallets and overpacks; and
hazardous material storage buildings, lockers, pallets and platforms. These
products are designed in accordance with various regulatory codes and standards,
and meet agency approvals such as FM and UL.

      Parking, revenue control, and access control equipment and systems include
parking and security gates, card access readers, ticket issuing devices, coin
and token units, fee computers, various forms of electronic control units and
personal computer-based revenue and access control systems.

      Warning and signaling products, which account for the principal portion of
the group's business, are marketed to both industrial and governmental users.
Products are sold to industrial customers through manufacturers' representatives
who sell to approximately 1,400 wholesalers. Products are also sold to
governmental customers through more than 900 active independent distributors as
well as through original equipment manufacturers and direct sales. International
sales are made through the Registrant's independent foreign distributors or on a
direct basis.

      Because of the large number of Registrant's products, Registrant competes
with a variety of manufacturers and suppliers and encounters varying competitive
conditions among its different products and encounters different classes of
customers. Because of the variety of such products and customers, no meaningful
estimate of either the total number of competitors or Registrant's overall
competitive position can be made. Generally, competition is intense as to all of
Registrant's products and, as to most such products, is based on price,
including competitive bidding, on product reputation and performance, and on
product servicing. Although some competitors in certain product lines are larger
than Registrant, the Registrant believes it is the leading supplier of
particular products.

      In May 1992, the Registrant acquired all of the outstanding shares of
Aplicaciones Tecnologicas VAMA S.L. for cash and an earnout to be based upon
future profitability of the company for a five-year period. VAMA is a leading
European manufacturer of emergency vehicular signaling products located in
Barcelona, Spain.

      In December 1995, the Registrant acquired the principal operating assets
of the Target Tech brand of warning lights for cash. Target Tech, located in
Washington, is the domestic market leader in amber signaling products for
construction and work vehicles.

      The backlogs of orders of Safety Products Group products believed to be
firm at December 31, 1995 and 1994 were $15.7 million and $14.0 million,
respectively. Almost all of the backlogs of orders at December 31, 1995 are
reasonably expected to be filled within the current fiscal year.

Sign Group

      The Sign Group, operating principally under the name "Federal Sign"
designs, engineers, manufactures, installs and maintains illuminated and
non-illuminated sign displays, for both sale and lease. Registrant additionally
provides sign repair services and also enters into maintenance service
contracts, usually over three to five-year periods, for signs it manufactures as
well as for signs produced by other manufacturers. Its operations are oriented
to custom designing


                                                          -3-

<PAGE>



and engineering of commercial and industrial signs or groups of signs for its
customers.

      The sale and lease of signs and the sale of maintenance contracts are
conducted primarily through Registrant's direct sale organization which operates
from its twenty-three principal sales and manufacturing facilities located
strategically throughout the continental U.S. Customers for sign products and
services consist of local commercial businesses, as well as major national and
multi-national companies.

      The Sign Group's markets improved during 1995 with growth coming from many
of its national and multi-national customers, as well as growth in the casino
gaming industry. This growth, combined with the results of the aggressive
restructuring programs implemented over the last few years, resulted in an
improvement in operating income of 54% in 1995 versus 1994.

      A large number of Registrant's displays are leased to customers for terms
of typically three to five years with both the lease and the maintenance
portions of many such contracts then renewed for successive periods.

      Registrant is nationally a principal producer of high-end custom and
custom- quantity signs. The registrant has modified its marketing strategies to
focus on a narrower market segment to which it can provide a more unique set of
services. As a result of this change, the Registrant estimates that it now has
approximately 100 regional and national competitors. Competition for sign
products and services is intense and competitive factors consist largely of
quality, prices, project and program management capabilities, aesthetic and
design considerations, and maintenance services.

      Total backlog at December 31, 1995, applicable to sign products and
services was approximately $61.4 million compared to approximately $57.0 million
at December 31, 1994. A significant part of Registrant's sign products and
services backlog relates to sign maintenance contracts since such contracts are
usually performed over long periods of time. At December 31, 1995, the Sign
Group had a backlog of approximately $41.4 million compared to approximately
$39.8 million at December 31, 1994, represented by in-service sign maintenance
contracts. With the exception of the sign maintenance contracts, most of the
backlog orders at December 31, 1995 are reasonably expected to be filled within
the current fiscal year.

Tool Group

      Tool Group products are produced by the Registrant's wholly-owned
subsidiaries including: Dayton Progress Corporation, Schneider Stanznormalien
GmbH, acquired in 1992, Jamestown Punch and Tooling, Inc., Manchester Tool
Company, Dico Corporation, acquired in 1992, and Bassett Rotary Tool Company.

      Dayton Progress Corporation manufactures and purchases for resale an
extensive variety of consumable die components for the metal stamping industry.
These components consist of piercing punches, matched die matrixes, punch
holders or retainers and many other products related to a metal stamper's needs.
Registrant also produces a large variety of consumable precision metal products
for customers' nonstamping needs, including special heat exchanger tools,
beverage container tools, powder compacting units and molding components.

      In March 1992, Dayton Progress Corporation acquired for cash the assets of
Schneider Stanznormalien GmbH, a German manufacturer of precision punch and die


                                                          -4-

<PAGE>



components. This acquisition gives Dayton Progress manufacturing capabilities on
the European continent and provides greater access to European markets.

      In October 1991, Dayton Progress Corporation acquired for cash and stock
all of the outstanding shares of Container Tooling Corporation. Container Tool
manufactures and distributes body punch tooling used in the production of
aluminum and steel beverage cans. The product complements Dayton Progress' tab-
top tooling product line. In October 1994 the Container Tool operations were
relocated to Dayton Progress' facilities in Dayton, Ohio.

      Jamestown Punch and Tooling, Inc. manufactures an extensive line of
consumable special die components for the metal stamping and plastic molding
industries in addition to a variety of precision ground high alloy parts. Sales
are made on both a direct basis and through a limited distributor organization.

      Manchester Tool Company manufactures consumable carbide insert tooling for
cutoff and deep grooving metal cutting applications.

      In November 1992, Manchester Tool Company acquired for cash all of the
outstanding shares of Dico Corporation, a manufacturer of polycrystalline
diamond and cubic boron nitride cutting tools. This product line complements
Manchester Tool's carbide insert products and allows for entry into new market
niches within general business areas already served.

      Bassett Rotary Tool Company is a manufacturer of round consumable carbide
cutting tools. Its products are medium to high precision in their manufacture
and at times are quite complex in their configuration. The products represent a
narrow band of the much broader cutting tool industry and require a high level
of manufacturing skill.

      Because of the nature of and market for the Registrant's products,
competition is great at both domestic and international levels. Many customers
have some ability to produce the product themselves, but at a cost disadvantage.
Major market emphasis is placed on quality of product and level of service.

      Tool Group products are labor intensive with the only significant outside
cost being the purchase of the tool steel, carbide and diamond raw material, as
well as items necessary for manufacturing. Inventories are maintained to assure
prompt service to the customer with the average order for standard tools filled
in less than one week for domestic shipments and within two weeks for interna
tional shipments.

      Tool Group customers include metal and plastic fabricators and tool and
die shops throughout the world. Because of the nature of the products, volume
depends mainly on repeat orders from customers numbering in the thousands. These
products are used in the manufacturing process of a broad range of items such as
automobiles, appliances, construction products, electrical motors, switches and
components and a wide variety of other household and industrial goods. Almost
all business is done with private industry.

      Registrant's products are marketed in the United States, and many
international markets, principally through industrial distributors. Foreign
manufacturing facilities, as well as sales and distribution offices, are located
in Weston, Ontario; Tokyo, Japan; Warwickshire, England; and Frankfurt, Germany.

      Order backlogs of the Tool Group as of December 31, 1995 and December 31,
1994 were $7.7 million and $9.5 million, respectively. All of the backlogs of


                                                          -5-

<PAGE>



orders at December 31, 1995 are expected to be filled within the current fiscal
year.

Vehicle Group

      The Vehicle Group is composed of Emergency One, Inc., Bronto Skylift Oy Ab
acquired in August, 1995, Superior Emergency Vehicles, Ltd., acquired in 1991,
Elgin Sweeper Company, Vactor Manufacturing, Inc., acquired in 1994, Guzzler
Manufacturing, Inc., acquired in 1993, and Ravo International.

      Emergency One, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of fire trucks and rescue
vehicles including four and six-wheel drive rescue trucks, tankers, pumpers,
aerial ladder trucks, and airport rescue and fire fighting vehicles (each of
aluminum construction for rust-free operation and energy efficiency).

      In December 1991, Emergency One acquired for cash all of the outstanding
shares of Frontline Corporation, a manufacturer and distributor of ambulances
and rescue trucks. The acquisition of Frontline Corporation complemented
Emergency One's product line and enabled Emergency One to provide a complete
product line of fire trucks, fire apparatus, emergency support and ambulance
vehicles for distribution through Emergency One's domestic and international
dealer network. The company was merged into Emergency One in January 1994.

      In August 1995, The Registrant acquired for cash, Bronto Skylift Oy Ab,
located in Tampere, Finland. Bronto is a manufacturer of vehicle-mounted aerial
access platforms for fire rescue and heavy duty industrial markets. The
acquisition offers an excellent fit with Emergency One as both companies expand
their worldwide product offering.

      In December 1991, Emergency One acquired for cash, Superior Emergency
Vehicles, Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor of a full range of fire truck
bodies primarily for the Canadian market. In addition to increased manufacturing
capacity, the acquisition of Superior Emergency Vehicles, Ltd. provides greater
access to the Canadian market.

      Elgin Sweeper Company is the leading manufacturer in the United States of
self-propelled street cleaning vehicles. Utilizing three basic cleaning methods
(mechanical sweeping, vacuuming and recirculating air), Elgin's products are
primarily designed for large-scale cleaning of curbed streets and other paved
surfaces.

      In June 1994, the Registrant acquired the principal operating assets and
assumed the principal operating liabilities of Peabody Myers Corporation
("Vactor") for cash. Vactor Manufacturing, Inc. is an Illinois-based
manufacturer of municipal combination catch basin/sewer cleaning vacuum trucks.
This acquisition provides a significant expansion of the Registrant's offering
of municipal equipment and enhances the domestic and international dealer
networks of both Elgin Sweeper and Vactor.

      In March 1993, Elgin Sweeper Company acquired, principally for cash, all
of the outstanding shares of Guzzler Manufacturing, Inc. Guzzler is an Alabama-
based manufacturer and marketer of waste removal vehicles, using vacuum
technology, for worldwide industrial and environmental markets. The acquisition
of Guzzler Manufacturing, Inc. complemented Elgin Sweeper Company's product
distribution and provided for increased exposure to the industrial marketplace
for both Elgin and Guzzler.



                                                          -6-

<PAGE>



      Ravo International, a Netherlands-based street sweeper manufacturer, is a
leading European manufacturer and marketer of self-propelled street and sewer
cleaning vehicles. Utilizing the vacuuming cleaning method, Ravo's products are
primarily designed for cleaning of curbed streets and other paved surfaces.

      All of the Vehicle Group companies also sell accessories and replacement
parts for their products. Ravo International also provides after-market service
and support for its products in the Netherlands.

      Some products and components thereof are not manufactured by Registrant
but are purchased for incorporation with products of Registrant's manufacture.

      A majority of Vehicle Group sales are made to domestic and overseas
municipalities and other governmental units. Vacuum loader vehicles produced by
Guzzler are principally sold to industrial customers. Worldwide sales are
principally conducted by domestic and international dealers, in most areas, with
some sales being made on a direct-to-user basis.

      Registrant competes with several domestic and foreign manufacturers and
due to the diversity of products offered, no meaningful estimate of either the
number of competitors or Registrant's relative position within the market can be
made, although Registrant does believe it is a major supplier within these
product lines. Registrant competes with numerous foreign manufacturers
principally in international markets.

      At December 31, 1995, the Vehicle Group backlogs were $166.7 million
compared to $180.5 million at December 31, 1994. The backlogs at December 31,
1995, included approximately $16.9 million of backlog attributable to Bronto
Skylift, which was acquired in August 1995. A substantial majority of the orders
in the backlogs at December 31, 1995 are reasonably expected to be filled within
the current fiscal year. Approximately $6.4 million of the backlogs at December
31, 1995 and $24.0 million of the backlogs at December 31, 1994 represent the
remaining funded portion of a subcontract to build P-23 airport rescue and fire
fighting vehicles for the U.S. Air Force. Production of vehicles under this
subcontract is expected to be completed in 1996.

Additional Information

      Registrant's sources and availability of materials and components are not
materially dependent upon either a single vendor or very few vendors.

      Registrant owns a number of patents and possesses rights under others to
which it attaches importance, but does not believe that its business as a whole
is materially dependent upon any such patents or rights. Registrant also owns a
number of trademarks which it believes are important in connection with the
identification of its products and associated goodwill with customers, but no
material part of Registrant's business is dependent on such trademarks.

      Registrant's business is not materially dependent upon research activities
relating to the development of new products or services or the improvement of
existing products and services, but such activities are of importance as to some
of Registrant's products. Expenditures for research and development by the
Registrant were approximately $7.0 million in 1995, $7.0 million in 1994 and
$5.6 million in 1993.

      Note M - Segment Information, presented in the Registrant's Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 17, 1996,
contains


                                                          -7-

<PAGE>



information concerning the Registrant's foreign sales, export sales and
operations by geographic area, and is incorporated herein by reference.

      Certain of the Registrant's businesses are susceptible to the influences
of seasonal buying or delivery patterns. The Registrant's businesses which tend
to have lower sales in the first calendar quarter compared to other quarters as
a result of these influences are signage, street sweeping, outdoor warning,
other municipal emergency signal products, parking systems and aerial access
platform manufacturing operations.

      No material part of the business of Registrant is dependent either upon a
single customer or very few customers. The Registrant is in substantial
compliance with federal, state and local provisions which have been enacted or
adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise
relating to the protection of the environment. These provisions have had no
material adverse impact upon capital expenditures, earnings or competitive
position of the Registrant and its subsidiaries. The Registrant employed 6,015
people in ongoing businesses at the close of 1995. The Registrant believes
relations with its employees have been satisfactory.

Item 2.           Properties.

      As of March 1, 1996, the Registrant utilized twenty-nine principal
manufacturing plants located primarily throughout North America, as well as ten
in Europe and one in the Far East. In addition, there were thirty-six sales and
service/warehouse sites, with thirty-three being domestically based and three
located overseas. About half of the manufacturing plants are owned, whereas all
the sales and service/warehouse sites are leased.

      In total, the Registrant devoted approximately 1,585,000 square feet to
manufacturing and 955,000 square feet to service, warehousing and office space,
as of March 1, 1996. Of the total square footage, approximately 30% is devoted
to the Safety Products Group, 14% to the Sign Group, 11% to the Tool Group and
45% to the Vehicle Group. Approximately 61% of the total square footage is owned
by the Registrant, with the remaining 39% being leased.

      All of the Registrant's properties, as well as the related machinery and
equipment, are considered to be well-maintained, suitable and adequate for their
intended purposes. In the aggregate, these facilities are of sufficient capacity
for the Registrant's current business needs.

      Capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993
were $15.7 million, $11.1 million, and $10.1 million, respectively. Registrant
anticipates total capital expenditures in 1996 will be approximately 30% to 50%
greater than 1995 amounts.

Item 3.           Legal Proceedings.

      The Registrant is subject to various claims, other pending and possible
legal actions for product liability and other damages and other matters arising
out of the conduct of the Registrant's business. The Registrant believes, based
on current knowledge and after consultation with counsel, that the outcome of
such claims and actions will not have a material adverse effect on the
Registrant's consolidated financial position or the results of operations.

      On December 29, 1995, the company settled a lawsuit with Duravision, Inc.
and Manufacturers Product Research Group of North America, Inc. for
$6.7 million.


                                                          -8-

<PAGE>



As a result of the settlement, the company recorded a net after-tax charge to
income of $4.2 million, or $.09 per share. The charge, included in other income
and expense, was recorded in the fourth quarter of 1995. The resolution of this
case will have no effect on the company's future operating performance as it
involved a discontinued product line. The company is actively seeking recoveries
from its original trial counsel.

Item 4.           Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

      No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders through the
solicitation of proxies or otherwise during the three months ended December 31,
1995.

                                     PART II

Item 5.           Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Security
                  Holder Matters.

      Federal Signal Corporation's Common Stock is listed and traded on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol FSS. Market price range and dividend per
share data listed in Note N - Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited) contained in
the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be
held on April 17, 1996 is incorporated herein by reference. As of March 1, 1996,
there were 5,450 holders of record of the Registrant's common stock.

      Certain long-term debt agreements impose restrictions on Registrant's
ability to pay cash dividends on its common stock. All of the retained earnings
at December 31, 1995, were free of any restrictions.

Item 6.           Selected Financial Data.

      Selected Financial Data contained in the Registrant's Proxy Statement for
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 17, 1996 is incorporated
herein by reference.

Item 7.           Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
                  and Results of Operations.

      The Financial Review sections "Consolidated Results of Operations," "Group
Operations," "Financial Services Activities," and "Financial Position and Cash
Flow" contained in the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on April 17, 1996 are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8.           Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

      The consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes of the
Registrant and the report of the independent auditors set forth in the
Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held
on April 17, 1996 are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.           Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
                  and Financial Disclosure.

      None.




                                                          -9-

<PAGE>



                                    PART III

Item 10.          Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

      The information under the caption "Election of Directors" contained in the
Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held
on April 17, 1996 is incorporated herein by reference.

      The following is a list of the Registrant's executive officers, their
ages, their business experience and their positions and offices as of March 1,
1996:

      Joseph J. Ross, age 50, was elected Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer in February, 1990. Previously he served as President and Chief
Executive Officer since December 1987 and as Chief Operating Officer since July
1986.

      John A. DeLeonardis, age 48, was elected Vice President-Taxes in January
1992. He first joined the company as Director of Tax in November 1986.

      Henry L. Dykema, age 56, joined the Registrant as Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer in January 1995.  Mr. Dykema was self-employed from September
1993 to December 1994 and served as Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial
Officer of Kennametal, Inc. from October 1989 to August 1993.

      Robert W. Racic, age 47, was elected Vice President and Treasurer in April
1984.

      Richard L. Ritz, age 42, was elected Vice President and Controller in
January 1991. He was appointed Controller effective November 1985.

      Kim A. Wehrenberg, age 44, was elected Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary effective October 1986.

      These officers hold office until the next annual meeting of the Board of
Directors following their election and until their successors shall have been
elected and qualified.

      There are no family relationships among any of the foregoing executive
officers.

Item 11.          Executive Compensation.

      The information contained under the caption "Executive Compensation" of
Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held
April 17, 1996 is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.          Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
                  and Management.

      The information contained under the caption "Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners" of Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held April 17, 1996 is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.          Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

      The information contained under the caption "Executive Compensation" of
Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held
April 17, 1996 is incorporated herein by reference.


                                                          -10-

<PAGE>



                                     PART IV

Item 14.          Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports
                  on Form 8-K.

(a)1.        Financial Statements

             The following consolidated financial statements of Federal Signal
             Corporation and Subsidiaries included in the Registrant's Proxy
             Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on
             April 17, 1996 are filed as a part of this report and are
             incorporated by reference in Item 8:

                   Consolidated Balance Sheets -- December 31, 1995 and 1994

                   Consolidated Statements of Income -- Years ended December 31,
                    1995, 1994 and 1993

                   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Years ended December
                    31, 1995, 1994 and 1993

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   2.        Financial Statement Schedules

             The following consolidated financial statement schedule of Federal
             Signal Corporation and Subsidiaries, for the three years ended
             December 31, 1995, is filed as a part of this report in response to
             Item 14(d):

                   Schedule II -- Valuation and qualifying accounts

             All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable
             accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
             are not required under the related instructions or are
             inapplicable, and therefore, have been omitted.

   3.        Exhibits

            3.   a.      Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant and
                         Certificate of Amendment, filed as Exhibit (3)(a) to
                         Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                         1991, is incorporated herein by reference.

                 b.      By-laws of Registrant, filed as Exhibit (3)(b) to
                         Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                         1991, is incorporated herein by reference.

            4.   a.      Rights Agreement, filed as Exhibit (4)(a) to
                         Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                         1993, is incorporated herein by reference.

                 b.      The Registrant has no long-term debt agreements for
                         which the related outstanding debt exceeds 10% of
                         consolidated total assets as of December 31, 1995.
                         Copies of debt instruments for which the related debt
                         is less than 10% of consolidated total assets will be
                         furnished to the Commission upon request.



                                                          -11-

<PAGE>



           10.   a.      1988 Stock Benefit Plan, filed as Exhibit (10)(a) to
                         Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                         1991, is incorporated herein by reference.

                 b.      Corporate Management Incentive Bonus Plan, filed as
                         Exhibit (10)(b) to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year
                         ended December 31, 1994, is incorporated herein by
                         reference.

                 c.      Supplemental Pension Plan.

                 d.      Executive Disability, Survivor and Retirement Plan.

                 e.      Supplemental Savings and Investment Plan, filed as
                         Exhibit (10)(f) to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year
                         ended December 31, 1993, is incorporated herein by
                         reference.

                 f.      Employment Agreement with Joseph J. Ross, filed as
                         Exhibit (10)(g) to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year
                         ended December 31, 1994, is incorporated herein by
                         reference.

                 g.      Change of Control Agreement with Kim A. Wehrenberg,
                         filed as Exhibit (10)(h) to Registrant's Form 10-K for
                         the year ended December 31, 1994, is incorporated
                         herein by reference.

                 h.      Director Deferred Compensation Plan, filed as Exhibit
                         (10)(j) to Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended
                         December 31, 1992, is incorporated herein by reference.

                 i.      Director Retirement Plan, filed as Exhibit (10)(k) to
                         Registrant's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
                         1992, is incorporated herein by reference.

           11.   Computation of net income per common share

           13.   1995 Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to
                 be held April 17, 1996. Such report, except for those portions
                 thereof which are expressly incorporated by reference in this
                 Form 10-K, is furnished for the information of the Commission
                 only and is not to be deemed "filed" as part of this filing.

           21.   Subsidiaries of the Registrant

           23.   Consent of Independent Auditors

           27.   Financial Data Schedule

(b)    Reports on Form 8-K

       No reports on Form 8-K were filed for the three months ended December 31,
       1995.

(c) and (d)

       The response to this portion of Item 14 is being submitted as a separate
       section of this report.


                                                          -12-

<PAGE>



Other Matters

       For the purposes of complying with the amendments to the rules governing
Form S-8 (effective July 13, 1990) under the Securities Act of 1933, the
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes as follows, which undertaking shall be
incorporated by reference into Registrant's Registration Statements on Form S-8
Nos. 33-12876, 33-22311, 33-38494, 33-41721 and 33-49476, dated April 14, 1987,
June 26, 1988, December 28, 1990, July 15, 1991 and June 9, 1992, respectively:

       Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
       Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
       persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, 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 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
       event that a claim for 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 precedent, submit to a
       court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
       indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act
       and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.



                                                          -13-

<PAGE>






                                   Signatures


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




                      FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION

                      By:    Joseph J. Ross  March 27, 1996
                           Chairman, President, Chief Executive
                                 Officer and Director



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below, on March 27, 1996, by the following persons on behalf of
the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.




      Henry L. Dykema                               Walter R. Peirson
  Vice President and Chief                              Director
      Financial Officer


      Richard L. Ritz                               J. Patrick Lannan, Jr.
 Vice President and Controller                          Director


                                                    James A. Lovell, Jr.
                                                        Director


                                                    Thomas N. McGowen, Jr.
                                                        Director

                                                    Richard R. Thomas
                                                        Director



                                                          -14-

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
                                                                                                 SCHEDULE II



                                             FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                                                  Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

                                        For the Years Ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993

<CAPTION>


                                                                                                 Deductions
                                                                              Additions           Accounts
                                                         Balance at           Charged to         written off   Balance
                                                         beginning            costs and            net of      at end
         Description                                      of year              expenses          recoveries    of year
<S>                                                      <C>                  <C>                <C>           <C>

Year ended December 31, 1995:

  Deducted from asset accounts:

    Allowance for doubtful accounts
      Manufacturing activities                           $2,848,000                                             $3,058,000
      Financial service activities                        1,174,000                                              1,124,000
                                                         ----------                                              ----------

  Total                                                  $4,022,000           $1,716,000         $ 1,556,000    $4,182,000



Year ended December 31, 1994:

  Deducted from asset accounts:

    Allowance for doubtful accounts
      Manufacturing activities                           $2,215,000                                             $2,848,000
      Financial service activities                          976,000                                              1,174,000
                                                         ----------                                             ----------

  Total                                                  $3,191,000           $1,809,000         $  978,000     $4,022,000



Year ended December 31, 1993:

  Deducted from asset accounts:

    Allowance for doubtful accounts
      Manufacturing activities                           $1,688,000                                             $2,215,000
      Financial service activities                        1,138,000                                                976,000
                                                         ----------                                             ----------

  Total                                                  $2,826,000           $2,710,000         $2,345,000     $3,191,000



</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                                                       EXHIBIT 10.c.

                    FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
                    SUPPLEMENTAL PENSION PLAN
               FOR DESIGNATED MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES

1. Purpose. This plan is an unfunded employee benefit plan whose purpose is to
provide deferred compensation in the form of supplemental pension to those key
management employees of Federal Signal Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the
"Corporation"), as may from time to time be designated by the Board of Directors
of the Corporation.

2. Eligible Employees. The key employees eligible for supplemental pensions
under this plan shall be Karl Hoenecke, William Anthony, Robert Janowiak,
Richard Valore, G. Vern Diedrick, William Humphreys, James Morrall and John
Schwartz. The Board of Directors of the Corporation may from time to time by
resolution designate other employees of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the
Corporation who shall be eligible for supplemental pensions under this plan.

3.  Pension Upon Retirement At Age 65.  The monthly amount of the
supplemental pension payable for life to an eligible employee if his
employment terminates on or after his 65th birthday shall be equal to the
excess, if any, of

    A.     50% of his average monthly compensation less 50% of his primary
           social security benefit, over

    B.     the monthly amount of the normal retirement benefit to which the
           employee is entitled under the Federal Signal Corporation Retirement
           Plan for Salaried Employees, as amended and in effect as of January
           1, 1976 (the "Qualified Retirement Plan") in the form of a pension
           for life (exclusive of the portion of such amount, if any, derived
           from employee contributions).

The terms "average monthly compensation," "primary social security benefit" and
other terms underlined in this plan shall have the meanings set forth in the
Qualified Retirement Plan.

4. Termination Of Employment Before Age 65. If the employment of an employee
otherwise eligible for a supplemental pension terminates before his 65th
birthday for any reason except his death, his right to and the amount of his
supplemental pension shall be determined in accordance with this paragraph.

    A.     No such employee shall receive a supplemental pension unless he has
           completed 5 years of continuous service prior to the termination
           of employment.

    B.     If such an employee has completed 5 years or more of continuous
           service, he shall be entitled to a supplemental pension for life
           commencing on his normal retirement date equal to the employee's
           vested percentage, as defined below, multiplied by the excess, if
           any, of

           (I)        50 of his average monthly compensation less 50% of his
                      primary social security benefit multiplied by a fraction
                      the numerator of which is 30 years less the number of
                      years (computed to the nearest whole month) between the
                      date of


<PAGE>



                      his termination of employment and his normal retirement
                      date and the denominator of which is 30 years, over

           (ii)       the monthly amount of the accrued retirement benefits
                      (both vested and nonvested) to which the employee would be
                      entitled under the Qualified Retirement Plan in the form
                      of a pension for life commencing on his normal retirement
                      date (exclusive of the portion of such amount, if any,
                      derived from employee contributions).

If an employee eligible for a supplemental pension elects to have his benefits
under the Qualified Retirement Plan commence before age 65, his supplemental
pension shall commence on the same date as his benefits under the Qualified
Retirement Plan and shall be reduced in the same manner.

    C.     The vested percentage of an employee shall be the percentage in the
           following table corresponding to his number of years of continuous
           service upon termination of employment:

                 Years Of                                       Vested
           Continuous Service                                Percentage
            less than 5 years                                 no vesting
                 5 years                                      25%
                 6 years                                      40%
                 7 years                                      55%
                 8 years                                      70%
                 9 years                                      85%
                10 years or more                             100%

5. Forms Of Pension Other Than Life Pension. If the benefits under the Qualified
Retirement Plan of an employee eligible for a supplemental pension are payable
in a form other than a pension for life, his supplemental pension shall be
payable in the same form as his benefits under the Qualified Retirement Plan and
shall be reduced in the same manner.

6. Supplemental Survivor Pension. If the employment of an employee, otherwise
eligible for a supplemental pension, terminates by reason of death and has
completed at least 5 years of continuous service on the date of his death and is
survived by a spouse from whom he is not divorced, the surviving spouse shall
receive a supplemental survivor pension determined as follows:

    A.     If the employee died on or after age 60, the supplemental survivor
           pension will be equal to 100% of the reduced supplemental pension to
           which the employee would have been entitled under this plan if he had
           retired on the day before his death and his supplemental pension had
           been payable in the form of a 100% joint and survivor annuity,
           commencing immediately thereafter.

    B.     If the employee died on or after age 55 and before age 60, the
           supplemental survivor pension will be equal to 66-2/3% of the reduced
           supplemental pension to which the employee would have been entitled
           under this plan if he had retired on the day before his death and his
           supplemental pension had been payable in the form of a 66-2/3% joint
           and survivor annuity, commencing immediately thereafter.

    C.     If the employee died before age 55, the supplemental survivor


<PAGE>



           pension will be equal to 50% of the reduced supplemental pension to
           which the employee would have been entitled if the early retirement
           could have occurred under the Qualified Retirement Plan (and
           hereunder) on his date of death and his supplemental pension had been
           payable in the form of a 50% joint and survivor annuity under the
           same assumptions as set forth in paragraph B above.

No supplemental survivor pension shall be payable in respect to an employee
whose death occurs before he has completed 5 years of continuous service.

7.  Financing The Supplemental Pensions.  The supplemental pensions
provided in this plan shall be payable from the general assets of the
Corporation.

8. Termination Of Qualified Retirement Plan. If the Qualified Retirement Plan is
terminated, no further supplemental pensions shall accrue under this plan and
the amount of the accrued supplemental pension to which an employee is entitled
under this plan shall be determined as if his employment had terminated on the
date the Qualified Retirement Plan terminated. The actuarial value of the
accrued supplemental pension of an employee shall be determined as of the date
of termination of the Qualified Retirement Plan in a manner consistent with the
manner of determining the actuarial liabilities under the Qualified Retirement
Plan and may be paid in such manner and at such time as the Board of Directors
of the Corporation may determine in satisfaction of all rights of the employee
and his surviving spouse under this plan. Supplemental pensions payable pursuant
to this plan shall in no event be increased by reason of the fact that the
assets of the Qualified Retirement Plan may be insufficient to pay all benefits
accrued under that plan upon termination thereof.

9. Amendment Of Qualified Retirement Plan. The benefits hereunder shall be based
on the Qualified Retirement Plan as amended and in effect as of January 1, 1976,
and no amendment to the Qualified Retirement Plan effective after such date,
whether increasing or decreasing the benefits thereunder, shall affect the
amount of the supplemental pension payable pursuant to this plan.

10.  Loss Of Supplemental Benefits For Cause.  Notwithstanding any other
provision of this plan:

    A.     If an employee, otherwise eligible for a supplemental pension
           hereunder is discharged because of embezzlement, fraud, dishonesty,
           conviction of a felony, or any wilful act or omission detrimental
           to the interest of the Corporation, as determined by the Board of
           Directors of the Corporation, or if it is discovered after
           termination of employment that any such employee was guilty of any
           of the acts or omissions described above, neither he nor any person
           claiming through him shall be entitled to a supplemental pension
           or other benefit hereunder, and any supplemental pension or other
           benefit which commenced prior to the discovery of such act or
           omission shall forthwith be discontinued.

    B.     If an employee otherwise eligible for a supplemental pension
           hereunder

           (I)        shall, within one year following the termination of his
                      employment with the Corporation, become employed by or


<PAGE>



                      renders services to any corporation, partnership or other
                      person which is determined by the Board of Directors of
                      the Corporation to be a competitor of the Corporation or
                      any subsidiary of the Corporation, and such employee shall
                      continue to be employed by or to render services to such
                      corporation, partnership or other person for 30 days or
                      more after the Corporation gives written notice to such
                      employee of such determination by the Board of Directors
                      and the tenor of this paragraph 10(B);, or,

           (ii)       shall at any time make use of or divulge to any
                      corporation, partnership or other person determined by the
                      Board of Directors to be a competitor of the Corporation
                      or any subsidiary of the Corporation, any trade secrets of
                      the Corporation or other proprietary or confidential
                      information acquired in the course of his employment with
                      the Corporation, then neither such employee nor any person
                      claiming through him shall be entitled to a supplemental
                      pension or other benefit hereunder, and any supplemental
                      pension or other benefit theretofore commenced shall
                      forthwith be discontinued.

11. Amendment. The Board of Directors of the Corporation reserves the right to
amend this plan at any time and from time to time provided, however, that no
such amendment shall have the effect of diminishing the benefits payable
hereunder in respect of any eligible employee without the consent of such
employee.

12. Administration. This plan shall be administered by the Board of Directors of
the Corporation, which shall be authorized to interpret the plan to adopt rules
and practices concerning the administration of the same, to resolve questions
concerning the eligibility for and amount of benefits under the plan, and to
delegate all or any portion of its authority hereunder to designated officers or
employees of the Corporation.

13.  Effective Date.  This plan shall be effective as of January 1, 1976.



                                     Approved
                                    E.A. Carter 

                     Chairman - Executive Compensation Committee



<PAGE>



                                    Resolution Relating to Amendment to
                                         Supplemental Pension Plan

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors hereby modifies the Supplemental
Pension Plan for designated management employees to be effective July 1, 1981.

If Federal Signal Corporation is acquired by any other person or if 50% or more
of the outstanding voting securities of Federal Signal Corporation are acquired
by any other person, all participants shall be 100% vested in the full pension
benefit described in paragraph 3(A), reduced by the vested portion of the
accrued benefit described in paragraph 3(B). In the event a plan participant
terminates for any reason, subject to the provisions in section 10, subsequent
to an acquisition of Federal Signal Corporation or if 50% or more of the
outstanding voting securities of Federal Signal Corporation are acquired by any
other person, the participant's legal spouse, from whom he is not divorced,
shall have surviving spouse benefit in the full pension benefit described in
paragraph 3(A), reduced by the vested portion of the accrued benefit described
in paragraph 3(B). Should the plan participant die before electing a benefit
under the supplemental plan, the surviving spouse shall receive a supplemental
survivor pension determined as follows:

A.  If the employee terminated on or after age 60, the supplemental survivor
    pension will be equal to 100% of the reduced supplemental pension to which
    the employee would have been entitled under this plan if he had retired on
    the day before his termination and his supplemental pension had been payable
    in the form of a 100% joint and survivor annuity, commencing immediately
    after his death.

B.  If the employee terminated on or after age 55 and before age 60, the
    supplemental survivor pension will be equal to 66-2/3% of the reduced
    supplemental pension to which the employee would have been entitled under
    this plan if he had retired on the day before his termination and his
    supplemental pension had been payable in the form of a 66-2/3% joint and
    survivor annuity, commencing immediately after his death.

C.  If the employee terminated before age 55, the supplemental survivor
    pension will be equal to 50% of the reduced supplemental pension
    to which the employee would have been entitled if the early
    retirement could have occurred under the Qualified Retirement Plan
    (and hereunder) on his date of termination and his supplemental
    pension had been payable in the form of a 50% joint and survivor
    annuity under the same assumptions as set forth in paragraph B
    above.

No supplemental survivor pension shall be payable in respect of an employee
whose termination occurs before he has completed five years of continuous
service.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors hereby modifies the Supplemental
Pension Plan for designated management employees to be effective July 1, 1981.



<PAGE>



                              Automatic Post-Retirement (Joint and Survivor)
                                        Surviving Spouse Benefits.

A.  Eligibility and Conditions.  In lieu of the monthly normal
    --------------------------
    retirement benefit otherwise payable under section 5, a married
    member who retires or terminates and is eligible for a retirement
    benefit under this plan shall be deemed to have elected
    automatically a reduced amount of monthly retirement benefit
    payable to him with the provision that if his spouse (to whom he
    is then married) shall be living at the effective date of the
    election and also at his death, a surviving spouse benefit shall
    be payable to such spouse.  Such automatic election is subject to
    the following conditions:

    (1)    The automatic election provided in this section shall have an
           effective date of the first to occur of the member's retirement date
           or his normal retirement age.

    (2)    A member may prevent the automatic election provided in this section
           only by executing a specific written rejection of such automatic
           election on a form approved by the Administration Committee of the
           Qualified Retirement Plan and filing it with that committee prior to
           the effective date of the election specified in (1) above or such
           later date as shall be required by regulations under the act
           prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury in accordance with rules
           adopted by the committee and prior to the said effective date or
           later date shall be revocable by the member in writing.

B.  Amount of Benefits.

    (1)    For a member who is deemed to have made the automatic election
           pursuant to this section (and who does not reject it as provided in
           paragraph A(2) above) the reduced amount of his monthly retirement
           benefit, referred to in paragraph A above, shall be the actuarial
           equivalent of the retirement benefit, otherwise payable to the
           member, giving effect to the increased costs of the automatic
           election.

    (2)    The surviving spouse benefit payable to the surviving spouse of a
           member who is deemed to have made an automatic election pursuant to
           this section and who dies after such election becomes effective,
           shall be a monthly benefit equal to 50% of the reduced amount of such
           member's monthly retirement benefit as determined in paragraph B1
           above.

C.  Commencement and Duration.  The monthly surviving spouse's benefit
    shall be payable to the spouse for life beginning as of the first
    day of the calendar month coincident with or next following the
    member's death.

D.  Election Period and Information to Members.  Within a reasonable
    ------------------------------------------
    time, at least 90 days prior to a member's benefit commencement
    date, the committee shall give each member written notice in
    nontechnical terms of the form in which his retirement benefit
    shall be payable and of the relative financial effect of the
    member's rejection of the automatic election provided herein.  Such
    notice shall advise the member that he may receive his retirement
    benefit in the normal form by giving written notice of rejection


<PAGE>



    to the committee prior to his benefit commencement date and also that he may
    request additional information concerning the direct financial effect for
    him of the automatic election or the rejection thereof. In the event that
    such additional information is requested, the election period shall be
    extended for 90 days.

E.  Determination of Marital Status.

    (1)    Each member shall execute and deliver to the committee a written
           statement of his marital status and, upon request by the committee,
           provide such additional information and evidence as the committee may
           reasonably request concerning his marital status, the identity and
           birth date of his spouse and other related matters. If there is any
           change in the marital status of a member after the date upon which
           such statement or additional evidence or information is furnished to
           the committee, the member shall promptly notify the committee in
           writing of such change in marital status.

    (2)    In the event a member has made no written statement of his marital
           status or if such statement for any reason no longer is effective,
           the committee shall determine, as of the benefit commencement date,
           the marital status of the member; such determination shall be based
           on the statements, information, evidence and notices theretofore
           furnished by the member to the committee and upon any other
           information or evidence available to the committee.



<PAGE>


                                            Amendment Number 3
                                   To The Supplemental Pension Plan For
                                    Designated Management Employees Of
                                        Federal Signal Corporation
                             (as amended and in effect as of January 1, 1976)


Paragraph 5 of the Supplemental Pension Plan For Designated Management Employees
of Federal Signal Corporation (as amended and in effect as of January 1, 1976)
is hereby amended January 1, 1983 by deleting paragraph 5 in its entirety and
inserting the following new paragraph 5.

        5. Forms of Pension Other Than Life Pension. The benefits payable under
        the Supplemental Pension Plan can be paid to an eligible employee in any
        form offered to the eligible employee by the Qualified Retirement Plan.
        The form selected under the Supplemental Pension Plan may differ from
        the form selected under the Qualified Retirement Plan, however, payments
        under both plans must commence on the same date. If a form selected
        under the Supplemental Pension Plan is one other than a single-life
        annuity, payments of the supplemental benefit will be determined as
        though paid under the provisions of the Qualified Retirement Plan.

Dated this 20th day of May, 1983.


CORPORATE SEAL
<PAGE>

                                                         EXHIBIT 10.d.

           SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT SURVIVOR AND DISABILITY PLAN
               FOR KEY EMPLOYEES OF FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION

1. Purpose. This plan is an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan
providing retirement, survivor and disability benefits to those key management
employees of Federal Signal Corporation (the "Corporation") and its affiliated
corporation ("affiliates") who shall from time to time be designated as
participants by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the
Corporation (the "Compensation Committee").

2.  Participants.

    A.     The key employees eligible to participate in this plan are
           classified into two groups and are as follows:

           Group I             Karl F. Hoenecke
                               Robert L. Bleicher
                               C. Vern Diedrick
                               Robert M. Janowiak
                               John F. Schwartz

           Group II            Thomas E. Burke
                               Eugene N. Cellentani
                               Charles J. Dockery
                               Ronald Ewers
                               Robert H. Freebeck
                               Suresh H. Gajwani
                               James W. Morrall
                               Paul C. Piro
                               Robert W. Racic
                               Robert C. Stolmeier
                               Richard R. Thomas
                               Robert S. Wormser

An employee eligible to participate in the plan shall become a participant upon
receipt of the notification provided in section 4(G) below.

    B.     The Compensation Committee may in its discretion transfer a
           participant from Group II to Group I or may add participants to
           either Group I or Group II. Any such transfer or addition of a
           participant shall, however, be made prior to the participant's 55th
           birthday.

3.  Eligibility For Benefits.

    A.     Retirement Benefit.  Each Group I participant shall be eligible for
           a retirement benefit if his employment terminates

           (I)        by reason of retirement at or after age 65

           (ii)       by reason of early retirement at or after age 55 or

           (iii)      at the request or with the approval of the Compensation
                      Committee prior to age 55. Group II participants shall not
                      be eligible for retirement benefits under this plan.



<PAGE>



    B.     Survivor Benefit.  Except as provided in the Suicide Clause
           (section 14 below), each Group I and Group II participant shall be
           eligible for a survivor benefit if his employment with the
           Corporation or an affiliate of the Corporation terminates by reason
           of his death, regardless of his age or years of service on the date
           of death.  In addition, each Group II participant shall be eligible
           for a survivor benefit if his employment with the Corporation
           terminates by reason of

           (I)        retirement at or after age 65 or

           (ii)       early retirement at or after age 55 with the approval of
                      the Compensation Committee and such participant thereafter
                      dies without having received a disability benefit under
                      this plan.

    C.     Disability Benefit.  Each Group I and Group II participant shall
           be eligible for a disability benefit if his employment terminates
           by reason of disability, regardless of his age or years of service
           when the disability commences.  For purposes of this plan, a
           participant is disabled if he is unable to engage in gainful
           employment consistent with his status as an employee of the
           Corporation or an affiliate immediately prior to the commencement
           of the disability, as determined by the Plan Administration
           Committee.

    D.     No Double Benefit.  Notwithstanding the foregoing eligibility
           provisions, if a participant becomes eligible for any disability
           or retirement benefit under this plan, he shall not thereafter be
           eligible for any survivor benefit under the plan.  The rights of
           his beneficiary or beneficiaries upon his death shall be solely to
           receive installments of the disability or retirement benefit
           remaining unpaid at his death.  No person shall be eligible for
           both a retirement benefit and a disability benefit under this plan.
           In the event the circumstances of a Group I participant's
           termination of employment are such as to render him eligible for
           both a retirement benefit and a disability benefit, he shall be
           entitled to the larger of the two benefits.

4.  Amount And Duration Of Benefits.

    A.     General.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this plan, the
           Corporation shall pay to a participant or to his designated death
           beneficiary an annual sum determined pursuant to the plan for a
           term of years immediately following the death or disability of the
           participant or, in the case of a Group I participant, following the
           participant's retirement.

    B.     Survivor and Disability Benefits.  The annual sum payable to or in
           respect of a Group I or Group II participant eligible for survivor
           or disability benefits shall be 20% of the participant's
           compensation base provided that such annual sum shall not exceed
           the maximum amount designated by the Compensation Committee in
           respect of such participant pursuant to section 4(G) below.  The
           compensation base for this benefit shall be the higher of

           (I)        the participant's total cash compensation from the
                      Corporation and its affiliates, as reported on form W-2,


<PAGE>



                      for the 12-month period preceding the participant's death
                      or the onset of his disability, as the case may be, or

           (ii)       the participant's final average compensation determined as
                      set forth below.

    C.     Retirement Benefit.  The annual sum payable to or in respect of a
           Group I participant who retires on or after his 65th birthday shall
           be the higher of:

           (I)        20% of the participant's total cash compensation from the
                      Corporation and its affiliates as reported on form W-2 for
                      the 12-month period preceding retirement, or

           (ii)       55% of the participant's final average compensation,
                      determined as set forth below, less the sum of

                      a. the aggregate annual amount of the age 65 retirement
                         benefit under the Federal Signal Corporation
                         Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees and each other
                         qualified pension or profit sharing plan maintained by
                         the Corporation or any of its affiliates (except that
                         the benefit, if any, payable to the participant under
                         the Federal Signal Corporation Savings and Investment
                         Plan for Salaried Employees shall not be included in
                         determining such age 65 retirement benefit) and

                      b. the annual amount of the age 65 retirement benefit of
                         the participant under the Federal Signal Corporation
                         Supplemental Pension Plan for Designated Management
                         Employees provided, however, that the annual
                         retirement benefit of a participant shall not exceed
                         the maximum amount designated by the Compensation
                         Committee in respect to such participant, pursuant to
                         section 4(G) below.

The annual sum payable to or in respect of a Group I participant who retires
early in accordance with clause (ii) or (iii) of section 3(A) of this plan shall
be the amount determined above reduced by one quarter of 1% for each month and
portion thereof by which the participant's early retirement date occurs after
his 55th birthday but precedes his 65th birthday; and, with the approval of the
Compensation Committee, further reduced by an amount up to 1% for each month and
portion thereof by which the participant's early retirement date precedes his
55th birthday. The "age 65 retirement benefit" of a participant shall be
computed in accordance with the plan under which the benefit was earned and
shall be the amount of accrued benefit, whether or not vested, payable as an
annuity for life (or, if the participant is married, as a joint and 50% survivor
annuity in favor of the participant's spouse) commencing at age 65, based on the
participant's compensation and years of service on his actual retirement date.

    D.     Final Average Compensation.  The final average compensation of a
           participant shall be the average annual cash compensation paid to
           the participant by the Corporation and its affiliates, as reported
           on form W-2, during the five calendar years of employment (whether
           or not consecutive) out of the last 10 years of employment which
           produce the highest such average or if the participant has less


<PAGE>



           than five years of employment during all of the participant's
           completed calendar years of employment.

    E.     Duration of Group I Benefits.  The duration of the survivor,
           disability and retirement benefits of Group I participants shall
           be 15 years following the death, disability or retirement of the
           participant, as the case may be.  In the case of disability, the
           Plan Administration Committee may, after consultation with the
           participant, extend the period of time during which payments will
           be made and, if the period is so extended, the amount of the annual
           benefit shall be reduced actuarially in accordance with reasonable
           actuarial assumptions adopted by such committee.

    F.     Duration of Group II Benefits.  The duration of survivor and
           disability benefits of Group II participants shall be 10 years
           following the death or disability of the participant.  In the case
           of disability, the Plan Administration Committee may, after
           consultation with the participant, extend the period of time during
           which payments will be made and, if the period is so extended, the
           amount of the annual benefit shall be reduced actuarially in
           accordance with reasonable actuarial assumptions adopted by such
           committee.

    G.     Limitation.  The Compensation Committee shall designate a maximum
           benefit in respect of each Group I and Group II participant and
           shall notify the participant thereof.  The maximum benefits for
           different participants need not be determined on a uniform basis,
           and the amount of any participant's maximum benefit shall be wholly
           discretionary with the Compensation Committee.  Notwithstanding any
           other provision of this plan, no person shall become a participant
           until the Compensation Committee shall have designated his maximum
           benefit and he shall have received written notification of such
           maximum benefit.  Any change in a participant's maximum benefit
           shall be deemed an amendment to the plan subject to section 9
           below, that is, such maximum benefit shall not be reduced except
           with the consent of the participant.  No benefit payable hereunder
           in respect of any participant shall exceed the maximum benefit of
           such participant as in effect at the time the benefit becomes
           payable.

5. Payments. Payment of the annual benefit to a participant or beneficiary shall
be made at such time or times during the year in one or more installments as the
Plan Administration Committee shall determine after consultation with the
participant or beneficiary. In the case of a Group I participant who is eligible
for a retirement benefit hereunder and who is also eligible for a retirement
benefit under the Federal Signal Corporation Retirement Plan for Salaried
Employees or under another qualified pension or profit sharing plan maintained
by the Corporation or any of its affiliates (other than the Federal Signal
Corporation Savings and Investment Plan for Salaried Employees), payment of the
retirement benefit under this plan shall be deferred until the year the
participant begins to receive his retirement benefit under the qualified plan or
(if earlier) until the year of the participant's death. The amount of any such
deferred benefit shall be adjusted in accordance with reasonable actuarial
assumptions adopted by the Plan Administration Committee. Amounts payable to the
estate of a participant or beneficiary shall be commuted and paid in one lump
sum unless otherwise directed by the participant or beneficiary prior to death.



<PAGE>



6. Beneficiary Designation. A participant may designate any person or persons
(including without limitation one or more trusts) as beneficiary or
beneficiaries to whom benefits under the plan are to be paid in the event of his
death. The designation shall be made in writing and filed with the Plan
Administration Committee. A beneficiary receiving payments in respect of a
participant may likewise designate any person or persons as beneficiary or
beneficiaries to whom benefits becoming payable after his death shall be paid,
unless such beneficiary is a lifetime beneficiary or the participant has
prescribed otherwise, in which case, payments following the death of the
beneficiary shall be made as directed by the participant. A participant or
beneficiary receiving payments shall have the right to change or amend any
beneficiary designation from time to time without the consent of any previously
designated beneficiary by filing a new written designation form. In default of a
designation of a beneficiary or if a designated beneficiary does not survive the
participant (or in the case of a designation by a beneficiary receiving payments
does not survive such beneficiary), the beneficiary shall be the estate of the
participant or of the beneficiary receiving payments, as the case may be.

7. Termination of Employment. Subject only to clause (iii) of section 3(A)
regarding retirement of a Group I participant with the consent of the
Corporation prior to age 55, if a participant's employment terminates for
reasons other than death or disability prior to attaining his 55th birthday,
neither the participant nor any person claiming through him shall be entitled to
a survivor, disability or retirement benefit hereunder.

8.  Loss of Benefits for Cause.  Notwithstanding any other provision of
this plan:

    A.     If a participant, otherwise eligible for a benefit hereunder, is
           discharged because of embezzlement, fraud, dishonesty, conviction
           of a felony or any wilful act or omission detrimental to the
           interest of the Corporation, as determined by the Compensation
           Committee of the Board of Directors of the Corporation or, if it
           is discovered after termination of employment that the participant
           was guilty of any of the acts or omissions described above, neither
           he nor any person claiming through him shall be entitled to a
           survivor, disability or retirement benefit hereunder, and any
           benefit which commenced prior to the discovery of such act or
           omission shall forthwith be discontinued.

    B.     If a participant otherwise eligible for a benefit hereunder

           (I)        shall, within one year following the termination of his
                      employment with the Corporation, become employed by or
                      render services to any corporation, partnership or other
                      person which is determined by the Compensation Committee
                      of the Board of Directors of the Corporation to be a
                      competitor of the Corporation or any affiliate of the
                      Corporation and such participant shall continue to be
                      employed by or to render services to such corporation,
                      partnership or other person for 30 days or more after the
                      Corporation gives written notice to such participant of
                      such determination by the Compensation Committee of the
                      Board of Directors and the tenor of this paragraph 8(B) or



<PAGE>



           (ii)       shall at any time make use of or divulge to any
                      corporation, partnership or other person determined by the
                      Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors to be a
                      competitor of the Corporation or any affiliate of the
                      Corporation, any trade secrets of the Corporation or any
                      such affiliate or other proprietary or confidential
                      information acquired in the course of his employment with
                      the Corporation or any such affiliate, then neither such
                      participant nor any person claiming through him shall be
                      entitled to a survivor, disability or retirement benefit
                      hereunder, and any benefit theretofore commenced shall
                      forthwith be discontinued.

9. Relation to Other Compensation and Benefits. The benefits payable under this
plan shall be in addition to and not in lieu of other compensation payable by
the Corporation to the participant, whether as salary, bonus, pension or
otherwise. Deferred compensation payable under this plan shall not be deemed
salary or compensation for purposes of computing benefits to which a participant
may be entitled under any pension plan or other arrangement of the Corporation
for the benefit of its employees.

10. Transfer. Except as permitted by the beneficiary designation provisions
(section 6 above), no rights of any kind under this plan shall, without the
written consent of the Corporation, be transferable or assignable by the
participant or any beneficiary or be subject to alienation, encumbrance,
garnishment, attachment, execution, levy or seizure by legal process of any
kind, voluntary or involuntary.

11.  Property Interest.  No provision of this plan shall be construed to
set aside or hold in trust any asset or property of the Corporation for
any participant or beneficiary.  The rights of a participant or
beneficiary shall be solely those of an unsecured creditor of the
Corporation.

12. Amendment. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the
Corporation shall have the power to amend this plan at any time and from time to
time provided, however, that no such amendment shall have the effect of
diminishing the benefits payable hereunder in respect of any person then
participating in or receiving benefits under this plan without the consent of
such person.

13.  Severability.  The validity or unenforceability of any provision of
this plan shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any
other provision.

14. Suicide Clause. In the event that a participant shall commit suicide within
an 18-month period following the commencement of his participation in this plan,
all benefits under this plan are forfeited and no payments shall be made to any
beneficiary or other person in respect of such participant.

15. Acquisition of the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation is
acquired by another corporation or entity or its assets are transferred to
another corporation or entity, the acquiring or successor corporation or entity
shall assume the full responsibility of fulfilling the requirements of this
plan.



<PAGE>


16. Administration. This plan shall be administered by the Plan Administration
Committee appointed by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of
the Corporation. The number of individuals from time to time serving on the Plan
Administration Committee shall be discretionary with the Compensation Committee,
and any individual designated to serve on the Plan Administration Committee
shall serve thereon at the pleasure of the Compensation Committee. The Plan
Administration Committee is authorized to interpret the plan, adopt rules and
practices concerning the administration of the same, establish a claim procedure
and resolve questions concerning the eligibility for and amount of benefits
under the plan.

17.  Effective Date.  This plan shall be effective as of August 1, 1979. 

                                           Compensation Committee of
                                             The Board of Directors -
                                            Federal Signal Corporation

                                                J. Allan Sheehan
                                                    Chairman

                                                Thomas N. McGowen
                                                Karl F. Hoenecke
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
                                                                                                EXHIBIT 11
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    Computation of Income Per Common Share

Income per common share was computed by dividing income by the weighted average
number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during each year. The
treasury stock method was applied to those stock options that would have a
dilutive effect on income per share. The average market price of the
Registrant's stock was used in determining income per common share, while the
year-end market price (if greater than the average market price) was used in
determining income per common share - assuming full dilution.

The weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares used in these
computations were:


<CAPTION>
       Income Per Common Share                                          1995              1994             1993
- ------------------------------------                                    ----              ----             ----
(in thousands except per share data)

<S>                                                                    <C>               <C>              <C>   
Weighted average shares outstanding                                    45,313            45,458           45,738
Effect of dilutive options                                                546               499              555
                                                                       ------            ------           ------


      Total                                                            45,859            45,957           46,293
                                                                       ======            ======           ======

Net income                                                            $51,610           $46,770          $39,780
                                                                       ======            ======           ======

Net income per share                                                  $  1.13           $  1.02          $   .86
                                                                       ======            ======           ======


       Assuming Full Dilution
(in thousands except per share data)

Weighted average shares outstanding                                    45,313            45,458           45,738
Effect of dilutive options                                                665               515              555
                                                                       ------            ------           ------

      Total                                                            45,978            45,973           46,293
                                                                       ======            ======           ======

Net income                                                            $51,610           $46,770          $39,780
                                                                       ======            ======           ======

Net income per share                                                  $  1.12           $  1.02          $   .86
                                                                       ======            ======           ======
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

 
                              FEDERAL SIGNAL LOGO
                             1415 West 22nd Street
                           Oak Brook, Illinois 60521
 
                    NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
                          TO BE HELD ON APRIL 17, 1996
 
To the Stockholders of
  Federal Signal Corporation
 
     The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Federal Signal Corporation
("Federal") for the year 1996 will be held at the Chicago Marriott Hotel-Oak
Brook, 1401 West 22nd Street, Oak Brook, Illinois, on Wednesday, April 17, 1996,
at 11:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
 
          1. To elect two directors of Federal;
 
          2. To consider and act on a proposal to approve the Federal Signal
     Corporation Stock Benefit Plan as more fully described in the accompanying
     proxy statement; and
 
          3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
     meeting or any adjournment thereof.
 
     The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business, February 20, 1996,
as the record date for determining the holders of Common Stock of Federal
entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
 
     A copy of Federal's Financial Statements and its Annual Report for the year
ended December 31, 1995 and a Proxy Statement accompany this notice.
 
IMPORTANT! TO ASSURE THAT YOUR SHARES ARE REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING, PLEASE
SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
 
NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF THE PROXY IS MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
 
                                          By order of the Board of Directors
 
                                          KIM A. WEHRENBERG
                                          Secretary
 
March 8, 1996

<PAGE>
 
                              FEDERAL SIGNAL LOGO
                             1415 West 22nd Street
                           Oak Brook, Illinois 60521
 
                                  MAILING DATE
                                  ON OR ABOUT
                                 MARCH 8, 1996
 
                               ------------------
 
               PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
                          TO BE HELD ON APRIL 17, 1996
 
                              GENERAL INFORMATION
 
     This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors of Federal Signal Corporation ("Federal") for
use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Wednesday, April 17,
1996, and any adjournment thereof. Costs of solicitation will be borne by
Federal. Following the original solicitation of proxies by mail, certain
officers and regular employees of Federal may solicit proxies by correspondence,
telephone, telegraph, or in person, but without extra compensation. Federal will
reimburse brokers and other nominee holders for their reasonable expenses
incurred in forwarding the proxy materials to the beneficial owners.
 
     Each proxy solicited herewith will be voted as to each matter as the
stockholder directs thereon, but in the absence of such directions it will be
voted for the nominees specified herein. Any proxy solicited herewith may be
revoked by the stockholder at any time prior to the voting thereof, but a
revocation will not be effective until satisfactory evidence thereof has been
received by the Secretary of Federal.
 
                               VOTING SECURITIES
 
     The holders of record of the Common Stock of Federal at the close of
business on February 20, 1996, will be entitled to vote at the meeting. At such
record date, there were outstanding 45,373,181 shares of Common Stock. A
majority of the outstanding shares will constitute a quorum at the meeting.
Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted to determine if a quorum is
present. Abstentions are counted as votes cast, whereas broker non-votes are not
counted as votes cast for determining whether a proposition has been approved.
Each stockholder of record will be entitled to one vote for each share of Common
Stock standing in the name of the holder on the books of Federal on the record
date.
 
                                        1

<PAGE>
 
                         SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
                               BENEFICIAL OWNERS
 
     The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 1995 (unless
otherwise noted) with respect to (i) any person who is known to Federal to be
the beneficial owner of more than 5% of Federal's Common Stock, which is
Federal's only class of outstanding voting securities, and (ii) each director,
and all directors and officers as a group:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        AMOUNT AND
                                                                        NATURE OF
                                                                        BENEFICIAL      PERCENT OF
                                NAME                                    OWNERSHIP         CLASS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------   ----------      ----------
<S>                                                                     <C>             <C>
Beneficial Owner of More than 5% of Federal's Common Stock:..........        None
Each Director and Five Executive Officers and Executive Officers
  and Directors as a Group:(1)
     J. Patrick Lannan, Jr., Director................................     263,166 (2)       .58%
     James A. Lovell, Jr., Director..................................      28,679 (3)       .06%
     Thomas N. McGowen, Jr., Director................................      34,666           .08%
     Walter R. Peirson, Director.....................................      27,133 (3)       .06%
     Joseph J. Ross, Director and Executive Officer..................     764,535 (3)      1.68%
     Richard R. Thomas, Director.....................................     149,191 (3)       .33%
     Henry L. Dykema, Executive Officer..............................      10,416 (3)       .02%
     Kim A. Wehrenberg, Executive Officer............................     183,823 (3)       .41%
     Richard L. Ritz, Executive Officer..............................      52,638 (3)       .12%
     Robert W. Racic, Executive Officer..............................      42,080 (3)       .09%
     All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (11 persons)....   1,585,787          3.49%
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) The information contained in this table is based upon information furnished
    to Federal by the individuals named above. Except as set forth in the
    following footnotes, each director claims sole voting and investment power
    with respect to these shares.
 
(2) This figure includes 18,240 shares owned by Mr. Lannan's wife. Mr. Lannan
    disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to these shares. It also
    includes 18,848 shares for which he shares voting and investment power.
 
(3) These figures include options shares exercisable within 60 days as follows:
    Mr. Lovell, 14,025; Mr. Peirson, 5,368; Mr. Ross, 585,381; Mr. Thomas,
    4,000; Mr. Dykema, 0; Mr. Wehrenberg, 98,399; Mr. Ritz, 30,472; and Mr.
    Racic, 10,266. These figures also include stock award shares pursuant to
    Federal's Stock Benefit Plan which are subject to certain restrictions under
    the plan as follows: Mr. Lovell, 0; Mr. Peirson, 0; Mr. Ross, 13,376; Mr.
    Thomas, 0; Mr. Dykema, 10,000; Mr. Wehrenberg, 5,568; Mr. Ritz, 3,344 and
    Mr. Racic, 1,627.
 
                                        2

<PAGE>
 
                             ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
     Federal's Board of Directors consists of six directors divided into three
classes with one class term expiring each year. Mr. J. Patrick Lannan, Jr. and
James A. Lovell, Jr. are nominated as a Class III directors for election at this
Annual Meeting for a term to expire at the 1999 Annual Meeting or until their
successors are elected and qualified.
 
     The accompanying proxy card permits a stockholder to direct whether his or
her shares are to be voted for, or withheld from the vote for the nominees. Each
proxy will be voted as the stockholder directs thereon; however, if no such
direction is given, it is the present intention of the persons named in the
proxy card to vote such proxies for the election of the above-named nominees as
directors. If on account of death or unforeseen contingencies the nominees shall
not be available for election, the persons named in the proxy will vote the
proxies for such other persons as the Nominating Committee may nominate as
directors so as to provide a full board. The nominees receiving the highest
number of votes cast will be elected as directors.
 
     Information regarding the nominees for election and the directors
continuing in office is set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      YEAR FIRST    YEAR PRESENT            PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
                                        BECAME          TERM                  OR EMPLOYMENT FOR
            NAME               AGE     DIRECTOR       EXPIRES                LAST FIVE YEARS(1)
- ----------------------------   ---    ----------    ------------    -------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>    <C>           <C>             <C>
Nominees:
J. Patrick Lannan, Jr. .....   57        1978           1996        Mr. Lannan is President and a
                                                                    director of the Lannan Foundation for
                                                                    the support of the visual arts,
                                                                    literature and rural native American
                                                                    communities.

James A. Lovell, Jr. .......   67        1984           1996        Mr. Lovell is President of Lovell
                                                                    Communications (a consulting
                                                                    company). He retired in 1990 as
                                                                    Executive Vice President, Corporate
                                                                    Staff and as a director of Centel
                                                                    Corporation (a telecommunications
                                                                    company).
Continuing Directors:
Thomas N. McGowen, Jr. .....   70        1974           1998        Mr. McGowen is an attorney. He is
                                                                    also a director of Energy West
                                                                    Corporation and Ribi Immunochem
                                                                    Research, Inc.

Richard R. Thomas...........   62        1994           1998        Mr. Thomas retired in 1994 as
                                                                    President of the Tool Group of
                                                                    Federal Signal Corporation.

Joseph J. Ross..............   50        1986           1997        Mr. Ross is Chairman, President and
                                                                    Chief Executive Officer of Federal.
                                                                    He has served as President and Chief
                                                                    Executive Officer since December,
                                                                    1987 and also became Chairman in
                                                                    February, 1990 and is a director of
                                                                    Varlen Corporation.

Walter R. Peirson...........   69        1987           1997        Mr. Peirson retired in 1989 as
                                                                    Executive Vice President and as a
                                                                    director of Amoco Corporation (a
                                                                    petroleum company) and he serves as a
                                                                    director of Consolidated Natural Gas
                                                                    Company.
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) The information contained in this table is based upon information furnished
    to Federal by the individuals named above.
 
                                        3

<PAGE>
 
                       BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
 
     Pursuant to its by-laws, Federal has established standing audit,
nominating, compensation/stock option, pension and executive committees.
 
     The Audit Committee reviews and recommends to the Board of Directors
internal accounting and financial controls, auditing practices and procedures
and accounting principles to be employed in the preparation of Federal's
financial statements and the review of financial statements by independent
public accountants. The Audit Committee also makes recommendations concerning
the engagement of independent public accountants to audit the annual financial
statements and the scope of the audit to be undertaken by such accountants. In
addition, the Audit Committee considers the performance of non-audit services by
such accountants, including the effect which the performance of such non-audit
services may have upon the independence of the accountants. The by-laws prohibit
a director who is also an employee of Federal from serving on the Audit
Committee. The members of the Audit Committee are James A. Lovell, Jr.,
Chairman, J. Patrick Lannan, Jr. and Walter R. Peirson.
 
     The Nominating Committee evaluates and recommends to the Board of Directors
candidates for election or re-election as directors. No determination has been
made regarding the consideration of or procedure for the recommendation of
nominees by stockholders. The members of the Nominating Committee are Joseph J.
Ross, Chairman, and Thomas N. McGowen, Jr.
 
     The Compensation/Stock Option Committee reviews and recommends to the Board
of Directors policies, practices and procedures relating to compensation of
managerial employees and the establishment and administration of employee
benefit plans. The members of the Compensation/Stock Option Committee are Walter
R. Peirson, Chairman, James A. Lovell, Jr. and Thomas N. McGowen, Jr.
 
     The Pension Committee reviews and recommends to the Board of Directors
policies, practices and procedures relating to Federal's various pension,
savings and similar retirement plans and programs and to the investment of the
funds associated with these plans. The members of the Pension Committee are J.
Patrick Lannan, Jr., Chairman, and Joseph J. Ross.
 
     During 1995, the Board of Directors held a total of five meetings and the
Executive Committee of the Board, which generally exercises the power and
authority of the Board in the intervals between full board meetings, held one
meeting. The members of the Executive Committee are Thomas N. McGowen, Jr.,
Chairman, Joseph J. Ross and James A. Lovell, Jr. During 1995, the
Compensation/Stock Option Committee held four meetings; the Nominating Committee
held two meetings; the Audit Committee held three meetings; and the Pension
Committee met once. No director attended less than 75% of the meetings of the
Board and of each committee of which he was a member.
 
     As compensation for services to Federal, each director who is not also an
officer of Federal receives director's fees at a current annual rate of $20,000.
In addition, each such director receives additional fees for serving on
committees of the Board as follows: Executive Committee chairman--$5,000, other
members--$2,500; Audit or Compensation/Stock Option Committee chairman--$3,500,
other members--$2,500; Pension Committee chairman--$3,500; and Nominating
Committee members--$2,500. Directors are also reimbursed for their expenses
relating to attendance at meetings. Mr. Thomas also received $17,000 for
consulting for the Tool Group in 1995. Directors may receive options in lieu of
director's fees, as described in the stock option section of this proxy
statement. Directors who retire as a director of Federal after attaining age 68
and meeting years of service requirements are eligible for a director retirement
benefit. The maximum benefit is $15,000 per year for ten years if the director
retires after age 70.
 
                                        4

<PAGE>
 
                             EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     The following is the Summary Compensation Table for the Chief Executive
Officer and four other top executive officers of Federal for compensation earned
during the 1995 fiscal year:
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
                                                                          AWARDS
                                                                  ----------------------
                                      ANNUAL COMPENSATION         RESTRICTED      NUMBER
            NAME AND              ----------------------------      STOCK           OF        ALL OTHER
       PRINCIPAL POSITION         YEAR     SALARY      BONUS      AWARDS(1)       OPTIONS  COMPENSATION(3)
- --------------------------------  ----    --------    --------    ----------      ------   ---------------
<S>                               <C>     <C>         <C>         <C>             <C>      <C>
Joseph J. Ross..................  1995    $348,000    $334,080     $       0           0       $68,208
 Chairman, President and Chief    1994     325,000     338,000       159,375      30,000        72,104
 Executive Officer                1993     325,000     312,000       165,375      53,333        52,662

Henry L. Dykema.................  1995     182,500      95,813       258,750(2)   20,000         3,670
 Vice President and               1994           0           0             0           0             0
 Chief Financial Officer          1993           0           0             0           0             0

Kim A. Wehrenberg...............  1995     152,000     109,440             0           0        14,646
 Vice President, General          1994     145,000     113,100        75,000       7,000        13,743
 Counsel and Secretary            1993     140,000     100,800        61,425       6,667        10,469

Richard L. Ritz.................  1995     101,000      61,358             0           0        12,098
 Vice President, Controller       1994      96,000      62,275        46,875       4,000        10,365
                                  1993      90,000      54,000        35,438      13,333        12,672

Robert W. Racic.................  1995      99,000      57,544             0           0         4,500
 Vice President, Treasurer        1994      96,000      61,452        20,625       1,000         3,146
                                  1993      92,500      55,876        18,900       1,333         5,758
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1)  Stock awards generally vest 25% on each anniversary date after date of
     grant. The number and aggregate value of unvested stock awards as of
     December 31, 1995 were: for Mr. Ross 13,376 shares ($346,104), for Mr.
     Dykema 10,000 shares ($258,750), for Mr. Wehrenberg 5,568 shares
     ($144,072), for Mr. Ritz 3,344 shares ($86,526) and for Mr. Racic 1,627
     shares ($42,099). Dividends are paid at the regular rate to these people on
     the unvested shares.
 
(2)  Stock awards vest 25% on each anniversary date between the third and 
     seventh year after date of grant.
 
(3)  This compensation consists of the Company matching contribution under
     Federal's 401(k) savings plan in which most employees participate and
     supplemental savings and retirement plans and auto allowance which break
     out as follows, respectively, Mr. Ross $4,500, $16,577, $47,131, $0; Mr.
     Dykema $2,053, $1,617, $0, $0; Mr. Wehrenberg $4,500, $4,146, $0, $6,000;
     Mr. Ritz $4,500, $398, $0, $7,200; Mr. Racic $4,500, $0, $0, $0. Of these
     officers who put part of their bonus into the Company's supplemental
     savings plan, Mr. Wehrenberg invested $109,440, Mr. Ross invested $16,577
     and Mr. Dykema invested $95,813 of their bonuses in Federal Signal stock.
 
                                        5

<PAGE>
 
                             EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
     Federal has an employment agreement with Joseph J. Ross. The agreement
continues until the December 31 following the employee's 65th birthday subject
to earlier termination by either Federal or the employee. As of January 1, 1996,
termination salary under this agreement was $375,000 for Mr Ross and the annual
salary of Mr. Ross, which is approved by the Compensation Committee, is not set
by this employment agreement. In the discretion of the Board of Directors,
annual compensation may be increased during the term of the agreement. If
terminated by Federal under circumstances not involving cause, Federal would be
obligated to pay in monthly installments an amount equal to the then applicable
salary for one year (or, if less, the amount of minimum salary payable through
the December 31 following such employee's 65th birthday). In the event of death
prior to termination of employment, the employee's estate is entitled to receive
in monthly installments an amount equal to one year's minimum compensation. Mr.
Ross and Mr. Wehrenberg have change of control agreements. In the event Federal
is subject to a "change of control" (as specifically defined), the agreements
permit the employee to elect to terminate employment during a specified period
and to receive termination payments calculated as if Federal had terminated
employment without cause, except that such payment shall be based on three
years' W-2 compensation rather than one. Upon termination of employment for any
reason, each employee is obligated not to engage in specified competitive
activities for a period of three years.
 
                       OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                                          GRANT DATE VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    -----------------------
                               NUMBER OF       % OF TOTAL                                    
                              SECURITIES        OPTIONS        EXERCISE                   
                              UNDERLYING       GRANTED TO         OR                        GRANT DATE PRESENT
                                OPTIONS       EMPLOYEES IN    BASE PRICE    EXPIRATION       VALUE $ BASED ON
           NAME              GRANTED(#)(1)    FISCAL YEAR      ($/SH.)         DATE       BLACK-SCHOLES METHOD(2)
- --------------------------   -------------    ------------    ----------    ----------    -----------------------
<S>                          <C>              <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>
Joseph J. Ross............            0             0%           N/A           N/A                       0
Henry L. Dykema...........       20,000            48%         $ 20.375      01/01/05            $ 148,330
Kim A. Wehrenberg.........            0             0%           N/A           N/A                       0
Richard L. Ritz...........            0             0%           N/A           N/A                       0
Robert W. Racic...........            0             0%           N/A           N/A                       0
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------
(1) No SARs were granted. These options become 25% exercisable on each
    anniversary date between the third and seventh year after date of grant.
 
(2) The following assumptions were used under the Black-Scholes method:
    volatility .22; risk free rate of return 7.9%; dividend yield 2.5%; exercise
    period, 10 years.
 
                                        6

<PAGE>
 
                   OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END VALUE TABLE
    AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION VALUE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 NUMBER OF
                                                                                SECURITIES          VALUE OF
                                                                                UNDERLYING        UNEXERCISED
                                                                                UNEXERCISED       IN-THE-MONEY
                                                                                OPTIONS AT         OPTIONS AT
                                                                                 FY-END(#)         FY-END($)
                                                                               -------------    ----------------
                                          SHARES ACQUIRED        VALUE         EXERCISABLE/       EXERCISABLE/
                 NAME                     ON EXERCISE(#)     REALIZED($)(1)    UNEXERCISABLE    UNEXERCISABLE(2)
- ---------------------------------------   ---------------    --------------    -------------    ----------------
<S>                                       <C>                <C>               <C>              <C>
Joseph J. Ross.........................        7,028(3)         $117,094          585,381         $ 10,677,556
                                                                                   29,400              176,099
Henry L. Dykema........................            0                   0                0                    0
                                                                                   20,000              110,000
Kim A. Wehrenberg......................            0                   0           98,399            1,602,698
                                                                                    3,500               21,875
Richard L. Ritz........................            0                   0           30,472              510,872
                                                                                   15,333               88,747
Robert W. Racic........................            0                   0           10,226              140,807
                                                                                    1,667                3,125
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Market value of underlying securities at exercise, minus the exercise or
    base price.
 
(2) "Spread" calculated by subtracting the exercise or base price from the
    closing stock price of $25.875 on December 31, 1995.
 
(3) Mr. Ross has a stock option exercise loan totaling $71,454, including $4,412
    of interest in 1995 at 7.61%. Such loans are available to all employees
    participating in the Plan.
 
RETIREMENT PLANS
 
     Federal's Retirement Plan provides retirement benefits for salaried and
hourly employees including officers. Contributions are made on an actuarial
group basis, and no specific amount of contributions is set aside for any
individual participant. Under the method of computing the annual contribution,
the Internal Revenue Service's full funding limitation prohibits a contribution
to the plan for 1995. The following table sets forth the approximate annual
pension benefit based on years of service and compensation, but does not reflect
dollar limitations under the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, which limits the
annual benefits which may be paid from a tax qualified retirement plan. For
employees covered by Federal's supplemental pension plan, amounts in excess of
such limitations will be paid from the general funds of Federal, pursuant to the
terms of such plan. The amount of pension benefits is reduced by one-half of the
amount of available individual Social
 
                                        7

<PAGE>
 
Security benefits. Estimated credited years of service are as follows: Mr. Ross,
11.5, Mr. Dykema, 0; Mr. Wehrenberg, 8; Mr. Ritz, 10.5 and Mr. Racic, 21.75.
 
                               PENSION PLAN TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        AVERAGE ANNUAL COMPENSATION                 APPROXIMATE ANNUAL STRAIGHT-LIFE ANNUITY
          FOR THE FIVE CONSECUTIVE                       PENSION UPON RETIREMENT AT 65
         CALENDAR YEARS OF THE LAST    ------------------------------------------------------------------
         TEN FOR WHICH COMPENSATION     10 YEARS      15 YEARS      20 YEARS      25 YEARS      30 YEARS
                 IS HIGHEST            OF SERVICE    OF SERVICE    OF SERVICE    OF SERVICE    OF SERVICE
        ----------------------------   ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------    ----------
        <S>                            <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
        300,000.....................    $  50,000     $  75,000     $ 100,000     $ 125,000     $ 150,000
        400,000.....................       66,667       100,000       133,334       166,167       200,000
        500,000.....................       83,334       125,000       166,667       208,334       250,000
        600,000.....................      100,000       150,000       200,000       250,000       300,000
        700,000.....................      116,667       175,000       233,333       291,667       350,000
        800,000.....................      133,333       200,000       266,667       333,334       400,000
</TABLE>
 
     For purposes of the Retirement Plan, an employee's compensation is his
Annual Compensation as set forth in the Summary Compensation Table.
 
     Pursuant to Federal's supplemental pension plan, various officers of
Federal are entitled to pension supplements which have the effect of assuring
that, regardless of their actual years of service, if they remain in the
employment of Federal until age 65, they will receive benefits as if they had
been continuously employed by Federal since their thirty-fourth birthday. Giving
effect to such pension supplements, the additional years of service credited
under Federal's Supplemental Retirement Plan as of December 31, 1995 to Mr. Ross
is 3 1/4 years. The supplemental pension benefit for Mr. Ross makes up the
difference between his actual pension benefit and what it would have been with
30 years of service under the 1976 plan.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors consists of three
independent outside directors. The Committee meets without the Chief Executive
Officer present to evaluate his performance and establish his compensation.
Compensation for Federal's executive officers consists of three major
components: salary, bonus and stock options/awards. The officers' compensation
is based on the individual's skill level, years of experience, job duties and
the individual's and Company's performance. The Committee uses its subjective
evaluation of these factors, without a mechanical weighting, to determine the
officers' salary and level of participation in the bonus plan; Mr. Ross
participates at 40% of his salary and the other officers participate at 25% to
30% of their salary.
 
     The Company's total return to shareholders has been 22% for the last five
years. Based on the excellent performance of Mr. Ross and the entire management
team (among other items, this excellent performance included increasing cash
flow from operations 17% to $63 million, maintaining return on equity above 20%,
increasing net income by 11% and improving the Sign Group's profitability) and
the Company over the last several years, the Committee granted Mr. Ross a 7.8%
increase to $375,000 in his base salary for 1996. The Committee also approved an
average 1996 salary increase for the other four officers of 4.9%.
 
     The officers' bonuses are tied directly to company performance. Bonus
targets are established for the officers based on their level of responsibility.
The amount of bonus to which an officer is entitled is based on Federal's
pre-tax profits (before extraordinary items, interest on long-term debt and
bonus payments) as a percentage of Federal's average stockholders' equity plus
average long-term debt, as well as on goals for growth of the Company. The
officers' bonus targets remain the same for 1996. Therefore, if the Company's
return on capital is the same as it was in 1995, the officers' bonuses will also
be about the same for 1996. The 1995, bonus target achievement was 89%. The
Company as a whole achieved its operating goals; however, earnings were
adversely affected by the resolution of a lawsuit related to sign a business
which was
 
                                        8

<PAGE>
 
discontinued in 1989 and the officers' bonuses were reduced accordingly. The
other officers' bonuses generally constitute about 40% of their cash
compensation.
 
     The third major component of the officers' compensation consists of stock
options and awards. This is long-term compensation which provides value to the
officers based on the increased market value of the Company for all
stockholders. For example, over the last seven years the total market value of
the Company has increased well over five-fold from about $200 million to more
than $1.1 billion of stockholder value. The Performance Graph on page 10 shows
that Federal has substantially out-performed the Standard & Poor Industrials and
companies comparable to Federal. In view of this performance, and to give the
officers even greater incentive to continue to increase shareholder value, the
Compensation Committee intends to grant the officers additional stock options
and restricted stock awards in 1996. The Committee subjectively determines the
number of shares to be granted and there is no mechanical relationship between
the number of options and restricted share awards to be granted, nor is there a
mechanical relationship to prior grants.
 
WALTER R. PEIRSON           JAMES A. LOVELL, JR.          THOMAS N. McGOWEN, JR.
 
                                        9

<PAGE>
              COMPARISON FOR FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
                        FOR FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              90             91                92                 93                94               95
<S>                       <C>               <C>            <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
FEDERAL SIGNAL
CORPORATION                   100            144               162                217               215              279
      
S & P Industrials
   Index                      100            120               134                146               151              204

Dow Jones Industrial
Diversified Index             100            131               136                163               146              187
</TABLE>

 
Assumes $100 invested on December 31, 1990 in Federal Signal Corporation Common
Stock,
     S & P Industrials Index and the Dow Jones Industrial - Diversified Index.
* Total return assumes reinvestment of dividends and is based on fiscal years
ending December 31.
 
                       APPROVAL OF THE STOCK BENEFIT PLAN
 
     On December 8, 1995, Federal's Board of Directors unanimously approved and
adopted the Stock Benefit Plan (the "Plan"), as set forth as Exhibit A to this
Proxy Statement subject to approval by Federal's shareholders. The purpose of
the Plan is to secure for Federal and its shareholders the benefits of incentive
compensation of management personnel. Under the Plan, employees and directors
who are responsible for Federal's future growth and continued success have an
opportunity to participate in the appreciation of value of Federal's Common
Stock, which provides them with additional incentive to work for and contribute
to such appreciation. The Board of Directors believes that Federal's stock
benefit plans motivate employees to achieve the excellent return on investment
that Federal shareholders have received over the years.
 
     The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (the "Tax Act") requires,
among other things, that company stock plans include a limit on the maximum
number of shares one person can receive under the plan in order to allow the
company to take a tax deduction for certain plan compensation. The Board of
Directors has determined that it is in Federal's best interest to terminate
Federal's 1988 Stock Benefit Plan which does not have this limitation, and
replace it with the new plan which complies with the Tax Act. Upon shareholder
approval of the new Plan, no further shares will be granted under the 1988 plan.
In addition, it has been Federal's practice to purchase treasury shares to cover
shares issued under the company's stock benefit plans
 
                                       10

<PAGE>
 
to avoid dilution of shareholders' interests. Federal currently intends to
continue with this stock repurchase program to avoid shareholder dilution.
 
     The Plan will be effective only upon approval by a majority of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock voting at the meeting.
 
     A summary of the Plan is set forth below. For a more complete description
of the Stock Benefit Plan see Exhibit A.
 
     1. COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN. The Plan provides for the granting of
stock options, stock awards and stock award units, collectively referred to as
"Benefits," to eligible employees and directors of Federal and its subsidiaries.
As adopted by the Board of Directors, an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of
Federal's treasury shares or authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock are
subject to the Plan.
 
     2. ADMINISTRATION. The Committee (the "Committee") responsible for the
administration of the Plan will be the Compensation/Stock Option Committee of
the Board of Directors, or such other committee as may be designated by the
Board of Directors. The Committee has general authority and discretion in the
administration and interpretation of the Plan, subject to the express provisions
thereof. The Committee has discretion to determine the employees to whom, the
number of shares and the time or times at which Benefits may be granted. In
addition, the Committee may prescribe the terms and conditions applicable to
each grant of Benefits.
 
     3. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BENEFITS. Benefits may be granted only to
directors of Federal or to key employees of Federal or its subsidiaries who have
administrative, managerial, supervisory, professional, scientific, engineering
or similar responsibilities.
 
     4. OPTIONS. The purchase price of the shares of Common Stock subject to
options granted under the Plan is determined by the Committee, but shall not be
less than 100% of the fair market value on the date of the grant except for
director options or stock unit award options. Unless the Committee determines
otherwise, one-half of the total shares subject to an option shall become
exercisable cumulatively after the first and second anniversary dates following
the date of grant. No option granted under the Plan is transferable by the
optionee during his or her lifetime. Unless the Committee determines otherwise,
an option may be exercised only while the optionee is an employee of Federal or
its subsidiaries or, in the event of termination of employment otherwise than by
reason of death, within the period determined by the Committee (but not later
than the expiration of the term of the option). Upon the death of an optionee,
the optionee's personal representative or beneficiaries may exercise an option
to the extent exercisable by the optionee, within one year after the optionee's
death (but not later than the expiration of the term of the option). In the
event that any option expires or is terminated without being exercised, the
shares subject to such option (or the unexercised portion thereof) will again
become available for option under the plan.
 
     5. ALTERNATIVE SETTLEMENT METHODS. The Plan authorizes the Committee to
permit an optionee to exercise an option by the election of an alternative
settlement method rather than by the purchase of shares of common stock at the
price set forth in the option. The alternative settlement methods allow the
optionee to receive cash or shares of Federal Common Stock or combination
thereof having an aggregate value equal to (a) the excess of the value of one
share of Common Stock over the purchase price set forth in the option times (b)
the number of shares as to which the option is exercised. The Committee may
include in any option granted under the Plan the right of the optionee to elect
an alternative settlement method upon exercise of the option. At the request of
the holder of any option granted under the Plan, which option does not include
the right to elect an alternative settlement method, the Committee is authorized
to permit the election of an alternative settlement method. In addition, at the
request of the holder of an option on the Common Stock of Federal, which option
is or was granted pursuant to any stock option or other similar plan previously
established, the Committee is authorized to permit the election of an
alternative settlement method. Any election of an alternative settlement method
involving the payment of cash must be approved by the Committee. An optionee may
make all or a portion of payment upon the exercise of an option through delivery
of Federal Common Stock. Any such delivered shares are valued at the New York
Stock Exchange closing price.
 
                                       11

<PAGE>
 
     6. DIRECTOR OPTIONS. Below-market options may be granted at a price equal
to the Common Stock's par value to directors of Federal in lieu of all or part
of their director's fees. The amount of a director's fees to be given up would
equal the option discount, i.e. difference between the Common stock's market
value and its par value on the date of grant. Alternative settlement rights are
not available for director's options.
 
     7. STOCK AWARDS. Stock awards consist of the grant of shares of Common
Stock of Federal without any cash payment by the grantee thereof. Shares granted
as stock awards may not be sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed by the
grantee, except, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, such restriction
primarily lapses as to one-fourth of the shares granted as a stock award
cumulatively on each of the first four anniversary dates following the date of
grant.
 
     8. STOCK UNIT AWARDS. The Committee is authorized to grant stock unit
awards such as below market options or performance units to be paid in Common
Stock, cash or other property as the Committee may deem appropriate. The
Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of any such awards.
 
     9. AMENDMENT. The Plan may be amended by the Board of Directors, except
that without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting
stock of Federal, the Board of Directors may not amend the Plan to extend the
period during which Benefits may be granted, to change the requirements as to
the class of employees eligible to receive Benefits, or to increase the maximum
number of shares on or for which Benefits may be granted (except as such number
of shares may be adjusted in the event of a recapitalization, stock dividend, or
similar event).
 
     10. TAX CONSEQUENCES. Federal has not sought a ruling from the Internal
Revenue Service with respect to certain federal income tax consequences
pertaining to the adoption of the Plan and the Benefits granted thereunder.
 
     No income will be realized by an optionee, and no amount will be deductible
by Federal, until the exercise of a nonincentive stock option granted under the
Plan. Upon the exercise of an option, whether by purchase of Common Stock or
election of an alternative settlement method, the optionee will realize ordinary
income, measured by the difference between the purchase price set forth in the
option and the fair market value of the Common Stock at the time of exercise;
such amount will be deductible by Federal for federal income tax purposes. The
discounted portion of directors' options will be treated as deferred
compensation and will be taxable to the optionee and deductible by Federal upon
the exercise of the option. For incentive stock options, no income is recognized
upon the grant or exercise of the option, and no amount is deductible by
Federal. If the Common Stock is sold less than one year after exercise, it will
be treated as a nonincentive stock option. If the Common Stock is sold more than
one year after exercise, it will be taxable to the optionee but will not be
deducible by Federal. With respect to shares granted as stock awards, no income
is realized by the recipient until such shares are transferable or are not
subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, unless the recipient otherwise
elects to realize income at an earlier date. Income realized by a recipient of a
stock award will be taxed as ordinary income. Federal will receive a deduction
in an amount equal to the income realized by the recipient in the year such
income is realized by the recipient. The taxation of stock unit awards for both
the optionee and Federal will depend upon the specific terms and conditions
imposed by the Committee in making such grants.
 
                                 RECOMMENDATION
 
     THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
PROPOSAL TO ADOPT THE FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION STOCK BENEFIT PLAN.
 
                             ACCOUNTING INFORMATION
 
     Ernst & Young has been selected by Federal to serve as its independent
public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1996. A
representative of that firm will be present at the Annual Meeting with the
opportunity to make a statement if he desires to do so and to respond to
questions of stockholders. The
 
                                       12

<PAGE>
 
appointment of the auditors is approved annually by the Board of Directors based
upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee.
 
                          FUTURE STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
 
     In order to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement for the 1997
Annual Meeting of Shareholders, stockholder proposals must be received by
Federal on or before November 22, 1996.
 
                                 OTHER BUSINESS
 
     As of the date hereof, the foregoing is the only business which management
intends to present, or is aware that others will present, at the meeting. If any
other proper business should be presented to the meeting, the proxies will be
voted in respect thereof in accordance with the discretion and judgment of the
person or persons voting the proxies.
 
                                          By order of the Board of Directors
 
                                          Kim A. Wehrenberg
                                          Secretary
                                          Federal Signal Corporation
 
               IMPORTANT--PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD.
 
                                       13

<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT A
 
                           FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
 
                               STOCK BENEFIT PLAN
 
1. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN.
 
     The purpose of this Stock Benefit Plan (the "Plan") is to secure for
Federal Signal Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"), and its
stockholders the benefits of incentive compensation of the management personnel
of the Corporation and its subsidiaries and to ensure a tax deduction for the
Corporation for certain compensation under the Plan. By virtue of the benefits
available under the Plan, directors and employees who are responsible for the
future growth and continued success of the Corporation have an opportunity to
participate in the appreciation in the value of the stock of the Corporation
which furnishes them with an incentive to work for and contribute to such
appreciation through the growth and success of the Corporation. In addition, it
is generally recognized that incentive compensation programs aid in retaining
and encouraging key employees of ability and in recruiting additional able
employees.
 
2. SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.
 
     An aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock ($1.00 par value) of the
Corporation shall be subject to the Plan and such shares may be issued under the
Plan pursuant to Stock Options, Stock Awards or such other Stock Unit Awards
(collectively "Benefits") as the Committee, as defined below, in its discretion,
may determine and the total number of Benefit shares or units that can be
granted under the Plan shall not exceed 1,000,000 shares except as set forth in
the next paragraph. Such shares may be either authorized but unissued shares or
shares now or hereafter held in the treasury of the Corporation.
 
     In the event that any option under the Plan expires or is terminated
without being exercised for any reason prior to the end of the period during
which options may be granted under the Plan, the shares theretofore subject to
such option, or the unexercised portion thereof, shall again become available
for grant under the Plan. In the event that any shares granted as stock awards
or stock unit awards expire, terminate or become the property of the Corporation
pursuant to the Plan, the number of such shares shall again become available for
granting as Benefits awards under the Plan.
 
3. ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN.
 
     A. THE COMMITTEE.
 
     The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation/Stock Option Committee
of the Board of Directors or such other committee as shall be designated by the
Board of Directors (the "Committee"). The Committee shall consist of not less
than two Directors of the Corporation, and shall be appointed by the Board of
Directors. Any decision or determination reduced to writing and signed by all
the members of the Committee shall be fully as effective as if it had been made
by a majority vote at a meeting duly called and held. The Committee may appoint
a secretary (who need not be a member of the Committee) and may make such rules
and regulations for the conduct of its business as it shall deem advisable. No
member of the Committee shall be liable, in the absence of bad faith, for any
act or omission with respect to his or her service on the Committee. Service on
the Committee shall constitute service as a Director of the Corporation so that
members of the Committee shall be entitled to indemnification and reimbursement
as Directors of the Corporation.
 
     B. AUTHORITY OF THE COMMITTEE.
 
     Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have
plenary authority, in its discretion, to determine the employees to whom, and
the time or times at which, Benefits shall be granted and the number of shares
to be subject to each Benefit provided, however, no individual may receive more
than 100,000 of the shares per year under the Plan. In making such
determinations, the Committee may take into
 
                                       A-1

<PAGE>
 
account the nature of the services rendered or expected to be rendered by the
respective employees, their present and potential contributions to the
Corporation's success, the anticipated number of years of effective service
remaining and such other factors as the Committee in its discretion shall deem
relevant. Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall
also have plenary authority to interpret the Plan, to prescribe, amend and
rescind rules and regulations relating to it, to determine the terms and
conditions of the respective Benefits (which terms and conditions need not be
the same in each case), to impose restrictions on any shares issued as or
pursuant to the Benefits and to determine the manner in which such restrictions
may be removed, and to make all other determinations deemed necessary or
advisable in administering the Plan. The Committee may specify in the original
terms of any Benefit or, if not so specified, shall determine whether any
authorized leave of absence or absence on military or governmental service or
for any other reason shall constitute a termination of employment for purposes
of the Plan. The Committee shall have the authority to issue shares of Common
Stock or pursuant to the Benefits and to determine the consideration received by
the Corporation for such Benefits granted pursuant to the Plan. The
determination of the Committee on the matters referred to in this paragraph
shall be conclusive.
 
     C. GRANTING DATE.
 
     The action of the Committee with respect to the granting of a Benefit shall
take place on such date as a majority of the members of the Committee at a
meeting shall make a determination with respect to the granting of a Benefit or,
in the absence of a meeting, on such date as a written designation covering such
Benefit shall have been authorized by all members of the Committee. The
effective date of the grant of a Benefit (the "Granting Date") shall be the date
specified by the Committee in its determination or designation relating to the
award of such Benefit, provided that the Committee may not designate a Granting
Date with respect to any Benefit which shall be earlier than the date on which
the granting of such Benefit shall have been approved by the Committee.
 
4. ELIGIBILITY.
 
     Benefits may be granted to key employees (which term shall be deemed to
include officers) who on the Granting Date (or, with respect to Benefits that
are not incentive stock options, within 30 days thereafter in the instance of
newly hired employees) (i) are in the employ of the Corporation or one of its
then subsidiary corporations (the "subsidiaries"), as defined in Section 425 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended (the "Code"), and (ii) have
administrative, managerial, supervisory, professional, scientific, engineering
or similar responsibilities. Below market stock options may also be granted to
any Director of the Corporation in lieu of part or all of their Directors' fees
in accordance with Section 8 of this Plan.
 
5. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OPTIONS.
 
     A. PURCHASE PRICE AND TERMS OF OPTIONS.
 
     (i) The purchase price of the Common Stock under each option shall be
determined by the Committee, but for options granted under Section 5 of the
Plan, the price shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the
Common Stock, as determined by the Committee, on the Granting Date for such
option.
 
     (ii) Options granted under this Plan may be either Incentive Stock Options
(as defined in Section 422A of the Code) or Non-Incentive Stock Options (i.e.,
options which are not within the Section 422A definition).
 
          a. Incentive Stock Options: Subject to the minimum option price
     specified in subparagraph 5(A)(i) hereof, the terms of each incentive stock
     option granted under the Plan, which may be different in each case, shall
     include those terms which are required by Section 422A of the Code, and
     such other terms not inconsistent therewith as the Committee may determine.
 
          b. Non-Incentive Stock Options: Subject to minimum option price
     specified in subparagraph 5(A)(i) hereof, the terms of each stock option
     granted under this Plan that is not an incentive stock option, which terms
     may be different in each case, shall be determined by the Committee.
 
                                       A-2

<PAGE>
 
     B. TERM OF OPTIONS.
 
     The term of each option granted under the Plan shall be for a period of ten
years unless otherwise determined by the Committee. Each option shall become
exercisable, unless otherwise determined by the Committee in its discretion,
with respect to one-half the number of shares subject thereto after the first
anniversary following the Granting Date, and shall be exercisable with respect
to all shares subject thereto after the second anniversary following the
Granting Date.
 
     C. RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND EXERCISE.
 
     (i) Except as hereinafter provided, no option granted pursuant to the Plan
may be exercised at any time unless the holder thereof is then an employee of
the Corporation or of a subsidiary. Options granted under the Plan shall not be
affected by any change of employment so long as the grantee continues to be an
employee of the Corporation or of a subsidiary. Retirement pursuant to the
Corporation's then prevailing retirement policies and plans shall be deemed to
be a termination of employment.
 
     (ii) Unless the Committee determines otherwise, in the event of the
termination of employment of a grantee of an option (otherwise than by reason of
death), such option may be exercised (only to the extent that the employee was
entitled to do so at the termination of his employment) at any time within (1)
for options that are not incentive stock options, (a) two years after such
termination if such termination is due to disability (as defined in Section
105(d)(4) of the Code) or retirement unless, at the time of employment
termination, the Committee extends the period of exercise, (b) three months
after such termination in all other cases, unless such period shall be extended
by the Committee in its discretion; or (2) in the case of incentive stock
options, (a) one year after such termination if such termination is due to
disability (as defined in Section 105(d)(4) of the Code) or such lesser time as
the Committee may specify from time to time, or (b) three months after such
termination in all other cases unless such period shall be extended by the
Committee in its discretion. In no event shall an option be exercisable after
the expiration date of the option.
 
     (iii) Unless the Committee determines otherwise, if a grantee shall die
while an employee of the Corporation or a subsidiary or within three months
after the termination of employment of the grantee, an option held by such
grantee may be exercised to the extent the option was exercisable by such
grantee at the date of death, by a legatee or legatees of such option under the
grantee's last will, or by the grantee's personal representative or
distributees, at any time within one year after the grantee's death, provided
that in no event shall the option be exercised after the expiration of the
period of the option.
 
     (iv) No option granted under the Plan shall be transferable otherwise than
by will or the law of descent and distribution and an option may be exercised,
during the lifetime of the grantee thereof, only by the grantee thereof.
 
     D. EXERCISE OF OPTIONS; ALTERNATIVE SETTLEMENT METHODS.
 
     (i) Subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan and the original terms
of the option, any option granted and exercisable pursuant to the Plan may be
exercised in whole or in part from time to time. Except in the case of the
election of an alternative settlement method as hereinafter provided, payment
for shares of Common Stock purchased shall be made in full at the time that an
option, or any part thereof, is exercised. Unless the Committee determines
otherwise in its discretion, a grantee holding an option may make all or a
portion of payment upon exercise of an option through delivery of shares of
Common Stock of the Corporation. Any shares so delivered shall be valued at the
closing price on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of the exercise of the
option (or, if no such closing price is available, the value shall be determined
in such other manner as the Committee may deem appropriate).
 
     (ii) The Committee, in its discretion, may provide that any option granted
pursuant to the Plan may, by its terms, confer upon the grantee the right to
elect any of the alternative settlement methods set forth in subparagraph (iv)
below.
 
     (iii) The Committee may, in its discretion and at the request of a grantee
holding an option granted pursuant to the Plan that does not by its terms
include the right to elect any of such alternative settlement
 
                                       A-3

<PAGE>
 
methods, permit the election of any of such alternative methods by the grantee.
The Committee, in its discretion, may at the request of the holder of an option
on the Common Stock of the Corporation, which option is exercisable at the time
of the request and which was granted pursuant to any stock option plan or other
similar plan heretofore established for the benefit of employees of the
Corporation, permit the election of any of such alternative methods by such
holder. The authority of the Committee to permit such elections of alternative
settlement methods shall not confer upon the grantee or holder of any option the
right to such an election.
 
     (iv) The alternative settlement methods are: (a) cash equal to the excess
of the value of one share of Common Stock over the purchase price set forth in
the option times the number of shares as to which the option is exercised; (b)
the number of full shares of Common Stock having an aggregate value not greater
than the cash amount calculated under alternative (a); (c) any combination of
cash and full shares having an aggregate value not greater than the cash amount
calculated under alternative (a). Notwithstanding the other provisions of the
Plan, election of an alternative settlement method involving the receipt of cash
shall be subject to the approval of the Committee at the time of such election.
For purposes of determining an alternative settlement, the value per share of
Common Stock shall be the closing price on the New York Stock Exchange on the
date of the exercise of the option (or, if no such closing price is available,
the value shall be determined in such other manner as the Committee may deem
appropriate).
 
     (v) In the event that an option granted or to be granted under the Plan is
not an incentive stock option under Section 422A of the Code, then the Committee
may, in its discretion, commit the Corporation to pay to the option holder, at
the time the taxes or an amount of cash equal to the amount of income tax
payable by the grantee as a result of the option exercise and as a result of
this tax reimbursement.
 
     (vi) Exercise of an option in any manner, including an exercise involving
an election of an alternative settlement method, shall result in a decrease in
the number of shares which thereafter may be available for purposes of granting
options under the Plan by the number of shares as to which the option is
exercised.
 
     E. MANNER OF EXERCISE.
 
     An option shall be exercised by giving a written notice to the Secretary of
the Corporation stating the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to
which the option is being exercised and containing such other information as the
Secretary may request, including the election requesting authorization of an
alternative settlement method.
 
6. STOCK AWARDS.
 
     A. AWARD OF SHARES.
 
     Stock awards will consist of shares of Common Stock of the Corporation
issued to eligible officers.
 
     B. RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER.
 
     Stock awards shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee
determines to be appropriate, including, without limitation, restrictions on the
sale or other disposition of such shares. Except as hereinafter provided, or
unless the Committee determines otherwise (either at the time of the grant of a
stock award or at any time thereafter), shares granted as stock awards pursuant
to the Plan shall not be sold, transferred, assigned or otherwise disposed of by
the grantee. In the event of termination of full time employment (including, but
not limited to, the retirement of the grantee) for any reason prior to the
termination date of any restrictions pertaining to the stock award, the shares
then subject to restrictions shall become the property of the Corporation,
provided, however, that the obligation not to dispose of shares acquired
pursuant to a stock award and the right of the Corporation to receive such
shares shall lapse, unless the Committee determines otherwise in its discretion,
as to one-fourth (or such other portion as the Committee shall establish in the
stock award) of the shares received in one stock award on each of the first four
anniversary dates following the Granting Date thereof (or on such other date(s)
as the Committee shall establish in the stock award), and provided further that
the Committee may determine (either at the time of
 
                                       A-4

<PAGE>
 
the grant of a stock award or at any time thereafter) that in the event a
grantee's employment is terminated on account of death, the permanent disability
of such grantee or upon such other conditions as the Committee may approve, all
restrictions remaining on shares granted to such grantee shall lapse and such
shares shall not become the property of the Corporation.
 
     All restrictions applicable to any stock award shall apply to any shares
resulting from a stock dividend, stock split, or other distribution of shares of
the Corporation with respect to the stock award, effective as of the Granting
Date of such stock award.
 
     All restrictions applicable to any stock award shall lapse (1) as to all
shares granted in such award, in the event any tender offer subject to Section
14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or any successor thereto, shall be
made for any of the outstanding Common Stock of the Corporation, or (2) as to
any securities, property, cash or combinations thereof received in exchange for
stock award shares pursuant to any merger, consolidation, liquidation or
dissolution of the Corporation.
 
7. STOCK UNIT AWARDS.
 
     In order to enable the Corporation and Committee to respond quickly to
significant developments in applicable tax and other legislation and regulations
and interpretations thereof, and to trends in executive compensation practices,
the Committee shall also be authorized to grant to participants, either alone or
in addition to other Benefits granted under the Plan, awards of stock and other
awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise
based on Common Stock of the Corporation ("stock unit awards") such as phantom
stock, below market options, performance units, etc. Other stock unit awards may
be paid in Common Stock of the Corporation, cash or any other form of property
as the Committee shall determine.
 
     The Committee shall determine the key employees to whom other stock unit
awards are to be made, the times at which such awards are to be made, the number
of shares to be granted pursuant to such awards and all other conditions of such
awards. The provisions of the stock unit awards need not be the same with
respect to each recipient. The participant shall not be permitted to sell,
assign, transfer, pledge, or otherwise encumber the shares prior to the later of
the date on which the shares are issued, or the date on which any applicable
restriction, performance or deferral period lapses. Stock (including securities
convertible into stock) granted pursuant to other stock unit awards may be
issued for no cash consideration or for such minimum consideration as may be
required by applicable law. Stock (including securities convertible into stock)
purchased pursuant to purchase rights granted pursuant to other stock unit
awards may be purchased for such consideration as the Committee shall determine
which price shall not be less than par value of such stock or other securities
on the date of grant.
 
8. DIRECTOR OPTIONS.
 
     Directors of the Corporation may elect to receive below-market stock
options in lieu of part or all of their Director fees. Such options shall be
granted at a price of $1.00 (par value of the Common Stock) per share. The
number of shares to be granted shall be determined by dividing the amount of
Director fees (that the Director irrevocably elected to take in the form of
below market options instead of cash) by the fair market value of a share of
Common Stock on the date of grant after subtracting the $1.00 option price from
such fair market value. These options shall be 100% vested on the date of grant,
but shall not be exercisable until six months after the date of grant. The term
of these options shall be for ten years and they shall not be transferable
otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and may only be
exercised by the Director, his guardian or legal representative during the
Director's lifetime. Election of an alternative settlement method shall not be
available for these options.
 
9. STOCKHOLDER AND EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS.
 
     A holder of an option shall have none of the rights of a stockholder with
respect to any of the shares subject to option until such shares shall be issued
upon the exercise of the option.
 
                                       A-5

<PAGE>
 
     Subject to the other provisions of the Plan, upon the date of issuance of
certificates representing a stock award, the grantee shall have all the rights
of a stockholder including the right to receive dividends and to vote the
shares. However, the certificates representing such shares and any shares of the
Corporation issued with respect thereto or in exchange therefor shall be held by
the Corporation for account of the grantee and the grantee shall deliver to the
Corporation upon request a stock power or powers executed in blank, covering
such shares. As and when restrictions lapse, the certificates representing such
shares shall be released to the grantee.
 
     Nothing in the Plan or in any Benefit granted pursuant to the Plan shall,
in the absence of an express provision to the contrary, confer on any individual
any right to be or to continue in the employ of the Corporation or any of its
subsidiaries or shall interfere in any way with the right of the Corporation or
any of its subsidiaries to terminate the employment of any individual at any
time.
 
10. ADJUSTMENTS IN COMMON STOCK.
 
     The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock of the Corporation on which
Benefits may be granted hereunder, the number of shares thereof covered by each
outstanding Benefit, the price per share thereof in each such Benefit may all be
approximately adjusted, as the Board of Directors or the Committee may
determine, for any increase or decrease in the number of shares of Common Stock
of the Corporation resulting from a subdivision or consolidation of shares
whether through reorganization, recapitalization, stock split-up or combination
of shares, or the payment of a stock dividend or other increase or decrease in
such shares effected without receipt of consideration by the Corporation.
 
     Subject to any required action by the stockholders, if the Corporation
shall be the surviving corporation in any merger or consolidation, any Benefit
granted hereunder shall pertain to and apply to the securities to which a holder
of the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Benefit would have been
entitled pursuant to the merger or consolidation. Upon a dissolution of the
Corporation, or a merger or consolidation in which the Corporation is not the
surviving corporation, every Benefit outstanding hereunder shall terminate,
provided, however, that in the case of such dissolution, merger or
consolidation, then during the period thirty days prior to the record date of
such event, each holder of a Benefit granted pursuant to the Plan shall have a
right to exercise the Benefit, in whole or in part, notwithstanding any other
provision of the Plan or Benefit agreement.
 
11. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION.
 
     Unless the Plan shall theretofore have been terminated, the Plan shall
terminate on, and no Benefit shall be granted hereunder after, April 17, 2006,
provided that the Board of Directors of the Corporation may at any time prior to
that date terminate the Plan.
 
     The Board of Directors shall have complete power and authority to amend the
Plan, provided, however, that except as expressly permitted in the Plan, the
Board of Directors shall not, without the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the voting stock of the Corporation, increase the maximum number of
shares on which Benefits may be granted amend the formula for determination of
the purchase price of shares on which options may be granted, extend the period
during which Benefits may be granted, or amend the requirements as to the class
of employees eligible to receive Benefits.
 
     No termination or amendment of the Plan may, without the consent of the
holder of any outstanding Benefit, adversely affect the rights of such holder or
grantee. The termination of the Plan shall not affect restrictions applicable to
any Benefits, outstanding or existing at the time of such termination.
 
12. EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PLAN.
 
     The Plan shall become effective on adoption by the Board of Directors of
the Corporation, and approval by the holders of a majority of the voting stock
of the Corporation. Should such holders fail so to approve it, the Plan and all
actions taken thereunder shall be and become null and void. Any other provisions
of the Plan
 
                                       A-6

<PAGE>
 
to the contrary notwithstanding, no Benefits granted under the Plan may be
exercised or vested until after such stockholder approval.
 
13. GOVERNMENT AND OTHER REGULATIONS.
 
     The obligation of the Corporation to sell or deliver shares under Benefits
granted pursuant to the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules and
regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies as may be
required.
 
                                       A-7

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 1995     1994     1993      1992      1991     1990      1989     1988     1987     1986     1985
                                ------   ------   ------    ------    ------   ------    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------
<S>                            <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
Operating Results             
  (dollars in millions):      
  Net sales................... $ 816.1   $ 677.2   $ 565.2  $ 518.2   $ 466.9  $ 439.4   $398.4   $361.4   $305.8   $273.3   $264.5
  Income before income        
    taxes (a)................. $  77.3   $  70.2   $  58.8  $  49.9   $  45.6  $  42.5   $ 34.6   $ 28.4   $ 23.8   $ 20.9   $ 16.3
  Income from continuing      
    operations (a)(b)......... $  51.6   $  46.8   $  39.8  $  34.5   $  31.0  $  28.1   $ 22.1   $ 18.2   $ 14.5   $ 12.3   $ 11.9
  Operating margin............    11.8%     11.6%     11.3%    10.6%     10.8%    10.8%    10.6%     9.6%     8.6%     8.5%     7.2%
  Return on average common    
    shareholders' equity      
    (a).......................    22.0%     22.3%     21.0%    20.0%     20.0%    20.4%    18.7%    17.0%    14.5%    12.2%    13.3%
Common Stock Data             
  (per share) (c):            
  Income from continuing      
    operations................ $  1.13   $  1.02   $  0.86  $  0.75   $  0.67  $  0.61   $ 0.48   $ 0.40   $ 0.31   $ 0.26   $ 0.26
  Cash dividends.............. $  0.50   $  0.42   $  0.36  $  0.31   $  0.27  $  0.22   $ 0.19   $ 0.16   $ 0.15   $ 0.15   $ 0.15
  Market price range:         
    High...................... $25 7/8   $21 3/8   $21      $17 5/8   $15 1/4  $10 3/4   $7 1/8   $4 7/8   $4 7/8   $4 1/2   $3 3/4
    Low....................... $19 5/8   $16 7/8   $15 3/4  $12 3/8   $ 9 1/4  $ 6 1/4   $4 1/4   $3 1/2   $2 7/8   $3 1/8   $2 5/8
  Average common shares       
    outstanding (in                                                                                                            
    thousands)................  45,859    45,957    46,293   46,128    46,126   46,038   46,103   45,639   47,137   46,767   45,335
Financial Position at Year-End
  (dollars in millions):      
  Working capital (d)......... $  48.8   $  53.9   $  52.8  $  49.5   $  44.9  $  42.7   $ 63.8   $ 59.5   $ 53.9   $ 52.8   $ 58.2
  Current ratio (d)...........     1.3       1.4       1.5      1.6       1.5      1.5      2.1      2.0      1.9      2.2      2.3
  Total assets................ $ 620.0   $ 521.6   $ 405.7  $ 363.7   $ 341.2  $ 295.8   $271.3   $251.1   $233.3   $191.4   $187.4
  Shareholders' equity........ $ 248.1   $ 220.3   $ 199.2  $ 179.0   $ 164.8  $ 146.4   $130.4   $115.5   $103.2   $102.4   $ 91.1
  Debt to capitalization      
    ratio (d).................      29%       22%        1%       2%        1%       2%      10%      18%      22%       4%      15%
Other (dollars in millions)   
  (e):                        
  New business................ $ 780.5   $ 700.3   $ 584.2  $ 510.3   $ 462.7  $ 467.6   $429.9   $382.4   $328.3   $276.4   $274.6
  Backlog..................... $ 251.4   $ 261.0   $ 221.8  $ 198.0   $ 203.2  $ 199.9   $171.7   $140.2   $119.2   $ 96.7   $ 93.6
  Net cash provided by        
    operating activities...... $  62.9   $  53.8   $  48.8  $  40.2   $  43.9  $  48.3   $ 34.6   $ 22.5   $ 20.1   $ 22.7   $ 16.5
  Net cash (used for)         
    investing activities...... $ (88.1)  $ (96.9)  $ (38.1) $ (26.9)  $ (47.8) $ (14.7)  $(24.1)  $(20.8)  $(37.7)  $(12.8)  $ (6.9)
  Net cash provided by (used  
    for) financing            
    activities................ $  29.9   $  45.1   $ (10.3) $ (11.2)  $   2.5  $ (34.6)  $ (8.9)  $ (3.3)  $ 17.8   $ (9.9)  $ (9.4)
  Capital expenditures........ $  15.7   $  11.1   $  10.1  $   8.8   $  12.0  $   8.3   $  9.2   $  7.3   $  6.9   $  6.3   $  6.9
  Depreciation................ $  11.8   $  10.3   $   9.2  $   8.7   $   8.2  $   7.8   $  7.9   $  7.1   $  5.5   $  5.2   $  5.3
  Employees...................   6,015     5,243     4,426    4,268     4,212    4,158    4,142    3,880    3,653    3,183    3,190
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(a) in 1995, includes the impact of a nonrecurring charge for a litigation
    settlement of $6.7 million pre-tax, $4.2 million after-tax or $.09 per
    share; in 1985, reflects pre-tax provisions to expense for nonrecurring
    charges of $4.6 million
 
(b) in 1992, reflects net cumulative effects of accounting changes for
    postretirement benefits and income taxes of $30,000; in 1985, reflects
    cumulative effect of accounting change for investment tax credits of $2.2
    million and after-tax provisions to expense for nonrecurring charges of $2.3
    million
 
(c) reflects 10% stock dividends each paid in 1988 and 1989, 3-for-2 stock
    splits in 1990, 1991 and 1992, and a 4-for-3 stock split distributed March
    1, 1994
 
(d) manufacturing operations only
 
(e) continuing operations only
 
                                       F-1

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,
                                                                    ----------------------------
                                                                        1995            1994
                                                                    ------------    ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>
Assets
  Manufacturing activities:
     Current assets
       Cash and cash equivalents.................................   $  9,350,000    $  4,605,000
       Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful
          accounts of $3,058,000 and $2,848,000, respectively....    122,913,000     107,985,000
       Inventories--Note B.......................................     97,448,000      78,899,000
       Prepaid expenses..........................................      5,763,000       4,807,000
                                                                    ------------    ------------
          Total current assets...................................    235,474,000     196,296,000
     Properties and equipment--Note C............................     78,454,000      72,838,000
     Other assets
       Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization........    146,774,000     115,306,000
       Other deferred charges and assets.........................     11,722,000       9,972,000
                                                                    ------------    ------------
          Total manufacturing assets.............................    472,424,000     394,412,000
                                                                    ------------    ------------
  Financial services activities
     Lease financing and other receivables, net of allowances for
       doubtful accounts of $1,124,000 and $1,174,000,
       respectively, and net of unearned finance revenue--
       Note D....................................................    147,535,000     127,188,000
                                                                    ------------    ------------
          Total assets...........................................   $619,959,000    $521,600,000
                                                                    ============    ============
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
  Manufacturing activities:
     Current liabilities
       Short-term borrowings--Note E.............................   $ 58,760,000    $ 25,222,000
       Accounts payable..........................................     53,277,000      44,918,000
       Accrued liabilities
          Compensation and withholding taxes.....................     20,949,000      19,032,000
          Other..................................................     49,559,000      45,943,000
       Income taxes--Note F......................................      4,115,000       7,263,000
                                                                    ------------    ------------
          Total current liabilities..............................    186,660,000     142,378,000
     Other liabilities
       Long-term borrowings--Note E..............................     39,702,000      34,878,000
       Deferred income taxes--Note F.............................     17,826,000      13,778,000
                                                                    ------------    ------------
          Total manufacturing liabilities........................    244,188,000     191,034,000
                                                                    ------------    ------------
  Financial services activities--Borrowings--Note E..............    127,690,000     110,252,000
                                                                    ------------    ------------
          Total liabilities......................................    371,878,000     301,286,000
                                                                    ------------    ------------
  Shareholders' equity--Notes I and J
     Common stock, $1 par value, 90,000,000 shares authorized,
       45,832,000 and 45,767,000 shares issued, respectively.....     45,832,000      45,767,000
     Capital in excess of par value..............................     54,464,000      53,756,000
     Retained earnings--Note E...................................    162,095,000     133,138,000
     Treasury stock, 542,000 and 395,000 shares, respectively, at
       cost......................................................    (10,949,000)     (7,880,000)
     Deferred stock awards.......................................     (1,046,000)     (1,688,000)
     Foreign currency translation adjustment.....................     (2,315,000)     (2,779,000)
                                                                    ------------    ------------
          Total shareholders' equity.............................    248,081,000     220,314,000
                                                                    ------------    ------------
          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.............   $619,959,000    $521,600,000
                                                                    ============    ============
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-2

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      --------------------------------------------
                                                          1995            1994            1993
                                                      ------------    ------------    ------------
<S>                                                   <C>             <C>             <C>
Net sales..........................................   $816,127,000    $677,228,000    $565,163,000
Costs and expenses
  Cost of sales....................................    567,772,000     467,494,000     383,087,000
  Selling, general and administrative..............    152,456,000     131,466,000     118,192,000
                                                      ------------    ------------    ------------
Operating income...................................     95,899,000      78,268,000      63,884,000
Interest expense...................................    (13,359,000)     (8,499,000)     (6,136,000)
Other income (expense), net--Note L................     (5,261,000)        412,000       1,048,000
                                                      ------------    ------------    ------------
Income before income taxes.........................     77,279,000      70,181,000      58,796,000
Income taxes--Note F...............................     25,669,000      23,411,000      19,016,000
                                                      ------------    ------------    ------------
Net income.........................................   $ 51,610,000    $ 46,770,000    $ 39,780,000
                                                      ============    ============    ============
                                                             $1.13           $1.02           $0.86
Net income per share...............................          =====           =====           =====
Average common shares outstanding..................     45,859,000      45,957,000      46,293,000
                                                      ============    ============    ============
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-3

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                     ---------------------------------------------
                                                         1995             1994            1993
                                                     -------------    ------------    ------------
<S>                                                  <C>              <C>             <C>
Operating activities
  Net income......................................   $  51,610,000    $ 46,770,000    $ 39,780,000
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
     provided by operating activities:
       Depreciation...............................      11,806,000      10,302,000       9,215,000
       Amortization...............................       4,085,000       3,971,000       2,824,000
       Provision for doubtful accounts............       1,716,000       1,809,000       2,710,000
       Deferred income taxes......................       2,454,000       3,544,000        (350,000)
       Other, net.................................      (1,578,000)      1,547,000      (4,668,000)
       Changes in operating assets and liabilities
          net of effects from acquisitions of
          companies
          Accounts receivable.....................      (6,368,000)    (20,050,000)    (10,742,000)
          Inventories.............................      (6,837,000)     (4,458,000)       (400,000)
          Prepaid expenses........................        (669,000)       (108,000)       (935,000)
          Accounts payable........................       3,676,000       5,217,000       5,193,000
          Accrued liabilities.....................       4,454,000       2,713,000       3,378,000
          Income taxes............................      (1,402,000)      2,505,000       2,746,000
                                                      ------------     -----------     -----------
            Net cash provided by operating
               activities.........................      62,947,000      53,762,000      48,751,000
                                                      ------------     -----------     -----------
Investing activities
  Purchases of properties and equipment...........     (15,701,000)    (11,108,000)    (10,139,000)
  Principal extensions under lease financing
     agreements...................................    (119,833,000)    (97,988,000)    (70,470,000)
  Principal collections under lease financing
     agreements...................................      99,536,000      81,182,000      64,041,000
  Payments for purchases of companies, net of cash
     acquired.....................................     (46,611,000)    (69,563,000)    (22,869,000)
  Other, net......................................      (5,478,000)        613,000       1,378,000
                                                      ------------     -----------     -----------
            Net cash used for investing
               activities.........................     (88,087,000)    (96,864,000)    (38,059,000)
                                                      ------------     -----------     -----------
Financing activities
  Addition to short-term borrowings...............      50,970,000      59,699,000       2,542,000
  Principal payments on long-term borrowings......      (3,595,000)     (1,811,000)     (1,002,000)
  Principal extensions under long-term
     borrowings...................................       8,018,000      15,000,000       5,080,000
  Purchases of treasury stock.....................      (4,130,000)     (9,736,000)     (1,778,000)
  Cash dividends paid to shareholders.............     (21,767,000)    (18,462,000)    (15,938,000)
  Other, net......................................         389,000         441,000         757,000
                                                      ------------     -----------     -----------
            Net cash provided by (used for)
               financing activities...............      29,885,000      45,131,000     (10,339,000)
                                                      ------------     -----------     -----------
Increase in cash and cash equivalents.............       4,745,000       2,029,000         353,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year....       4,605,000       2,576,000       2,223,000
                                                      ------------     -----------     -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year..........   $   9,350,000    $  4,605,000    $  2,576,000
                                                      ============     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                       F-4

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE A--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION: The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of Federal Signal Corporation and all of its subsidiaries.
 
     CASH EQUIVALENTS: The company considers all highly liquid investments with
a maturity of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents.
 
     INVENTORIES: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. At
December 31, 1995 and 1994, approximately 55% and 60%, respectively, of the
company's inventories are costed using the LIFO (last-in, first-out) method. The
remaining portion of the company's inventories are costed using the FIFO
(first-in, first-out) method.
 
     PROPERTIES AND DEPRECIATION: Properties and equipment are stated at cost.
Depreciation, for financial reporting purposes, is computed principally on the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
 
     INTANGIBLE ASSETS: Intangible assets principally consist of costs in excess
of fair values of net assets acquired in purchase transactions and are generally
being amortized over forty years. Accumulated amortization aggregated
$12,718,000 and $9,469,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The
company makes regular periodic assessments to determine if factors are present
which indicate that an impairment of intangibles may exist. If factors indicate
that an impairment may exist, the company makes an estimate of the related
future cash flows. The undiscounted cash flows, excluding interest, are compared
to the related book value including the intangibles. If such cash flows are less
than the book value, the company makes an estimate of the fair value of the
related business to determine the amount of impairment loss, if any, to be
recorded as a reduction of the recorded intangibles.
 
     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, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
     REVENUE RECOGNITION: Substantially all of the company's sales are recorded
as products are shipped or services are rendered. The percentage-of-completion
method of accounting is used in certain instances for custom-manufactured
products where, due to the nature of specific orders, production and delivery
schedules exceed normal schedules.
 
     INCOME PER SHARE: Income per share was computed on the basis of the
weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares (dilutive stock
options) outstanding during the year.
 
NOTE B--INVENTORIES
 
     Inventories at December 31 are summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1995           1994
                                                               -----------    -----------
        <S>                                                    <C>            <C>
        Finished goods......................................   $24,675,000    $20,054,000
        Work in process.....................................    32,286,000     22,355,000
        Raw materials.......................................    40,487,000     36,490,000
                                                               -----------    -----------
        Total inventories...................................   $97,448,000    $78,899,000
                                                               ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
 
     If the first-in, first-out cost method, which approximates replacement
cost, had been used by the company, inventories would have aggregated
$106,934,000 and $88,093,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
                                       F-5

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE C--PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT
 
     A comparative summary of properties and equipment at December 31 is as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1995            1994
                                                             ------------    ------------
        <S>                                                  <C>             <C>
        Land..............................................   $  5,703,000    $  5,740,000
        Buildings and improvements........................     38,493,000      38,045,000
        Machinery and equipment...........................    120,554,000     109,841,000
        Accumulated depreciation..........................    (86,296,000)    (80,788,000)
                                                             ------------    ------------
        Total properties and equipment....................   $ 78,454,000    $ 72,838,000
                                                             ============    ============
</TABLE>
 
NOTE D--LEASE FINANCING AND OTHER RECEIVABLES
 
     As an added service to its customers, the company is engaged in financial
services activities. These activities primarily consist of providing long-term
financing for certain customers of the company's sign and vehicle operations. A
substantial portion of the lease financing receivables of the Vehicle Group are
due from municipalities. Financing is provided through sales-type lease
contracts with terms which range typically as follows:

       Sign-related leases......................................3-5 years
       Vehicle-related leases...................................2-8 years
 
     At the inception of the lease, the company records the product sales price
and related costs and expenses of the sale. Financing revenues are included in
income over the life of the lease. The amounts recorded as lease financing
receivables represent amounts equivalent to normal selling prices less
subsequent customer payments.
 
     Lease financing and other receivables will become due as follows:
$46,654,000 in 1996, $28,167,000 in 1997, $22,996,000 in 1998, $17,339,000 in
1999, $11,133,000 in 2000 and $22,370,000 thereafter. At December 31, 1995 and
1994, unearned finance revenue on these leases aggregated $27,378,000 and
$21,347,000, respectively.
 
NOTE E--DEBT
 
     Short-term borrowings at December 31 consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1995            1994
                                                             ------------    ------------
        <S>                                                  <C>             <C>
        Commercial paper..................................   $ 26,779,000
        Notes payable.....................................    157,040,000    $134,289,000
        Current maturities of long-term debt..............      2,631,000       1,185,000
                                                             ------------    ------------
        Total short-term borrowings.......................   $186,450,000    $135,474,000
                                                             ============    ============
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-6

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
     Long-term borrowings at December 31 consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1995           1994
                                                                      -----------    -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>            <C>
4.25% unsecured note payable in quarterly installments ending in
  2001.............................................................   $ 6,871,000
7.59% unsecured note payable in 2001 ($4,000,000) and 2002
  ($8,000,000).....................................................    12,000,000    $12,000,000
7.99% unsecured note payable in 2004...............................    15,000,000     15,000,000
6.58% unsecured discounted notes payable in annual installments of
  $1,000,000 ending in 2001........................................     5,094,000      5,769,000
Other..............................................................     3,368,000      3,294,000
                                                                      -----------    -----------
                                                                       42,333,000     36,063,000
Less current maturities............................................     2,631,000      1,185,000
                                                                      -----------    -----------
Total long-term borrowings.........................................   $39,702,000    $34,878,000
                                                                      ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
 
     Aggregate maturities of long-term debt amount to approximately $2,631,000
in 1996, $5,033,000 in 1997, $2,122,000 in 1998, $1,898,000 in 1999 and
$1,848,000 in 2000. The company believes that the fair values of borrowings are
not substantially different from recorded amounts.
 
     The 7.59% and 7.99% notes contain various restrictions relating to
maintenance of minimum working capital, payments of cash dividends, purchases of
the company's stock, and principal and interest of any subordinated debt. All of
the company's retained earnings at December 31, 1995 were free of any
restrictions.
 
     The company paid interest of $13,411,000 in 1995, $6,943,000 in 1994 and
$5,437,000 in 1993. Weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings
were 5.6% and 5.8% at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. See Note H
regarding the company's utilization of derivative financial instruments relating
to outstanding debt.
 
     At December 31, 1995, the company had unused credit lines of $100,000,000,
which expire on June 20, 1998. Commitment fees, paid in lieu of compensating
balances, were insignificant.
 
NOTE F--INCOME TAXES
 
     The provisions for income taxes consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1995           1994           1993
                                                   -----------    -----------    -----------
        <S>                                        <C>            <C>            <C>
        CURRENT:
          Federal and foreign...................   $20,922,000    $17,775,000    $17,200,000
          State and local.......................     2,293,000      2,092,000      1,946,000
                                                   -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                    23,215,000     19,867,000     19,146,000
        DEFERRED (CREDIT):
          Federal and foreign...................     2,201,000      3,333,000       (226,000)
          State and local.......................       253,000        211,000       (124,000)
                                                   -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                     2,454,000      3,544,000       (350,000)
          Enacted rate change effect on deferred
             liabilities........................                                     220,000
                                                   -----------    -----------    -----------
        Total income taxes......................   $25,669,000    $23,411,000    $19,016,000
                                                   ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-7

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
     Differences between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective
income tax rate are summarized below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1995    1994    1993
                                                                       ----    ----    ----
        <S>                                                            <C>     <C>     <C>
        Statutory federal income tax rate...........................   35.0%   35.0%   35.0%
        State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit..............    2.1     2.1     2.0
        Tax-exempt interest.........................................   (2.8)   (2.6)   (3.0)
        Enacted rate change effect on deferred liabilities..........                     .4
        Other, net..................................................   (1.1)   (1.1)   (2.1)
                                                                       ----    ----    ----
        Effective income tax rate...................................   33.2%   33.4%   32.3%
                                                                       ====    ====    ====
</TABLE>
 
     The company had net current deferred income tax benefits of $2,956,000 and
$1,362,000 recorded in the balance sheet at December 31, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. The company paid income taxes of $24,940,000 in 1995, $17,735,000
in 1994 and $16,938,000 in 1993.
 
     Deferred tax liabilities (assets) comprised the following at December 31,
1995: Depreciation and amortization--$17,065,000; revenue recognized on lease
financing receivables and custom manufacturing contracts--$5,768,000; accrued
expenses deductible in future periods--$(8,844,000); and other $881,000.
Deferred tax liabilities (assets) comprised the following at December 31, 1994:
Depreciation and amortization--$14,296,000; revenue recognized on lease
financing receivables and custom manufacturing contracts--$8,143,000; accrued
expenses deductible in future periods--$(9,283,000); and other $(740,000).
 
NOTE G -- POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
 
     The company and its subsidiaries sponsor a number of defined benefit
retirement plans covering certain of its salaried employees and hourly employees
not covered by plans under collective bargaining agreements. Benefits under
these plans are primarily based on final average compensation as defined within
the provisions of the individual plans. The company's policy is to contribute
amounts sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements of applicable laws
and regulations. Plan assets consist principally of a broadly diversified
portfolio of equity securities, corporate and U.S. Government obligations and
guaranteed-return insurance contracts. The company also participates in several
multiemployer retirement plans which provide benefits to employees under certain
collective bargaining agreements.
 
     Pension expense is summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1995           1994           1993
                                                         -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                      <C>            <C>            <C>
Company-sponsored plans
  Service cost........................................   $ 1,452,000    $ 1,687,000    $ 1,511,000
  Interest cost.......................................     2,864,000      2,437,000      2,290,000
  Return on plan assets...............................    (9,054,000)       581,000     (6,428,000)
  Other amortization and deferral.....................     3,664,000     (5,521,000)     1,943,000
                                                         -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                          (1,074,000)      (816,000)      (684,000)
Multiemployer plans...................................       465,000        337,000        561,000
                                                         -----------    -----------    -----------
Total pension expense (credit)........................   $  (609,000)   $  (479,000)   $  (123,000)
                                                         ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-8

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
     The following summarizes the funded status of the company-sponsored plans
at December 31, 1995 and 1994 and the major assumptions used to determine these
amounts.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             PLANS IN WHICH
                                                                       --------------------------
                                                                       PLAN ASSETS    ABO EXCEEDS
                                                                       EXCEED ABO     PLAN ASSETS
                                                                       -----------    -----------
                                                                                  1995
                                                                       --------------------------
<S>                                                                    <C>            <C>
Actuarial present value of:
  Vested benefit obligation.........................................   $27,427,000    $5,214,000
  Nonvested benefits................................................     1,565,000       120,000
                                                                       -----------    ----------
Accumulated benefit obligation (ABO)................................   $28,992,000    $5,334,000
                                                                       ===========    ==========
Actuarial present value of projected benefit obligation.............   $38,803,000    $5,334,000
Plan assets at market value.........................................    46,010,000     4,733,000
                                                                       -----------    ----------
Plan assets in excess of (less than) projected benefit obligation...     7,207,000      (601,000)
Unrecognized net obligation at January 1, 1995......................    (2,618,000)      379,000
Unrecognized net experience (gain) loss.............................    (3,363,000)      387,000
                                                                       -----------    ----------
Net pension asset...................................................   $ 1,226,000    $  165,000
                                                                       ===========    ==========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1994
                                                                      -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>          
Actuarial present value of:
  Vested benefit obligation........................................   $21,904,000
  Nonvested benefits...............................................     1,746,000
                                                                      -----------
Accumulated benefit obligation.....................................   $23,650,000
                                                                      ===========
Actuarial present value of projected benefit obligation............   $31,072,000
Plan assets at market value........................................    43,318,000
                                                                      -----------
Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation..............    12,246,000
Unrecognized net obligation at January 1, 1994.....................    (2,270,000)
Unrecognized net experience (gain).................................    (9,660,000)
                                                                      -----------
Net pension asset..................................................   $   316,000
                                                                      ===========
</TABLE>
 
     The following significant assumptions were used in determining pension
costs for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1995    1994    1993
                                                                       ----    ----    ----
        <S>                                                            <C>     <C>     <C>
        Discount rate...............................................   8.9%    7.6%    8.5%
        Rate of increase in compensation levels.....................     5%      4%      5%
        Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets............    11%     11%     11%
</TABLE>
 
     The weighted average discount rates used in determining the actuarial
present value of all pension obligations at December 31, 1995 and 1994 were 7.2%
and 8.9%, respectively.
 
     The company also sponsors a number of defined contribution pension plans
covering a majority of its employees. Participation in the plans is at each
employee's election. Company contributions to these plans are based on a
percentage of employee contributions. The cost of these plans, including
acquisitions made during the three-year period ended December 31, 1995, was
$2,975,000 in 1995, $2,900,000 in 1994 and $2,160,000 in 1993.
 
     The company also provides certain medical, dental and life benefits to
certain eligible retired employees. These benefits are funded when the claims
are incurred. Participants generally become eligible for these
 
                                       F-9

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
benefits at age 60 after completing at least fifteen years of service. The plan
provides for the payment of specified percentages of medical and dental expenses
reduced by any deductible and payments made by other primary group coverage and
government programs. The corporation will continue to reduce the percentage of
the cost of benefits that it will pay since the company's future costs are
limited to 150% of the 1992 cost. Accumulated postretirement benefit liabilities
of $2,461,000 and $2,341,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively, were
fully accrued. The net periodic postretirement benefit costs have not been
significant during the three-year period ended December 31, 1995.
 
NOTE H--DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     The company enters into agreements (derivative financial instruments) to
manage the risks associated with certain aspects of its business. The company
does not actively trade such instruments nor enter into such agreements for
speculative purposes. The company principally utilizes two types of derivative
financial instruments: 1) interest rate swaps to manage its interest rate risk,
and 2) foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage risks associated
with sales and purchase commitments denominated in foreign currencies.
 
     At December 31, 1995, the company had two agreements with financial
institutions to swap interest rates. One agreement, the purpose of which is to
convert variable rate short-term debt to a fixed rate, is based on a notional
amount of $125 million and expires in 1997. The company pays a fixed rate of
interest of 5.47% and receives the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate
(LIBOR). The other agreement is based on a notional amount of $10 million and
also expires in 1997. The agreement provides that the company will receive a
fixed rate of interest at 5.08% and will pay interest at the six-month LIBOR
with a maximum floating rate of 7.50% for the last twelve months of the
agreement. At December 31, 1994, the company had similar swap agreements on
notional amounts totalling $15 million. The differential between the amount
received and the amount paid is accrued as interest rates change and recognized
as an adjustment to interest expense; the related amount payable to or
receivable from the counterparties is included in accrued liabilities or other
assets. The estimated cost to terminate these agreements was $237,000 and
$500,000 at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
     At December 31, 1995, the company had foreign currency forward exchange
contracts designated and effective as hedges which become due in various amounts
and at various dates through 1997 totalling $17,800,000. At December 31, 1994
such contracts totalled $3,000,000. All such contracts at December 31, 1995 and
1994 were for the purpose of hedging purchase or sales commitments. Unrealized
gains and losses on the forward exchange contracts are deferred and will be
recognized in income in the same period as the hedged transaction. The
differences between the contract values and the fair values were insignificant
at December 31, 1995 and 1994.
 
NOTE I--STOCK OPTIONS AND AWARDS
 
     The company's stock benefit plan, approved by the company's shareholders,
authorizes the grant of up to 2,737,500 (as adjusted for subsequent stock splits
and dividends) benefit shares or units to key employees and directors until May
1998. This excludes shares which were issued under predecessor plans. Benefit
shares or units include stock options, both incentive and non-incentive, stock
awards and other stock units.
 
     Stock options are primarily granted at the fair market value of the shares
on the date of grant and become exercisable one year after grant at a rate of
one-half annually and are exercisable in full on the second anniversary date.
All options and rights must be exercised within ten years from date of grant. At
the company's discretion, vested stock option holders are permitted to elect an
alternative settlement method in lieu of purchasing common stock at the option
price. The alternative settlement method permits the employee to receive,
without payment to the company, cash, shares of common stock or a combination
thereof equal to the excess of market value of common stock over the option
purchase price.
 
                                      F-10

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
     The company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB 25). Under APB 25, no
compensation expense is recognized when the exercise price of the stock options
equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant.
 
     Changes in outstanding shares under option during 1995 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 OPTION         OPTION
                                                                 SHARES       PRICE RANGE
                                                                ---------    -------------
<S>                                                            <C>           <C>
        Outstanding at December 31, 1994.....................   1,815,132    $ 3.21-$20.63
        Granted..............................................      41,363    $20.13-$24.38
        Canceled or expired..................................      (8,802)   $11.17-$20.63
        Exercised............................................     (55,666)   $ 3.21-$20.38
                                                                ---------    -------------
        Outstanding at December 31, 1995.....................   1,792,027    $ 3.33-$24.38
                                                                =========    =============
        Exercisable at December 31, 1995.....................   1,615,212    $ 3.33-$20.63
                                                                =========    =============
</TABLE>
 
     Stock award shares are granted to employees at no cost. Awards primarily
vest at the rate of 25% annually commencing one year from the date of award,
provided the recipient is still employed by the company on the vesting date. The
cost of stock awards, based on the fair market value at the date of grant, is
being charged to expense over the four-year vesting period.
 
     Available for future grant were 383,389 and 425,950 benefit shares or units
at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
NOTE J--SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
     The company has 90,000,000 authorized shares of common stock, $1 par value
and 800,000 authorized and unissued shares of preference stock, $1 par value.
 
                                      F-11

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
     The changes in shareholders' equity for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1995 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                               FOREIGN
                                      COMMON       CAPITAL IN                                   DEFERRED      CURRENCY
                                       STOCK       EXCESS OF       RETAINED       TREASURY        STOCK      TRANSLATION
                                     PAR VALUE     PAR VALUE       EARNINGS        STOCK         AWARDS      ADJUSTMENT
                                    -----------   ------------   ------------   ------------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                 <C>           <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
Balance at December 31, 1992--
  34,478,000 shares issued........  $34,478,000   $ 71,422,000   $ 82,160,000   $ (5,227,000)  $(1,941,000)  $(1,912,000)
Net income........................                                 39,780,000
Cash dividends declared...........                                (16,469,000)
Exercise of stock options:
  Cash proceeds...................       86,000        438,000
  Exchange of shares..............      155,000        938,000                    (1,093,000)
Stock awards granted..............       30,000        659,000                                    (689,000)
Stock awards canceled.............       (2,000)       (57,000)                                     59,000
Tax benefits related to stock
  compensation plans..............                   1,562,000
Retirement of treasury stock......      (81,000)    (1,929,000)                    2,010,000
Purchases of 99,000 shares of
  treasury stock..................                                                (2,689,000)
4-for-3 stock split, 11,072,000
  shares issued...................   11,072,000    (18,988,000)                    7,916,000
Amortization of deferred stock
  awards..........................                                                                 856,000
Foreign currency translation
  adjustment......................                                                                            (2,419,000)
Other.............................                                                  (917,000)
                                    -----------   ------------   ------------   ------------   -----------   -----------
Balance at December 31, 1993--
  45,738,000 shares issued........   45,738,000     54,045,000    105,471,000        --         (1,715,000)   (4,331,000)
Net income........................                                 46,770,000
Cash dividends declared...........                                (19,103,000)
Exercise of stock options:
  Cash proceeds...................       67,000        393,000
  Exchange of shares..............        6,000         21,000                       (27,000)
Stock awards granted..............       43,000        770,000                                    (813,000)
Stock awards canceled.............       (4,000)       (59,000)                                     63,000
Tax benefits related to stock
  compensation plans..............                     206,000
Retirement of treasury stock......      (12,000)      (213,000)                      225,000
Purchases of 466,000 shares of
  treasury stock..................                                                (9,339,000)
Shares purchased subsequent to
  December 31, 1993 used to effect
  4-for-3 stock split.............      (71,000)    (1,387,000)                    1,458,000
Amortization of deferred stock
  awards..........................                                                                 777,000
Foreign currency translation
  adjustment......................                                                                             1,552,000
Other.............................                     (20,000)                     (197,000)
                                    -----------   ------------   ------------   ------------   -----------   -----------
Balance at December 31, 1994--
  45,767,000 shares issued........   45,767,000     53,756,000    133,138,000     (7,880,000)   (1,688,000)   (2,779,000)
Net income........................                                 51,610,000
Cash dividends declared...........                                (22,653,000)
Exercise of stock options:
  Cash proceeds...................       42,000        312,000
  Exchange of shares..............       14,000         38,000                       (52,000)
Stock awards granted..............       10,000        192,000                                    (202,000)
Tax benefits related to stock
  compensation plans..............                     247,000
Retirement of treasury stock......      (19,000)      (437,000)                      456,000
Purchases of 147,000 shares of
  treasury stock..................                                                (3,068,000)
Amortization of deferred stock
  awards..........................                                                                 844,000
Foreign currency translation
  adjustment......................                                                                               464,000
Other.............................       18,000        356,000                      (405,000)
                                    -----------   ------------   ------------   ------------   -----------   -----------
Balance at December 31, 1995--
  45,832,000 shares issued........  $45,832,000   $ 54,464,000   $162,095,000   $(10,949,000)  $(1,046,000)  $(2,315,000)
                                    ===========   ============   ============   ============   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-12

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
     In June 1988, the company declared a dividend distribution of one preferred
share purchase right on each share of common stock outstanding on and after July
5, 1988. The rights are not exercisable until the rights distribution date,
defined as the earlier of: 1) the tenth day following a public announcement that
a person or group of affiliated or associated persons acquired or obtained the
right to acquire beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the outstanding common
stock or 2) the tenth day following the commencement or announcement of an
intention to make a tender offer or exchange offer, the consummation of which
would result in the beneficial ownership by a person or group of 30% or more of
such outstanding common shares. Each right, when exercisable, entitles the
holder to purchase from the company one one-hundredth of a share of Series A
Preferred stock of the company at a price of $90 per one one-hundredth of a
preferred share, subject to adjustment. The company is entitled to redeem the
rights at $.10 per right, payable in cash or common shares, at any time prior to
the expiration of twenty days following the public announcement that a 20%
position has been acquired. In the event that the company is acquired in a
merger or other business combination transaction or 50% or more of its
consolidated assets or earning power is sold, proper provision will be made so
that each holder of a right will thereafter have the right to receive, upon the
exercise thereof at the then current exercise price of a right, that number of
shares of common stock of the acquiring company which at the time of such
transaction would have a market value of two times the exercise price of the
right. The rights expire on July 5, 1998 unless earlier redeemed by the company.
Until exercised, the holder of a right, as such, will have no rights as a
shareholder, including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive
dividends.
 
NOTE K--ACQUISITIONS
 
     During the three-year period ended December 31, 1995, the company made the
following acquisitions, principally all for cash. In August 1995, the company
acquired the net operating assets of Bronto Skylift Oy Ab ("Bronto"), a
Finland-based manufacturer of truck-mounted aerial access platforms for the fire
and industrial markets. In December 1995, the company acquired the assets of the
Target Tech brand of warning lights from Dominion Automotive Industries. Target
Tech, located in Kent, Washington, manufactures amber signaling products for
construction and access vehicles. In addition to Bronto and Target Tech, the
company also made some small Safety Products Group acquisitions during the year.
As a result of all the 1995 acquisitions, the company recorded approximately
$12.7 million of working capital, $25.5 million of fixed and other assets and
$33.3 million of costs in excess of fair values. The assigned values of these
acquisitions are based on preliminary estimates. In June 1994, the company
acquired the principal operating assets and assumed the principal operating
liabilities of Peabody Myers Corporation ("Vactor"). Vactor is an Illinois-based
manufacturer of municipal combination catch basin/sewer cleaning vacuum trucks.
In May 1994, the company acquired the principal operating assets and assumed the
principal operating liabilities of Justrite Manufacturing Company, an
Illinois-based manufacturer of safety equipment for the storage, transfer, use
and disposal of flammable and hazardous materials. As a result of the 1994
acquisitions, the company recorded approximately $9.9 million of working
capital, $10.3 million of fixed and other assets and $49.6 million of costs in
excess of fair values. In March 1993, the company acquired the outstanding
shares of Guzzler Manufacturing, Inc., an Alabama-based manufacturer of vacuum
loader vehicles. As a result of this acquisition, the company recorded
approximately $6.0 million of working capital, $6.1 million of fixed and other
assets, $.8 million of debt assumed and $12.7 million of costs in excess of fair
values.
 
     All of the acquisitions in the three-year period ended December 31, 1995
have been accounted for as purchases. Accordingly, the results of operations of
the acquired companies have been included in the consolidated statements of
income from the effective dates of the acquisitions. Assuming the 1995 and 1994
acquisitions occurred on January 1, 1994, the company estimates that
consolidated net sales would have been increased 5% and 13% in 1995 and 1994,
respectively, while net income would have decreased 5% in 1995 and increased 3%
in 1994.
 
                                      F-13

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
NOTE L -- LITIGATION SETTLEMENT
 
     On December 29, 1995, the company settled a lawsuit with Duravision, Inc.
and Manufacturers Product Research Group of North America, Inc. for $6.7
million. As a result of the settlement, the company recorded a net after-tax
charge to income of $4.2 million, or $0.09 per share. The charge, included in
other income and expense, was recorded in the fourth quarter of 1995. The
resolution of this case will have no effect on the company's future operating
performance as it involved a discontinued product line. The company is actively
seeking recoveries from its original trial counsel.
 
NOTE M--SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
     The principal activities of the company's primary industry segments are as
follows:
 
     SAFETY PRODUCTS GROUP: The Safety Products Group produces: a variety of
visual and audible warning and signal devices; paging, local signaling, and
building security, parking and access control systems; and equipment for
storage, transfer, use and disposal of flammable and hazardous materials. The
group's products are sold primarily to industrial, municipal and government
customers.
 
     SIGN GROUP: The Sign Group manufactures for sale or lease illuminated,
non-illuminated and electronic advertising sign displays primarily for
commercial and industrial markets. It also enters into contracts to provide
maintenance service for the signs it manufactures as well as for signs
manufactured by others.
 
     TOOL GROUP: The Tool Group manufactures a variety of perishable tools which
include die components for the metal stamping industry, a large selection of
precision metal products for nonstamping needs and a line of precision cutting
and deep grooving tools. The group's products are sold predominately to
industrial markets.
 
     VEHICLE GROUP: The Vehicle Group manufactures: chassis; fire trucks
including Class A pumpers, mini-pumpers and tankers; airport and other rescue
vehicles, aerial access platforms, ambulances and aerial ladder trucks; a
variety of self-propelled street cleaning vehicles; vacuum loader vehicles and
municipal catch basin/sewer cleaning vacuum trucks. The Vehicle Group sells
primarily to municipal customers, volunteer fire departments and government
customers.
 
     Total revenue by business segment reflects sales to unaffiliated customers,
as reported in the company's consolidated statements of income. Operating income
includes all costs and expenses directly related to the segment involved. In
determining operating income, neither corporate nor interest expenses were
included. Business segment depreciation expense, identifiable assets and capital
expenditures relate to those assets that are utilized by the respective business
segment. Corporate assets consist principally of cash and cash equivalents,
notes and other receivables and fixed assets.
 
     Foreign sales, including export and foreign operations, aggregated
$188,094,000 in 1995, $129,896,000 in 1994 and $113,210,000 in 1993. Export
sales aggregated $85,241,000 in 1995, $67,341,000 in 1994 and $59,324,000 in
1993.
 
                                      F-14

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
     A summary of the company's operations by geographic area for the three-year
period ended December 31, 1995 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1995            1994            1993
                                                      ------------    ------------    ------------
<S>                                                   <C>             <C>             <C>
UNITED STATES
  Net sales........................................   $713,274,000    $614,673,000    $511,277,000
  Operating income.................................     92,929,000      76,190,000      62,977,000
  Identifiable assets..............................    515,725,000     463,621,000     353,172,000

ALL FOREIGN (principally Europe, Canada and Japan)
  Net sales........................................   $102,853,000    $ 62,555,000    $ 53,886,000
  Operating income.................................      2,970,000       2,078,000         907,000
  Identifiable assets..............................    104,234,000      57,979,000      52,532,000
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      --------------------------------------------
                                                          1995            1994            1993
                                                      ------------    ------------    ------------
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>             <C>
Net sales
  Safety Products..................................   $160,669,000    $135,424,000    $104,927,000
  Sign.............................................     71,170,000      66,090,000      58,550,000
  Tool.............................................    131,776,000     121,657,000     111,879,000
  Vehicle..........................................    452,512,000     354,057,000     289,807,000
                                                      ------------    ------------    ------------
     Total net sales...............................   $816,127,000    $677,228,000    $565,163,000
                                                      ============    ============    ============
Operating income
  Safety Products..................................   $ 28,931,000    $ 23,313,000    $ 16,159,000
  Sign.............................................      6,131,000       3,988,000       1,169,000
  Tool.............................................     28,454,000      23,475,000      23,273,000
  Vehicle..........................................     39,191,000      33,531,000      30,289,000
  Corporate expense................................     (6,808,000)     (6,039,000)     (7,006,000)
                                                      ------------    ------------    ------------
     Total operating income........................     95,899,000      78,268,000      63,884,000
Interest expense...................................    (13,359,000)     (8,499,000)     (6,136,000)
Other income.......................................     (5,261,000)        412,000       1,048,000
                                                      ------------    ------------    ------------
Income before income taxes.........................   $ 77,279,000    $ 70,181,000    $ 58,796,000
                                                      ============    ============    ============
Depreciation
  Safety Products..................................   $  3,348,000    $  2,693,000    $  1,757,000
  Sign.............................................      1,341,000       1,400,000       1,684,000
  Tool.............................................      2,740,000       2,386,000       2,313,000
  Vehicle..........................................      4,336,000       3,772,000       3,412,000
  Corporate........................................         41,000          51,000          49,000
                                                      ------------    ------------    ------------
     Total depreciation............................   $ 11,806,000    $ 10,302,000    $  9,215,000
                                                      ============    ============    ============
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-15

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      --------------------------------------------
                                                          1995            1994            1993
                                                      ------------    ------------    ------------
<S>                                                   <C>             <C>             <C>
Identifiable assets
  Manufacturing activities
     Safety Products...............................   $124,765,000    $ 98,438,000    $ 51,092,000
     Sign..........................................     22,303,000      26,771,000      24,480,000
     Tool..........................................     71,312,000      66,729,000      62,035,000
     Vehicle.......................................    244,581,000     192,436,000     142,158,000
     Corporate.....................................      9,463,000      10,038,000      15,359,000
                                                      ------------    ------------    ------------
       Total manufacturing activities..............    472,424,000     394,412,000     295,124,000
                                                      ------------    ------------    ------------
  Financial services activities
     Sign..........................................     18,715,000      13,836,000      17,282,000
     Vehicle.......................................    128,820,000     113,352,000      93,298,000
                                                      ------------    ------------    ------------
       Total financial services activities.........    147,535,000     127,188,000     110,580,000
                                                      ------------    ------------    ------------
     Total identifiable assets.....................   $619,959,000    $521,600,000    $405,704,000
                                                      ============    ============    ============
Capital expenditures
  Safety Products..................................   $  3,173,000    $  2,409,000    $  2,675,000
  Sign.............................................      1,454,000       1,218,000         988,000
  Tool.............................................      7,104,000       4,200,000       2,614,000
  Vehicle..........................................      3,958,000       3,245,000       3,848,000
  Corporate........................................         12,000          36,000          14,000
                                                      ------------    ------------    ------------
     Total capital expenditures....................   $ 15,701,000    $ 11,108,000    $ 10,139,000
                                                      ============    ============    ============
</TABLE>
 
NOTE N -- SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
                           -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              1995                                            1994
                           -------------------------------------------     -------------------------------------------
                            MARCH       JUNE     SEPTEMBER    DECEMBER      MARCH       JUNE     SEPTEMBER    DECEMBER
                              31         30         30           31           31         30         30           31
                           --------   --------   ---------    --------     --------   --------   ---------    --------
                                               (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Net sales................  $187,132   $199,355   $ 207,880    $221,760     $138,106   $164,001   $ 181,283    $193,838
Gross margin.............    56,863     61,297      62,813      67,382       42,891     51,751      55,415      59,677
Net income...............    10,793     14,479      14,629      11,709(a)     8,156     12,396      12,436      13,782
Per share data:
  Net income.............       .24        .32         .32         .26(a)       .18        .27         .27         .30
  Dividends paid.........       .13        .13         .13         .13          .11        .11         .11         .11
  Market price range
    High.................    21 7/8         23      24 1/8      25 7/8       21 3/8     20 3/8      20 5/8          21
    Low..................    19 5/8     20 3/8      21 1/8      21 3/8       19 1/4     16 7/8          17      17 3/4
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(a) Includes after-tax charge for litigation settlement of $4.2 million or $.09
    per share (see Note L).
 
                                      F-16

<PAGE>
 
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
  of Federal Signal Corporation
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Federal
Signal Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and the
related consolidated statements of income and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1995. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Federal Signal
Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
                                                               Ernst & Young LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
January 23, 1996
 
                                      F-17

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                                FINANCIAL REVIEW
 
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     Federal Signal Corporation again achieved record levels of net sales, net
income and earnings per share in 1995 despite a nonrecurring charge to earnings
of $4.2 million ($.09 per share) recorded in the fourth quarter relating to a
litigation settlement. Net sales increased to $816.1 million, 21% higher than
1994's $677.2 million. Operating income increased 23% from $78.3 million in 1994
to $95.9 million in 1995. Net income, which was adversely affected by the
nonrecurring charge, increased 10% to $51.6 million in 1995 from $46.8 million
in 1994. These increases follow 1994's increases of 20% in sales and 18% in net
income. Net income per share for 1995 increased 11% to $1.13 per share compared
to $1.02 in 1994 and $.86 per share in 1993.
 
     The 1995 sales increase of 21% resulted from volume increases of 20%
(including 4% resulting from the acquisition of Bronto in August) and price
increases of 1%. Domestic sales increased 15% in 1995 while foreign sales
increased 45%. Excluding Bronto, foreign sales increased 22%. Foreign sales
accounted for 23% of the company's total sales in 1995 compared to 19% of total
sales in 1994.
 
     The 1995 sales increases follow a 20% increase in sales in 1994. The
increase in sales in 1994 resulted from volume increases of 19% (including 8%
from the acquisitions of Justrite Manufacturing in May and Vactor Manufacturing
in June 1994) and price increases of 1%. Excluding the sales of Justrite and
Vactor in 1994, domestic sales were 12% above 1993 while foreign sales increased
8%.
 
     Operating margins have increased from 10.8% in 1991 to 11.8% in 1995,
despite generally declining gross profit margins as the following table shows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1995      1994      1993      1992      1991
                                                     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----
                                                                  (PERCENT OF SALES)
<S>                                                  <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Net sales.........................................   100.0%    100.0%    100.0%    100.0%    100.0%
Cost of sales.....................................    69.6      69.0      67.8      68.2      67.9
                                                     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----
Gross profit margin...............................    30.4      31.0      32.2      31.8      32.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses......    18.6      19.4      20.9      21.2      21.3
                                                     -----     -----     -----     -----     -----
Operating margin..................................    11.8%     11.6%     11.3%     10.6%     10.8%
                                                     =====     =====     =====     =====     =====
</TABLE>
 
     Gross profit margins have generally declined principally due to sales of
the Vehicle Group increasing faster than sales of the other groups. The Vehicle
Group normally experiences higher cost of sales percentages but lower operating
expense percentages than the other groups. This trend temporarily reversed in
1993 due to improving gross margins of three of the company's four groups, most
notably Safety Products and Sign. Due to the reorganization costs incurred in
1992 for newly acquired businesses and certain costs incurred at Ravo for
development and other operational changes, the percentage of selling, general
and administrative expenses did not decline in 1992 as rapidly as normally would
be expected. In 1993 through 1995, however, reductions in the percentage of
selling, general and administrative costs did occur. These reductions are a
result of: 1) higher sales with fixed costs being spread over those higher
sales, 2) the increasing percentage of Vehicle Group sales to total sales, and
3) operational improvements made, particularly in the Sign Group. All of the
company's groups continue to work toward reducing their costs.
 
     Because of the varied nature of its operations, the company recognizes that
changes in operating income as a percentage of net sales on a consolidated basis
may sometimes distort its real operating performance. In order to monitor the
operating performance of its operations, the company utilizes various methods,
one of which is return on net assets. Return on net assets is defined as
operating income divided by the identifiable net assets (total assets of a
business unit less its accounts payable and accrued liabilities).
 
     The company acquires businesses which meet the company's growth and other
strategic objectives. In large part as a result of intangible assets arising
from acquisitions, it is anticipated that businesses acquired will not generate
the same levels of returns as the company's other businesses for some time
following their
 
                                      F-18

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                         FINANCIAL REVIEW--(CONTINUED)
 
respective acquisition. However, the company's strategies include making
constant improvements in all of its businesses. The company has improved its
return on net assets of its existing businesses over the years by increasing
operating margins and net asset turnover. In 1995, the company's manufacturing
operations again achieved a strong return on net assets. The 28% achieved in
1995 compares favorably to the 29% achieved by its manufacturing operations in
1994 when considering that the reduction occurred due to the impact of recent
acquisitions. Excluding recent acquisitions, the company's return increased by
1% in 1995 over 1994.
 
     Interest expense increased $4.9 million in 1995 following an increase of
$2.4 million in 1994. The increase in 1995 was the result of substantially
increased borrowings caused largely by three factors: 1) approximately $31
million incurred due to acquisitions of companies for cash during the first nine
months of 1995, 2) a $20.3 million increase in financial services assets which
occurred during the year, and 3) additional repurchases of the company's common
stock. In addition, weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings
experienced in 1995 were 6.0% compared to 4.5% in 1994. Interest expense
increased $2.4 million in 1994 principally due to higher interest rates,
increased borrowings required to fund the purchases of Justrite Manufacturing
and Vactor Manufacturing and increases in financial services assets in 1994.
 
     The company's effective tax rate of 33.2% in 1995 decreased from the 1994
rate of 33.4% and increased from the 1993 of 32.3%. The decrease in 1995 results
from tax-exempt interest income becoming a higher percentage of the company's
total income. The increase in 1994 was largely due to: 1) the fact that the 1993
rate included the impact of favorable tax return audit results, and 2)
tax-exempt interest income was a lower percentage of the company's total income.
 
     At the end of 1995, the company changed its assumptions for discount rates
used in determining the actuarial present values of accumulated and projected
benefit obligations for its postretirement plans from 8.9% to 7.2%. This
decrease resulted from the lower interest rate environment being experienced at
the end of 1995. The company also reduced its projected rate of increase in
compensation and increased its projected rate of return on plan assets each by
1% to be more in line with its long-term expectations. The company expects that
the changes in assumptions will not have a significant impact on 1996 results of
operations.
 
     Certain of the company's businesses are susceptible to the influences of
seasonal buying or delivery patterns. The company's businesses which tend to
have lower sales in the first calendar quarter compared to other quarters as a
result of these influences are signage, street sweeping, outdoor warning, other
municipal emergency signal products, parking systems and aerial access platform
manufacturing operations.
 
GROUP OPERATIONS
 
     Domestic markets were generally stronger in 1995 for all four of the
company's groups. As mentioned previously, foreign sales increased 22%
(excluding acquisitions) in 1995. The Safety Products and Vehicle groups
achieved much higher foreign sales in 1995. For the third year in a row, all
four groups achieved increases in both sales and earnings.
 
  Safety Products
 
     Safety Products Group sales increased 19% in 1995 resulting from increased
sales at Signal Products and VAMA and the full-year impact of Justrite (acquired
in May 1994). Domestic sales were up 18% while foreign sales increased 19%.
Earnings increased 24% in 1995. For the ninth consecutive year, the Safety
Products Group's operating margin increased. Cost reductions, the impact of
recent new product sales, and increased penetration of foreign markets
contributed to the group's improved results. The group's return on net
manufacturing assets was 32% in 1995 compared to 33% in 1994. As noted earlier,
the company's strategy includes the acquisition of companies which may not
initially produce returns at levels of its existing businesses. Excluding the
dilutive impact of Justrite which was acquired in mid-1994, the group's return
on net manufacturing assets increased from 44% in 1994 to 45% in 1995.
 
                                      F-19

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                         FINANCIAL REVIEW--(CONTINUED)
 
  Sign
 
     The Sign Group achieved a sales increase of 8% with operating profits
increasing 54% from $4.0 million in 1994 to $6.1 million in 1995. The group made
substantial internal improvements in 1995 and improved its profitability
significantly over that of recent years. The group's operating margin improved
in 1995 for the fourth year in a row. The increase in profitability resulted not
only from the higher sales level achieved but also from productivity gains
brought about by improved plant operations and business processes. As a result
of these improvements, the group's return on net manufacturing assets increased
from 17% in 1994 to 26% in 1995.
 
  Tool
 
     In 1995, the Tool Group achieved an 8% increase in sales and a 21% increase
in income. Domestic sales increased 6% in 1995 while foreign sales increased
18%. The group's results in 1994 were adversely affected by the impacts of
nonrecurring charges associated with the move of certain die components
operations and the revaluation of certain carbide inventories. The group's die
components and precision parts business and cutting tool business both improved
strongly in 1995. Favorable growth in domestic markets, improved efficiencies
and plant utilization and strong foreign sales all contributed to the group's
results. As a result, the group's return on net manufacturing assets improved
from 43% in 1994 to 49% in 1995.
 
  Vehicle
 
     Earnings for the Vehicle Group increased 17% in 1995 on a sales increase of
28%. Excluding the effects of Bronto which was acquired in August 1995, sales
would have increased approximately 20% while earnings would have increased about
14%. Domestic sales increased 18% in 1995 and foreign sales increased 62% (26%
excluding Bronto). All of the group's businesses achieved strong foreign sales
gains in 1995. The group's return on net manufacturing assets declined from 22%
in 1994 to 18% in 1995. The principal cause of the decline was the effect of the
acquisition of Bronto in mid-1995 and the full year effect of Vactor in 1995
which was purchased in mid-1994. Excluding the impacts of these businesses, the
return on net manufacturing assets remained about even in 1995 compared to 1994.
 
FINANCIAL SERVICES ACTIVITIES
 
     The company maintains a large investment ($147.5 million at December 31,
1995) in lease financing and other receivables which are generated principally
by its vehicle operations with the balance generated by its sign operations.
These assets continued to be conservatively leveraged in accordance with the
company's stated financial objectives for these assets for the five-year period
ending December 31, 1995 (see further discussion in Financial Position and Cash
Flow).
 
     Financial services assets have repayment terms generally ranging from two
to eight years. The increases in these assets resulted from increasing sales of
the Vehicle Group as well as continuing greater acceptance by customers of the
benefits of using the company as their source of financing vehicle purchases.
 
FINANCIAL POSITION AND CASH FLOW
 
     The company emphasizes generating strong cash flows from operations. During
1995, cash flow from operations increased to a level of $62.9 million compared
to $53.8 million in 1994 and $48.8 million in 1993. The increase in cash flow
from operations during this period is largely attributable to increases in sales
as well as the improvement in the company's operating margin. As expected, the
company's operating working capital (accounts receivable, inventory and accounts
payable) as a percent of sales did not change significantly during the
three-year period ending 1995. Nevertheless, the company expects further
improvement in its operating
 
                                      F-20

<PAGE>
 
                  FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                         FINANCIAL REVIEW--(CONTINUED)
 
cash flow as it continues to focus aggressively on its efficiencies and costs as
well as its working capital management.
 
     During the 1991-1995 period, the company has utilized its strong cash flows
from operations to: 1) fund in whole or in part strategic acquisitions of
companies operating in markets related to those already served by the company;
2) purchase increasing amounts of equipment principally to provide for further
cost reductions and increased productive capacity for the future as well as
tooling for new products; 3) increase its investment in financial services
activities; 4) pay increasing amounts in cash dividends to shareholders; and 5)
repurchase a small percentage of its outstanding common stock each year.
 
     Cash flows for the five-year period ending December 31, 1995 are summarized
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1995      1994      1993      1992      1991
                                                 ------    ------    ------    ------    ------
                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
        <S>                                      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
        Cash provided by (used for):
          Operating activities................   $ 62.9    $ 53.8    $ 48.8    $ 40.2    $ 43.9
          Investing activities................    (88.1)    (96.9)    (38.1)    (26.9)    (47.8)
          Financing activities................     29.9      45.1     (10.3)    (11.2)      2.5
</TABLE>
 
     In order to show the distinct characteristics of the company's investment
in its manufacturing activities and its investment in its financial services
activities, the company has presented separately these investments and their
related liabilities. Each of these two types of activities are supported by
different percentages of debt and equity.
 
     One of the company's financial objectives is to maintain a strong financial
position. The company defines its goal as normally having a debt to
capitalization ratio of 30% or less for its manufacturing operations. At
December 31, 1995 and 1994, the company's debt to capitalization ratios of its
manufacturing operations were 29% and 22%, respectively. The increase in this
ratio occurred largely due to the 1995 acquisitions of Bronto and Target Tech
for cash. The company also believes that its financial assets, due to their
overall quality, are capable of sustaining a leverage ratio of 87%. At December
31, 1995 and 1994, the company's debt to capitalization ratios for its financial
services activities were 87%. The company intends to maintain this leverage for
its financial activities in the future and at the same time fulfill its
financial objective with respect to its manufacturing debt to capitalization
ratio. These intentions are consistent with its investment grade credit rating
obtained in connection with its commercial paper program.
 
     As indicated earlier, substantial effort is focused on improving the
utilization of the company's working capital. The company's current ratio for
its manufacturing operations was 1.3 at December 31, 1995 and 1.4 at December
31, 1994. These ratios are slightly lower than those in prior years as a result
of reduced working capital needs for receivables and inventories and improved
management of cash disbursements as well as increased short-term debt. The
company anticipates that its financial resources and major sources of liquidity,
including cash flow from operations, will continue to be adequate to meet its
operating and capital needs in addition to its financial commitments.
 
                                      F-21

<PAGE>

                                                             EXHIBIT 21




                       FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
                  Subsidiaries of the Registrant


The following table sets forth information concerning significant subsidiaries
of the Registrant.


                                                           Jurisdiction
                                                             in which
         Name                                               Organized

         Aplicaciones Tecnologicas VAMA S.L.                  Spain
         Bassett Rotary Tool Company                          Indiana
         Bronto Skylift Oy Ab                                 Finland
         Dayton Progress Canada, Ltd.                         Ontario, Canada
         Dayton Progress Corporation                          Ohio
         Dayton Progress International Corporation            Ohio
         Dayton Progress (U.K.), Ltd.                         United Kingdom
         Dico Corporation                                     Michigan
         Dunbar-Nunn Corporation                              California
         Elgin Sweeper Company                                Delaware
         Emergency One, Inc.                                  Delaware
         Federal APD, Inc.                                    Michigan
         Federal Signal Credit Corporation                    Delaware
         Federal Signal International (FSC), Ltd.             Jamaica, W.I.
         Guzzler Manufacturing, Inc.                          Alabama
         Jamestown Punch and Tooling, Inc.                    New York
         Justrite Manufacturing Company, L.L.C.               Delaware
         Manchester Tool Company                              Delaware
         Nippon Dayton Progress K.K.                          Japan
         Ravo International (Van Raaij Holdings BV
          and its subsidiaries)                               Netherlands
         Schneider Stanznormalien GmbH                        Germany
         Superior Emergency Vehicles, Ltd.                    Alberta, Canada
         Vactor Manufacturing, Inc.                           Illinois

<PAGE>

                                                       EXHIBIT 23



                     CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K)
of Federal Signal Corporation of our report dated January 23, 1996, included in
the Federal Signal Corporporation Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held April 17, 1996.

Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of Federal Signal
Corporation listed in item 14(a)2. This schedule is the responsibility of the
Corporation's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on
our audits. In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above,
when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken
as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth
therein.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 Nos. 33-12876, 33-22311, 33-38494, 33-41721 and 33-49476) pertaining
to the Stock Option Plan and Employee Savings and Investment Plans of our report
dated January 23, 1996, with respect to the consolidated financial statements
incorporated herein by reference, and our report included in the preceding
paragraph with respect to the financial statement schedule included in this
Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Federal Signal Corporation.


                                         Ernst & Young LLP


Chicago, Illinois
March 26, 1996

<PAGE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>                                                             5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
REGISTRANT'S CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                                                          1000
       
<S>                                                                   <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                         YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                                     DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                                                          DEC-31-1995
<CASH>                                                                                9350
<SECURITIES>                                                                             0
<RECEIVABLES>                                                                       125971
<ALLOWANCES>                                                                          3058 <F1>
<INVENTORY>                                                                          97448
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                                                    235474 <F1>
<PP&E>                                                                              164750
<DEPRECIATION>                                                                       86296
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                                      619959
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                                               186660 <F1>
<BONDS>                                                                              39702
                                                                    0
                                                                              0
<COMMON>                                                                             45832
<OTHER-SE>                                                                          202249
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                                                        619959
<SALES>                                                                             816127
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                                                    816127
<CGS>                                                                               567772
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                                                       567772
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                                                      5261
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                                                         0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                                   13359
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                                                      77279
<INCOME-TAX>                                                                         25669
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                                                  51610
<DISCONTINUED>                                                                           0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                                          0
<CHANGES>                                                                                0
<NET-INCOME>                                                                         51610
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                                                            1.13
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                                            1.12
<FN>
<F1>MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS ONLY
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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