DANAHER CORP /DE/
10-K, 1998-03-17
CUTLERY, HANDTOOLS & GENERAL HARDWARE
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                  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                      Washington, D.C.  20549
                                     
                              FORM 10-K
  (Mark One)
    
           ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
  [ X ]              SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997
                                 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:1-8089
                  
                         DANAHER CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
         Delaware                           59-1995548
    (State of incorporation)            (I.R.S.Employer
                                    Identification number)
    
    1250 24th Street, N.W., Suite 800
         Washington, D.C.                        20037
       (Address of Principal                   (Zip Code)
         Executive Offices)            
    
    Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  202-828-0850
    
    Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
                                                                             
                     
                                     Name of Exchanges
    Title of each class              on which registered
    Common Stock $.01 par Value      New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
                                     Pacific Stock Exchange, Inc.
    
    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 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 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]
    
    As of March 16, 1998, the number of shares of common stock outstanding
    was 58,537,110 and were held by approximately 3,000 holders.  The
    aggregate market value of common shares held by non-affiliates of the
    Registrant on such date was approximately $2.5 billion, based upon the
    closing price of the Company's common shares as quoted on the New York
    Stock Exchange composite tape on such date.
                                          
        EXHIBIT INDEX APPEARS ON PAGE 8 <PAGE>
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
                          
    Part II and Part IV incorporate certain information by reference from
    the registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended
    December 31, 1997.  With the exception of the pages of the Annual Report
    to Shareholders specifically incorporated herein by reference, the
    Annual Report to Shareholders is not deemed to be filed as part of this
    Form 10-K.
    
    Part III incorporates certain information by reference from the
    registrant's proxy statement for its 1998 annual meeting of
    stockholders.  With the exception of the pages of the 1998 Proxy
    Statement specifically incorporated herein by reference, the 1998 Proxy
    Statement is not deemed to be filed as part of this Form 10-K.

    Certain information included or incorporated by reference in this document
    may be deemed to be "forward looking statements" within the meaning of
    Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. 
    All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address
    activities, events or developments that the Company intends, expects,
    projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are
    forward looking statements.  Such statements are characterized by
    terminology such as "believe," "anticipate," "should," "intend," "plan,"
    "will," "expects," "estimates," "projects," "positioned," "strategy," and
    similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions and
    assessments made by the Company management in light of its experience
    and its perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected
    future developments and other factors it believes to be appropriate.  
    These forward looking statements are subject to a number of risks and 
    uncertainties, including but not limited to continuation of the Company's
    longstanding relationship with major customers, the Company's ability to
    integrate acquired businesses into its operations and realize planned
    synergies, the extent to which acquired businesses are able to meet the
    Company's expectations and operate profitably, changes in
    regulations (particularly environmental regulations) which could affect
    demand for products in the Process/Environmental Controls segment and
    unanticipated developments that could occur with respect to contingencies
    such as environmental matters and litigation.  In addition, the Company
    is subject to risks and uncertainties that affect the manufacturing
    sector generally including, but not limited to, economic, competitive,
    governmental and technological factors affecting the Company's
    operations, markets, products, services and prices.  Any such forward
    looking statements are not guarantees of future performances
    and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ from 
    those envisaged by such forward looking statements.  The Company disclaims
    any duty to update any forward looking statements, all of which are 
    expressly qualified by the foregoing.
    
    
    ITEM 1.  BUSINESS
    
    
       The Company conducts its operations through two business segments: 
    Tools and Components and Process/Environmental Controls.
    
    Tools and Components
    
       The Tools and Components segment is comprised of the Danaher Hand
    Tool Group (including Special Markets, Professional Tool Division and
    Asian Tool Division), Matco Tools ("Matco"), Jacobs Chuck Manufacturing
    Company ("Jacobs"), Delta Consolidated Industries, Jacobs Vehicle
    Systems Company, Hennessy Industries and the hardware and electrical
    apparatus lines of Joslyn Manufacturing Company (JMC).  This segment is
    one of the largest domestic producers and distributors of general
    purpose mechanics' hand tools and automotive specialty tools.  Other
    products manufactured by these companies include tool boxes and storage
    devices, diesel engine retarders, wheel service equipment, drill chucks,
    custom designed headed tools and components, hardware and components for
    the power generation and transmission industries, high quality precision
    socket screws, fasteners, and high quality miniature precision parts.
    
       The Company's business strategy in this segment is focused on
    increasing sales to existing customers, broadening channels of
    distribution, developing new products, geographic expansion and
    achieving production efficiencies and enhanced quality and customer
    service through "Just-In-Time" and related manufacturing techniques.
    
       Danaher Tool Group (DTG) is one of the largest domestic producers
    of general purpose mechanics' hand tools (primarily ratchets, sockets
    and wrenches) and specialized automotive service tools for the
    professional and "do-it-yourself" markets.  DTG has been the principal
    manufacturer of Sears, Roebuck and Co.'s Craftsman   line of mechanics'
    hand tools for over 50 years.  Approximately 80% of the over 100 million
    pieces sold to Sears annually are sold in tool sets that include from
    three to 900 pieces.  Net sales to Sears were approximately 13% of total
    Company sales in 1997.
    
       DTG's Special Markets Group sells to Sears under a five year
    evergreen agreement, that requires Sears to purchase a significant
    portion of its annual requirements for its private-label Craftsman 
    mechanics' hand tool line from DTG, subject to certain conditions.
    
       For over 30 years, DTG has also been a primary supplier of
    specialized automotive service tools to NAPA, which has approximately
    6,500 outlets at present.  In addition, DTG has been the designated
    supplier of general purpose mechanics' hand tools to NAPA since 1983. 
    DTG specialized automotive service tools are also sold under the K-D
    Tools  brand, its industrial tools and products are also sold under the
    Armstrong  and Allen  brand names, and fastener products under the
    Holo-Krome  name are sold to independent distributors and other
    customers in the "do-it-yourself," professional automotive, commercial
    and industrial markets.
    
       Professional mechanics' tools are distributed by Matco which has
    approximately 1,300 independent mobile distributors who sell primarily
    to individual professional mechanics.  Matco is one of the leading
    suppliers in this market.
    
       The Company believes Jacobs is the market leader in the drill chuck
    business with its highly respected and well recognized brand name.
    
       The Company believes Delta is the market leader in boxes and other
    storage containers serving the vehicle aftermarket and manufactures and
    markets containers serving numerous specialty areas.
    
       Wheel service equipment is manufactured under the Coats , Bada 
    and Ammco  brand names.  Products include tire changers, wheel
    balancers, wheel weights and brake service equipment.  Wheel service
    equipment is sold primarily to wholesale distributors and national
    accounts.  These markets are served by the Company's sales personnel.
    
       Diesel engine retarders are manufactured at Jacobs Vehicle Systems
    Company.  The "Jake Brake " technology was developed by Jacobs Vehicle
    and represents the leading brand of engine retarders.  The product is
    sold by Jacobs' sales personnel to original equipment manufacturers and
    aftermarket distributors.
    
       JMC manufactures a wide variety of products used in the construction 
    and maintenance of electric power, telephone and cable television 
    systems.  Its products range from specialized fasteners to sophisticated
    castings and forgings.
    
       The electrical apparatus division of JMC manufactures surge
    protection devices rated as high as 468,000 volts for the electric power
    utility industry.  Surge arresters are designed to eliminate the
    damaging effects of electrical surges caused by lightning and other
    overvoltage conditions on a utility's power system.
    
       The major raw materials used by this segment, including high
    quality steel, are available from a variety of sources in sufficient
    quantities.
    
    Process/Environmental Controls
    
       The Process/Environmental Controls segment is comprised of the
    Veeder-Root Company ("Veeder-Root"), Danaher Controls, Partlow/West,
    Anderson Instruments, West Instruments, QualiTROL Corporation, A.L. Hyde
    Company, Hengstler, McCrometer, the controls product line business units
    of Joslyn Corporation, Namco Controls, Dolan-Jenner, M&M Precision
    Systems, TxPort, Communications Technology Corporation and Gems Sensors,
    acquired in August, 1997.  These companies produce and sell underground
    storage tank leak detection systems and temperature, level and position
    sensing devices, power switches and controls, communication line
    products, power protection products, liquid flow measuring devices,
    telecommunications products, quality assurance products and systems, and
    electronic and mechanical counting and controlling devices.  These
    products are distributed by the Company's sales personnel and
    independent representatives to original equipment manufacturers,
    distributors and other end users.
    
       The Company's strategy in the Process/Environmental Controls
    segment is to concentrate on the rapid expansion of its environmental
    controls product line, including the Veeder-Root  storage tank leak
    detection systems business.  The Company believes that Veeder-Root is
    the premier manufacturer of state-of-the-art tank measuring and leak
    detection systems for underground fuel storage tanks and, accordingly,
    is uniquely positioned to respond to the increased demand for these
    products fueled by environmental regulations.
    
       The Company is also expanding its other offerings in the
    environmental controls product line to encompass applications related to
    markets other than petroleum storage and to address nonregulatory
    business requirements.  This expansion program includes both internally
    developed new product offerings as well as selective product line
    acquisitions.
    
       In its instruments product line, the Company's strategy is to
    continue enhancing its global controls and instrument position by both
    new product development and complementary acquisitions.  The companies
    within the Instrument Group have significant synergies in both product
    offerings and channels of distribution.  The Company's plan is to leverage
    these synergies in product design, engineering and manufacturing, and
    product marketing.
    
       Namco is a provider of part presence, part position and machine
    status sensing solutions for industrial process automation applications. 
    M&M Precision Systems provides both quality assurance products and
    systems which enhance both quality and manufacturing effectiveness as
    well as motion products which are generally components of other devices.
    
       Telecommunications products include automated data transmission
    analyzers, single and multi-function test equipment, computerized cable
    test and database management systems, digital data access devices and
    molded cable closures and terminals used in outside plant and network
    applications.
    
       Other business lines within this segment include extruded
    thermoplastic mill shapes and custom molded plastic products.

       In March, 1998, the Company acquired Pacific Scientific Company. 
    Pacific Scientific has two major business segments: (i) Electrical
    Equipment and (ii) Safety Equipment.  Nearly half of the Company's
    sales consists of electric motors, drives and controls.  These electric 
    motors and controls are sold primarily to original equipment manufacturers
    who incorporate them into a wide variety of products.  Pacific Scientific
    motors are used in factory automation, medical, printing, plastic 
    extrusion and molding, paper converting, vending, textile, aerospace,
    fitness and many other types of equipment.  Safety equipment includes 
    mainly fire detection and suppression equipment, crew restraints, flight
    control and pyrotechnic devices.  Safety equipment is sold mainly in the
    aviation and aerospace industry.  The Company also provides worldwide 
    sales, service and repair of its products for airlines and other users
    of safety equipment.  Operating results from Pacific Scientific will be
    included with the Company's results, beginning with the first quarter of
    1998.
    
       The raw materials utilized by companies in this segment  are stock
    items, principally metals and plastic, electrical and electronic
    components.  These materials are readily available from a number of
    sources in sufficient quantities.
    
    Patents, Licenses, etc.
    
       The Company has patents of its own and has acquired licenses under
    patents of others.  The Company does not consider that its business, as
    a whole, is dependent on any single patent, group of patents, trademark
    or franchise.  The Company does, however, offer many patented products
    and is periodically engaged in litigation concerning patents and
    licenses.
    
    Seasonal Nature of Business
    
       As a whole, the Company's businesses are not subject to material
    seasonal fluctuations.
    
    Backlog
    
       The Company's products are manufactured primarily in advance of
    order and either shipped or assembled from stock.  Backlogs are not
    significant as sales are often dependent on orders requiring immediate
    shipment from inventory.
    
    Employee Relations
    
       At December 31, 1997, the Company employed approximately 13,200
    persons.  Of these, approximately 2,200 were hourly-rated unionized
    employees.  The Company considers its labor relations to be good.
    
    Research and Development
    
       The Company's research and development expenditures were
    $57,008,000 for 1997, $46,964,000 for 1996 and $36,400,000 for 1995.
    
    Environmental and Safety Regulations
    
       Certain of the Company's operations are subject to federal, state
    and local environmental laws and regulations which impose limitations on
    the discharge of pollutants into the air and water and establish
    standards for treatment, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous
    wastes.  The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with
    applicable environmental laws and regulations.
    
       JMC previously operated wood treating facilities that chemically
    preserved utility poles, pilings and railroad ties.  All such treating
    operations were discontinued or sold prior to 1982.  These facilities
    used wood preservatives that included creosote, pentachlorophenol and
    chromium-arsenic-copper.  While preservatives were handled in accordance
    with then existing law, environmental law now imposes retroactive 
    liability, in some circumstances, on persons who owned or operated 
    wood-treating sites.  JMC is remediating some of its former sites and
    will remediate other sites in the future.  The Company has made a 
    provision for environmental remediation; however, there can be no 
    assurance that estimates of environmental liabilities will not change.
       
       In addition to environmental compliance costs, the Company may
    incur costs related to alleged environmental damage associated with past
    or current waste disposal practices or other hazardous materials
    handling practices.  For example, generators of hazardous substances
    found in disposal sites at which environmental problems are alleged to
    exist, as well as the owners of those sites and certain other classes of
    persons, are subject to claims brought by state and federal regulatory
    agencies pursuant to statutory authority.  The Company believes that its
    liability, if any, for past or current waste handling practices will not
    have a material adverse effect on its results of operation, financial 
    condition and cash flow.
    
       The Company must also comply with various federal, state and local
    safety regulations in connection with its operations. The Company's
    compliance with these regulations has had no material adverse effect on
    its financial condition.
    
    Major Customers
    
       The Company has a customer in the tools segment, Sears, Roebuck
    and Co. ("Sears"), which accounted for 13% of consolidated sales in
    1997.  Although the relationship with Sears is long-standing, the
    Company believes the loss or material reduction of this business could
    have a material adverse effect on its operations.
    
    
    ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES
    
       The Company occupies over 4 million square feet of manufacturing,
    distribution, service and office space at various domestic and foreign
    locations.  The principal properties are listed below and are
    constructed of concrete, brick, cement, cinderblock or some combination
    of these materials.  The Company believes that its plants have adequate
    productive capacity and are suitably used for the manufacture of its
    products and that its warehouses, distribution centers and sales offices
    are suitably located and utilized for the marketing of its products and
    services.
    
    
    Location     Principal Use     Owned/Leased     
    ......................................................................
    Tools and Components
    
    Springdale, AK                    Manufacturing Owned   
    
    Springfield, MA                   Manufacturing Owned   
    
    Gastonia, NC Manufacturing        Leased        
    
    Fayetteville,AK (2)               Manufacturing Owned   
    
    Baltimore, MD                     Distribution  Leased  
    
    Brampton, Ontario                 Distribution  Leased  
                 
    
    Lakewood, NY Manufacturing        Owned         
    
    Nashville, TN                     Distribution  Owned   
    
    Stow, OH     Distribution         Owned         
    
    West Hartford, CT                 Manufacturing Owned   
    
    Terryville, CT                    Manufacturing Owned   
    
    Walworth, WI Manufacturing        Owned         
    
    Dundee, Scotland                  Manufacturing Owned   
    
    Sheffield, England                Manufacturing Owned   
    
    Clemson, SC  Manufacturing        Owned         
    
    Jonesboro, AK                     Manufacturing Owned   
    
    Jonesboro, AK                     Manufacturing Leased  
    
    Raleigh, NC  Manufacturing        Leased        
    
    Chicago, IL (3)                   Manufacturing Owned
    
    Bloomfield, CT                    Manufacturing Owned   
    
    LaVergne, TN Manufacturing        Owned         
    
    Bowling Green, KY                 Manufacturing Owned   
    
    Suzhou, China                     Manufacturing Owned
    
    Shanghai, China                   Manufacturing Owned
    
    Taichung, Taiwan                  Manufacturing Leased
    
    Dallas, TX   Manufacturing        Leased
    
    
    Process/Environmental Controls
                 
    Altoona, PA  Manufacturing        Owned         
    
    Elizabethtown, NC                 Manufacturing Owned   
    
    Market Harborough, 
    England      Manufacturing        Leased        
    
    Sao Paulo,                        
    Brazil       Manufacturing        Owned
    
    New Hartford 
    & Fairport, NY                    Manufacturing Owned   
    
    Gurnee, IL   Manufacturing        Leased        
    
    Grenloch, NJ Manufacturing        Owned         
    
    Brighton, 
    England      Manufacturing        Leased        
    
    Aldingen, 
    Germany      Manufacturing        Owned         
    
    Aldingen, 
    Germany (2)  Manufacturing        Leased        
    
    Wehingen, 
    Germany (2)  Manufacturing        Leased        
    
    Eatontown, NJ                     Distribution  Leased  
    
    Broxbourne, 
    England      Distribution         Leased        
    
    Cleveland, OH (3)                 Manufacturing Owned
    
    Goleta, CA   Manufacturing        Owned
    
    Lachine, Quebec                   Manufacturing Leased
    
    Lancaster, SC                     Manufacturing Owned
    
    Moorpark, CA Manufacturing        Leased
    
    Paso Robles, CA                   Manufacturing Leased
    
    San Jose, CA Manufacturing        Owned
    
    Hemet, CA    Manufacturing        Owned
    
    Atlanta, GA  Manufacturing        Owned
    
    Madison, AL  Manufacturing        Leased
    
    Etobicoke, 
    Canada       Manufacturing        Leased
    
    Highland Heights,
    OH           Manufacturing        Owned
    
    Herzhorn, Germany                 Manufacturing Owned
    
    West Carollton, OH                Manufacturing Owned
    
    Loffingen, Germany                Manufacturing Owned
    
    Tamworth,  
    England      Manufacturing        Leased
    
    Basingstoke, 
    England      Manufacturing        Owned
    
    Baretswil,
    Switzerland  Manufacturing        Owned
    
    Plainville, CT                    Manufacturing Owned
    
    
     In addition to the facilities listed, the Company owns or
    leases various facilities including offices or properties in Washington,
    District of Columbia; Simsbury, Connecticut; as well as facilities in
    Uppermill, Livingston, Gloucester and Richmond, Great Britain; Melbourne
    and Sydney, Australia; Nagoya, Osaka and Tokyo, Japan; Toronto, Canada;
    Paris, Bron, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Tours and Selestat, France; and
    Stuttgart, Germany.
    
    
    ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
    
     A former subsidiary of the Company is engaged in litigation in
    several states with respect to product liability.  The principal case,
    Patton, et al v. Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company, was filed in United 
    States District Court in Jackson Co., MS in 1989.  There are other
    related cases.  The Company sold the subsidiary in 1987.  Under the 
    terms of the sale agreement, the Company agreed to indemnify the buyer
    of the subsidiary for product liability related to tools manufactured by
    the subsidiary prior to June 4, 1987.  The cases involve approximately
    3,000 plaintiffs, in state and federal courts.  All other major U.S. air
    tool manufacturers are also defendants.  The gravamen of these complaints
    is that the defendants' air tools, when used in different types of
    manufacturing environments over extended periods of time, were defective 
    in design and caused various physical injuries.  The plaintiffs seek
    compensatory and punitive damages.  The cases are in preliminary stages
    of discovery and pleading and the Company intends to defend its position
    vigorously.  The Company's maximum indemnification obligation under the
    contract is approximately $85,000,000.  The Company believes it has
    insurance coverage for all or a substantial part of the damages, if any. 
    The outcome of this litigation is not currently predictable.  
    
     JMC is a defendant in a class action tort suit, Henry L. Johnson,
    et. al. v. Lincoln Creosote Company, Inc., et. al., filed in the 26th
    Judicial District Court of the State of Louisiana, in Bossier Parish,
    Louisiana.  The suit alleges exposure to chemicals and property
    devaluation resulting from wood treating operations previously conducted
    at a Louisiana site.  Both the size of the class and the damages are
    uncertain.  The Company has tendered the defense of the suit to its
    insurance carrier.  JMC believes that it may have adequate insurance
    coverage for the litigation; however, because of the above uncertainties,
    JMC is unable to determine at this time the potential liability, if any.
    
     In addition to the litigation noted above, the Company and its
    subsidiaries are from time to time subject to ordinary routine
    litigation incidental to their business.  The Company believes that the
    results of the above noted litigation and other pending legal
    proceedings would not have a materially adverse effect on the Company's
    financial condition.
                                       
    
    ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDER
    
     No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during
    the fourth quarter of 1997.
    
    
    PART II
    
    
    ITEMS 5 THROUGH 8.
    
     The information required under Items 5 through 8 is included in
    the Registrant's Annual Report to its Shareholders for the year ended
    December 31, 1997, and is incorporated herein by reference.
    
    
    ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
    FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
    
    NONE
    
    
    
    PART III
    
    
    ITEMS 10 THROUGH 13.
    
     The information required under Items 10 through 13 is included
    in the Registrant's Proxy Statement for its 1998 annual meeting, and is
    incorporated herein by reference.
    
    
    
    PART IV
    
    
    ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM
    8-K
    
     a) Document List
    
        1.  Financial Statements
               Response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted
               per the Index to Financial Statement Schedules on
               page 12 of this report.
    
        2.  Supplementary Data and Financial Statement Schedules
               Response to this portion of Item 14 is
               submitted per the Index to Financial Statement
               Schedules on page 12 of this report.
    
        3.  An Index of Exhibits is on page 13 of this report.
    
     b) Reports on Form 8-K filed in the fourth quarter of 1997.
    
    
                  NONE<PAGE>
                
                DANAHER CORPORATION
    INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SUPPLEMENTARY DATA AND
    FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
                                    
                                       Page Number in:
    
                                                 Annual Report
                                      Form 10K   To Shareholders
    Annual Report:
    
    Report of Independent Public 
    Accountants on Schedule                 15
    
    Financial Statements:                              
  
    Consolidated Statements of 
    Earnings, year ended December 31, 
    1997, 1996, and 1995                              7
    
    Consolidated Balance Sheets, 
    December 31, 1997 and 1996                        8
    
    Consolidated Statements of 
    Cash Flows, years ended 
    December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995                 9
    
    Consolidated Statements of 
    Stockholders' Equity, years
    ended December 31, 1997, 
    1996, and 1995                                    10
    
    Notes to Consolidated 
    Financial Statements                              11-23
    
    Supplemental Data:
    
    Selected Financial Data                           1
    
    Market Prices of Common Stock                     27
    
    Schedules:
    
    II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts   16
    
    
     Schedules other than those listed above have been
    omitted from this Annual Report because they are not
    required, are not applicable or the required information is
    included in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
    
    
    
        <PAGE>
    
    Exhibits:
    
    
    (3) Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws.
    
       (a)The Articles of Incorporation of Danaher   Incorporated by 
         (filed as Annex B to Danaher's Proxy            Reference
          Statement dated October 7, 1986).
    
       (b)The By-Laws of Danaher.                    Incorporated By         
                                                       Reference
    (10) Material Contracts:
    
       (a)Employment Agreement between Danaher       Incorporated by
          Corporation and George M. Sherman dated        Reference
          as of January 2, 1990
    
       (b)Credit Agreement Dated As of September 7,  Incorporated by
          1990. Among Danaher Corporation, the           Reference
          Financial Institutions Listed Therein 
          and Bankers Trust Company as Agent.
    
       (c)Agreement as of November 1, 1990 between   Incorporated by
          Danaher Corporation, Easco Hand Tools, Inc.    Reference
          and Sears, Roebuck and Co.
    
       (d)Note Agreement as of November 1, 1992      Incorporated by
          Between Danaher Corporation and Lenders        Reference
          Referenced Therein.
    
       (e)Note Agreement as of April 1, 1993         Incorporated by
          Between Danaher Corporation and Lenders        Reference
          Referenced Therein.

       (f)Danaher Corporation 1987 Stock Option Plan  Incorporated by
                                                         Reference

       (g)Employment Agreement between Danaher        Incorporated by
           Corporation and John P. Watson dated as       Reference
           of January 17, 1991
    
    (13) Annual Report to Securityholders
    
    (22) Subsidiaries of Registrant.
    
    (24) Consent of Independent Public Accountants.
    
    (27) Financial Data Schedules
    
        <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.
    
    
                                      DANAHER CORPORATION
    
    
    
                                      By:    /s/ GEORGE M. SHERMAN  
                                             George M. Sherman
                                             President and Chief 
                                             Executive Officer
    
    Date: March 16, 1998
    
    
    /s/  GEORGE M. SHERMAN          President and Chief Executive Officer
         George M. Sherman
    
    /s/  STEVEN M. RALES            Chairman of the Board
         Steven M. Rales
    
    /s/  MITCHELL P. RALES          Chairman of the Executive Committee
         Mitchell P. Rales
    
    /s/   WALTER G. LOHR, JR.       Director
          Walter G. Lohr, Jr.
    
    /s/   DONALD J. EHRLICH         Director
          Donald J. Ehrlich
    
    /s/   MORTIMER M. CAPLIN        Director
          Mortimer M. Caplin
    
    /s/   A. EMMET STEPHENSON, JR.  Director
          A. Emmet Stephenson, Jr.
    
    /s/   PATRICK W. ALLENDER       Senior Vice President-Chief Financial    
          Patrick W. Allender       Officer and Secretary
    
    /s/   C. SCOTT BRANNAN          Vice President and Controller
              C. Scott Brannan<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
    
                    ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
                     
    
    To Danaher Corporation:
    
    We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing
    standards, the financial statements included in pages 7 to 10 of the
    Danaher Corporation and Subsidiaries' Annual Report to Shareholders
    incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, and have issued our report
    thereon dated January 29, 1998.  Our audit was made for the purpose of
    forming an opinion on those statements taken as a whole.  The schedules
    listed in the index are the responsibility of the Company's management
    and are presented for the purpose of complying with the Securities and
    Exchange Commission's rules and are not a part of the basic financial
    statements.  These schedules have been subjected to the auditing
    procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and,
    in our opinion, fairly state in all material respects the financial data
    required to be set forth therein in relation to the financial statements
    taken as a whole.
    
    
                                       
                                       ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
    
    Washington, D.C.
      January 29, 1998<PAGE>
DANAHER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
    SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
    (000's omitted)
                             
    
    
    
                                  Additions            Write
                         Balance   Charged             Offs,
    Classification          at        to    Charged    Write     Balance
                        Beginning   Costs      to      Downs      at End
                            of        &      other       &         of
                         Period   Expenses  Accounts  Deductions  Period
    
    
    Year Ended December 31, 1997
    Allowances deducted 
    from asset accounts: 
    
    Allowance for 
    doubtful accounts    $14,868   $ 6,820   $   510(a) $ 3,688    $18,510
    
    Year Ended December 31, 1996
    
    Allowances deducted 
    from asset accounts: 
    
    Allowance for 
    doubtful accounts:   $13,431   $ 5,763   $   507(a) $ 4,833    $14,868
    
    
    Year Ended December 31, 1995
    
    Allowances deducted 
    from asset accounts:
    
    Allowance for                                         4,148
    doubtful accounts:   $11,638   $ 4,847   $ 2,961(a) $ 1,867(b) $13,431
    
    
    
                                                       
    Notes:(a) - Amounts related to businesses acquired.
          (b) - Amounts related to businesses disposed of.
    
        <PAGE>
    
    
    EXHIBIT 24
    
    
    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
    
                                     
    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
    incorporation of our reports included (or incorporated by
    reference) in this Form 10-K, into the Company's previously
    filed Registration Statement File No. 33-32402.
    
                                   ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
    
    
    
    
    Washington, D.C.
    March 17, 1998
    
    
  

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                           33317
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   341110
<ALLOWANCES>                                     18510
<INVENTORY>                                     209416
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                618339
<PP&E>                                          598450
<DEPRECIATION>                                  263227
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 1879717
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           524235
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                           643
<OTHER-SE>                                      916238
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   1879717
<SALES>                                        2050968
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               2050968
<CGS>                                          1382475
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  1784083
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               13104
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 253781
<INCOME-TAX>                                     98975
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             154806
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    154806
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.57
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.57
        

</TABLE>


     Danaher Corporation and Subsidiaries
     Exhibit to 1997 Annual Report on Form 10K
     (22) Subsidiaries of Registrant
     
                         STATE OR JURIS-        DOING
                         DICTION OF          BUSINESS       
     NO.  CORPORATION      INCORPORATION        AS(DBA)       
        1      Danaher Corporation      Delaware       -
        2      DHR Services        Delaware         -
        3      DMG Plastics, Inc.            Delaware            -
        4      FJ900 Inc.          Delaware         -
        5      Armstrong Tools, Inc.         Delaware            -
        6      Diversified Mortgage 
           Investors, Inc.              Florida             -
        7 Utica Holding Company    Delaware         -
       8  DH Holdings Corp.        Delaware         -
       9  Easco Hand Tools Inc.    Delaware    Danaher Tool           
                                                    Group
      10  Hand Tool Design 
               Corporation              Delaware       -
      11  KD Tools of Puerto 
               Rico, Inc.                    Delaware            -
      12  Beamco, Inc.             Wisconsin        -
      13  Old Tide Corp.         Califonia          -
      14  Dynapar Corporation    Illinois           Danaher           
                                                   Controls
      15  Encoders Incorporated    Delaware         -
      16  KACO Gmbh                Germany         -
      17  Namco Controls Gmbh      Germany            -
      18  Piccadilly Precision Engineering Ltd.     Ohio           -            
      19  Spline Gauges Ltd.       Delaware            -
      20  Hennessy Industries Inc.      Delaware  Hennessy/Ammco
      21  Service Station Products
               Company                  Delaware       -
      22  Hennessy Industries Canada Inc.    Canada              -
      23  KD Tools of Canada     Canada             -  
      24  Ammco Tools Inc.         Illinois       Hennessy/Ammco
      25  Wheel Service Equipment 
               Corporation              Delaware                    
      26  Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.    Delaware            -
      27  Diesal Engine Retarders, Inc.      Delaware            -
      28  Jacobs Chuck Manufacturing              
               Company                  Delaware       -      
      29  Jacobs Japan Inc.        Delaware         -
      30  Power Tool Holders Incorporated    Delaware            -
      31  Matco Tools Corporation       New Jersey          -
      32  Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company
               West Germany        Delaware         -
      33  Chicago Pneumatic World Trade 
               Corp.                    Delaware       -
      34  Mechanics Custom Tools 
               Corporation              Delaware       -
      35  NMTC, Inc.               Delaware       Matco Tools Corporation      
      36  Qualitrol Corporation    New York         -
      37  Power Transformer Controls 
               Company                  Delaware       -
      38  Qualitrol Canada         Canada              -
      39  Qualitrol GmbH         Germany            -
      40  Hengstler GmbH i.G.    Germany            -
      41  Hengstler Feinwerktechnik GmbH     Germany             -
      42  Hengstler Japan Corp.    Japan               -
      43  Hengstler Controle Numerique 
               SARL                France              -
      44  SCI Hengstler          France             -
      45  Hengstler Italia SRL     Italy               -
      46  Hengstler Espana SA    Spain              -
      47  Hengstler Canada Inc.    Canada              -
      48  Hengstler Belgium SPRL   Belgium             -
      49  Hengstler Nederland BV   Netherlands         -
      50  Hengstler Tid och Passage AB  Sweden              -
      51       Veeder-Root GmbH    Germany          - 
      52  The Partlow Corporation       New York    Partlow/
                                                    Anderson
      53  Time & Temperature Controls   
               Corp.                    Delaware       -
      54  Anderson Instrument Company   New York    Partlow/
                                                    Anderson
      55  Flow Measurement Corporation  Delaware       -
      56  Western Pacific Industries         Delaware       Iseli Company
      57  Swiss Precision Parts Corp.        Delaware            -
      58  A.L. Hyde Company      Delaware           -
      59  Extrusions Plastics, Inc.          Delaware            -
      60  World Plastic Extruders, Inc.      New York            -
      61  Holo-Krome Company     Delaware    Danaher Tool Group       
      62  The Allen Manufacturing Company    Delaware  Danaher Tool Group 
      63  Industrial Fasteners Inc.          Delaware            -
      64  Holo-Krome Uniform Fasteners Inc.  California               -
      65  Holo-Krome Australia     Australia        -
      66  Quality Wire Inc.        Delaware  Danaher Tool Group       
     67   Veeder-Root Company      Delaware         -
      68  Petroleum Industry Controls, Inc.  Delaware            -
      69  Veeder-Root of N.C. Inc.      Delaware  Danaher Controls           
      70   Veeder-Root do Brazil    Brazil              -
      71  Veeder-Root SARL         France              -
      72  Launchchange Limited     U.K.             -
      73  West Instruments Ltd.    U.K.             -
      74  Veeder-Root Ltd.         U.K.             -
      75  Veeder-Root Environmental 
                    Systems Ltd.        U.K.           -
      76  Danaher Canada         Canada                     -
      77  Gwendolene Holdings Ltd.      U.K.           -
      78  Qualitrol Instruments Ltd.         U.K.           -
      79  CGF Automation Ltd.     U.K.              -
      80  Contents Measuring Systems 
                    Limited                  U.K.           -
      81  Hengstler Industries Ltd.          U.K.           -   
      82  Hengstler Great Britain Ltd.       U.K.                -
      83  Hengstler Flexitime Ltd.      U.K.           -
      84  Hengstler Leasing Ltd.   U.K.             -
      85  Jacobs Manufacturing Co. Ltd. U.K.           -
      86  Holo-Krome Ltd.          U.K.             -
      87  Exidyne Instruments Technologies, Inc.      Pennsylvania      -
      88  GID Acquisition Companu       Delaware  GID Instruments
      89  Data Recorders Incorporated        Delaware            -
      90  Middle Road Company    Delaware           -
      91  CEI Acquisition Company       Delaware  Veeder-Root Company           
      92  Warrick Controls, Inc.   Delaware         -
      93  Danaher Finance Company       Delaware       -
      94  Normandy Court Company   Delaware         -
      95  Houma Realty Company     Delaware         -
      96  Commercial Avenue Company     Delaware       -
      97  JS Technology, Inc.      Delaware         -
      98  DCI Consolidated Industries,Inc.   Delaware            -
      99  Delta Consolidated Industries,Inc. Arkansas            -
     100  Truck Storage Incorporated         Delaware            -
     101  Hecon Industries Inc.    New Jersey          -
     102  Hecon Properties         New Jersey          -
     103  Joslyn Company, LLC      Delaware             -
     104  Joslyn Manufacturing Co., LLC      Delaware       -
     105  Joslyn Electronic Systems Corp., LLC    Delaware            -
     106  Joslyn Hi-Voltage Corp., LLC       Delaware       -
     107  Joslyn Power Products Corp., LLC        Delaware            -
     108  Joslyn Research & Development
               Corp.                    Delaware       -
     109  Joslyn Clark Controls, LLC    Delaware         -
     110  Sunbank Family of Companies, Inc., LLC    Delaware            -
     111  Joslyn Sunbank Corporation, LLC         Delaware            -
     112  Air Dry Corporation of America, LLC     Delaware            -
     113  Jennings Technology Corporation, LLC    Delaware  Joslyn Jennings Corp
     114  Jennings Land Company    Delaware         -
     115  Cyberex, LLC            Delaware         -
     116  Cyberex Limited          U.K.             -
     117  Cyberex B.V.             Netherlands         -
     118  Joslyn Foreign Sales Corp.         Virgin Islands           -
     119  Joslyn Canada, Inc.      Canada              -
     120  Joslyn Holding Company      Delaware      -
     121  McCrometer, Inc.    Delaware    -
     122  Kistler-Morse Corporation    Delaware    -
     123  Acme-Cleveland Corp.    Ohio    -
     124  AC Intermediate Co.    Ohio     -
     125  ACMS Incorporated    Ohio    -
     126  Acme-Cleveland Laser Systems    Ohio    -
     127  Acme Communications Technology Systems Corp.    Ohio   -
     128  Amtronx Inc.        Ohio    -
     129  Ball Screws and Actuators Co., Inc.      California     -
     130  Communications Technology Corp.    California   -
     131  Communications Technology (Canada) Ltd.      British Columbia    -
     132  Communications Technology Corp. Mexico, S.A.    Mexico    -
     133  Fire Networks, Inc.     Delaware     -
     134  Dolan-Jenner Industries, Inc.    Massachusetts    -
     135  Dolan-Jenner Europe, B.V.    Netherlands    -
     136  LSMT Corp.      Michigan   -
     137  143420 Ontario. Inc.     Ontario    -
     138  M & M de France, Inc.    Ohio     -
     139  M & M Precision Systems Corp.    Ohio    -
     140  Namco Controls Corp.     Ohio     -
     141  Phoenix Microsystems, Inc.      Alabama    -
     142  TxPort Inc.      Delaware      -
     143  TxPort Data Inc.      Canada       -
     144  Danaher Alberta Inc.     Alberta     -
     145  American Sigma, Inc.      New York     -
     146  Plastifab, Inc.    Canada     -
     147  Sullivan Property Holding Company      Delaware    -
     148  Cleveland Precision Systems Gmbh    Germany    -
     149  Current Technology, Inc.  Delaware   -
     150  GEMS Sensors GmbH  Germany  -
     151  GEMS Sensors, Inc  Delaware  -
     152  GEMS Sensors LTD  England  -
     153  GEMS Sensors SARL  France  -
     154  GEMS Sensors SRL  Italy  -



                             DANAHER CORPORATION
                     1997 ANNUAL REPORT<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
  
  (000's omitted except per share data)
  _____________________________________________________________
                 1997       1996         1995       1994       1993
  Sales      $2,050,968  $1,811,878  $1,486,769  $1,113,973  $937,633 
  
  Operating 
    profit      266,885     226,136     180,257     124,427    87,058 
  
  Earnings from 
   continuing
   operations   154,806     127,959     105,766      72,319    48,030 
    Per share
     Diluted       2.57        2.13        1.77        1.24      0.83 
     Basic         2.63        2.18        1.80        1.26      0.84 
  
  Discontinued 
   operations       --       79,811       2,550       9,331     5,719 
    Per share
     Diluted        --         1.33        0.04        0.16      0.10 
     Basic          --         1.36        0.04        0.16      0.10 
  
  Earnings before 
   cumulative effect 
   of accounting 
   change       154,806     207,770     108,316      81,650    53,749 
    Per share
     Diluted       2.57        3.47        1.81        1.40      0.93 
     Basic         2.63        3.54        1.85        1.42      0.94 
  
  Cumulative effect 
   of accounting 
   change*           --          --          --          --   (36,000)
    Per share*
     Diluted         --          --          --          --     (0.62)
     Basic           --          --          --          --     (0.63)
  
  Net earnings  154,806     207,770     108,316      81,650    17,749 
   Earnings per 
   common share
    Diluted        2.57        3.47        1.81        1.40      0.31 
    Basic          2.63        3.54        1.85        1.42      0.31 
  
  Dividends 
   declared       5,887       5,360       4,672       3,710     3,412 
  
  Dividends 
   per share       0.10        0.09        0.08        0.07      0.06 
  
  Total assets 1,879,717  1,765,074   1,485,991   1,105,645   872,472 
  
  Total debt     198,247    236,327     283,587     185,286   133,585 
  
  *    Adoption of accrual method specified by SFAS No. 106 for post
    retirement benefits.

   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND 
                         RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
  
  Results of Operations
  
       Danaher Corporation (the "Company") operates a variety of businesses
  through its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  These businesses are conducted in
  two business segments:  Tools and Components and Process/Environmental
  Controls. In Tools and Components, the Company is the principal
  manufacturer of Sears, Roebuck and Co.'s Craftsman  line, National
  Automotive Parts Association (NAPA ) line, K-D  automotive line, and the
  Matco , Armstrong  and Allen  lines of mechanics' hand tools.  The
  Company also manufactures Allen  wrenches, Jacobs  drill chucks and
  diesel engine retarders, Delta  storage containers and Coats  and Ammco 
  wheel service equipment.  In its Process/Environmental Controls segment,
  the Company is a leading producer of leak detection sensors for
  underground fuel storage tanks and motion, position, temperature,
  pressure, level, flow and power reliability and quality control devices.  
  
       Presented below is a summary of sales by business segment (000's
  omitted).
  
                       1997               1996                1995
  Tools and 
   Components  $1,192,761  58.2%  $1,103,443  60.9%   $1,005,005  67.6%
  
  Process/
   Environmental
   Controls       858,207  41.8      708,435  39.1       481,764  32.4   
  
               $2,050,968 100.0%  $1,811,878 100.0%   $1,486,769 100.0%
  
  
  Tools and Components
  
       The Tools and Components segment is comprised of the Danaher Hand
  Tool Group (including Special Markets and Professional Tools divisions),
  Matco Tools, Jacobs Chuck Manufacturing Company, Delta Consolidated
  Industries, Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Hennessy Industries and the hardware
  and electrical apparatus lines of Joslyn Manufacturing Company ("JMC"). 
  This segment is one of the largest domestic producers and distributors of
  general purpose and specialty mechanics' hand tools.  Other products
  manufactured by these companies include tool boxes and storage devices,
  diesel engine retarders, wheel service equipment, drill chucks, custom
  designed headed tools and components, hardware and components for the
  power generation and transmission industries, high quality precision
  socket screws, fasteners, and high quality miniature precision parts.  
  
  1997 COMPARED TO 1996
  
       Sales in 1997 were 8% higher than in 1996.  An acquisition in the
  first quarter of 1997 accounted for 3%, price increases provided less
  than 1% and higher shipment volume provided 5%.  Demand for drill chucks
  and diesel engine retarders was particularly strong in 1997.  Operating
  margins increased from 11.6% to 12.1%, reflecting increased fixed cost
  leverage as well as continued process improvements in manufacturing
  operations.
  
  1996 COMPARED TO 1995
  
       Sales in this segment increased 10% from 1995.  Of this increase,
  acquisitions accounted for approximately 5%, higher unit volumes
  accounted for approximately 5% and increased average pricing accounted
  for less than 1%.  Sales levels were benefitted by particularly strong
  demand in the mobile tool distribution and storage device areas, offset
  somewhat by decreased demand for diesel engine retarders as North
  American and Asian heavy truck production decreased in 1996.  Operating
  margins increased from 11.2% to 11.6%.  This margin increase reflects the
  benefits of the higher sales volumes and continued manufacturing process
  improvements, offset by the full year effect of the lesser margins
  associated with the hardware and electrical apparatus lines of JMC. 
  
  Process/Environmental Controls
  
       The Process/Environmental Controls segment includes the Veeder-Root
  Company, Danaher Controls, Partlow, Anderson Instruments, West
  Instruments, Ltd., QualiTROL Corporation, A.L. Hyde Company, Hengstler,
  American Sigma, the controls product line business units of Joslyn
  Corporation, the operating businesses of Acme-Cleveland Corporation
  (Namco Controls, Dolan-Jenner, M&M Precision Systems, TxPort, Inc.,
  Communications Technology Corporation) and Current Technology, Inc. and
  Gems Sensors, Inc., both acquired in 1997.  These companies produce and
  sell underground storage tank leak detection systems and temperature,
  level, motion and position sensing devices, power switches and
  controls, communication line products, power protection products, liquid
  flow measuring devices, telecommunication products, quality assurance
  products and systems, and electronic and mechanical counting and
  controlling devices.  These products are distributed by the Company's
  sales personnel and independent representatives to original equipment
  manufacturers, distributors and other end users. 
  
  1997 COMPARED TO 1996
  
       Sales in 1997 were 21% higher than in 1996 for this segment.  The
  acquisitions of Gems Sensors and Current Technology in 1997, as well as
  the full-year effect of the Acme-Cleveland acquisition in July, 1996,
  contributed 14% of the increase.  Of the remaining increase, higher unit
  volume contributed 8% and increased average pricing provided 1%, while
  foreign currency translation resulted in a 2% decrease.  Operating
  margins increased from 15.8% to 16.0% as productivity and efficiency
  enhancements offset the lower operating margins of the acquired
  businesses.
  
  1996 COMPARED TO 1995
  
       Sales growth of 47% in 1996 was largely the result of the full year
  effect of the September, 1995 Joslyn acquisition and the 1996
  Acme-Cleveland acquisition.  Acquisitions contributed 44% of the growth,
  with the balance coming from higher unit volumes of 3% and price
  increases averaging less than 1%.  Demand was very strong in the North
  American market, which was largely offset by sluggish economic conditions
  in international markets, particularly in Germany.  Operating profit
  increased 39% from 1995, reflecting the acquired businesses'
  contributions and a steady overall contribution from the base
  businesses.
  
  
  Discontinued Operations
  
       In January, 1996, the Company divested its Fayette Tubular Products
  subsidiary.  As the Company no longer operates in the Transportation
  business segment, Fayette's operation is shown as a discontinued
  operation.  A gain of approximately $80 million was recognized in the
  first quarter of 1996.
  
  
  Gross Profit
  
       Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, in 1997 was 32.6%, a 1.0
  point increase compared to the 31.6% achieved in 1996.  Productivity
  improvements, combined with increased fixed cost leverage, resulted in
  margin improvement.  A shift in product mix associated with the
  acquisitions also increased gross profit.
  
       Gross profit margin in 1996 was 31.6%, a 1.5 percentage point
  improvement compared to 1995.  Productivity improvements were achieved in
  all business segments and a shift in mix to the higher margin products of
  the acquired companies in the Process/Environmental Controls business
  segment contributed to the improvement.
  
  
  Operating Expenses
  
       Selling, general and administrative expenses for 1997 as a
  percentage of sales were approximately 0.5 percentage points higher than
  the 1996 level.  This reflects higher cost ratios in the businesses
  acquired, and selective investments in marketing and research and
  development for future growth.
  
       In 1996, selling, general and administrative expenses were 19.1% of
  sales, an increase of 1.1 percentage points from 1995 levels.  This
  principally reflects the higher operating expense levels of the
  businesses acquired in 1996 and 1995.
       
       
  Interest Costs and Financing Transactions
  
       The Company debt financing is privately placed debt maturing in
  April, 2003 at an average interest cost of 7.2%, uncommitted lines and a
  revolving credit facility which provides for senior financing of $250
  million for general corporate purposes.  The interest rates for borrowing
  under the facility float with base rates.   Interest expense in 1997 was
  20% lower than in 1996 due to substantial cash flow generated from
  operations.  Interest expense in 1996 was $9.2 million higher than in
  1995 as average borrowing levels increased due to acquisitions.
  
  
  Income Taxes
  
       The 1997 effective tax rate of 39.0% is consistent with 1996.  The
  0.1 percentage point increase in 1996 reflects a greater impact of
  nondeductible amortization resulting from the acquisitions and higher
  taxes on foreign earnings as loss carryforwards were not available to
  reduce tax expense in 1996.  
  
  
  Inflation and Other
  
       The effect of inflation on the Company's operations has been minimal
  in 1997, 1996, and 1995.  The Company has conducted a review of the
  impact of Year 2000 on its information systems, as well as reviewing its
  impact on relationships with key customers and vendors.  Based on this
  review, a plan to ensure minimal disruption to Company operations has
  been developed and is currently being implemented.  The costs associated
  with this program are not expected to be material.
  
  
  Liquidity and Capital Resources
  
       The Company acquired Acme-Cleveland Corporation for approximately
  $200 million in July, 1996 and, in September, 1995, acquired Joslyn
  Corporation for approximately $245 million in cash consideration.  See
  Note 2 to Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion of
  the impact of these acquisitions.  In January, 1996, the Company sold its
  Fayette Tubular Products subsidiary for $155 million in cash
  consideration; the proceeds were used to reduce short-term borrowings.
  
       As discussed previously, $86 million of the Company's debt is fixed
  at an average interest cost of 7.2%.  Substantially all remaining
  borrowings are short-term in nature and float with referenced base rates. 
  As of December 31, 1997, the Company has unutilized commitments under its
  revolving credit facility of $250 million. 
  
       Cash flow has been strong in all periods from 1995 through 1997. 
  Operations generated $278 million, $217 million and $174 million in cash
  in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  The principal use of funds has
  been capital expenditures of $63 million, $51 million and $59 million in
  1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and cash paid for acquisitions of $147
  million, $246 million and $208 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
  respectively.  Cash flow for 1996 included the $155 million proceeds from
  the Fayette sale.  The net result of the above, combined with working
  capital changes, was a decrease in debt of $38 million in 1997, $48
  million in 1996, and an increase of $98 million in 1995 . 
       
       The Company's funds provided from operations, as well as the
  existing bank facility and available credit lines, should provide
  sufficient available funds to meet the Company's working capital, capital
  expenditure, dividend and debt service requirements for the foreseeable
    future. <PAGE>
                 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
  
  
  
  
  To the Shareholders and Board of
  Directors of Danaher Corporation:
  
  
       We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
  Danaher Corporation (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of
  December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of
  earnings, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three
  years in the period ended December 31, 1997.  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 an
  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 financial position of Danaher
  Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
  results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three
  years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally
  accepted accounting principles. 
  
       
  
  
                                     ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
  
  
  
  
  
  Washington, D.C.
  January 29, 1998
  
  
  
  
    <PAGE>
DANAHER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
  (in thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)
  
  Year Ended December 31, 
  
                             1997          1996         1995 
  
  Sales. . . . . . .     $2,050,968    $1,811,878    $1,486,769
  
  Cost of sales . . .     1,382,475     1,239,846     1,039,622
  
  Selling, general 
   and administrative
   expenses. . . . .        401,608       345,896       266,890
  
  Total operating 
   expenses. . . . .      1,784,083     1,585,742     1,306,512
  
  Operating profit. .       266,885       226,136       180,257
  
  Interest expense. .        13,104        16,376         7,198
  
  Earnings from 
   continuing operations
   before income taxes .    253,781       209,760       173,059
  
  Income taxes. . . . .      98,975        81,801        67,293
  
  Earnings from continuing 
   operations .  . . . .    154,806       127,959       105,766
  
  Discontinued operations, 
   net of income taxes of 
   $0 and $1,630 (1996 - 
   gain on sale; 1995  - 
   earnings from operations)    --         79,811         2,550
  
  Net earnings. . . . . .  $ 154,806    $ 207,770     $ 108,316
  
  Basic earnings per share:
   Continuing operations       $2.63        $2.18         $1.80 
   Discontinued operations        --         1.36           .04 
   Net earnings                $2.63        $3.54         $1.85 
  
  Average shares 
   outstanding            58,769,164   58,623,470    58,661,849
  
  Diluted earnings per share:
   Continuing operations       $2.57        $2.13         $1.77
   Discontinued operations        --         1.33           .04
   Net earnings                $2.57        $3.47         $1.81
        
  Average common stock 
   and common equivalent
   shares outstanding . . 60,256,475   59,954,636    59,862,673
  
  
  The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an
    integral part of these statements.

DANAHER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
  CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
  (in thousands of dollars)
                                      As of December 31, 
  ASSETS                             1997           1996
  
  Current assets:
  Cash and equivalents . .       $   33,317      $  26,444 
  
  Trade accounts receivable, 
   less allowance for doubtful 
   accounts of $18,510 and 
   $14,868 . . . . . . . . . .      322,600        266,668 
  
  Inventories. . . . . . . . .      209,416        204,236 
  
  Prepaid expenses and other. .      53,006         49,393 
  
     Total current assets . . .     618,339        546,741 
  
  Property, plant and equipment, 
   net. . . . . . . . . . . . .     335,223        319,606 
  
  Other assets . .. . . . . . .      72,739        105,903 
  
  Excess of cost over net assets 
   of acquired companies, less 
   accumulated amortization of
   $116,357 and $92,583  . . . .    853,416       792,824 
  
                                 $1,879,717    $1,765,074 
  
  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  
  Current liabilities: 
  Notes payable and current 
   portion of debt . . . . . . . $   35,527    $   16,757 
  
  Trade accounts payable.  . . .    135,190       110,194 
  
  Accrued expenses . . . . . . .    353,518       347,622 
  
     Total current liabilities. .   524,235       474,573 
  
  Other liabilities. . . . . . .    275,881       270,670 
  
  Long-term debt .. . . . . . . .   162,720       219,570 
  
  Stockholders' equity:
   Common stock, one cent par value;
   125,000,000 shares authorized; 
   64,275,868 and 64,186,673
   issued; 58,478,262 and 58,889,067 
   outstanding. . . . . . . . . . .     643           642 
  
  Additional paid-in capital. . . . 336,109       333,587 
  
  Cumulative foreign translation 
   adjustment and other . . . . . .  (6,122)        8,858 
  
  Retained earnings. . . . . . . .  655,692       506,773 
  
  Treasury stock, at cost; 
   5,797,606 and 5,297,606 shares.  (69,441)      (49,599)
  
     Total stockholders' equity. .  916,881       800,261 
  
                                 $1,879,717    $1,765,074
  
  The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an
    integral part of these balance sheets.

DANAHER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
  (in thousands of dollars)          
   
                                          Year Ended December 31, 
                                      1997         1996         1995    
  Cash flows from 
  operating activities:
  Earnings from continuing 
   operations  . . . . . . . . . .  $154,806     $127,959     $105,766  
  
  Earnings from discontinued 
   operations . . . . . . .  . . .        --           --       2,550  
  
  Depreciation and 
   amortization. . . . . . . . . .    76,116       68,626      58,527 
  
  Increase in accounts 
   receivable. . . . . . . . . . .   (46,175)     (11,818)    (20,098)
  
  (Increase) decrease in 
   inventories . . . . . . . . . .    14,691       38,866     (15,589)
  
  Increase in accounts payable. . .   19,579       10,385         626 
  
  Change in other assets and 
   liabilities. . . . . . . . . . .   59,355      (16,904)     42,374 
  
    Total operating cash flows. . .  278,372      217,114     174,156 
  
  Cash flows from investing activities:
  Payments for additions to 
   property, plant and equipment, 
   net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  (62,808)     (51,255)    (59,172)
  
  Sale of Fayette Tubular Products .      --      155,000          --   
  
  Net cash paid for acquisitions    (147,238)    (246,427)   (207,941)
     Net cash used in investing
      activities  . . . . . . . . . (210,046)    (142,682)   (267,113)
  
  Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from issuance of 
   common stock. . . .. . . . . . .   2,523         9,507       3,559 
  
  Dividends paid .. . . . . . . . .  (5,887)       (5,065)     (4,672)
  
  Borrowings(repayments) of debt . .(38,080)      (48,407)     98,301 
  
  Purchase of common stock . . . . .(19,842)      (12,110)         --    
  
     Net cash provided by(used in) 
      financing activities. . . . . (61,286)      (56,075)     97,188 
  
  Effect of exchange rate 
   changes on cash. . . . . . . . .    (167)          149         108 
  
  Net change in cash and 
   equivalents. . . . . . . .  . . .  6,873        18,506       4,339 
  
  Beginning balance of cash 
   and equivalents. . .. . .  . . .  26,444         7,938       3,599 
  
  Ending balance of cash 
   and equivalents . . . .. . . . . $33,317       $26,444     $ 7,938 
  
  Supplemental disclosures:
   Cash interest payments. . . .    $13,666       $16,981     $13,699 
   Cash income tax payments . . .   $66,588       $80,152     $69,853 
   Common stock issued for 
     acquisitions . . . . . . . .   $    --       $ 8,883     $    -- 
  
  
  The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an
    integral part of these statements.

DANAHER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  (in thousands of dollars)
                                                                        
                                 Common Stock        Additional   
                                Shares     Amount    Paid-in Capital 
  
  Balance, December 31, 1994   63,198,208    $ 632      $ 311,648  
   Net earnings for 
    the year. . . . . .             -           -            -     
   Dividends declared. .            -           -            -      
   Common stock issued 
    for options
    exercised. . . . . .          208,006        2          3,557 
   Increase from 
    translation of
    foreign financial 
    statements. . . . . .           -           -             -   
  
  
  Balance,  December 31, 1995  63,406,214      634        315,205 
   Net earnings for 
    the year. . . . . . .                                 207,770 
   Dividends declared. . .                                 (5,360)
   Common stock issued 
    for options
    exercised. . . . . .          483,233        5          9,502 
   Purchase of common 
    stock . . . .. . . . .                                       
   Unrealized gain on
    securities held. . . .           -          -              -  
   Common stock issued 
    for acquisitions . . .        297,226        3          8,880 
   Increase from 
    translation of
    foreign financial 
    statements. . . . . .                                         
  
  
  Balance, December 31, 1996   64,186,673      642        333,587 
   Net earnings for 
    the year. . . . . .                                           
   Dividends declared. .                                          
   Common stock issued 
    for options
    exercised. . . . .             89,195        1          2,522
   Purchase of common 
    stock . .. . . . . .                                         
   Decrease from 
    translation of
    foreign financial 
    statements. .. . . .                                           
   Unrealized gain on 
    securities held  . .                                       
   Sale of securities held . .                                  
  
  Balance, December 31, 1997   64,275,868   $ 643       $ 336,109   
  
  
  The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an
  integral part of these statements.
  
  
  DANAHER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 
  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (CONTINUED)
  (in thousands of dollars)
  
  
                                                        Cumulative Foreign
                               Retained    Treasury  Translation Adjustment
                               Earnings      Stock            and Other
  
  Balance, December 31, 1994   $ 200,719      $ (37,489)          $ 590 
   Net earnings for 
    the year. . . . . .          108,316            -                -
   Dividends declared. .          (4,672)           -                -
   Common stock issued 
    for options
    exercised. . . . . .              -             -                -
   Increase from 
    translation of
    foreign financial 
    statements. . . . . .             -             -             3,008
  
  
  Balance,  December 31, 1995     304,363        (37,489)         3,598 
   Net earnings for 
    the year. . . . . . .         207,770 
   Dividends declared. . .         (5,360)
   Common stock issued 
    for options
    exercised. . . . . .           
   Purchase of common 
    stock . . . .. . . . .                       (12,110)
   Unrealized gain on
    securities held. . . .            -              -            4,000 
   Common stock issued 
    for acquisitions . . .            -              -               -
   Increase from 
    translation of
    foreign financial 
    statements. . . . . .                                         1,260 
  
  
  Balance, December 31, 1996      506,773        (49,599)          8,858  
   Net earnings for 
    the year. . . . . .           154,806 
   Dividends declared. .           (5,887)
   Common stock issued 
    for options
    exercised. . . . .           
   Purchase of common 
    stock . .. . . . . .                         (19,842)
   Decrease from 
    translation of
    foreign financial 
    statements. .. . . .                                         (12,680)
   Unrealized gain on 
    securities held  . .                                           1,700 
   Sale of securities held . .                                    (4,000)
  
  Balance, December 31, 1997    $ 655,692      $ (69,441)       $ (6,122)
  
  
  The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an
  integral part of these statements.
  
    <PAGE>
    (1)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
  
       Accounting Principles - The consolidated financial statements include
  the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries.  The accounts of certain
  of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are included on the basis of a
  fiscal year ending November 30.  This procedure was adopted to allow
  sufficient time to include these companies in the consolidated financial
  statements.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have
  been eliminated upon consolidation.  Preparation of these consolidated
  financial statements necessarily includes the use of management's
  estimates.
  
       Inventory Valuation - Inventories include material, labor and
  overhead and are stated principally at the lower of cost or market using
  the last-in, first-out method (LIFO).
  
       Property, Plant and Equipment - Property, plant and equipment are
  carried at cost.  The provision for depreciation has been computed
  principally by the straight-line method based on the estimated useful
  lives (3 to 35 years) of the depreciable assets. 
  
       Other Assets - Other assets include principally deferred income
  taxes, equity securities, noncurrent trade receivables and capitalized
  costs associated with obtaining financings which are being amortized over
  the term of the related debt.  Available for sale equity securities have
  been shown at their fair market value.
  
       Fair Value of Financial Instruments - For cash and equivalents, the
  carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.  For long-term
  debt, rates available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities
  are used to estimate the fair value of existing debt.
  
       Excess of Cost Over Net Assets of Acquired Companies - This asset is
  being amortized on a straight-line basis over forty years. $23,774,000,
  $20,458,000 and $14,482,000 of amortization was charged to expense for the
  years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.  When events
  and circumstances so indicate, all long-term assets, including the Excess
  of Cost Over Net Assets of Acquired Companies, are assessed for
  recoverability based upon cash flow forecasts.  Should an impairment
  exist, fair value estimates would be determined based on the cash flow
  forecasts, discounted at a market rate of interest.  
  
       Foreign Currency Translation - Exchange adjustments resulting from
  foreign currency transactions are generally recognized in net earnings,
  whereas adjustments resulting from the translation of financial statements
  are reflected as a separate component of stockholders' equity.  Net
  foreign currency transaction gains or losses are not material in any of
  the years presented. 
  
       Statements of Cash Flows - The Company considers all highly liquid
  investments with a maturity of three months or less at date of purchase to
  be cash equivalents. 
  
       Income Taxes - The Company provides income taxes for unremitted
  earnings of foreign subsidiaries which are not considered permanently
  reinvested in that operation.  
  
       Earnings Per Share - The computation of diluted earnings per share is
  based on the weighted average number of common shares and common stock
  equivalents outstanding during the year.
  
       Discontinued Operations - In January, 1996, the Fayette Tubular
  Products subsidiary was sold for approximately $155 million.   A gain of
  approximately $80 million was recognized in 1996.  Net sales for Fayette
  were $155 million in 1995. 
  
       Comprehensive Income - The total of net income and all other nonowner
  changes in equity consists of:
                                          Year Ended December 31,
                                           1997         1996        1995
  
       Net Income                       $154,806      $207,770    $108,316
       Other Comprehensive Income:
         Currency Translation            (12,680)        1,260       3,008
         Unrealized gains on securities:
           Arising during year             1,700         4,000         --
           Included in net income         (3,500)           --         -- 
                                         (14,480)        5,260       3,008
       Comprehensive Income             $140,326      $213,030    $111,324
  
  
  (2)  Acquisitions:
  
       The Company obtained control of Acme-Cleveland Corporation (Acme) as
  of July 2, 1996.  Total consideration for Acme was approximately $200
  million.  The fair value of assets acquired was approximately $240
  million, including $140 million of excess cost over net assets acquired,
  and approximately $40 million of liabilities were assumed.  The
  transaction was accounted for as a purchase.  
  
       The unaudited pro forma information for the period set forth below
  gives effect to this transaction as if it had occurred at the beginning of
  the period.  The pro forma information is presented for informational
  purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of
  operations that actually would have been achieved had the acquisition been
  consummated as of that time (unaudited, 000's omitted):
  
                                                        Year Ended    
                                                    December 31, 1996
       
  Net Sales . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 1,885,700 
  Net Earnings from continuing operations . . . . . . . . .   129,197 
  Earnings per share from continuing operations (diluted). .   $ 2.15 
  
       
       The Company obtained control of Joslyn Corporation (Joslyn) as of
  September 1, 1995 when Joslyn's shareholders tendered approximately 75% of
  the outstanding shares to the Company for $34 per share in cash.  The
  remaining 25% was acquired in October, 1995.  Total consideration for
  Joslyn was approximately $245 million.  The fair value of assets acquired
  was approximately $345 million, including $180 million of excess of cost
  over net assets acquired, and approximately $100 million of liabilities
  were assumed.  The transaction was accounted for as a step acquisition
  purchase.  Results of operations reflect a minority interest elimination
  for the two-month period between the change in control and the merger of
  Joslyn.  
  
       In 1997, the Company acquired Gems Sensors and Current Technology and
  several other entities.  Aggregate consideration for these transactions
  was approximately $147 million.  The fair value of the assets acquired was
  approximately $167 million and approximately $20 million of liabilities
  were assumed in the acquisitions.  The transactions have been accounted
  for as purchases.  These acquisitions had no significant impact on 1997
  results of operations.  These entities have combined annual sales levels
  of approximately $130 million.   
  
  
  (3)  Inventory:
  
       The major classes of inventory are summarized as follows (000's
  omitted):
                                  December 31, 1997     December 31, 1996 
  Finished goods. . . . . . . .      $    82,451          $    88,083
  Work in process. . . . .. . .           54,544               49,681
  Raw material . . . . . .. . .           72,421               66,472
                                     $   209,416          $   204,236
  
  
  If the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method had been used for inventories
  valued at LIFO cost, such inventories would have been $8,940,000 and
  $10,959,000 higher at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. 
  
  
  (4)  Property, Plant and Equipment:
  
       The major classes of property, plant and equipment are summarized as
  follows (000's omitted):
       
                                  December 31, 1997      December 31, 1996
  
  Land and improvements . . . . .    $   19,369            $   17,457 
  Buildings . . . . . . . . . . .       112,629               107,343 
  Machinery and equipment.. . . .       466,452               413,636       
                                        598,450               538,436 
  Less accumulated depreciation. .     (263,227)             (218,830) 
  Property, plant and equipment. .   $  335,223            $  319,606      
  
  
  (5)  Financing:
  
       Financing consists of the following (000's omitted):
  
                                   December 31, 1997      December 31, 1996
  
  Notes payable . . . . . . . .       $   85,900           $ 100,600 
  Other . . . . . . . . . . . .          112,347             135,727 
                                         198,247             236,327 
  Less-currently payable. . . .           35,527              16,757 
                                        $162,720           $ 219,570 
  
       The Notes had an original average life of approximately 6.5 years and
  an average interest cost of 7.2%.  Principal amortization began in
  December 1995 and continues through April 2003.  The estimated fair value
  of the Notes was approximately equal to their carrying value as of
  December 31, 1997 and 1996. 
  
       Other includes principally short-term borrowings under uncommitted
  lines of credit which are payable upon demand.  The carrying amount
  approximates fair value.  The Company has a bank credit facility which
  provides revolving credit through September 30, 2001, of up to $250
  million.  The Company has complied with covenants relating to maintenance
  of working capital, net worth, debt levels, interest coverage, and payment
  of dividends applicable to the Notes and the revolving credit facility. 
  The facility provides funds for general corporate purposes at an interest
  rate of LIBOR plus .125%.  Weighted average borrowings under the bank
  facility were $-0-, $-0- and $5,000,000 for the years ended December 31,
  1997, 1996 and 1995.  Maximum amounts outstanding for these years were
  $-0-, $-0- and $60,000,000, respectively.  The Company is charged a fee of
  .075% per annum for the facility.  Commitment and facility fees of
  $187,500, $234,000 and $216,000 were incurred in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
  respectively.  Interest expense of $7,150,000 is included in discontinued
  operations for the year ended December 31, 1995.  The weighted average
  interest rate for short-term borrowings was 5.9%, 5.8% and 6.0% for each
  of the three years ended December 31, 1997.
  
       Other debt is classified as noncurrent as management intends to
  refinance it and the bank credit facility provides the ability to
  refinance maturities to September 30, 2001.
  
       The minimum principal payments during the next five years are as
  follows: 1998 - $35,527,000; 1999 - $43,010,000; 2000 - $202,000; 2001 -
  $88,900,000; 2002 - $225,000 and $30,383,000 thereafter.
    <PAGE>
(6)  Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities:
  
       Selected accrued expenses and other liabilities include the following
  (000's omitted):
  
                                December 31, 1997      December 31, 1996
                              Current    Noncurrent   Current  Noncurrent
  
  Employee compensation. . . $  44,908   $  35,284  $  43,380  $  34,022
  Insurance, including self
   insurance . . . . . . . . .   7,867      58,160      9,992     48,372
  Post retirement benefits. .    5,000      75,553      5,000     71,819
  Environmental compliance . .  27,729      49,296     29,725     52,866
  
       Approximately $17 million of accrued expenses and other liabilities
  were guaranteed by bank letters of credit. 
  
  
  (7)  Pension and Employee Benefit Plans:
  
       The Company has noncontributory defined benefit pension plans which
  cover certain of its domestic hourly employees.  Benefit accruals under
  most of these plans have ceased, and pension expense for defined benefit
  plans is not significant for any of the periods presented.  It is the
  Company's policy to fund, at a minimum, amounts required by the Internal
  Revenue Service.  
  
       The following sets forth the funded status of the plans as of the
  most recent actuarial valuations (000's omitted):
  
                                 1997                       1996
                             Assets Exceed    Assets Exceed    Accumulated
                              Accumulated      Accumulated       Benefits
                               Benefits         Benefits       Exceed Assets
  
  Actuarial present value of 
   benefit obligations:
    Vested benefit obligation..  $131,578        $56,216         $55,587 
    Accumulated benefit 
      obligation. . . . . . . .   136,087         57,637          58,371 
  
  
  Projected benefit obligation..  136,087         57,650          58,371 
  
  Fair value of plan assets 
   (consisting of stocks, bonds
    and temporary cash 
    investments) . . . . . . . .  166,743         79,226          55,040 
  
  Projected benefit obligation 
   (in excess of) or less than
    plan assets. . . . . . . . .   30,656         21,576          (3,331)
  
  Unrecognized net (gain) loss..  (22,927)       (14,360)          4,257 
  
  Unrecognized net asset . . . .   (1,359)          (487)         (1,129)
  
  Pension (liability) prepaid 
   recognized in the balance 
   sheet. . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,370       $  6,729         $  (203)
  
  
       The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 10%.  The
  discount rate used in determining pension cost and benefit obligations was
  7.5% at January 1, 1997 and 7.25% at December 31, 1997. 
  
       Substantially all employees not covered by defined benefit plans are
  covered by defined contribution plans which generally provide funding
  based on a percentage of compensation. 
  
       Pension expense for all plans amounted to $21,269,000, $16,754,000
  and $11,870,000 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
  respectively. 
  
       In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company provides
  certain health care and life insurance benefits for some of its retired
  employees.  Certain employees may become eligible for these benefits as
  they reach normal retirement age while working for the Company.  
  
       Post retirement benefits cost included the following components
  (000's omitted):
  
                           1997             1996           1995
  
  Service cost . . . .   $   336           $   536       $   298
  
  Interest cost  . . .     4,058             4,295         4,734
  
                          $4,394            $4,831        $5,032
  
  
       The following sets forth the program's funded status (000's omitted):
    
                                 December 31, 1997       December 31, 1996
  
  Accumulated Post Retirement
   Benefit Obligation (APBO):
    Retirees. . . . . . . . . .      $61,123                 $52,387 
    Fully eligible active
     participants. . . . . . . .       7,175                  10,563 
    Other active participants ..       2,463                   9,243 
  
       Total APBO . . . . . . . .     70,761                  72,193  
  
  Net Gains . . . . . . . . . . .      9,792                   4,626  
  
  Plan assets . . . . . . . . . .       --                       --         
  
    Accrued Liability . . . . . .    $80,553                 $76,819     
  
  
       A 10% annual rate of increase in per capita costs of covered health
  care benefits was assumed for 1998, decreasing to 6% by 2002.  A 1%
  increase in the assumed cost trend assumption would increase the APBO by
  $6.4 million and would have increased 1997 costs by approximately
  $500,000.  Discount rates of 7.25% and 7.50% were used to determine both
  Plan costs and the APBO as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
  
  
  (8)  Stock Transactions:
  
       The Company has adopted a non-qualified stock option plan for which
  it is authorized to grant options to purchase up to 5,000,000 shares. 
  Under the plan, options are granted at not less than 85% of existing
  market prices,  expire ten years from the date of grant and generally vest
  ratably over a five-year period.  An option to acquire 1,000,000 shares
  was granted to a senior executive outside of the plan in 1990. 
  
       Changes in stock options were as follows:
  
                                         Number of Shares 
                                           Under Option  
      
  Outstanding at December 31, 1994           3,401,102      
   
  Granted (average $30.71 per share)           383,300      
  
  Exercised (average $9.54 per share)         (208,006)     
  
  Cancelled                                   (136,520) 
  
  Outstanding at December 31, 1995
  (average $14.23 per share)                 3,439,876  
  
  Granted (average $37.61 per share)           887,100      
  
  Exercised (average $7.76 per share)         (483,233)     
  
  Cancelled                                   (188,508)    
  
  Outstanding at December 31, 1996
  (average $20.35 per share)                 3,655,235     
  
  Granted (average $49.56 per share)         1,601,900   
  
  Exercised (average $15.25 per share)         (89,195)  
  
  Cancelled                                   (104,700)    
  
  Outstanding at December 31, 1997 (at
  $5.94 to $60.19 per share, average
  $29.72 per share)                          5,063,240     
  
     
       As of December 31, 1997, options with a weighted average remaining
  life of 4.6 years covering 2,357,086 shares were exercisable at $5.94 to
  $45.63 per share (average $15.20 per share) and options covering 1,452,000
  shares remain available to be granted.
  
       Options outstanding at December 31, 1997 are summarized below:
  
                    Average      Average     Average                Average
      Exercise       Number      Exercise   Remaining     Number   Exercise
       Price       Outstanding    Price       Life      Exercisable   Price
     
   $5.94 to  $8.50    810,350     $6.70     2 years      810,350      $6.70
   $9.00 to $13.50    700,626    $12.12     5 years      615,626     $11.93
  $14.94 to $22.25    523,884    $17.65     6 years      413,916     $17.61
  $22.63 to $28.88    574,360    $26.33     7 years      283,816     $25.79
  $31.13 to $45.63  1,472,920    $40.84     9 years      233,378     $36.54
  $45.88 to $60.19    981,100    $53.41    10 years          --        --
    
    
       Nonqualified options have been issued only at fair market value
  exercise prices as of the date of grant during the periods presented
  herein, and the Company's policy does not recognize compensation costs for
  options of this type.  Beginning  in 1996, the pro-forma costs of these
  options granted subsequent to January 1, 1995 have been calculated using
  the Black-Scholes option pricing model and assuming a 7% risk-free
  interest rate, a 10-year life for the option, a 15% expected volatility
  and dividends at the current annual rate.  The weighted average grant date
  fair market value of options issued was approximately $13 per share in
  1995, $15 per share in 1996 and $20 per share in 1997.  Had this method
  been used in the determination of income, net income would have decreased
  by, approximately $5.3 million in 1997 and $1.4 million in 1996 and
  diluted earnings per share would have decreased by $.09 in 1997 and $.02
  in 1996.  Since this amount represents only the proforma effect of options
  granted since January 1, 1995, there was only a negligible impact on
  reported net income for 1995, and these proforma amounts are not likely to
  be representative of the effects on proforma net income for future years.
   
  
  (9)  Leases and Commitments:
  
       The Company's leases extend for varying periods of time up to 10
  years and, in some cases, contain renewal options.  Future minimum rental
  payments for all operating leases having initial or remaining
  noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year are $17,110,000 in 1998,
  $14,584,000 in 1999, $10,559,000 in 2000, $7,625,000 in 2001, $6,529,000
  in 2002 and $16,260,000 thereafter.  Total rent expense charged to income
  for all operating leases was $18,341,000, $16,009,000 and $16,067,000 for
  the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. 
  
  
  (10) Litigation and Contingencies:
  
       A former subsidiary of the Company is engaged in litigation in
  multiple states with respect to product liability.  The Company sold the
  subsidiary in 1987.  Under the terms of the sale agreement, the Company
  agreed to indemnify the buyer of the subsidiary for product liability
  related to tools manufactured by the subsidiary prior to June 4, 1987. 
  The cases involve approximately 3,000 plaintiffs, in state and federal
  courts in multiple states.  All other major U.S. air tool manufacturers
  are also defendants.  The gravamen of these complaints is that the
  defendants' air tools, when used in different types of manufacturing
  environments over extended periods of time, were defective in design and
  caused various physical injuries.  The plaintiffs seek compensatory and
  punitive damages.  The cases are in preliminary stages of discovery and
  pleading and the Company intends to defend its position vigorously.  The
  Company's maximum indemnification obligation under the contract is
  approximately $85,000,000.  The Company believes it has insurance coverage
  for all or a substantial part of the damages, if any.  The outcome of this
  litigation is not currently predictable. 
  
       A subsidiary, Joslyn Manufacturing Company (JMC), previously operated
  wood treating facilities that chemically preserved utility poles, pilings
  and railroad ties.  All such treating operations were discontinued or sold
  prior to 1982.  These facilities used wood preservatives that included
  creosote, pentachlorophenol and chromium-arsenic-copper.  While
  preservatives were handled in accordance with then existing law,
  environmental law now imposes retroactive liability, in some
  circumstances, on persons who owned or operated wood-treating sites.  JMC
  is remediating some of its former sites and will remediate other sites in
  the future.  The Company has made a provision for environmental
  remediation; however, there can be no assurance that estimates of
  environmental liabilities will not change.
  
       JMC is a defendant in a class action tort suit.  The suit alleges
  exposure to chemicals, allegedly causing various physical injuries, and
  property devaluation resulting from wood treating operations previously
  conducted at a Louisiana site.  The size of the class, the number of
  injuries related to the alleged exposures and the amount of alleged
  damages are all disputed and uncertain.  The Company  has tendered the
  defense of the suit to its insurance carrier.  The Company believes that
  it may have adequate insurance coverage for the litigation; however,
  because of the above uncertain ties, the Company is unable to determine at
  this time the potential liability, if any.
  
       In addition to the litigation noted above, the Company is from time
  to time subject to routine litigation incidental to its business.  These
  lawsuits primarily involve claims for damages arising out of the use of
  the Company's products, some of which include claims for punitive as well
  as compensatory damages.  The Company is also involved in proceedings with
  respect to environmental matters including sites where the Company has
  been identified as a potentially responsible party under federal and state
  environmental laws and regulations.  The Company believes that the results
  of the above noted litigation and other pending legal proceedings will not
  have a materially adverse effect on the Company's results of operations or
  financial condition, notwithstanding any related insurance recoveries.
  
       A subsidiary of the Company has sold, with limited recourse, certain
  of its accounts and notes receivable.  A provision for estimated losses as
  a result of the limited recourse has been included in accrued expenses. 
  No gain or loss arose from these transactions. 
   
  
  (11) Income Taxes:
  
       The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31
  consists of the following (000's omitted):
  
                              1997        1996       1995
   Current:
     Federal. . . . . . .   $85,653      $62,908    $62,225 
     State and local. . .    10,625        5,000      7,000 
     Foreign. . . . . . .     4,800        7,000      4,000 
        Total current ...  $101,078      $74,908    $73,225 
  
   Deferred:
     Federal. . . . . . .    (1,963)       6,449     (5,917)
     Other . .  . . . . .      (140)         444        (15)
        Total deferred . .   (2,103)       6,893     (5,932)
  
   Income tax provision . . $98,975      $81,801    $67,293 
  
  
       Deferred income taxes are reflected in prepaid expenses and other
  current assets and in other assets.  Deferred tax assets (the valuation
  allowances relate to foreign jurisdictions where operating loss
  carryforwards exist) consist of the following (000's
  omitted):
                                         December 31,                
                                    1997              1996    
  
   Bad debt allowance .. . .. .   $  6,386         $  5,505  
   Inventories . . .. . . . . .       (773)            (171) 
   Property, plant and equipment.  (32,470)         (29,100) 
   Post retirement benefits. .. .   32,319           30,552  
   Insurance, including self 
    insurance  . . . . . .. . . .   21,755           18,920  
   Environmental compliance . . .   26,043           28,102  
   Other accruals . . . . . . . .   41,730           42,559  
   All other accounts . . . . . .   (1,341)          (4,793) 
   Operating loss carryforwards .     --              8,265  
   Gross deferred tax asset. .  .   93,649           99,839  
   Valuation allowances. .. . . .     --             (8,265) 
   Net deferred tax asset . . . . $ 93,649         $ 91,574  
  
       
  
       The effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31 varies
  from the statutory Federal income tax rate as follows:
           
                                         Percentage of Pre-Tax Earnings
                                          1997      1996        1995
  
  Statutory Federal income tax rate. .    35.0%      35.0%      35.0%
  
  Increase (decrease) in tax rate
   resulting from:
    Permanent differences in amortization 
     of certain assets for tax and 
     financial reporting purposes. . .     3.7        3.4        2.9
  
  State income taxes (net of Federal 
   income tax benefit).. . . . . . . . .   2.7        1.6        2.6
  
  Taxes on foreign earnings. . . . . . .  (2.4)      (1.0)      (1.6)
  
  Effective income tax rate. . . . . . .  39.0%      39.0%      38.9%
  
  
  
  (12) Segment Data:
  
       The Company operates within two major business segments:  Tools and
  Components, and Process/Environmental Controls.  The Tools and Components
  segment has a customer which accounted for approximately 13%, 14% and 16%
  of total sales in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. 
  
       Operating profit represents total revenues less operating expenses,
  excluding interest and taxes on income.  The identifiable assets by
  segment are those used in each segment's operations.  Intersegment amounts
  are eliminated to arrive at consolidated totals. 
  
       The detail segment data is presented in the following table (000's
  omitted):
  
  Operations in Different Industries -
  
                                             Year Ended December 31,
                                       1997           1996         1995
  Total Sales:
    Tools and Components            $1,192,761     $1,103,443   $1,005,005 
    Process/Environmental Controls     858,207        708,435      481,764 
                                    $2,050,968     $1,811,878   $1,486,769
  
  Operating Profit:
    Tools and Components           $  144,370     $  128,118   $  112,981 
    Process/Environmental Controls    136,970        112,243       80,804 
    Other                             (14,455)       (14,225)     (13,528)
                                   $  266,885     $  226,136   $  180,257 
  
  Identifiable Assets: 
    Tools and Components            $  832,614     $  861,345   $  821,604 
    Process/Environmental Controls     960,226        849,199      599,466 
    Other                               86,877         54,530       64,921 
                                    $1,879,717     $1,765,074   $1,485,991
   
  Depreciation and Amortization:
    Tools and Components            $   44,908     $   40,237   $   35,211 
    Process/Environmental Controls      31,208         28,389       23,316 
                                    $   76,116     $   68,626   $   58,527 
  
  Capital Expenditures:
    Tools and Components            $   38,304     $   31,346   $   48,500 
    Process/Environmental Controls      24,504         19,909       10,672 
                                    $   62,808     $   51,255   $   59,172 
  
  
  
  Operations in Geographical Areas -
                                             Year Ended December 31,
                                         1997          1996          1995
  Total Sales:
    United States. . . .  . . . . . $1,727,086     $1,565,110   $1,235,933
    Europe  . . . . . . . . . . . .    222,245        205,416      205,228
    Other.. . . . . . . . . . . . .    101,637         41,352       45,608
                                    $2,050,968     $1,811,878   $1,486,769
  
  Operating Profit:
    United States. . . . . . . . .  $  234,662     $  207,433   $  156,170
    Europe . . . . . . . . . . . .      21,959         15,107       20,348
    Other. . . . . . . . . . . . .      10,264          3,596        3,739
                                    $  266,885     $  226,136   $  180,257
  
  Identifiable Assets:
    United States. . . . . . . . .  $1,521,393     $1,552,665   $1,292,166
    Europe  . . . . . . . . . . . .    281,701        188,660      173,949
    Other.  . . . . . . . . . . . .     76,623         23,749       19,876
                                     1,879,717    $ 1,765,074   $1,485,991

  Sales outside United States:
    Direct Sales . . . . . . . . . .$  323,882    $   246,768   $  250,836
    Exports . . . . . . . . . . . .    163,000        144,000      107,000
                                    $  486,882    $   390,768   $  357,836
  
   
  
  (13)  Quarterly Data-Unaudited (000's omitted except per share data)
    
                                               1997    
                         1st Quarter  2nd Quarter  3rd Quarter  4th Quarter
  
  Net sales . . . . .    $ 466,441    $ 502,789     $ 516,601   $  565,137 
  
  Gross profit. . . .      147,480      164,064       173,134      183,815 
  
  Operating profit. .       55,457       65,942        71,383       74,103 
  
  Net earnings. . . .       31,535       38,258        41,781       43,232 
  
  Earnings per share:
    Basic. . . . . . .       $ .53        $ .65         $ .71        $ .74
    Diluted. . . . . .       $ .52        $ .64         $ .69        $ .72
   
  
                                               1996
                         1st Quarter  2nd Quarter  3rd Quarter  4th Quarter
  
  Net sales . . . .. .    $409,557     $434,897      $470,787     $496,637
  
  Gross profit. .  . .     124,293      137,988       149,021      160,730
  
  Operating profit.. .      47,128       56,302        60,293       62,413
  
  Earnings from continuing 
   operations . . . . . .   26,928       32,525        33,577       34,929
  
  Gain on sale from 
   discontinued operations  79,811          -             -           -   
  
  Net earnings. . . . . .  106,739       32,525        33,577       34,929
  
  Basic earnings per share:
   Continuing operations    $ .46         $ .56          $ .57       $ .59
   Discontinued operations   1.37            -             -           -
   Net earnings             $1.83         $ .56          $ .57       $ .59
   
  Diluted earnings per share:
   Continuing operations    $ .45         $ .54          $ .56       $ .58
   Discontinued operations   1.34            -             -            -
   Net earnings             $1.79         $ .54          $ .56       $ .58
    <PAGE>
Danaher Corporation and Subsidiaries                  
            
  Operating Executives
  
  A.L. Hyde Company
  Richard L. Garthwaite
  President
  
  American Sigma, Inc.
  Richard W. Wissenbach
  President
  
  Communications Technology
  Corporation
  Benjamin W. Jeffrey
  President
  
  Current Technology,
  Inc./Joslyn Electronic
  Systems Company
  Walter D. Rogers, Jr.
  President
  
  Cyberex, Inc.
  H. Lawrence Culp, Jr.
  Acting President
  
  Danaher Controls
  James W. Appelgren
  President
  
  Danaher Tool Group
  Asian Division
  C. Michael Heath
  President
  
  Danaher Tool Group
  Professional Tools
  Division
  Jake R. Nichol
  President
  
  Danaher Tool Group
  Special Markets Division
  Thomas R. Sulentic
  President
  
  Delta Consolidated
  Industries
  Thomas P. Joyce, Jr.
  President
  
  Gems Sensors
  R.J. Pabers
  President
  
  Hengstler GmbH
  Hermann E. Braun
  President
  
  Hennessy Industries, Inc.
  Steven E. Simms
  Acting President 
  
  Jacobs Chuck Manu-
   facturing Company
  Dennis D. Claramunt
  President
  
  Jacobs Vehicle Systems,
  Inc.
  William J. Butler
  President
  
  Jennings Technology
  Company
  John P. Williamson
  President
  
  Joslyn Hi-Voltage Company
  James F. Domo
  President
  
  Joslyn Manufacturing
  Company
  Gary P. Prasser
  President
  
  Joslyn Sunbank Company
  P. Edward Prutzman
  President
  
  Matco Tools Corporation
  Thomas N. Willis
  President
  
  M&M Precision Systems
  Corporation
  James E. Helton
  President
  
  Namco Controls Corporation
  Alex A. Joseph
  President
  
  Partlow/West Corporation
  Craig B. Purse
  President
  
  QualiTROL Corporation
  Ronald N. Meyer
  President
  
  TxPort, Inc.
  Mark H. Hoffman
  President
  
  Veeder-Root Company
  H. Lawrence Culp, Jr.
  President
  
  
  Officers and Senior 
   Executives
  
  George M. Sherman
  President and Chief
  Executive Officer
  
  Patrick W. Allender
  Senior Vice President,
  Chief Financial Officer
  and Secretary
  
  C. Scott Brannan
  Vice President -
  Administration 
  and Controller
  
  Dennis D. Claramunt
  Vice President and Group
  Executive
  
  Daniel L. Comas
  Vice President - Corporate
  Development
  
  H. Lawrence Culp, Jr.
  Vice President and Group
  Executive
  
  Mark C. DeLuzio
  Vice President - Danaher
  Business System
  
  James H. Ditkoff
  Vice President - Finance &
  Tax
  
  Dennis A. Longo
  Vice President - Human
  Resources
  
  Steven E. Simms
  Vice President and Group
  Executive
  
  John P. Watson
  Vice President and Group
  Executive
  
  
  Directors
  
  Mortimer M. Caplin
  Partner
  Caplin & Drysdale
  
  Donald J. Ehrlich
  President, Chairman and
  Chief Executive Officer
  Wabash National Corp. 
  
  Walter G. Lohr, Jr.
  Partner
  Hogan & Hartson
  
  Mitchell P. Rales
  Partner
  Equity Group Holdings
  Chairman of the 
  Executive Committee
  Danaher Corporation
  
  Steven M. Rales
  Partner
  Equity Group Holdings
  Chairman of the Board
  Danaher Corporation
  
  George M. Sherman
  President and Chief
  Executive Officer
  Danaher Corporation 
  
  A. Emmet Stephenson,  Jr.
  President
  Stephenson and Company
  
  
  
  Auditors
  Arthur Andersen LLP
  Washington, D.C. 
  
  Shareholders' Information
  Shareholder requests for information or assistance, 
  please write or call our corporate office. 
  Danaher Corporation
  c/o Investor Relations
  1250 24th Street, N.W. Suite 800
  Washington, D.C.  20037
  (202) 828-0850
  
  Internet Address:  http://www.danaher.com
  
  Stock Listing
  
  Symbol: DHR
  New York and Pacific Stock Exchanges
  
  Transfer Agent
  
  ChaseMellon Shareholder Services,   LLC
  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  
  Form 10-K
  
  A copy of the Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission
  on Form 10-K may be obtained by writing to Danaher Corporation
  
    <PAGE>
MARKET PRICES OF COMMON STOCK
  
                           1997              1996
                      High      Low      High     Low
  
  First Quarter...   50       41 5/8    37 1/4   29 1/2
  
  Second Quarter...  51 7/8   39 5/8    43 1/2   36 1/8
  
  Third Quarter...   58 7/16  49 13/16  43 1/8   36 1/8
  
  Fourth Quarter...  63 3/4   53 7/16   46 5/8   40 1/2
  
  
  High and low per share data are as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange.
  



                                January 17, 1991

Mr. John P. Watson
General Manager - Marketing & International
Danaher Corporation
Thompson Road
East Windsor Industrial Park
East Windsor, CT   06088

Dear Jack:

     We recognize that your contribution to the future growth and success of
our Company is expected to be substantial.  Consequently, we hope this letter
will outline certain matters relative to the employment and benefit package
that will reinforce and encourage your continued attention and dedication
to the Company.  This letter is intended solely for the purpose of 
describing the continuation of compensation under certain circumstances and
is not intended to create any limitation on your right to terminate your
employment, or the Company's right to terminate it, at any time, with or
without cause.

     The Company will provide you salary continuance at the date of your
initiation of salary continuance, for a 12 month period if your employment
is severed for reasons other than for cause, death, disability or voluntary
resignation.  The 12 month salary continuance can also be activated by you
if we change your job responsibilities substantially or your geographic
location without your agreement.  For purpose of this agreement, cause shall
mean fraud, dishonesty, acts of gross negligence in the course of employment,
usurping corporate opportunities and other serious breaches of duty of
loyalty, breach of this Agreement, willful misrepresentation to shareholders
or directors which is materially injurious to the Corporation, willful 
failure to comply with a reasonable written order of the Board of Directors,
a willful and material neglect of his duties, or the commission of a felony.

     Should the salary continuance agreement by activated, the Company agrees
to pay you the pro-rata portion of your incentive compensation for the year
in which salary continuance is activated by March 15th of the following year.
The amount to be prorated will be based on the achievement for that current
full year's financial objectives only (i.e. excluding subjective strategic
objectives.)

Mr. John P. Watson
January 17, 1991
Page 2


     The Company also agrees to continue your current benefits such as 
medical, disability and retirement during the salary continuance period
as well as other executive benefits such as Company car (or an equivalent
car allowance at the Company's option), or club membership dues, to the 
extent such types of benefits existed at the date of this Agreement.

     Additionally, if requested, the Company will provide outplacement
services or secretarial support following activation of salary continuance.

     Should the salary continuance be activated and you find employment
before the 12 month period ends, the salary continuance and benefits will
cease immediately upon your starting your new employment.

     In consideration of the above, if salary continuance is activated, you
agree that for two (2) years following that date you will not, without the
written consent of the Company, directly, individually or as an employee,
agent, partner, shareholder, consultant or in any other capacity, participate
in, engage in or have a financial interest or management position or other
interest in any business operation of any enterprise if such operation
engages in substantial and direct competition with any business operation
actively conducted by the Company or its subsidiaries or any successor or 
assign thereof or solicit any other person to engage in any of the foregoing
activities.

     Additionally, if salary continuance is activated, you agree that you 
will not recruit or solicit the employment of any employee of the Company
for a period of 24 months.


                                      Very truly yours,

                                      /s/ GEORGE M. SHERMAN
                                      George M. Sherman
                                      President and Chief Executive Officer


Acknowledged and agreed to:

/s/ JOHN P. WATSON






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