WICOR INC
S-3, 1995-05-22
NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION
Previous: DEFINED ASSET FUNDS EQUITY INCOME FD UTILITY COM STK SER 1, 497, 1995-05-22
Next: HANCOCK JOHN BOND FUND, 497, 1995-05-22




                                                     Registration No. 33-    


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                               ___________________

                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      Under
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                               ___________________

                                   WICOR, Inc.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

               Wisconsin                                     39-1346701
    (State or other jurisdiction of                       (I.R.S. Employer
    incorporation or organization)                      Identification No.)

                           626 East Wisconsin Avenue
                           Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
                                 (414) 291-7026
              (Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
       including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
                            _______________________

                              George E. Wardeberg
                     President and Chief Executive Officer
                                  WICOR, Inc.
                           626 East Wisconsin Avenue
                           Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
                                 (414) 291-7026
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)
                         ______________________________

                              With a copy to:

                             Jere D. McGaffey
                              Foley & Lardner
                         777 East Wisconsin Avenue
                      Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202-5367
                              (414) 271-2400

                          ____________________________

        Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: 
   From time to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

                          ____________________________

        If the only securities being registered on this Form are being
   offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check
   the following box.  [_] 

        If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be
   offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the
   Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection
   with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. 
   [X]

                          ____________________________


                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE


                                         Proposed      Proposed
       Title of Each                      Maximum      Maximum
         Class of                        Offering     Aggregate    Amount of
     Securities to be    Amount to be      Price      Offering     Registra-
        Registered      Registered(1)   Per Unit(2)    Price(2)    tion Fee

    Common Stock, $1    96,164 shares     $27.00      $2,596,428     $896
    par value, with       and rights
    attached Common
    Stock Purchase
    Rights

   (1)  Each share of WICOR, Inc. Common Stock has attached thereto one
        Common Stock Purchase Right.

   (2)  Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
        pursuant to Rule 457 under the Securities Act of 1933 based upon the
        average of the high and low prices for WICOR, Inc. Common Stock as
        reported on the New York Stock Exchange on May 19, 1995.  The value
        attributable to the Rights is reflected in the price of the Common
        Stock.

                             ______________________

        The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date
   or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the
   Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that
   this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in
   accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the
   Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the
   Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

   <PAGE>
                    SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 22, 1995

   PROSPECTUS

                                  96,164 Shares

                                   WICOR, INC.

                                  Common Stock
                                ($1.00 par value)
                                _________________

        This Prospectus relates to the sale of up to 96,164 shares of common
   stock, $1.00 par value (the "Common Stock"), of WICOR, Inc., a Wisconsin
   corporation (the "Company"), by a shareholder of the Company (the "Selling
   Shareholder").  The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the
   sale of the shares being sold by the Selling Shareholder.  See "Selling
   Shareholder."

        The Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the
   symbol WIC.  On May 19, 1995, the last reported sale price of the Common
   Stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $26.875 per share.

        The Company will pay certain of the expenses of this offering.  The
   Selling Shareholder, however,  will bear the cost of all brokerage
   commissions and discounts incurred in connection with the sale of the
   shares of Common Stock covered by this Prospectus.  The shares of Common
   Stock to which this Prospectus relates may be sold by the Selling
   Shareholder directly or through dealers or agents in market transactions
   or privately-negotiated transactions.  See "Plan of Distribution."

                               __________________

   THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
   AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
   SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
   PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.  ANY
   REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                                   ___________

               The date of this Prospectus is              , 1995

        INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. 
   A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH
   THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.  THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD
   NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION
   STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.  THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN
   OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE
   ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER,
   SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR
   QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.

   <PAGE>
                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

        The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the
   Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in
   accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information
   with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").  Such
   reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the Company under
   the Exchange Act can be inspected and copied at the public reference
   facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
   Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's Regional Offices at 7
   World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048, and the
   Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois
   60661.  Copies of such material also may be obtained from the Public
   Reference Section of the Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
   rates.  In addition, such reports, proxy statements and other information
   concerning the Company can be inspected at the offices of the New York
   Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

        The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on
   Form S-3 (together with all amendments and exhibits thereto referred to
   herein as the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933,
   as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the Common Stock
   offered hereby.  This Prospectus does not contain all of the information
   set forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are
   omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. 
   For further information, reference is hereby made to the Registration
   Statement which may be inspected and copied in the manner and at the
   sources described above.

                 INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

        The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission
   pursuant to the Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference:

        1.   The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
   December 31, 1994.

        2.   The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
             ended March 31, 1995.

        3.   The Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A under the
             Exchange Act with respect to the Common Stock, including any
             amendment or reports filed for the purpose of updating such
             description.

        4.   The Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A under the
             Exchange Act with respect to the Common Stock Purchase Rights,
             including any amendment or reports filed for the purpose of
             updating such description.

        All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c),
   14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus
   and prior to the termination of the offering of shares which is the
   subject hereof shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this
   Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such
   documents.  Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed
   to be incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to be modified or
   superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement
   contained in this Prospectus or in any subsequently filed document which
   also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
   supersedes such statement.  Any statement so modified or superseded shall
   not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part
   of this Prospectus.

        The Company will provide without charge to each person, including any
   beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered, upon the
   written or oral request of such person, a copy of any and all of the
   documents that have been or may be incorporated herein by reference (other
   than exhibits thereto, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated
   by reference into the information that this Prospectus incorporates). 
   Requests should be directed to WICOR, Inc., 626 East Wisconsin Avenue,
   Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, Attention:  Robert A. Nuernberg, Secretary
   (telephone: (414) 291-7026).

                                   THE COMPANY

   Background

        The Company is a diversified holding company involved in the natural
   gas distribution and manufacturing businesses.  The Company engages in
   retail distribution of natural gas through its Wisconsin Gas Company
   ("Wisconsin Gas") subsidiary.  The Company is also involved in the
   manufacturing of pumps and water processing equipment through its Sta-Rite
   Industries, Inc. ("Sta-Rite") and SHURflo Pump Manufacturing Co.
   ("SHURflo") subsidiaries.  The principal executive offices of the Company
   are located at 626 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, and
   its telephone number is (414) 291-7026.  

        On July 28, 1993, the Company issued an aggregate of 901,859 shares
   of Common Stock (a) to the then shareholders of SHURflo (f/k/a Carr-Griff,
   Inc.) in connection with a merger whereby SHURflo became a wholly owned
   subsidiary of the Company, and (b) to Product Research and Development, a
   California limited partnership ("PR&D"), and Saddleback Leasing Company, a
   California limited partnership ("Saddleback"), pursuant to the
   accompanying acquisition of substantially all of the assets of PR&D and
   Saddleback.  The Selling Shareholder is a former shareholder of SHURflo
   and a partner of PR&D and Saddleback, and acquired the shares of Common
   Stock offered hereby in the foregoing transactions.

   Retail Distribution of Natural Gas

        The Company's retail natural gas distribution business is conducted
   by Wisconsin Gas.  Wisconsin Gas is the oldest and largest natural gas
   distribution public utility in Wisconsin, where all of its business is
   conducted.  At December 31, 1994, Wisconsin Gas distributed gas to
   approximately 495,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in
   496 communities throughout Wisconsin with an estimated population of
   1,954,000 based on the State of Wisconsin's estimates for 1994.  Wisconsin
   Gas is subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission of
   Wisconsin as to various phases of its operations, including rates, service
   and issuance of securities.

   Manufacturing of Pumps and Water Processing Equipment

        Sta-Rite and SHURflo manufacture and sell pumps and water processing
   equipment used to pump, control and filter water, and positive
   displacement pumps and other accessories used for fluid handling in a wide
   array of specialized applications and markets.  Manufacturing and assembly
   activities are conducted in plants in the United States, United Kingdom,
   Germany, Italy, Australia, New Zealand and Russia.

                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

        The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of
   shares of Common Stock by the Selling Shareholder.  The proceeds from the
   sale of the shares of Common Stock offered hereby will be retained by the
   Selling Shareholder.  See "Selling Shareholder" and "Plan of
   Distribution."

                               SELLING SHAREHOLDER

        The following table sets forth certain information, as of the date of
   this Prospectus, regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of Common
   Stock by the Selling Shareholder, and as adjusted to reflect the sale of
   the 96,164 shares of Common Stock offered hereby.


                  Shares of Common    Shares of      Common Stock
                  Stock Beneficially  Common         to be Beneficially
    Selling       Owned Prior         Stock to       Owned After
   Shareholder    to Offering         be Offered     Offering


   Diane M.
    McCarry/1        96,164             96,164            0

   __________________
   1/   Consists of shares held by The Robert E. McCarry and Diane M.
        McCarry Trust, u/d/t dated September 9, 1992, as to which Ms.
        McCarry has sole voting and investment power.

   The Selling Shareholder is a former shareholder of SHURflo and a partner
   of PR&D and Saddleback, and acquired the shares of Common Stock offered
   hereby in the transactions described under the caption "The Company -
   Background."

                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

   Authorized Shares

                  The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of
   60,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 1,500,000 shares of Cumulative
   Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value (the "Cumulative Preferred Stock").  The
   Cumulative Preferred Stock is issuable in series, for such consideration
   and with such designations, dividend rates, redemption prices, liquidation
   rights and preferences, conversion rights, if any, sinking fund
   provisions, if any, and voting rights, if any, as may be determined by the
   Board of Directors of the Company.  As of May 19, 1995, there were
   16,939,744 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding.  No shares of
   Cumulative Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding as of such date.

   Dividend Rights and Restrictions

                  After all cumulative dividends have been paid or declared
   and set apart for payment on any shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock that
   are outstanding, the Common Stock is entitled to such dividends as may be
   declared from time to time by the Board of Directors in accordance with
   applicable law.  The Company's ability to pay dividends is dependent to a
   great extent on the ability of its subsidiaries to pay dividends.

   Voting Rights

                  Except as provided under Wisconsin law and except as may be
   determined by the Board of Directors of the Company with respect to any
   series of Cumulative Preferred Stock, only the holders of Common Stock
   shall be entitled to vote for the election of directors of the Company and
   on all other matters.  Subject to the limitations imposed by Wisconsin law
   as described below, upon any such vote the holders of Common Stock shall
   be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held by them. 
   Shareholders have no cumulative voting rights in connection with the
   election of directors, which means that holders of shares entitled to
   exercise more than 50% of the voting power are entitled to elect all of
   the directors to be elected at any meeting of shareholders.  The Company's
   Restated Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws provide that the Board of
   Directors is to be divided into three classes, with staggered terms of
   three years each.  The terms of the Common Stock generally may be modified
   by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of
   Common Stock voted at a meeting of shareholders at which a quorum is
   present.

                  Section 180.1150 of the Wisconsin Statutes provides that
   the voting power of shares of Wisconsin corporations such as the Company
   held by any person or persons acting as a group in excess of 20% of the
   voting power in the election of directors is limited to 10% of the full
   voting power of those shares.  This restriction does not apply to shares
   acquired directly from the Company or in certain specified transactions or
   shares for which full voting power has been restored pursuant to a vote of
   shareholders.

                  Sections 180.1140 to 180.1144 of the Wisconsin Statutes
   contain certain limitations and special voting provisions applicable to
   specified business combinations involving Wisconsin corporations such as
   the Company and a significant shareholder, unless the board of directors
   of the corporation approves the business combination or the shareholder's
   acquisition of shares before such shares are acquired.  Similarly,
   Sections 180.1130 to 180.1133 of the Wisconsin Statutes contain special
   voting provisions applicable to certain business combinations, unless
   specified minimum price and procedural requirements are met.  Following
   commencement of a takeover offer, Section 180.1134 of the Wisconsin
   Statutes imposes special voting requirements on certain share repurchases
   effected at a premium to the market and on certain asset sales by the
   corporation, unless, as it relates to the potential sale of assets, the
   corporation has at least three independent directors and a majority of the
   independent directors vote not to have the provision apply to the
   corporation.

                  Section 196.795(3) of the Wisconsin Statutes provides that
   no person may hold or acquire directly or indirectly more than 10% of the
   outstanding securities of a public utility holding company such as the
   Company without approval of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

   Other Rights and Limitations

                  All shares of Common Stock are entitled to participate
   equally in distributions in liquidation, subject to the prior rights of
   any shares of Cumulative Preferred Stock which may be outstanding.  Except
   as the Board of Directors may in its discretion otherwise determine,
   holders of Common Stock have no preemptive rights to subscribe for or
   purchase shares of the Company.  There are no conversion rights, or
   sinking fund or redemption provisions applicable to the Common Stock.

                  The Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company
   provide that any director may be removed from office but only for cause by
   the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the voting power
   of the then outstanding shares entitled to vote in the election of
   directors.  However, if at least the number of directors in the two
   largest classes of directors plus one director vote to remove a director,
   such director may be removed without cause by the affirmative vote of
   holders of at least a majority of the voting power of the then outstanding
   shares of the Company entitled to vote thereon.  The Restated Articles of
   Incorporation of the Company also provide that the provisions of the
   Company's By-Laws regarding the classification, number, tenure and
   qualifications of directors may only be amended, altered, changed or
   repealed by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 75% of the voting
   power of the then outstanding shares entitled to vote in the election of
   directors.

                  The shares of Common Stock offered by the Selling
   Shareholder hereby are fully paid and nonassessable, except as provided by
   Section 180.0622(2)(b) of the Wisconsin Statutes regarding personal
   liability of shareholders for all debts owing to employees of the Company
   for services performed but not exceeding six months' service in any one
   case.

   Common Stock Purchase Rights

                  The Company has entered into a Rights Agreement (the
   "Rights Agreement"), dated as of August 29, 1989, with Chemical Bank
   (f/k/a Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as Rights Agent.  Pursuant to
   the Rights Agreement, each outstanding share of Common Stock (including
   the shares being sold by the Selling Shareholder in this offering) has
   attached thereto one Common Stock Purchase Right ("Right") and each share
   subsequently issued by the Company prior to the expiration of the Rights
   Agreement will likewise have attached thereto one Right.  Under certain
   circumstances described below, the Rights will entitle the holder thereof
   to purchase additional shares of Common Stock.  In this Prospectus, unless
   the context otherwise requires, all references to the Common Stock include
   the accompanying Rights.

                  Currently, the Rights are not exercisable and trade with
   the Common Stock.  In the event the Rights become exercisable, each Right
   (unless held by a person or group which beneficially owns more than 20% of
   the outstanding Common Stock) will initially entitle the holder to
   purchase one share of Common Stock at a price of $75 per share, subject to
   adjustment.  The Rights will only become exercisable if a person or group
   has acquired, or announced an intention to acquire, 20% or more of the
   outstanding shares of Common Stock.  Under certain circumstances,
   including the existence of a 20% acquiring party, each holder of a Right,
   other than the acquiring party, will be entitled to purchase at the
   exercise price Common Stock having a market value of two times the
   exercise price.  In the event of the acquisition of the Company by another
   corporation subsequent to a party acquiring 20% or more of the Common
   Stock, each holder of a Right will be entitled to receive the acquiring
   corporation's common shares having a market value of two times the
   exercise price.  The Rights may be redeemed at a price of $.01 per Right
   prior to the existence of a 20% acquiring party, and thereafter may be
   exchanged for one share of Common Stock per Right prior to the existence
   of a 50% acquiring party.  The Rights will expire on August 29, 1999. 
   Under the Rights Agreement, the Board of Directors of the Company may
   reduce the thresholds applicable to the Rights from 20% to not less than
   10%.  The Rights do not have voting or dividend rights and, until they
   become exercisable, have no dilutive effect on the earnings of the
   Company.

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

                  The distribution of the Common Stock offered hereby by the
   Selling Shareholder may be effectuated from time to time, so long as the
   Registration Statement remains effective, in one or more transactions that
   may take place on the New York Stock Exchange, including ordinary brokers'
   transactions, in privately-negotiated transactions or through sales to one
   or more brokers/dealers for resale of such Common Stock as principals, at
   market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such
   prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.  Usual and customary or
   specifically negotiated brokerage fees or commissions will be paid by the
   Selling Shareholder in connection with such sales.

                  The Company will pay certain of the expenses incident to
   the offering of the Common Stock offered hereby to the public.  The
   Company, however, will not pay for any expenses, commissions or discounts
   of dealers or agents, which will be paid by the Selling Shareholder.

                                  LEGAL MATTERS

                  Certain legal matters in connection with the sale of the
   Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company by Foley &
   Lardner, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Jere D. McGaffey, a partner of Foley &
   Lardner, is a director of the Company.  As of May 1, 1995, Foley & Lardner
   attorneys who participated in the preparation of this Prospectus
   beneficially owned an aggregate of 8,987 shares of Common Stock.

                                     EXPERTS

                  The consolidated financial statements and schedules
   included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended
   December 31, 1994, incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and in the
   Registration Statement, have been audited by Arthur Andersen  LLP,
   independent public accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect
   thereto, and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said
   firm as experts in accounting and auditing in giving said reports.


   <PAGE>

   No dealer, salesman or any other person has been authorized to give any
   information or to make any representations other than those contained or
   incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and, if given or made, such
   information or representations must not be relied upon as having been
   authorized. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made
   hereunder shall under any circumstances create any implication that there
   has been no change in the affairs of the Company since the date hereof. 
   This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation by
   anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not
   authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not
   qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such offer
   or solicitation.

                        _________________________________

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                         Page


   Available Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    2
   Incorporation of Certain Documents
     By Reference  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    2
   The Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    3
   Use of Proceeds   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    4
   Selling Shareholder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    4
   Description of Capital Stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    4
   Plan of Distribution  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    7
   Legal Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    7
   Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    7





   <PAGE>






                                  96,164 Shares

                                   WICOR, Inc.




                                  Common Stock
                                ($1.00 par value)





                            _________________________


                                   PROSPECTUS

                            _________________________








   <PAGE>
                                     PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS


   Item 14.  Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

        The following table sets forth the estimated expenses to be borne by
   the Registrant in connection with the issuance and distribution of the
   securities being registered hereby.

             Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee .   $    896
             Accounting fees and expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . .      1,600
             Legal fees and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      3,000
             Miscellaneous expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      1,504
                                                                      -------
                  Total  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $  7,000
                                                                      =======

   Item 15.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

        Pursuant to the provisions of the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law
   and the Registrant's By-Laws, directors and officers of the Registrant are
   entitled to mandatory indemnification from the Registrant against certain
   liabilities and expenses (i) to the extent such officers or directors are
   successful in the defense of a proceeding and (ii) in proceedings in which
   the director or officer is not successful in defense thereof, unless (in
   the latter case only) it is determined that the director or officer
   breached or failed to perform his or her duties to the Registrant and such
   breach or failure constituted:  (a) a willful failure to deal fairly with
   the Registrant or its shareholders in connection with a matter in which
   the director or officer had a material conflict of interest; (b) a
   violation of the criminal law unless the director or officer had
   reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was lawful or had no
   reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful; (c) a
   transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper
   personal profit; or (d) willful misconduct.  It should be noted that the
   Wisconsin Business Corporation Law specifically states that it is the
   public policy of Wisconsin to require or permit indemnification in
   connection with a proceeding involving securities regulation, as described
   therein, to the extent required or permitted as described above. 
   Additionally, under the Wisconsin Business Corporation Law, directors of
   the Registrant are not subject to personal liability to the Registrant,
   its shareholders or any person asserting rights on behalf thereof for
   certain breaches or failures to perform any duty resulting solely from
   their status as directors, except in circumstances paralleling those
   outlined in (a) through (d) above.

        Expenses for the defense of any action for which indemnification may
   be available may be advanced by the Company under certain circumstances.

        The indemnification provided by the Wisconsin Business Corporation
   Law and the Registrant's By-Laws is not exclusive of any other rights to
   which a director or officer of the Registrant may be entitled.

        The Company maintains a liability insurance policy for its directors
   and officers as permitted by Wisconsin law which may extend to, among
   other things, liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as
   amended.

   Item 16.  Exhibits.

     Exhibit
     Number                 Description of Document

     (2.1)    Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of July 28,
              1993, among WICOR, Inc., Wisconsin Western Coastal Acquisition
              Corp., Carr-Griff, Inc., and the shareholders of Carr-Griff,
              Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to WICOR, Inc.'s
              Current Report on Form 8-K, dated as of July 28, 1993).*

     (2.2)    Asset Purchase Agreement by and among WICOR, Inc., Wisconsin
              Western Coastal Acquisition Corp., Product Research and
              Development and the partners of Product Research and
              Development, dated as of July 28, 1993 (incorporated by
              reference to Exhibit 2.2 to WICOR, Inc.'s Current Report on
              Form 8-K, dated as of July 28, 1993).*

     (2.3)    Asset Purchase Agreement by and among WICOR, Inc., Wisconsin
              Western Coastal  Acquisition Corp., Saddleback Leasing Company
              and the partners of Saddleback Leasing Company, dated as of
              July 28, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to
              WICOR, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated as of July 28,
              1993).*

     (4.1)    Restated Articles of Incorporation of WICOR, Inc., as amended
              (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to WICOR, Inc.'s
              Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
              1992).

     (4.2)    By-Laws of WICOR, Inc, as amended (incorporated by reference to
              Exhibit 3.3 to WICOR, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
              year ended December 31, 1994).

     (4.3)    Rights Agreement, dated as of August 29, 1989, between WICOR,
              Inc. and Chemical Bank (f/k/a Manufacturers Hanover Trust
              Company), as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
              4 to WICOR, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated as of
              August 29, 1989).

     (5)      Opinion of Foley & Lardner.

     (23.1)   Consent of Foley & Lardner (included in Exhibit (5)).

     (23.2)   Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP

     (24)     Power of Attorney relating to subsequent amendments (included
              on the signature page to this Registration Statement).

   *    The schedules to this document are not being filed herewith.  The
        Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any such
        schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

   <PAGE>
   Item 17.   Undertakings.  

        (a)   The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

                 (1)    To file, during any period in which offers or sales
                        are being made, a post-effective amendment to this
                        Registration Statement:

                     (i)    To include any prospectus required by Section
                            10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

                     (ii)   To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
                            arising after the effective date of the
                            Registration Statement (or the most recent post-
                            effective amendment thereof) which, individually
                            or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental
                            change in the information set forth in the
                            Registration Statement;

                     (iii)  To include any material information with respect
                            to the plan of distribution not previously
                            disclosed in the Registration Statement or any
                            material change to such information in the
                            Registration Statement.

   Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply
   if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment
   by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the
   Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities
   Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the
   Registration Statement.

                 (2)    That, for the purpose of determining any liability
                        under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-
                        effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
                        Registration Statement relating to the securities
                        offered therein, and the offering of such securities
                        at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
                        fide offering thereof.

                 (3)    To remove from registration by means of a post-
                        effective amendment any of the securities being
                        registered which remain unsold at the termination of
                        the offering.

             (b)     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for
                     purposes of determining any liability under the
                     Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's
                     annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d)
                     of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is
                     incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement
                     shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement
                     relating to the securities offered therein, and the
                     offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
                     to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

             (c)     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under
                     the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to
                     directors, officers and controlling persons of the
                     Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
                     otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the
                     opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
                     indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
                     the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event
                     that a claim for indemnification against such
                     liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of
                     expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
                     controlling person of the Registrant in the successful
                     defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted
                     by such director, officer or controlling person in
                     connection with the securities being registered, the
                     Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel
                     the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
                     submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
                     question whether such indemnification by it is against
                     public policy as expressed in the Act and will be
                     governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

   <PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
   Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it
   meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused
   this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
   thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Milwaukee, and State of
   Wisconsin, on this 19th day of May, 1995.

                                 WICOR, INC.

                                 By:  /s/  GEORGE E. WARDEBERG     
                                      George E. Wardeberg
                                      President and 
                                      Chief Executive Officer

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
   Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in
   the capacities and on the dates indicated.  Each person whose signature
   appears below constitutes and appoints  George E. Wardeberg and Joseph P.
   Wenzler, and each of them individually, his or her true and lawful
   attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
   resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in
   any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-
   effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and to file the same,
   with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
   with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-
   in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and
   perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
   connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she
   might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
   attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to
   be done by virtue hereof.

             Signature                      Title                          
                                                             Date



     /s/   GEORGE E. WARDEBERG   President, Chief              May 19,  1995
           George  E. Wardeberg  Executive Officer and
                                 Director (Principal
                                 Executive Officer)

    /s/   JOSEPH P. WENZLER      Vice President, Treasurer     May 19,  1995
          Joseph P. Wenzler      and Chief Financial
                                 Officer (Principal
                                 Financial and Accounting
                                 Officer)


    /s/   WENDELL F. BUECHE               Director             May 19,  1995
          Wendell F. Bueche



    /s/   WILLIE D. DAVIS                 Director             May 19,  1995
          Willie D. Davis



    /s/   JERE D. McGAFFEY                Director             May 19,  1995
          Jere D. McGaffey



    /s/   DANIEL F. McKEITHAN,            Director             May 19,  1995
          JR.     
          Daniel F. McKeithan,
          Jr.


    /s/   GUY A. OSBORN                   Director             May 19,  1995
          Guy A. Osborn



    /s/   THOMAS F. SCHRADER              Director             May 19,  1995
          Thomas F. Schrader





    /s/   STUART W. TISDALE               Director             May 19,  1995
          Stuart W. Tisdale




    /s/   ESSIE M. WHITELAW               Director             May 19,  1995
          Essie M. Whitelaw




    /s/   WILLIAM B. WINTER               Director             May 19,  1995
          William B. Winter



   <PAGE>
                                  EXHIBIT INDEX



   Exhibit
   Number    Document Description

   (2.1)     Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, dated as of July 28, 1993,
             among WICOR, Inc., Wisconsin Western Coastal Acquisition Corp.,
             Carr-Griff, Inc., and the shareholders of Carr-Griff, Inc.
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to WICOR, Inc.'s
             Current Report on Form 8-K, dated as of July 28, 1993).*

   (2.2)     Asset Purchase Agreement by and among WICOR, Inc., Wisconsin
             Western Coastal Acquisition Corp., Product Research and
             Development, dated as of July 28, 1993 (incorporated by
             reference to Exhibit 2.2 to WICOR, Inc.'s Current Report on Form
             8-K, dated as of July 28, 1993).*

   (2.3)     Asset Purchase Agreement by and among WICOR, Inc., Wisconsin
             Western Coastal Acquisition Corp., Saddleback Leasing Company
             and the partners of Saddleback Leasing Company, dated as of July
             28, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to WICOR
             Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated as of July 28, 1993).*

   (4.1)     Restated Articles of Incorporation of WICOR, Inc, as amended
             (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to WICOR, Inc.'s
             Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
             December 31, 1992).

   (4.2)     By-Laws of WICOR, Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference to
             Exhibit 3.3 to WICOR, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
             year ended December 31, 1994).

   (4.3)     Rights Agreement, dated as of August 29, 1989, between WICOR,
             Inc. and Chemical Bank (f/k/a Manufacturers Hanover Trust
             Company), as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
             4 to WICOR, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated as of
             August 29, 1989).

   (5)       Opinion of Foley & Lardner.

   (23.1)    Consent of Foley & Lardner (included in Exhibit (5)).

   (23.2)    Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP

   (24)      Power of Attorney relating to subsequent amendments (included on
             the signature page to this Registration Statement).


   *         The schedules to this document are not being filed herewith. 
             The Registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any
             such schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon
             request.



                                 FOLEY & LARDNER
                          A T T O R N E Y S  A T  L A W

                                 FIRSTAR CENTER
                            777 EAST WISCONSIN AVENUE
                         MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 53202-5367

                                                         A MEMBER OF GLOBALEX
                                                       WITH MEMBER OFFICES IN

   MADISON                                                             BERLIN
   CHICAGO                  TELEPHONE (414) 271-2400                 BRUSSELS
   WASHINGTON, D.C.                                                   DRESDEN
   JACKSONVILLE                   TELEX 26-819                      FRANKFURT
   ORLANDO                                                             LONDON
   TALLAHASSEE                  (FOLEY LARD MIL)                        PARIS
   TAMPA                                                            SINGAPORE
   WEST PALM BEACH          FACSIMILE (414) 297-4900                STUTTGART
                                                                       TAIPEI
                              WRITER'S DIRECT LINE





                                  May 19, 1995


   WICOR, Inc.
   626 East Wisconsin Avenue
   Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

   Gentlemen:

             We have acted as counsel for WICOR, Inc., a Wisconsin
   corporation (the "Company"), with respect to the preparation of a
   Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement"),
   including the prospectus constituting a part thereof (the "Prospectus"),
   to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission
   under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"),
   relating to the proposed sale by the selling shareholder listed therein
   (the "Selling Shareholder") of up to 96,164 shares of Common Stock, $1.00
   par value, of the Company (the "Common Stock") and the associated rights
   to purchase shares of Common Stock accompanying each share of Common Stock
   (the "Rights"), in the manner set forth in the Registration Statement and
   Prospectus.  The terms of the Rights are as set forth in that certain
   Rights Agreement, dated as of August 29, 1989, by and between the Company
   and Chemical Bank (f/k/a Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as rights
   agent (the "Rights Agreement").

             In connection with our representation, we have examined:  (a)
   the Registration Statement, including the Prospectus; (b) the Restated
   Articles of Incorporation and By-laws of the Company, as amended to date;
   (c) the Rights Agreement; and (d) such other proceedings, documents and
   records as we have deemed necessary to enable us to render this opinion.

             Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

             1.   The Company is a corporation validly existing under the
   laws of the State of Wisconsin.

             2.   The shares of Common Stock offered by the Selling
   Shareholder as contemplated in the Registration Statement are validly
   issued, fully paid and nonassessable, except with respect to wage claims
   of, or other debts owing to, employees of the Company for services
   performed, but not exceeding six months' service in any one case, as
   provided in Section 180.0622(2)(b) of the Wisconsin Business Corporation
   Law and as such section may be interpreted by a court of law.

             3.   The Rights are validly issued.

             We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the
   Registration Statement and to the references to our firm therein.  In
   giving our consent, we do not admit that we are "experts" within the
   meaning of Section 11 of the Securities Act or within the category of
   persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act.

                                           Very truly yours,




                                           FOLEY & LARDNER


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

   As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
   by reference in this registration statement of our reports dated February
   2, 1995 included in WICOR Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
   1994 and to all references to our firm included in this registration
   statement.

                                      ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

   Milwaukee, Wisconsin
   May 19, 1995


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