GENERAL SIGNAL CORP
10-K405, 1997-03-21
ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIAL APPARATUS
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<PAGE>
 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
               UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                1996 FORM 10-K
 
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
   ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                                      OR
 
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
   EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
                           COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-996
 
                          GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
 
          BOX 10010 HIGH RIDGE PARK, STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06904-2010
                        TELEPHONE NUMBER (203) 329-4100
                  IRS EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO. 16-0445660
                       STATE OF INCORPORATION: NEW YORK
 
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           NAME OF EACH
               TITLE OF EACH CLASS                 EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>
          Common Stock par value $1.00               New York Stock Exchange
(Par value reduced from $6.67 effective April 21,     Pacific Stock Exchange
                      1969)
    5.75% Convertible Subordinated Debentures        New York Stock Exchange
                due June 1, 2002
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
  Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [_]
 
  Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K 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]
 
  The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates as of
February 28, 1997 was approximately $2.2 billion. As of February 28, 1997,
there were 52.2 million shares of General Signal Corporation common stock
outstanding.
 
                 DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE--PART III
 
            Portions of the Proxy Statement for 1997 Annual Meeting
 
                                 Page 1 of 293
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<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 ITEM                                                                      PAGE
 ----                                                                      ----
 <C> <S>                                                                   <C>
   1 Business...........................................................     3
   2 Properties.........................................................     8
   3 Legal Proceedings..................................................     8
   4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders................     8
   5 Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Shareholder
      Matters...........................................................     9
   6 Selected Financial Data............................................     9
   7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
      Results of Operations.............................................    10
   8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data........................    15
   9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
      Financial Disclosure..............................................    15
  10 Directors and Executive Officers...................................    15
  11 Executive Compensation.............................................    15
  12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.....    15
  13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.....................    15
  14 Exhibits, Financial Statements, Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K..    16
     Signatures.........................................................    18
     Index to Financial Statements, Schedule and Exhibits...............   F-1
</TABLE>
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART I
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
 
  GENERAL DEVELOPMENTS: General Signal Corporation (the company), incorporated
in New York in 1904, is a manufacturer of equipment for the Process Controls,
Electrical Controls and Industrial Technology industries. The company's key
Process industry products include pumps, mixers, and valves for municipal
water supply and wastewater treatment, pulp, paper, food, pharmaceutical and
chemical manufacturing and ultra low-temperature freezers for life science
research. In the Electrical industry, key products include uninterruptible
power supply and conditioning equipment, power transformers, and fire
detection systems. Products serving the Industrial Technology industry include
auto and bicycle components, data networking equipment, and fare collection
and vending equipment.
 
  During the last five years, the company invested approximately $440.7
million in cash and 4.4 million shares of common stock to acquire 20
businesses and/or product lines. The notes to the financial statements on
pages F-18 through F-19 of this 10-K provide additional information for
significant acquisitions during the last three years.
 
  Additionally, during the last five years, the company disposed of two units,
accounted for as discontinued operations. Information regarding these
dispositions is on page F-19 of this 10-K.
 
  FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT BUSINESS SEGMENTS: Selected business segment
information for the last five fiscal years is summarized on page F-21 of this
10-K. Net sales from the uninterruptible power systems (UPS) class of product
accounted for 11.2%, 8.2% and 3.5% of consolidated net sales in 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.
 
  A summary of information by geographic area for the last five fiscal years
is included on page F-22 of this 10-K.
 
NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
  MAJOR MARKETS AND PRODUCTS AND METHOD OF DISTRIBUTION: A description of the
registrant's business follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             TOP COMPETITORS BY
  PRINCIPAL BUSINESS         MAJOR PRODUCTS            TOP MARKETS                 MARKET
  ------------------         --------------            -----------           ------------------
<S>                     <C>                      <C>                      <C>
                                         PROCESS CONTROLS
DEZURIK                 Industrial valves for    Water supply and         McWane; Mueller/Pratt;
 Sartell, Minnesota     gases, liquids, slurries wastewater treatment     Keystone; AMRI
                        and dry solids           
                                                 Pulp and paper           Neles-Jamesbury; Velan; 
                                                 manufacturing            Fisher                  
                                                 
                                                 Chemical processing      Fisher; Neles-Jamesbury;
                                                                          Velan; Duriron;                                     
                                                                          Masonelian               
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL SIGNAL          Centrifugal,             Municipal water supply   ITT/Flygt
PUMP GROUP              submersible,             and wastewater treatment 
 North Aurora,          regenerative turbine,        
 Illinois               and vertical turbine     Commercial heating,      Bell & Gossett  
                        pumps                    ventilation, and air                    
                                                 conditioning                            
                                                       
                                                 Residential (wholesale   Zoeller                           
                                                 sump and ejector pumps)          
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KAYEX                   Crystal growing furnaces Semiconductor wafer      Ferrofluidics;
 Rochester, New York                             manufacturers            Mitsubishi Machine
 
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIGHTNIN                Industrial fluid mixers  Chemical process         Robbins & Meyers
 Rochester, New York    and agitators            industries               (Chemineer brand);
                                                                          Ekato; Philadelphia
                                                                          Mixers

                                                 Water supply and         Philadelphia Mixers;
                                                 wateswater treatment     Robbins & Meyers
                                                                          (Chemineer brand)

                                                 Minerals processing      Philadelphia Mixers;
                                                                          Robbins & Meyers
                                                                          (Prochem brand); Ekato
</TABLE>
 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             TOP COMPETITORS BY
  PRINCIPAL BUSINESS         MAJOR PRODUCTS            TOP MARKETS                 MARKET
  ------------------         --------------            -----------           ---------------------
<S>                     <C>                      <C>                      <C>
REVCO/LINDBERG          Ultra-low temperature    Life science research    Forma Scientific; Sybron
 Asheville, North       laboratory freezers,     laboratories, clinical   PLC
 Carolina               specialty refrigerators, laboratories, and       
                        and CO2 incubators       industrial research     
                                                 laboratories

                        Industrial and           Transportation equipment Despatch; Surface 
                        laboratory ovens         manufacturing            Combustion         
 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
STOCK EQUIPMENT         Coal feed systems        Electrical utilities     Merrick; Ramsey
COMPANY             
 Chagrin Falls, Ohio                             Paper manufacturers;     Ramsey
                                                 industrial steam        
                                                 generators

                        Feed systems and flow    Waste supply and         Wallace and Tiernan 
                        measurement devices for  wastewater treatment
                        water and wastewater   
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                       ELECTRICAL CONTROLS
BEST POWER              Uninterruptible power    OEM computer             Exide/Deltec
 Dallas, Texas          systems                  manufacturers                            

                                                 PCs, workstations,       American Power  
                                                 internetworking          Conversion Corp.

                                                 Telecommunications       Melin Gerin
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
DIELECTRIC              Radio frequency          Television and FM        Andrew Corp.; Harris
COMMUNICATIONS          transmission equipment   broadcasters             Corp.
 Raymond, Maine
                        Cable pressurization     Telecommunication        Puregas
                                                 providers
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
EDWARDS SYSTEMS         Fire detection products, Commercial, industrial   Simplex; Cerberus;
TECHNOLOGY              systems and services     and institutional        Pittway Corp.
 Cheshire, Connecticut                           facilities
 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
GS ELECTRIC             Universal, blower, and   Floor care appliance     Ametek/Lamb Electric
 Carlisle,              permanent magnet         manufacturers            
 Pennsylvania           fractional horsepower    
                        electric motors          Yard and garden          MAMCO
                                                 appliance manufacturers

                                                 Fitness equipment        United Technologies
                                                 manufacturers, tubs,
                                                 pools, spas
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

GS ELECTRICAL GROUP     Fittings, enclosures,    Industrial and           Crouse-Hinds; Appleton
 Farmington,            industrial lighting,     commercial construction
 Connecticut            firestop, heat trace  

                        Power conditioning, DC   Factory automation MRO   Square D
                        power supplies, low-     and OEM
                        voltage general-purpose                           
                        transformers             

                        Industrial signaling     Industrial and           Federal Signal Corp.                                 
                                                 commercial facilities            
                                                                                  
                        Emergency lighting and   Industrial, commercial   Lithonia
                        exit signs               and institutional                
                                                 facilities                       
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
 </TABLE> 

 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             TOP COMPETITORS BY
  PRINCIPAL BUSINESS         MAJOR PRODUCTS            TOP MARKETS                 MARKET
  ------------------         --------------            -----------           ------------------
<S>                     <C>                      <C>                      <C>
WAUKESHA ELECTRIC       Medium power             Investor-owned and       ABB
 Waukesha, Wisconsin    transformers             public power utilities  

                                                 Industrial and           ABB; GE/Prolec 
                                                 commercial sector        
                                                
                        Transformer              Investor-owned and        Solomon; S.D. Meyers 
                        remanufacturing and      public power utilities
                        decommissioning services
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
                                      INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
GENERAL SIGNAL          Wide-area network matrix Financial services,      Bytek; DMS; Dynatech;
NETWORKS                switching systems        common carriers,         Cornet
 Mount Laurel,                                   business services        
 New Jersey                                                                                 
                        Host networking products Common carriers,         IBM; CNT; Network
                        and fiber management     financial services,      Systems          
                        systems                  transportation          
                                                                         
                        Telecommunications       Regional Bell operating  Hekimian; ADA 
                        performance measurement  companies, long-distance
                        systems                  carriers, international 
                                                 telephone companies     
 
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
GFI GENFARE             Automatic fare           Bus and rail mass        Cubic Corporation
 Elk Grove Village,     collection passenger     transportation           
 Illinois               processing, and                                                     
                        information systems for  U.S. Postal Service      National Vendors;
                        the mass transportation                           Westinghouse     
                        market, including
                        electronic fareboxes and
                        faregates, magnetic
                        ticket processing
                        systems and high-
                        security vending
                        equipment, stamp vending
                        machines and audio
                        products
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    
METAL FORGE             Cold-forged solid and    Automotive OEM           Thompson Products
 Dublin, Ohio           tubular metal components 
                        and assemblies for       Bicycle OEM              Arvin; Walker 
                        automobiles and bicycles
                                                 Automotive OEM service   
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     
</TABLE> 
 
  The company's products are sold by its own sales organization and through
distributors and manufacturers' representatives.
 
  MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES: The company manufactures many of the components used
in its products. It also purchases a variety of basic materials and component
parts. Although some basic materials and components have been and may be in
short supply from time to time, the company believes that it will generally be
able to obtain adequate supplies of major items or reasonable substitutes.
 
  PATENTS: The company holds many patents and has continued to secure other
patents that cover many of its products. While patents are important in the
aggregate to the company's competitive position, the loss of any single
patent, patent application or patent license agreement, or group thereof,
would not materially affect the conduct of its business as a whole. The
company is both a licensor and licensee of patents.
 
  WORKING CAPITAL: A discussion of working capital is included on pages 13 and
14 of this 10-K.
 
  BACKLOG: The amount of unfilled orders was approximately $444.6 million as
of December 31, 1996 and $435.8 million as of December 31, 1995. All unfilled
orders are expected to be filled within the next succeeding year.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
  COMPETITION: Although the businesses of the company are highly competitive,
the competitive position cannot be determined accurately in the aggregate or
by segment since none of its competitors offer all of the same product lines
or serve all of the same markets, nor are reliable comparative figures
available for its competitors. In most product groups, competition comes from
numerous concerns, both large and small. The principal methods of competition
are price, service, product performance and technical innovation. These
methods vary with the type of product sold. The company believes that it can
compete effectively on the basis of each of these factors as they apply to the
various products offered.
 
  RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT: Research and development information for the last
three years is included on page F-22 of this 10-K.
 
  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS: The company is involved in various stages of
investigation and remediation relative to environmental protection matters,
arising from its own initiative, from indemnification of purchasers of
divested operations, or from legal or administrative proceedings, some of
which involve waste disposal sites. The company has a comprehensive
environmental compliance program which includes environmental audits conducted
by internal and outside independent environmental professionals and regular
communications with the company's operating units, regarding environmental
compliance requirements and anticipated regulations.
 
  The company has been notified that it has been named as a potentially
responsible party or has received other notices of potential liability
pursuant to various federal and state environmental laws (including, without
limitation, the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act of 1980 and similar state legislation) at approximately 65
multi-party sites which are not present or former facilities of the company
and for which the company may be jointly and severally liable. It is alleged
that the company generated hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants
which are present at those sites. The company has resolved its liability by
entering into de minimis settlements or other buyout agreements with
governmental authorities or other parties at 20 of these sites and believes
that it has no liability with respect to 9 of these sites. The company is of
the opinion, based on information currently available, that its aggregate
probable remaining liability at the other 36 sites is less than $3 million,
since the company would probably qualify for future de minimis settlements at
many of these sites.
 
  The company is engaged in site investigation and/or remediation at the
following sites presently or formerly owned by the company and has accrued for
its expected future costs, as detailed below. It is the company's policy not
to offset expected insurance recoveries against expected obligations when
determining the amount of environmental accruals.
 
  New York Air Brake Landfill/Kelsey Creek Site: In February 1990, the company
entered into a consent order with the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to conduct an investigation and
remediation at the company's discontinued New York Air Brake facility in
Watertown, New York. On March 30, 1994, NYSDEC issued a Record of Decision
with respect to site remediation. The remedial action will consist of
consolidation of contamination in the existing industrial landfill, capping
the landfill, collecting contaminated groundwater downgradient of the
landfill, and the removal of certain sediments in Kelsey Creek and a tributary
creek. The future cost estimated by the company for site remediation is
approximately $11.2 million. The company has filed litigation against the City
of Watertown to challenge an increase in sewer discharge fees for leachate at
the landfill and believes that it will ultimately prevail in such litigation.
 
  Hevi-Duty Facility: In August 1990, the EPA placed this manufacturing
facility of the company, located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, on the National
Priorities List (NPL); subsequently, the company challenged the listing and
the EPA delisted the facility in June 1993. Following the delisting, the
company investigated site contamination at this facility and conducted limited
initial remediation. The company is participating in a voluntary clean-up
program sponsored by the state of North Carolina and has entered into an
Administrative Order on Consent with the North Carolina Department of
Environmental Health and Natural Resources. The company currently believes
that the probable aggregate remaining liability for clean-up of this site will
be approximately $4.8 million.
 
  Fairbanks Morse Facility: On December 2, 1994, the company acquired
Fairbanks Morse Pump Corporation (Fairbanks). Based on the company's pre-
acquisition environmental assessment and site testing performed at the
Fairbanks facility located in Kansas City, Kansas, the company determined that
there is soil and groundwater contamination at the site. The company has
entered into an Interim Agreement with the Kansas Department of Environment
and Health with respect to additional site investigation. The company believes
that up to $4.8 million could be required to investigate and remediate
contaminated soil and groundwater at the site. The accrual to cover the
expected costs was established at the time of acquisition.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
  The company is conducting investigation and remedial activities due to
contamination at six present or former facilities of the company. Site
contamination has been alleged with respect to two other former facilities.
Based on information currently available, the company believes that the
probable aggregate remaining liability for investigation and remediation at
these eight sites will not exceed approximately $2.0 million.
 
  The potential costs related to the matters described above and the possible
impact on future operations are uncertain due in part to the complexity of
government laws and regulations and their interpretations, the varying costs
and effectiveness of clean-up technologies, the uncertain level of insurance
or other types of recovery and the questionable level of the company's
responsibility. In management's opinion, after considering reserves
established for such purposes, remedial actions for compliance with the
present laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment are
not expected to have a material adverse impact on the company's results of
operations or financial position.
 
  EMPLOYEES: At December 31, 1996, the company had approximately 13,000
employees. Approximately 2,600 employees are represented by 31 different
collective bargaining units. The company has generally experienced
satisfactory labor relations at its various locations.
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, POSITION, AGE AT DECEMBER 31 AND OTHER INFORMATION                    AGE
- - --------------------------------------------------------                    ---
<S>                                                                         <C>
Michael D. Lockhart........................................................  47
 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since October 19, 1995. Previously,
 President and Chief Operating Officer since October 3, 1994. Prior to
 joining the company, Vice President and General Manager of General
 Electric's Commercial Engines and Services division, following several
 other key executive positions at GE since 1981. Prior to joining GE,
 served as Vice President and Director, The Boston Consulting Group.
Terence D. Martin..........................................................  53
 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since February 2,
 1995. Previously, Chief Financial Officer of American Cyanamid Company
 since 1991 and Treasurer since 1988.
Joanne L. Bober............................................................  44
 Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary since January 2,
 1997. Previously, Partner at Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue since 1989.
Elizabeth D. Conklyn.......................................................  49
 Senior Vice President--Human Resources since December 14, 1995.
 Previously, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Organization for
 Mobile Telecommunications Technologies since 1994. Served in various human
 resource management positions with IBM from 1977 to 1994.
Ernest R. Verebelyi........................................................  49
 Senior Vice President--Operations since November 1, 1996. Previously,
 Executive Vice President of Special Products Division of Emerson Electric
 since 1994, and Vice President of Operations since 1991. Prior to joining
 Emerson, served in various executive and management positions with
 Hussmann and General Electric.
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
Raymond L. Arthur..........................................................  37
 Vice President and Controller since March 20, 1997. Formerly, Assistant
 Vice President, Director of Compliance, following several other positions,
 for American Home Products Corporation since 1994 and American Cyanamid
 Company since 1986.
William W. Clark...........................................................  55
 Vice President--Sourcing since June 15, 1995. Previously, Vice President--
 Operations of Tau-tron business, a division of General Signal Networks,
 since 1992. Served in various management positions with Eastman Kodak
 Company from 1968 to 1992.
Nino J. Fernandez..........................................................  55
 Vice President--Investor Relations since May 1, 1987. Previously, Director
 of Communications since April 1, 1974.
Terry J. Mortimer..........................................................  51
 Vice President and Treasurer since March 20, 1997. Previously, Vice
 President and Controller since May 25, 1990. Previously Director Finance
 and Chief Accountant for Apple Computer since June, 1988. Previously with
 Becton Dickinson and Company since 1981, most recently as Medical Sector
 Controller.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME, POSITION, AGE AT DECEMBER 31 AND OTHER INFORMATION                   AGE
- - --------------------------------------------------------                   ---
<S>                                                                        <C>
Donald J. Noonan..........................................................  56
 Vice President--Asia Pacific Development since September 11, 1996.
 Formerly, Vice President and General Manager of Southern Pacific Aircraft
 Engine Operations of General Electric Aircraft Engines since 1981.
Thomas E. Taylor..........................................................  50
 Vice President--Taxes since September 1, 1993. Previously with Elf
 Aquitaine, Inc. as Vice President--Taxes since 1985.
</TABLE>
 
  The executive officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors.
 
  There are no family relationships between any of the directors or executive
officers of the company.
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
 
  The following is a list of the company's principal properties, classified by
sector:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              APPROXIMATE    PERCENT
                                                    NO. OF      SQUARE     ------------
                                 LOCATION         FACILITIES    FOOTAGE    OWNED LEASED
                                 --------         ---------- ------------- ----- ------
                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>                      <C>        <C>           <C>   <C>
Process Controls         11 states and 7 foreign      26          3.1       92%    8%
 Sector................. countries
Electrical Controls      15 states, Puerto Rico       40          3.3       79%   21%
 Sector................. and 5 foreign countries
Industrial Technology    8 states                     11          0.9       87%   13%
 Sector.................
</TABLE>
 
  In addition to manufacturing plants, the company as lessee occupies
executive offices in Stamford, Connecticut, and various sales and service
locations throughout the world. All of these properties, as well as the
related machinery and equipment, are considered to be well maintained and
suitable and adequate for their intended purposes. Assets subject to lien are
not significant.
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
  The company and certain of its subsidiaries are defendants in legal
proceedings incidental to their businesses. Although the ultimate disposition
of these proceedings is not presently determinable, management does not expect
the outcome to have a material adverse impact on the company's financial
position.
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
  None.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
 
  The company's common stock is listed on the New York and Pacific stock
exchanges under the symbol "GSX." Information as to quarterly prices for the
last two years, and dividends paid, is included on page F-23 of this 10-K.
There were approximately 10,400 holders of record of the company's common
stock on February 28, 1997.
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
ELEVEN-YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARY
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     1996      1995      1994      1993      1992      1991      1990      1989      1988      1987      1986
                   --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
                                        (DOLLARS AND SHARES IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER-SHARE DATA)
<S>                <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
SUMMARY OF
 OPERATIONS
Net sales........  $2,065.0  $1,863.2  $1,527.7  $1,354.2  $1,477.8  $1,424.1  $1,497.3  $1,522.4  $1,397.7  $1,249.2  $1,210.2
                   --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Cost of sales....   1,435.7   1,308.0   1,109.5     959.0   1,070.2   1,015.7   1,061.8   1,075.7     983.6     885.0     846.1
Selling, general
 and
 administrative
 expenses........     406.2     354.4     292.3     259.3     287.7     282.7     304.9     326.7     335.8     276.0     263.2
Other charges and
 (credits).......     (20.8)     20.1     (46.2)    (19.8)     85.6       --       83.3      (8.7)     24.1       --        --
                   --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Total operating
 costs and
 expenses........   1,821.1   1,682.5   1,355.6   1,198.5   1,443.5   1,298.4   1,450.0   1,393.7   1,343.5   1,161.0   1,109.3
                   --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Operating
 earnings........     243.9     180.7     172.1     155.7      34.3     125.7      47.3     128.7      54.2      88.2     100.9
Interest expense
 (income), net...      21.5      24.3      11.8      16.6      24.8      28.3      31.8      38.7      (1.9)     (1.7)      2.3
                   --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Earnings from
 continuing
 operations
 before income
 taxes...........     222.4     156.4     160.3     139.1       9.5      97.4      15.5      90.0      56.1      89.9      98.6
Income taxes.....      89.0      56.3      56.2      41.0       3.2      28.2       7.3      23.4      25.9      25.5      36.0
                   --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Earnings from
 continuing
 operations......     133.4     100.1     104.1      98.1       6.3      69.2       8.2      66.6      30.2      64.4      62.6
Earnings (loss)
 from
 discontinued
 operations, net
 of income
 taxes...........       --        --        2.4     (31.5)      6.1      (5.2)    (26.9)     11.9      (5.0)      5.1      12.0
Loss on disposal
 of discontinued
 operations, net
 of income
 taxes...........       --      (64.0)    (25.8)      --        --       (9.8)    (14.2)      --        --        --        --
                   --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Earnings (loss)
 before
 extraordinary
 charges and
 cumulative
 effect of
 accounting
 changes.........     133.4      36.1      80.7      66.6      12.4      54.2     (32.9)     78.5      25.2      69.5      74.6
Extraordinary
 charges.........       --        --        --       (6.6)     (0.3)      --        --        --        --        --        --
Cumulative effect
 of accounting
 changes.........       --        --        --      (25.3)    (92.4)      --        --        --        --        --        --
                   --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Net earnings
 (loss)..........  $  133.4  $   36.1  $   80.7  $   34.7  $  (80.3) $   54.2  $  (32.9) $   78.5  $   25.2  $   69.5  $   74.6
                   --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
PER-SHARE DATA
Earnings (loss)
 per share of
 common stock
 Continuing
  operations.....  $   2.68  $   2.03  $   2.20  $   2.17  $   0.15  $   1.80  $   0.21  $   1.75  $   0.55  $   1.14  $   1.09
 Discontinued
  operations.....       --      (1.30)    (0.49)    (0.70)     0.15     (0.40)    (1.07)     0.31     (0.09)     0.09      0.21
 Extraordinary
  charges........       --        --        --      (0.14)    (0.01)      --        --        --        --        --        --
 Cumulative
  effect of
  accounting
  changes........       --        --        --      (0.56)    (2.21)      --        --        --        --        --        --
                   --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Net earnings
 (loss)..........  $   2.68  $   0.73  $   1.71  $   0.77  $  (1.92) $   1.40  $  (0.86) $   2.06  $   0.46  $   1.23  $   1.30
                   --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Cash dividends
 per share.......     0.975      0.96     0.915      0.90      0.90      0.90      0.90      0.90      0.90      0.90      0.90
Book value per
 share...........     14.96     11.71     11.64     11.09      8.90     12.32     11.69     13.25     12.09     16.51     16.16
                   --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
SUMMARY OF
 FINANCIAL
 POSITION
 Working
  capital........     252.7     289.3     349.2     268.8     347.8     243.9     310.6     328.8     496.3     540.8     536.3
 Property, plant
  and equipment..     310.0     312.7     280.5     263.4     246.9     263.7     283.0     325.1     312.5     310.6     345.6
 Total assets....   1,551.0   1,613.2   1,357.9   1,224.9   1,258.4   1,180.2   1,294.6   1,324.3   1,396.6   1,397.4   1,458.1
 Total long-term
  liabilities....     368.0     603.0     442.0     373.9     537.7     345.7     440.8     373.1     539.9     163.3     179.8
 Shareholders'
  equity.........     743.8     578.1     547.9     525.2     374.8     476.4     450.3     506.1     461.0     907.2     927.4
                   --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
FINANCIAL RATIOS
 Working capital
  to sales.......      12.2%     15.5%     22.9%     19.8%     23.5%     17.1%     20.7%     21.6%     35.5%     43.3%     44.3%
 Selling, general
  and
  administrative
  expenses to
  sales..........      19.7%     19.0%     19.1%     19.1%     19.5%     19.9%     20.4%     21.5%     24.0%     22.1%     21.7%
 Operating
  margin.........      11.8%      9.7%     11.3%     11.5%      2.3%      8.8%      3.2%      8.5%      3.9%      7.1%      8.3%
 After-tax return
  on net sales...       6.5%      5.4%      6.8%      7.2%      0.4%      4.9%      0.5%      4.4%      2.2%      5.1%      5.2%
</TABLE>
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     1996         1995         1994         1993         1992           1991        1990           1989
                   ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------      --------    ---------      ---------
                                                (DOLLARS AND SHARES IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER-SHARE DATA)
<S>                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>         <C>            <C>
 Return on
  average
  shareholders'
  equity.........       20.2%         6.3%        15.0%         7.7%       (18.9%)        11.7%        (6.9%)         16.2%
 Current ratio...        1.6          1.7          1.9          1.8          2.0           1.7          1.8            1.7
 Total debt to
  capitalization..      21.8%        43.1%        33.1%        27.6%        49.7%         38.9%        47.6%          40.2%
                   ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------      --------    ---------      ---------
SUPPLEMENTAL
 INFORMATION
 Capital
  expenditures...       59.3         49.0         74.8         55.1         49.9          48.1         68.8           62.0
 Depreciation of
  property, plant
  and equipment..       52.6         50.3         41.7         35.4         40.6          42.1         44.5           44.7
 Research and
  development....       47.5         46.9         49.7         53.1         56.2          87.3         93.4           92.8
 Common stock
  price range:
 High............        44 1/2       42 1/2        38          37 7/8       32 5/8        26 7/8       29 5/8         28 7/8
 Low.............         32           28          30 1/8        30          25 7/8        17 5/8       15 5/8         22 7/8
 Price-earnings
  ratio range--
  continuing
  operations.....  12.1-16.4    20.9-13.8    17.3-13.7    17.5-13.8    21.1-16.8(/1/) 14.9-9.8    21.7-11.5(/1/) 16.5-13.1
 Average common
  shares
  outstanding....       49.7         49.2         47.3         45.2         41.8          38.6         38.4           38.1
 Employees (in
  thousands).....       13.0         12.9         12.2         11.2         12.1          12.6         11.6           16.9
                   ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------      --------    ---------      ---------
<CAPTION> 
                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                   ----------------------------------------
                       1988           1987         1986
                   -------------- ------------ ------------
            (DOLLARS AND SHARES IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER-SHARE DATA)
<S>                <C>            <C>          <C>
 Return on
  average
  shareholders'
  equity.........        3.7%           7.6%         8.1%
 Current ratio...        2.3            2.7          2.5
 Total debt to
  capitalization..      52.2%          11.5%        12.5%
                   -------------- ------------ ------------
SUPPLEMENTAL
 INFORMATION
 Capital
  expenditures...       38.8           34.0         45.7
 Depreciation of
  property, plant
  and equipment..       42.1           42.4         41.4
 Research and
  development....       93.7           84.1         74.4
 Common stock
  price range:
 High............        28 1/8         30 5/8       27 1/8
 Low.............         20            16 5/8       19 5/8
 Price-earnings
  ratio range--
  continuing
  operations.....  36.1-25.7(/1/) 26.9-14.6    24.9-18.0
 Average common
  shares
  outstanding....       55.4           56.5         57.5
 Employees (in
  thousands).....       16.6           16.6         17.5
                   -------------- ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
- - -------
(1) Excludes the impact of after-tax charges related to dispositions of
    businesses.
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
      RESULTS OF OPERATIONS(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER-SHARE DATA)
 
  The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the company's
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  The amounts in the table below were derived from the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                  ---------------------------
                                                    1996      1995     1994
                                                  REPORTED  REPORTED REPORTED
                                                  --------  -------- --------
<S>                                               <C>       <C>      <C>
Net sales........................................ $2,065.0  $1,863.2 $1,527.7
Gross profit.....................................    629.3     555.2    418.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses.....    406.2     354.4    292.3
Gain on disposition, transaction and
 consolidation charges, merger break-up fee and
 other special items.............................    (20.8)     20.1    (46.2)
Operating earnings...............................    243.9     180.7    172.1
Earnings from continuing operations..............    133.4     100.1    104.1
Net earnings.....................................    133.4      36.1     80.7
Earnings per share from continuing operations.... $   2.68  $   2.03 $   2.20
Earnings per share............................... $   2.68  $   0.73 $   1.71
</TABLE>
 
  Over the last three years, the company included the following items in
reported net earnings. To facilitate a more meaningful discussion of results
of operations, these items are excluded from the discussion of comparative
results of operations in the table which follows these items.
 
  ROYALTY INCOME: In July 1996, the company negotiated a royalty payment
related to one of its previously divested semiconductor businesses. The
company received $4.2 in connection with this agreement and has recognized
this amount in the Industrial Technology sector's net sales.
 
  INSURANCE SETTLEMENT ON DESTROYED ASSETS: In May 1996, a fire at a supplier
facility destroyed assets of a business in the Process Controls sector. In
September 1996, the company received $1.8 in insurance proceeds, net of
related expenses, and recognized a gain on the involuntary conversion of these
assets. This amount is included as an offset to selling, general and
administrative expenses.
 
  GAIN ON DISPOSITION: In January 1996, the company sold Kinney Vacuum
Company, a unit of the Process Controls sector, for $29.0 and recorded a pre-
tax gain of $20.8. Included in the gain was a LIFO liquidation of
approximately $1.1 and transaction costs of approximately $0.5.
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
  PRODUCT WARRANTY: In March 1996, the company decided to correct defects in
certain products sold in prior years in the Process Controls sector for which
the warranty period had expired, and provided $4.0 to cover the cost of
repairs. Through December 31, 1996, the company made payments against this
reserve of $1.7. It is anticipated that the remaining amount will be expended
in 1997.
 
  CAPITALIZED SOFTWARE: Based on an assessment of future market potential made
during the first quarter of 1996, the company decided to write-off $4.6 of
capitalized software related to a product in the Industrial Technology sector.
 
  FACTORY CLOSURE AND OTHER: As part of the company's ongoing review of
facilities, product lines and operations, the company decided in March 1996 to
close a factory in the Electrical Controls sector and provided $4.7 primarily
for lease termination costs, asset write-downs and severance. Also in
connection with this review, the company identified property, plant and
equipment that will not be utilized in future operations, and, therefore,
recorded a $4.4 charge to write- off the assets.
 
  ENVIRONMENTAL: During the first quarter of 1996, the company changed its
estimate of costs to be incurred related to environmental matters at one of
its Electrical Controls sector facilities. The additional accrual of $2.0 was
based on additional information received about the method and extent of
remediation required. A more detailed discussion of environmental matters
appears on pages 6 and 7 of this 10-K.
 
  TRANSACTION AND CONSOLIDATION CHARGES: During 1995, the company recorded
charges of $20.1 for the acquisition of Best Power Technology Inc. (Best
Power) and the merger with Data Switch Corporation (Data Switch). The Best
Power charge of $7.4 was primarily for severance and other consolidation costs
related to the combination of General Signal and Best Power locations. The
Data Switch charge of $12.7 was primarily for severance and balance sheet
valuation adjustments.
 
  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS: The company adopted a plan to sell Leeds & Northrup
(L&N) and Dynapower/Stratopower (Dynapower) in November 1994. In 1995, the
company recorded after-tax net losses totaling $64.0 ($1.30 per share) in
connection with the divestiture of these businesses. During 1994, the company
recorded a net loss of $23.4 ($0.49 per share) for loss on the expected
disposal and operating losses of these operations. A more detailed discussion
of discontinued operations appears on page F-19 of this 10-K.
 
  RELIANCE MERGER BREAK-UP FEE: During the fourth quarter of 1994, the
company's planned merger with Reliance Electric was not successfully
concluded, and, as a result, the company received a break-up fee of $50.0. The
company also incurred $3.8 of net expenses related to the merger.
 
  CONSOLIDATION OF OPERATIONS, ASSET VALUATIONS AND OTHER CHARGES: During the
fourth quarter of 1994, the company recorded $46.2 of charges for the
consolidation of certain operations ($11.8), asset valuations ($24.1) and
environmental and other issues ($10.3).
 
  The following table summarizes the results of operations for the three years
ended December 31, excluding the items discussed above.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                 ----------------------------
                                                   1996      1995      1994
                                                 ADJUSTED  ADJUSTED  ADJUSTED
                                                 --------  --------  --------
<S>                                              <C>       <C>       <C>
Net sales....................................... $2,060.8  $1,863.2  $1,527.7
Gross profit....................................    638.1     555.2     445.9
Gross margin....................................     31.0%     29.8%     29.2%
Selling, general and administrative expenses....    401.3     354.4     276.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses as
 a percent of sales.............................     19.5%     19.0%     18.1%
Operating earnings..............................    236.8     200.8     169.7
Earnings from continuing operations.............    129.1     113.0     104.1
Earnings per share from continuing operations... $   2.60  $   2.30  $   2.20
</TABLE>
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
1996 COMPARED WITH 1995
 
  REVENUES: Sales increased 10.6 percent over 1995 levels, approximately half
of which was due to the acquisitions of Best Power and MagneTek Electric Inc.
(Waukesha Electric) in June and July of 1995, respectively. Adjusted for
acquisitions and dispositions, sales improved approximately 5 percent. Foreign
and export sales in 1996 totaled approximately 23 percent of the company's net
sales. Export sales increased approximately 8 percent and foreign sales
increased approximately 18 percent, primarily reflecting the European sales of
Best Power as well as an improvement in international mixer sales. Price
changes, volume changes and acquisitions, net of dispositions, accounted for
approximately 1 percent, 51 percent and 48 percent of the revenue increase,
respectively.
 
  Process Controls sector sales improved 4.5 percent to $752.4 on strong
second half volume activity in pumps, mixers and crystal growing furnaces.
These increases were partially offset by the disposition of Kinney Vacuum,
sold in January 1996, which generated revenues of $25.4 in 1995.
 
  Sales in the Electrical Controls sector increased 21.7 percent to $945.3.
The addition of Best Power and Waukesha Electric accounted for approximately
75 percent of the increase. A strong UPS market and North American market
share gains in electrical fittings also contributed to the improvement.
 
  Industrial Technology sector sales decreased 0.5 percent to $363.1. Sales
from new products introduced in the fourth quarter of 1996 as well as higher
product sales of matrix switch systems to the telecommunication and
datacommunication industries were offset by the completion of several large
farebox contracts in 1995.
 
  COSTS AND EXPENSES: Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased from
29.8 percent to 31.0 percent. Improved cost structures at several operating
units was the primary reasons for the increase. Margin improvements were
strongest for mixer, coal feeder, broadcast antenna, electrical fitting, power
transformer and automotive products. Gross profit in 1996 included $1.7
related to liquidations of LIFO inventory quantities. Research and development
spending ranged from two to three percent in both years.
 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales
increased from 19.0 percent to 19.5 percent. The inclusion of a full year's
operating expenses related to Best Power, which has a higher rate of operating
expenses than the rest of the company, as well as lower credits in connection
with the settlement of insured matters, were the primary reasons for the
increase. 1996 operating expenses were positively impacted by $3.1 of
environmental insurance recoveries and the collection of a $1.3 previously
written off receivable. 1995 operating expenses were positively impacted by
$6.8 of environmental insurance recoveries and gains on the sale of assets of
$4.1. Also included in selling, general and administrative expenses were
pension credits of $8.8 in 1996 and $9.3 in 1995. These credits resulted from
the company's overfunded pension plans and favorable long-term investment
results.
 
  Net interest expense decreased 11.5 percent due to lower average debt
levels. Cash generated from operations and divestitures was used to pay down
the debt incurred in connection with 1995 acquisitions.
 
  The 1996 effective tax rate rose to 40 percent from 36 percent in 1995, due
largely to reductions in the deferred tax valuation allowance recorded in the
prior year.
 
1995 COMPARED WITH 1994
 
  REVENUES: Sales improved 22.0 percent over 1994 levels to $1,863.2,
primarily related to acquisitions, with the remainder reflecting improved
order activity. Foreign and export sales in 1995 totaled 22.3 percent of the
company's net sales as compared to 19.4 percent in 1994. Export sales
increased 59 percent to $199.1, reflecting greater export activity in Process
and Electrical Controls and the acquisitions of Fairbanks Morse Pump
Corporation (Fairbanks), Best Power and Data Switch. Price changes, volume
changes and acquisitions accounted for approximately 10 percent, 6 percent and
84 percent of the revenue increase, respectively.
 
  Process Controls sector sales increased 18.7 percent to $719.7 from
increased shipments of pumps, valves, industrial mixers, crystal growing
furnaces and laboratory equipment. The increased pump sales resulted primarily
from the acquisition of Fairbanks. The increased mixer business sales were
primarily a result of higher domestic sales.
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
  Sales in the Electrical Controls sector rose 25.6 percent to $777.0. The
acquisitions of Best Power and Waukesha Electric accounted for approximately
80 percent of the sector's increase. The remainder resulted from improved
volume in building and life safety products, broadcast equipment and power
transformers. These improvements were offset by lower volume as a result of a
major floor care customer's production curtailments.
 
  Industrial Technology sector sales increased 21.1 percent to $366.5 due
mainly to the Data Switch merger, recorded effective January 1, 1995, which
added $97.8 in revenue. This addition was partially offset by decreases in
sales due to the completion of the U.S. Postal Service stamp vending machine
contract in early 1995, as well as declines in the telecommunications and OEM
bicycle and automotive component products.
 
  COSTS AND EXPENSES: Gross profit as a percentage of sales improved from 29.2
percent to 29.8 percent. Higher margins at acquired companies, as well as
improved cost structures at several operating units, were the primary reasons
for the improvement. Margin improvements were strongest for valve, broadcast
equipment and telecommunication products. Margin improvements also were
realized as a result of the completion of the lower margin U.S. Postal Service
contract. Spending on research and development ranged from two to three
percent of sales in both years.
 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales
increased from 18.1 percent to 19.0 percent, primarily due to higher operating
expenses-to-sales of acquired companies, as well as incremental spending
related to acquisitions. These higher expenses were offset by insurance
recoveries of $6.8 and gains on asset sales of $4.1. Selling, general and
administrative expenses included pension credits of $9.3 in 1995 and $9.7 in
1994. These credits resulted from the company's overfunded pension plans and
favorable long-term investment results.
 
  Net interest expense increased as a result of higher average debt levels
resulting from acquisitions, the addition of higher-rate debt from Data
Switch, and an overall increase in borrowing rates.
 
  The 1995 effective tax rate rose to 36 percent from 35 percent in 1994 for a
number of reasons, including an increase in non-deductible goodwill and a $7.0
reduction in the deferred tax valuation allowance.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
  The following information was derived from the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                            ------------------
                                                              1996      1995
                                                            REPORTED  REPORTED
                                                            --------  --------
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>
Cash flow from operating activities........................ $ 191.7   $ 160.7
                                                            -------   -------
Acquisitions, primarily Best Power and Waukesha Electric...     --     (272.4)
Disposition of discontinued operations and Kinney Vacuum...    94.4      53.4
Capital expenditures.......................................   (59.3)    (49.0)
Other investing activities.................................    (2.8)     15.3
                                                            -------   -------
Cash flow from investing activities........................    32.3    (252.7)
                                                            -------   -------
Debt repayments, net of borrowings.........................  (173.2)    139.2
Dividends paid.............................................   (47.6)    (45.6)
Other financing activities.................................    13.5      (0.9)
                                                            -------   -------
Cash flow from financing activities........................  (207.3)     92.7
                                                            -------   -------
Total debt to capitalization...............................    21.8%     43.1%
                                                            =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
  The 1996 operating cash flow improvement was driven by higher earnings,
lower spending in connection with divested operations and the utilization of
deferred tax assets. Included in operating cash flows for 1996 and 1995 were
expenditures of $24.6 and $40.8, respectively, related to previously divested
operations and $6.0 and $7.5, respectively, for severance pay.
 
  1996 capital expenditures were primarily comprised of upgrades to
manufacturing facilities and purchases of management information systems (MIS)
equipment. The company anticipates capital expenditures in 1997 will
approximate depreciation.
 
  1996 dispositions included $65.4 related to discontinued operations and
$29.0 on the sale of Kinney. During 1995, the company acquired Best Power for
$206.3 and Waukesha Electric for $73.9. Included in 1995 cash flow from
investing activities were long-term receivable collections and fixed asset
sales totaling approximately $14.5.
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
  On December 12, 1996, the company called for the redemption of its $100.0
5.75% convertible subordinated notes. As of December 31, 1996, notes with a
face value of $57.4 had been converted into 1.5 million shares of the
company's common stock, with an additional $39.3 converted into 1.0 million
shares on January 2, 1997. The balance of the notes of $3.3 was redeemed for
cash. Also on December 12, 1996, the Board of Directors approved a stock buy-
back program of up to $100.0 to offset the dilutive impact of shares issued in
connection with the convertible notes redemption.
 
  Total debt to capitalization decreased as cash generated from operations and
divestitures was used to pay down debt incurred in connection with 1995
acquisitions. The partial conversion of the 5.75% subordinated notes also
contributed to the decrease.
 
  At the end of 1996, the company had credit agreements of $603.9, consisting
primarily of committed revolving credit agreements of $180.0 and $360.0 that
expire in May 1997 and May 2001, respectively. The company also has $300.0 of
unissued securities under a universal shelf registration with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, providing the flexibility to issue a broad variety of
securities. The company expects that cash provided from operations will be
sufficient to provide for the company's 1997 financing needs, although the
company may use available borrowing facilities to finance, in whole or in
part, its buy-back of common stock.
 
  At December 31, 1996, the company's balance sheet reflected deferred tax
assets of $178.7 that are reduced by deferred tax liabilities of $110.1 and a
valuation allowance of $30.0. The carrying amount of the net deferred tax
asset was based on management's assessment of the realizability of the net
operating loss and credit carry-forwards and deductible items through future
taxable earnings or alternative tax planning strategies.
 
  The company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to mitigate the
risks of doing business in foreign currencies. The company hedges currency
exposures of firm commitments and specific assets and liabilities denominated
in non-functional currencies to protect against the possibility of diminished
cash flow and adverse impact on earnings. The company's currency exposures
vary, but are primarily concentrated in the Canadian dollar, British pound,
Australian dollar, German mark, French franc and Singapore dollar. Translation
exposures generally are not hedged.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
  The company is involved in various stages of investigation and remediation
relative to environmental protection matters. A more detailed discussion of
environmental matters appears on pages 6 and 7 of this 10-K. In October 1996,
the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants issued SOP 96-1, Environmental Remediation
Liabilities, the effect of which is not expected to be material to the
operating results of the company.
 
OTHER MATTERS
 
  Since the company is a producer of capital goods and equipment, its results
can vary with the relative strength of the economy. Demand for products in the
Process Controls sector follows the demand for capital goods orders. The
Electrical Controls sector depends upon several markets, principally the
nonresidential construction and computer equipment industries. The Industrial
Technology sector depends on several markets, primarily automotive, mass
transportation, and telecommunications equipment. Mass transportation depends
upon continued federal and local government spending, and telecommunications
is dependent upon continued research and development and the continued success
of new products. While no one marketplace or industry has a major impact on
the company's operations or results, the inherent pace of technological
changes presents certain risks that the company monitors carefully. Success
within all of the company's businesses is dependent upon the timely
introduction and acceptance of new products.
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
  The company may from time to time make projections concerning future
operations and earnings. The company's forward-looking statements are based on
the company's current expectations, which are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties that could materially affect or reduce such operations and
earnings. In addition to the general factors identified in "Other Matters"
above, the primary factors that could specifically affect the company's
expectations include the failure of: (1) a continuation of the increased order
rate experienced during 1996, (2) productivity improvements meeting or
exceeding budget and (3) new products under development being produced and
accepted as anticipated.
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
  The response to this item is submitted in a separate section of this report.
See page F-1.
 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
  None.
 
                                   PART III
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
  This information is incorporated herein by reference to the Board of
Directors section of the Proxy Statement for the 1997 annual meeting of
shareholders. Also see pages 7 through 8 of this 10-K as to information
related to executive officers.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
  This information is incorporated herein by reference to the Executive
Compensation section of the Proxy Statement for the 1997 annual meeting of
shareholders.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
  This information is incorporated herein by reference to the Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Holders and Security Ownership of Management
sections of the Proxy Statement for the 1997 annual meeting of shareholders.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
  Not applicable.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
(a) (1) and (2) The response to these portions of Item 14 are submitted as a
separate section of this report. See page F-1.
 
  All other schedules are omitted as the required information is not applicable
or the information is presented in the financial statements or related notes.
 
  (3) Listing of Exhibits.
 
<TABLE>
     <C>   <S>
      3.1  Restated Certificate of Incorporation of General Signal Corporation,
           as amended through April 21, 1994 incorporated herein by reference
           to Exhibit 3.1 of the registrant's 1994 Form 10-K filed March 21,
           1995.
      3.2  By-laws of General Signal Corporation, as amended through February
           1, 1996 incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the
           registrant's 1995 Form 10-K filed March 22, 1996.
      4.1  Copies of the instruments with respect to the company's long-term
           debt are available upon request to the Securities and Exchange
           Commission.
     10.1  Description of General Signal Corporation Incentive Compensation
           Plan.
     10.2  General Signal Corporation Senior Executive Incentive Compensation
           Plan, as approved by shareholders on April 20, 1995.
     10.3  Retirement Plan for Directors of General Signal Corporation is
           incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the registrant's
           1988 Form 10-K filed March 17, 1989.
     10.4  General Signal Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors,
           as amended and restated through December 12, 1996.
     10.5  General Signal Corporation Change in Control Severance Pay Plan, as
           amended and restated through June 20, 1996.
     10.6  General Signal Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan, dated October
           14, 1993, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the
           registrant's 1993 Form 10-K filed March 21, 1994.
     10.7  General Signal Corporation Benefit Equalization Plan as amended and
           restated October 14, 1993, is incorporated herein by reference to
           Exhibit 10.5 of the registrant's 1993 Form 10-K filed March 21,
           1994.
     10.8  General Signal Corporation 1996 Stock Incentive Plan as approved by
           shareholders on April 18, 1996.
     10.9  General Signal Corporation 1992 Stock Incentive Plan as amended and
           restated July 7, 1993, is incorporated herein by reference to
           Exhibit 10.6 of the registrant's 1993 Form 10-K filed March 21,
           1994.
     10.10 General Signal Corporation 1989 Stock Option and Incentive Plan as
           amended July 7, 1993, is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
           10.7 of the registrant's 1993 Form 10-K filed March 21, 1994.
     10.11 General Signal Corporation 1985 Stock Option Plan as amended and
           restated July 7, 1993, is incorporated herein by reference to
           Exhibit 10.8 of the registrant's 1993 Form 10-K filed
           March 21, 1994.
     10.12 Employment agreement between Michael D. Lockhart and the registrant
           dated October 3, 1994 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
           10.12 of the registrant's 1994 Form 10-K filed March 21, 1995.
     10.13 Employment agreement between Terence D. Martin and the registrant
           dated February 2, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to
           Exhibit 10.13 of the registrant's 1994 Form 10-K filed March 21,
           1995.
</TABLE>
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
     <C>   <S>
     10.14 Employment agreement between Joanne L. Bober and the registrant
           dated October 29, 1996.
     10.15 Employment agreement between Elizabeth D. Conklyn and the registrant
           dated November 2, 1995.
     10.16 Employment agreement between Ernest R. Verebelyi and the registrant
           dated September 12, 1996.
     10.17 Employment agreement between Donald J. Noonan and the registrant
           dated June 5, 1996.
     10.18 Employment agreement between Raymond L. Arthur and the registrant
           dated January 28, 1997.
     10.19 Severance agreement between Edgar J. Smith, Jr. and the registrant
           dated August 5, 1996.
     10.20 Severance agreement between Edmund M. Carpenter and the registrant
           dated October 19, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to
           Exhibit 10.12 of the registrant's 1995 Form 10-K filed March 22,
           1996.
     10.21 Severance agreement between Joel S. Friedman and the registrant
           dated December 21, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to
           Exhibit 10.13 of the registrant's 1995 Form 10-K filed March 22,
           1996.
     10.22 Severance agreement between George Falconer and the registrant dated
           November 7, 1995 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
           10.14 of the registrant's 1995 Form 10-K filed March 22, 1996.
     10.23 Shareholder Rights Plan dated February 1, 1996 is incorporated
           herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the registrant's 1995 Form
           10-K filed March 22, 1996.
     10.24 Copies of the Credit Agreements among General Signal Corporation and
           Various Commercial Banking Institutions, dated through May 31, 1996,
           as described in the Notes to Financial Statements.
     11.0  Computation of Earnings per Share. See page F-25 of this report.
     12.0  Calculation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges. See page F-26 of
           this report.
     21.0  Subsidiaries. See pages F-27 through F-29 of this report.
     23.0  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. See page F-30 of this report.
     27.0  Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
 
(b) Reports on Form 8-K filed in the fourth quarter of 1996
 
  No reports were filed on Form 8-K.
 
(c) Exhibits
 
  The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted as a separate section of
this report.
 
(d) Financial Statement Schedules
 
  The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted as a separate section of
this report.
 
                                       17
<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.
 
                                   General Signal Corporation
 
                                           /s/ Michael D. Lockhart
                                   By: ________________________________________
                                         (MICHAEL D. LOCKHART,
                                               CHAIRMAN)
                                            MARCH 20, 1997
 
  PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THIS
REPORT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS ON BEHALF OF THE
REGISTRANT AND IN THE CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.
 
           SIGNATURE                       TITLE                   DATE
 
    /s/ Michael D. Lockhart          Chairman and               March 20,
- - -------------------------------       Director                     1997
     (MICHAEL D. LOCKHART)            (Principal
                                      Executive
                                      Officer)
 
     /s/ Terence D. Martin           Executive Vice             March 20,
- - -------------------------------       President and                1997
      (TERENCE D. MARTIN)             Chief Financial
                                      Officer
 
     /s/ Raymond L. Arthur           Vice President             March 20,
- - -------------------------------      and Controller                1997
      (RAYMOND L. ARTHUR)            (Chief
                                     Accounting
                                     Officer)
 
      /s/ Ralph E. Bailey            Director                   March 20,
- - -------------------------------                                    1997
       (RALPH E. BAILEY)
 
       /s/ H. Kent Bowen             Director                   March 20,
- - -------------------------------                                    1997
        (H. KENT BOWEN)
 
      /s/ Van C. Campbell            Director                   March 20,
- - -------------------------------                                    1997
       (VAN C. CAMPBELL)
 
   /s/ Michael A. Carpenter          Director                   March 20,
- - -------------------------------                                    1997
    (MICHAEL A. CARPENTER)
 
    /s/ Ursula F. Fairbairn          Director                   March 20,
- - -------------------------------                                    1997
     (URSULA F. FAIRBAIRN)
 
    /s/ Ronald E. Ferguson           Director                   March 20,
- - -------------------------------                                    1997
     (RONALD E. FERGUSON)
 
      /s/ John P. Horgan             Director                   March 20,
- - -------------------------------                                    1997
       (JOHN P. HORGAN)
 
     /s/ Robert D. Kennedy           Director                   March 20,
- - -------------------------------                                    1997
      (ROBERT D. KENNEDY)
 
     /s/ Roland W. Schmitt           Director                   March 20,
- - -------------------------------                                    1997
      (ROLAND W. SCHMITT)
 
       /s/ John R. Selby             Director                   March 20,
- - -------------------------------                                    1997
        (JOHN R. SELBY)
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
                       FORM 10-K--ITEMS 14(A)(1) AND (2)
 
            GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
              INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SCHEDULE AND EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                       <C>
Management's Responsibility for Financial Statements.....................  F-2
Report of Independent Auditors...........................................  F-3
Statement of Earnings for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
 1994....................................................................  F-4
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1996 and 1995...........................  F-5
Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1996,
 1995 and 1994...........................................................  F-6
Statement of Cash Flow for the Years Ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
 1994....................................................................  F-7
Notes to the Financial Statements.............................F-8 through F-23
Schedule:
  II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.................................. F-24
 
  All other schedules required by Regulation S-X have been omitted because they
are not applicable or because the required information is included in the
financial statements or notes thereto.
 
Exhibits:
  11.0--Computation of Earnings Per Share................................ F-25
  12.0--Calculations of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.............. F-26
  21.0--Subsidiaries of Registrant...........................F-27 through F-29
  23.0--Consent of Ernst & Young LLP..................................... F-30
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
             MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  Management is responsible for the preparation of the company's consolidated
financial statements and related information appearing in this 10-K.
Management considers that the consolidated financial statements fairly reflect
the form and substance of transactions and that the financial statements
reasonably present the company's financial position and results of operations
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Management also
has included in the company's financial statements amounts that are based on
estimates and judgments which it views as reasonable under the circumstances.
 
  The independent auditors perform an audit of the company's consolidated
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
and provide an objective, independent review of the fairness of reported
operating results and financial position.
 
  The Board of Directors of the company has an Audit Committee composed of
five non-management Directors. The Committee meets at least three times
annually with financial management, the internal auditors and the independent
auditors to review accounting, control, auditing and financial reporting
matters.
                                               /s/ Michael D. Lockhart
                                               -----------------------
                                               Michael D. Lockhart
                                       Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

                                                /s/ Terence D. Martin
                                                ---------------------
                                                Terence D. Martin
                                        Executive Vice President and Chief
                                                Financial Officer

                                                /s/ Raymond L. Arthur
                                                ---------------------
                                                Raymond L. Arthur
                                          Vice President and Controller
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
General Signal Corporation
 
  We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of General Signal Corporation
and consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
related statements of earnings, shareholders' equity, and cash flow for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. Our audits also
included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 14(a). These
financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and schedule based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of General Signal Corporation
and consolidated subsidiaries at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results
of their operations and their cash flow for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement
schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken
as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects, the information set
forth therein.
 
                                   /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Stamford, Connecticut
January 24, 1997
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
            GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                             STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                 ----------------------------
                                                   1996      1995      1994
                                                 --------  --------  --------
                                                 (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER-
                                                        SHARE DATA)
<S>                                              <C>       <C>       <C>
Net sales....................................... $2,065.0  $1,863.2  $1,527.7
                                                 --------  --------  --------
Cost of sales...................................  1,435.7   1,308.0   1,109.5
Selling, general and administrative expenses....    406.2     354.4     292.3
Gain on disposition.............................    (20.8)      --        --
Transaction and consolidation charges...........      --       20.1       --
Merger break-up fee and other special items.....      --        --      (46.2)
                                                 --------  --------  --------
Total operating costs and expenses..............  1,821.1   1,682.5   1,355.6
                                                 --------  --------  --------
Operating earnings..............................    243.9     180.7     172.1
Interest expense, net...........................     21.5      24.3      11.8
                                                 --------  --------  --------
Earnings from continuing operations before
 income taxes...................................    222.4     156.4     160.3
Income taxes....................................     89.0      56.3      56.2
                                                 --------  --------  --------
Earnings from continuing operations.............    133.4     100.1     104.1
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations,
 net of income taxes:
  Operations....................................      --        --        2.4
  Disposal......................................      --      (64.0)    (25.8)
                                                 --------  --------  --------
Net earnings.................................... $  133.4  $   36.1  $   80.7
                                                 ========  ========  ========
Earnings (loss) per share of common stock:
  Continuing operations......................... $   2.68  $   2.03  $   2.20
  Discontinued operations.......................      --        --       0.05
  Disposal of discontinued operations...........      --      (1.30)    (0.54)
                                                 --------  --------  --------
Net earnings.................................... $   2.68  $   0.73  $   1.71
                                                 ========  ========  ========
Average common shares outstanding...............     49.7      49.2      47.3
                                                 ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
              See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
            GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                                 BALANCE SHEET
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                            ------------------
                                                              1996      1995
                                                            --------  --------
                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                         <C>       <C>
                          ASSETS
                          ------
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents................................ $   17.7  $    1.0
  Accounts receivable......................................    353.0     323.6
  Inventories..............................................    240.6     234.7
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets................     19.8      30.1
  Assets held for sale at estimated realizable value.......      4.9      60.4
  Deferred income taxes....................................     55.9      71.6
                                                            --------  --------
    Total current assets...................................    691.9     721.4
Property, plant and equipment..............................    310.0     312.7
Intangibles................................................    381.3     406.0
Other assets...............................................    167.8     161.6
Deferred income taxes......................................      --       11.5
                                                            --------  --------
    Total assets........................................... $1,551.0  $1,613.2
                                                            ========  ========
           LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
           ------------------------------------
Current liabilities:
  Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term
   debt.................................................... $    5.6  $    9.0
  Accounts payable.........................................    187.3     158.1
  Accrued expenses.........................................    214.6     233.8
  Income taxes.............................................     31.7      31.2
                                                            --------  --------
    Total current liabilities..............................    439.2     432.1
Long-term debt, less current maturities....................    201.3     428.6
Accrued post-retirement and post-employment obligations....    133.2     146.9
Deferred income taxes......................................     17.3       --
Other liabilities..........................................     16.2      27.5
                                                            --------  --------
    Total long-term liabilities............................    368.0     603.0
Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock.............................................     78.2      77.9
  Additional paid-in capital...............................    337.1     304.2
  Retained earnings........................................    667.4     582.9
  Cumulative translation adjustments.......................     (1.4)     (3.9)
                                                            --------  --------
                                                             1,081.3     961.1
  Common stock in treasury.................................   (337.5)   (383.0)
                                                            --------  --------
    Total shareholders' equity.............................    743.8     578.1
                                                            --------  --------
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity............. $1,551.0  $1,613.2
                                                            ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
              See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
            GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                       STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       ADDITIONAL          CUMULATIVE   COMMON
                                COMMON  PAID-IN   RETAINED TRANSLATION STOCK IN
                                STOCK   CAPITAL   EARNINGS ADJUSTMENTS TREASURY
                                ------ ---------- -------- ----------- --------
                                     (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER-SHARE DATA)
<S>                             <C>    <C>        <C>      <C>         <C>
Balance at December 31, 1993... $77.1    $272.0    $583.1     $(8.5)   $(398.5)
  Net earnings.................   --        --       80.7       --         --
  Dividends declared ($0.915
   per share)..................   --        --      (43.3)      --         --
  Purchase of common stock.....   --        --        --        --       (18.5)
  Exercise of stock options and
   savings
   and stock ownership plan
   funding.....................   0.3       9.1       --        --        (2.0)
  Translation adjustments......   --        --        --       (3.6)       --
                                -----    ------    ------     -----    -------
Balance at December 31, 1994...  77.4     281.1     620.5     (12.1)    (419.0)
  Restatement for Data Switch
   merger......................   --        4.8     (27.7)     (0.1)      45.7
  Net earnings.................   --        --       36.1       --         --
  Dividends declared ($0.96 per
   share)......................   --        --      (46.0)      --         --
  Purchase of common stock.....   --        --        --        --       (18.0)
  Exercise of stock options and
   savings
   and stock ownership plan
   funding.....................   0.5      18.3       --        --         8.3
  Discontinued operations......   --        --        --        7.4        --
  Translation adjustments......   --        --        --        0.9        --
                                -----    ------    ------     -----    -------
Balance at December 31, 1995...  77.9     304.2     582.9      (3.9)    (383.0)
  Net earnings.................   --        --      133.4       --         --
  Dividends declared ($0.975
   per share)..................   --        --      (48.9)      --         --
  Purchase of common stock.....   --        --        --        --        (1.2)
  Exercise of stock options and
   savings
   and stock ownership plan
   funding.....................   0.3      12.4       --        --         9.4
  Conversion of 5.75%
   convertible
   subordinated notes..........   --       20.5       --        --        37.3
  Translation adjustments......   --        --        --        2.5        --
                                -----    ------    ------     -----    -------
Balance at December 31, 1996... $78.2    $337.1    $667.4     $(1.4)   $(337.5)
                                =====    ======    ======     =====    =======
</TABLE>
 
              See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
 
            GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                             STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      INCREASE (DECREASE)
                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                    -------------------------
                                                     1996     1995     1994
                                                    -------  -------  -------
                                                         (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                 <C>      <C>      <C>
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Earnings from continuing operations................ $ 133.4  $ 100.1  $ 104.1
Adjustments to reconcile earnings from continuing
 operations to net cash from operating activities:
  Gain on disposition..............................   (20.8)     --       --
  Asset write down and other charges...............    19.7      --       --
  Transaction and consolidation charges............     --      20.1      --
  Deferred income taxes............................    43.7     32.0     36.8
  Depreciation.....................................    52.6     50.3     41.7
  Amortization.....................................    16.6     12.5      6.7
  Pension credits..................................    (8.8)    (9.3)    (9.7)
  Other, net.......................................     5.5      4.4      2.2
  Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects
   from acquisitions and divestitures:
    Accounts receivable............................   (30.8)   (15.4)   (25.2)
    Inventories....................................   (10.4)    21.4    (26.8)
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets......    11.0     18.1     (1.0)
    Accounts payable...............................    28.8    (14.2)    29.5
    Accrued expenses and other.....................   (49.0)   (71.6)   (50.5)
    Income taxes...................................     0.2     12.3      7.9
                                                    -------  -------  -------
Net cash from operating activities.................   191.7    160.7    115.7
                                                    -------  -------  -------
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Divestitures.......................................    94.4     53.4     26.2
Capital expenditures...............................   (59.3)   (49.0)   (74.8)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired.................     --    (272.4)   (83.3)
Other, net.........................................    (2.8)    15.3      0.5
                                                    -------  -------  -------
Net cash from investing activities.................    32.3   (252.7)  (131.4)
                                                    -------  -------  -------
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance of long-term debt.........................   115.3    273.2     77.9
Redemption of long-term debt.......................  (288.5)  (134.0)    (7.0)
Purchase of common stock...........................    (1.2)   (18.0)   (18.5)
Issuance of common stock...........................    14.7     17.1      4.9
Dividends paid.....................................   (47.6)   (45.6)   (42.6)
                                                    -------  -------  -------
Net cash from financing activities.................  (207.3)    92.7     14.7
                                                    -------  -------  -------
Net changes in cash and cash equivalents...........    16.7      0.7     (1.0)
                                                    -------  -------  -------
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year.....     1.0      0.3      1.3
                                                    -------  -------  -------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year........... $  17.7  $   1.0  $   0.3
                                                    =======  =======  =======
Interest paid...................................... $  25.7  $  27.3  $  12.4
Income taxes paid.................................. $  44.0  $  15.7  $  21.5
</TABLE>
 
              See accompanying notes to the financial statements.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                       NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                 (Dollars in millions, except per-share data)
 
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  CONSOLIDATION: The financial statements include the accounts of General
Signal Corporation and consolidated subsidiaries after elimination of
intercompany accounts and transactions. Investments in unconsolidated
companies where management exercises significant influence are accounted for
using the equity method.
 
  CASH EQUIVALENTS: The company considers its highly liquid money market
investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.
 
  INVENTORIES: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is
primarily determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. All other
inventories are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.
 
  PROPERTY: Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated
depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided
using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of assets,
which are not to exceed 40 years for buildings and range from three to 10
years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over
the life of the related asset or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter.
 
  INTANGIBLES: Intangible assets (primarily the excess of purchase price over
the fair value of net assets acquired) are amortized on a straight-line basis
over periods not exceeding 40 years. The company periodically reviews the
carrying value of intangibles for recoverability in relation to future
undiscounted cash flow.
 
  REVENUE RECOGNITION: Revenues are primarily recognized as products are
shipped and services are rendered. The percentage-of-completion method of
accounting is followed for long-term contracts. Under this method, earnings
accrue as contracts progress toward completion, generally based on the
percentage of costs incurred or the units of product delivered.
 
  ENVIRONMENTAL: The company's environmental accruals cover all anticipated
costs, including capital expenditures, investigation, remediation, and
operation and maintenance of clean-up sites. Environmental obligations
generally are not discounted and are not reduced by anticipated insurance
recoveries.
 
  STOCK COMPENSATION: The company accounts for the options granted under its
stock incentive program by recognizing as compensation any excess of quoted
market price over exercise price at the date of grant. The exercise price of
General Signal stock options granted equals the market value on the date of
grant.
 
  EARNINGS PER SHARE: Earnings per share of common stock was calculated by
dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding. There was no dilutive impact from stock options or convertible
debt securities outstanding during the periods.
 
  MERGER AND ACQUISITION INCOME AND EXPENSES: The company recognizes costs
associated with potential mergers and acquisitions, along with proceeds from
break-up fee provisions, as components of operating income.
 
  ACCOUNTING CHANGES: Effective January 1, 1996, the company adopted Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of,"
the effect of which was not material to the consolidated financial statements.
 
  USE OF ESTIMATES: The preparation of financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
 
  RECLASSIFICATIONS: Certain reclassifications were made to conform prior
years' data to the current presentation.
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
 
  Accounts receivable were net of allowances for doubtful accounts of $10.0
and $10.6 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
INVENTORIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 --------------
                                                                  1996    1995
                                                                 ------  ------
     <S>                                                         <C>     <C>
     Finished goods............................................. $ 80.8  $ 73.9
     Work in process............................................   63.2    66.5
     Raw material and purchased parts...........................  117.1   117.6
                                                                 ------  ------
     Total FIFO cost............................................  261.1   258.0
     Excess of FIFO cost over LIFO inventory value..............  (20.5)  (23.3)
                                                                 ------  ------
                                                                 $240.6  $234.7
                                                                 ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
  Inventories valued using LIFO were approximately $61.9 and $69.4 at December
31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. In 1996, the company recorded a LIFO
liquidation, which increased net income by $1.0. Additionally, included in the
gain on sale of the Kinney Vacuum Company was a LIFO liquidation of
approximately $1.1. Progress payments, netted against work in process at year
end, were $11.0 in 1996 and $8.7 in 1995.
 
CONTRACTS IN PROGRESS
 
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets include contracts in progress of
$7.8 and $20.5 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Contracts in
progress represent revenue recognized on a percentage-of-completion basis over
related progress billings of $36.0 and $83.7 at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. Substantially all contracts in progress at year end are billed
during the subsequent year.
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                               ----------------
                                                                1996     1995
                                                               -------  -------
     <S>                                                       <C>      <C>
     Land..................................................... $  12.2  $  14.1
     Buildings and leasehold improvements.....................   173.7    167.6
     Machinery and equipment..................................   561.4    536.1
                                                               -------  -------
                                                                 747.3    717.8
     Accumulated depreciation and amortization................  (437.3)  (405.1)
                                                               -------  -------
                                                               $ 310.0  $ 312.7
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
INTANGIBLES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                               ----------------
                                                                1996     1995
                                                               -------  -------
     <S>                                                       <C>      <C>
     Excess of cost over net assets acquired.................. $ 465.3  $ 474.3
     Other intangibles........................................    40.4     42.9
                                                               -------  -------
                                                                 505.7    517.2
     Accumulated amortization.................................  (124.4)  (111.2)
                                                               -------  -------
                                                               $ 381.3  $ 406.0
                                                               =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
ACCRUED EXPENSES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  -------------
                                                                   1996   1995
                                                                  ------ ------
     <S>                                                          <C>    <C>
     Payroll and compensation.................................... $ 62.5 $ 64.4
     Environmental and legal.....................................   26.9   24.1
     Dispositions and special items..............................   23.0   32.7
     Other.......................................................  102.2  112.6
                                                                  ------ ------
                                                                  $214.6 $233.8
                                                                  ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
INCOME TAXES
 
  For financial reporting purposes, earnings from continuing operations before
income taxes includes the following components:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                     -------------------------
                                                      1996     1995     1994
                                                     -------  -------  -------
     <S>                                             <C>      <C>      <C>
     Pretax income:
       United States...............................  $ 205.6  $ 151.5  $ 159.3
       Foreign.....................................     16.8      4.9      1.0
                                                     -------  -------  -------
                                                     $ 222.4  $ 156.4  $ 160.3
                                                     =======  =======  =======
 
  The reconciliation of income tax from continuing operations computed at the
U.S. federal statutory tax rate to the company's effective income tax rate is
as follows:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                     -------------------------
                                                      1996     1995     1994
                                                     -------  -------  -------
     <S>                                             <C>      <C>      <C>
     Tax at U.S. federal statutory rate............     35.0%    35.0%    35.0%
     State and local income taxes, net of U.S. fed-
      eral benefit.................................      4.2      5.5      3.4
     Foreign sales corporation.....................     (1.3)    (1.7)    (1.4)
     Goodwill amortization.........................      1.9      2.1      1.0
     Income from Puerto Rican operations...........     (0.2)    (0.7)    (0.8)
     Foreign rates and foreign dividends...........      0.4     (1.4)    (1.1)
     Reduction in valuation allowance..............      --      (4.5)     --
     Other.........................................      --       1.7     (1.1)
                                                     -------  -------  -------
                                                        40.0%    36.0%    35.0%
                                                     =======  =======  =======
 
  The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                     -------------------------
                                                      1996     1995     1994
                                                     -------  -------  -------
     <S>                                             <C>      <C>      <C>
     Current:
       Federal.....................................  $  32.8  $  14.2  $  11.5
       Foreign.....................................      4.9      3.4      4.6
       State.......................................      7.6      6.7      3.3
                                                     -------  -------  -------
         Total current.............................     45.3     24.3     19.4
                                                     -------  -------  -------
     Deferred:
       Federal.....................................     34.2     (6.5)    51.5
       Foreign.....................................      1.9     (2.6)     0.4
       State.......................................      7.6      5.2      9.5
                                                     -------  -------  -------
         Total deferred............................     43.7     (3.9)    61.4
                                                     -------  -------  -------
                                                     $  89.0  $  20.4  $  80.8
                                                     =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-10
<PAGE>
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  Income tax expense is included in the financial statements as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      -------------------------
                                                       1996     1995     1994
                                                      ------- --------  -------
     <S>                                              <C>     <C>       <C>
     Continuing operations........................... $  89.0 $   56.3  $  56.2
     Discontinued operations.........................     --     (35.9)    24.6
                                                      ------- --------  -------
     Total income tax expense........................ $  89.0 $   20.4  $  80.8
                                                      ======= ========  =======
</TABLE>
 
  Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components
of the company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 --------------
                                                                  1996    1995
                                                                 ------  ------
     <S>                                                         <C>     <C>
     Deferred tax assets:
       Acquired tax benefits and basis differences.............. $ 29.0  $ 45.1
       Other post-retirement and post-employment benefits.......   58.3    63.6
       Losses on dispositions and restructuring.................   11.7    22.4
       Inventories..............................................   14.8    15.7
       NOL and credit carry-forwards............................   32.9    42.9
       Other....................................................   32.0    34.2
                                                                 ------  ------
         Total deferred tax assets..............................  178.7   223.9
     Valuation allowance........................................  (30.0)  (33.6)
                                                                 ------  ------
         Net deferred tax assets................................  148.7   190.3
     Deferred tax liabilities:
       Accelerated depreciation.................................   35.7    32.5
       Pension credits..........................................   39.0    36.2
       Reliance gain............................................   19.8    19.8
       Other....................................................   15.6    18.7
                                                                 ------  ------
         Total deferred tax liabilities.........................  110.1   107.2
                                                                 ------  ------
                                                                 $ 38.6  $ 83.1
                                                                 ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
  Realization of deferred tax assets associated with the net operating loss
(NOL) and credit carry-forwards is dependent upon generating sufficient
taxable income prior to their expiration. Management believes that there is a
risk that certain of these NOL and credit carry-forwards may expire unused
and, accordingly, has established a valuation allowance against them. Although
realization is not assured for the remaining deferred tax assets, management
believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets will be
realized through future taxable earnings or alternative tax strategies.
However, the net deferred tax assets could be reduced in the near term if
management's estimates of taxable income during the carry-forward period are
significantly reduced or alternative tax strategies are no longer viable. The
valuation allowance decreased by $9.6 in 1995, affecting net income by $7.0.
 
  At December 31, 1996, the following net federal operating loss and tax
credit carry-forwards were available:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    EXPIRATION                                                OPERATING   TAX
       DATES                                                   LOSSES   CREDITS
    ----------                                                --------- -------
     <S>                                                      <C>       <C>
     1997-1998...............................................   $ 4.2    $17.1
     1999-2000...............................................     2.0      5.1
     2001-2002...............................................    16.6      --
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-11
<PAGE>
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Undistributed earnings of the company's foreign subsidiaries amounted to
approximately $74.1 at December 31, 1996. Those earnings are considered to be
indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal and
state income taxes or foreign withholding taxes has been made. Upon
distribution of those earnings, the company would be subject to U.S. income
taxes (subject to a reduction for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes
payable to the various foreign countries. Determination of the amount of
unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability is not practicable; however,
unrecognized foreign tax credit carry-overs would be available to reduce some
portion of the U.S. liability. Withholding taxes of approximately $5.0 would
be payable upon remittance of all previously unremitted earnings at December
31, 1996.
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Debt                                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  -------------
                                                                   1996   1995
                                                                  ------ ------
     <S>                                                          <C>    <C>
     5.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2002
      (convertible at approximately $39.50 per share)............ $ 42.6 $100.0
     Commercial paper 1996, 5.6%, 1995, 5.9%.....................  114.5  249.0
     Industrial Revenue Bonds due 2000-2014;
      no stipulated principal repayments prior to
      maturity (primarily variable rate).........................   36.0   44.5
     Other long-term borrowings..................................   12.8   39.9
                                                                  ------ ------
                                                                   205.9  433.4
     Less current maturities.....................................    4.6    4.8
                                                                  ------ ------
                                                                  $201.3 $428.6
     Short-term notes payable to banks........................... $  1.0 $  4.2
                                                                  ====== ======
</TABLE>
 
  On December 12, 1996, the company called for the redemption of its 5.75%
convertible subordinated notes. Through December 31, 1996, notes with a face
value of $57.4 had been converted into 1.5 million shares of the company's
common stock, with an additional $39.3 converted into 1.0 million shares on
January 2, 1997. The balance of the notes of $3.3 was redeemed for cash.
 
  Maturities of long-term debt through 2001 are: 1997-$4.6; 1998-$1.1; 1999-
$1.1; 2000-$10.5; and 2001-$121.5.
 
  The company maintains credit arrangements with banks in the U.S. and abroad
which aggregated $603.9 and $621.6 at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. At December 31, 1996, the company had a committed revolving
credit agreement of $180.0 that matures on May 30, 1997, and a committed
revolving credit agreement of $360.0 that matures on May 30, 2001. The
agreements permit domestic and Eurodollar borrowings at interest rates offered
to investment grade customers. The agreements also are convertible into one-
year term loans at maturity.
 
  Commercial paper is classified as long-term debt as the company maintains
long-term committed credit agreements to support these borrowings and intends
to refinance them on a long-term basis, either through continued commercial
paper borrowings or the issuance of medium-term notes.
 
  The company has a $300.0 financing program under a universal shelf
registration that permits the issuance of junior or senior debt, convertible
securities, equity warrants and preferred shares under one filing without
specifying any dollar amounts for any security. On April 30, 1996, the company
filed a prospectus supplement which allows the company to issue up to $300.0
in medium-term senior notes or medium-term subordinated notes. As of December
31, 1996, no amounts had been issued under the shelf registration.
 
  The company entered into an interest rate exchange agreement, expiring in
March 2000, with a financial institution to limit exposure to interest rate
volatility. The agreement involved a transaction with a notional principal
amount of $25.0 at December 31, 1996 and 1995. The company monitors the risk
of default by the swap counterparty and does not anticipate non-performance.
At December 31, 1996, termination of this agreement would result in a $1.9
loss.
 
                                     F-12
<PAGE>
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
 
  The company conducts its business in various foreign currencies.
Accordingly, the company is subject to the typical currency risks and
exposures that arise as a result of changes in the relative value of
currencies. The risks are often referred to as transactional, commitment,
translational and economic currency exposures. The company's policy stresses
risk reduction and specifically prohibits speculation. The policy's three
basic objectives are to reduce currency risk on a consolidated basis, to
protect the functional currency value of foreign currency-denominated cash
flows and to reduce the volatility that changes in foreign exchange rates may
present to operating income.
 
  The company utilizes natural hedges and offsets to reduce exposures and also
combines positions to reduce the cost of hedging. The company entered into
forward foreign exchange contracts and purchased currency options to hedge net
consolidated currency transaction exposure for periods consistent with the
terms of the underlying transactions, extending through November 28, 1997.
 
  Foreign currency forward or option contracts are not used for trading
purposes, and these contracts do not subject the company to currency risk from
exchange rate movements. Gains and losses related to forward foreign exchange
and option contracts that qualify for hedge accounting treatment are deferred
and offset against losses and gains when the underlying transaction occurs. At
December 31, 1996, the company had approximately $33.0 of such contracts
outstanding.
 
  The company purchased a currency option contract with a notional value at
December 31, 1996 of $1.1. The option contract matures June 26, 1997. Premiums
on purchased option contracts are amortized on a straight-line basis over the
life of the contracts.
 
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  Cash and cash equivalents, short- and long-term debt, and foreign currency
contracts had fair values, based upon quoted prices or discounted cash flow
analyses, that approximated their carrying amounts. Financial guarantees and
letters of credit were issued by the company in the ordinary course of
business, and had a fair value of approximately $35.5 as of December 31, 1996.
The fair values of financial guarantees and letters of credit were based on
the face value of the underlying instruments, after deducting the amount
related to those instruments that are booked as liabilities, and the related
amounts accrued.
 
CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS
 
  LITIGATION: The company and certain of its subsidiaries are defendants in
legal proceedings incidental to its business. Although the ultimate
disposition of these proceedings is not presently determinable, management
does not expect the outcome to have a material adverse impact on the company's
financial position or results of operations.
 
  LEASES: The future minimum rental payments under leases with remaining
noncancelable terms in excess of one year are:
 
<TABLE>
     <S>                                                                  <C>
     Year ending December 31,
       1997.............................................................. $10.9
       1998..............................................................   8.8
       1999..............................................................   7.3
       2000..............................................................   6.0
       2001..............................................................   4.7
       Subsequent to 2001................................................   6.7
                                                                          -----
         Total minimum payments.......................................... $44.4
                                                                          =====
</TABLE>
 
  Total rent expense in 1996, 1995 and 1994 was $20.3, $21.1 and $17.4,
respectively.
 
                                     F-13
<PAGE>
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
  The company is involved in various stages of investigation and remediation
relative to environmental protection matters, arising from its own initiative,
from indemnification of purchasers of divested operations, or from legal or
administrative proceedings, some of which include waste disposal sites. In
certain instances, the company may be exposed to joint and several liability
for remedial action or damages. The company, along with several other
entities, has been named as a potentially responsible party for remedial costs
at certain third-party sites listed on the National Priorities List under
CERCLA and state counterpart statutes.
 
  The potential costs related to such matters and the possible impact on
future operations are uncertain due in part to the complexity of government
laws and regulations and their interpretations, the varying costs and
effectiveness of clean-up technologies, the uncertain level of insurance or
other types of recovery, and the questionable level of the company's
responsibility. The company estimates that costs of investigation and
remediation will be approximately $25 and has included this amount in accrued
expenses in the accompanying balance sheet. It is at least reasonably
possible, however, that a change in this estimate will occur. In management's
opinion, after considering reserves established for such purposes, remedial
actions for compliance with the present laws and regulations governing the
protection of the environment are not expected to have a material adverse
impact on the company's results of operations or financial position.
 
CAPITAL STOCK
 
  PREFERRED STOCK: 10 million shares of cumulative preferred stock, par value
$1.00 per share, are authorized but unissued.
 
  COMMON STOCK: 150 million shares are authorized, with 64.6 issued in 1996
and 64.3 issued in 1995. The 1.96 million shares issued through 1969 have a
par value of $6.67 per share. Shares issued since then have a par value of
$1.00 per share.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Treasury Stock:
                                                            NUMBER OF SHARES
                                                            1996   1995   1994
                                                            -----  -----  -----
                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
     <S>                                                    <C>    <C>    <C>
     Balance at beginning of year.........................   15.0   16.6   16.0
     Restatement for Data Switch merger...................    --    (1.8)   --
     Common stock reacquired..............................    --     0.5    0.6
     Common stock issued under the company's incentive
      compensation and savings and stock ownership plans..   (0.3)  (0.3)   --
     Conversion of convertible subordinated notes.........   (1.5)   --     --
                                                            -----  -----  -----
     Balance at end of year...............................   13.2   15.0   16.6
                                                            =====  =====  =====
</TABLE>
 
  On December 12, 1996 the Board of Directors approved a stock buy-back
program of up to $100.0 to offset any shares issued as a result of the call
for the redemption of the 5.75% convertible subordinated notes. Through
January 24, 1997, approximately 169,000 shares have been repurchased under
this program.
 
  In March 1994, the company's Board of Directors approved a program, which
concluded in March 1996, to repurchase up to 3.4 percent or 1.6 million shares
of the common stock outstanding at that time. These shares were purchased
systematically in open market transactions since the Board's approval and were
used to offset dilution from the increased exercise of employee stock options
arising from the company's executive stock ownership program. Approximately
1.1 million shares were repurchased under this program.
 
  WARRANTS: In connection with the Data Switch merger, the company
assumed 1,452 warrants that are redeemable at $34.83 per share and 14,357
warrants that are redeemable at $16.54 per share. In 1996, 13,639 of these
warrants were redeemed for shares of common stock.
 
                                     F-14
<PAGE>
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN: On February 1, 1996, the Board of Directors
declared a dividend distribution of one common stock purchase right for each
share of common stock. The rights trade with the common stock and are not
currently exercisable. Each right entitles the shareholder to buy the
company's or the acquiring company's stock valued at $300 per share for a
price of $150 per share upon the occurrence of specific events. The company
may redeem the rights for 10 days (subject to a further 20-day extension) for
one cent per right, after a person or entity acquires 20 percent or more of
the common stock. The provisions do not apply to rights that are beneficially
owned by the acquirer.
 
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
  PENSION PLANS: The company's pension plans cover substantially all salaried
and hourly paid employees, including certain employees in foreign countries.
The plans generally provide benefit payments using a formula based on an
employee's compensation and length of service or, in some cases, stated
amounts for each year of service. The company funds United States pension
plans in amounts equal to the minimum funding requirements of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, plus additional amounts that may be
approved from time to time. Substantially all plan assets are invested in cash
and short-term investments or listed stocks and bonds and real estate. Plan
assets and obligations of non-U.S. subsidiaries are not material. The periodic
net pension income related to continuing operations is comprised of the
following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                    -------------------------
                                                     1996     1995     1994
                                                    -------  -------  -------
     <S>                                            <C>      <C>      <C>
     Service cost - benefits earned during the
      period......................................  $  14.6  $   8.9  $  10.0
     Interest cost on projected benefit
      obligation..................................     32.7     32.6     23.6
     Actual return on assets......................    (77.4)   (45.7)     9.6
     Net amortization and deferral................     21.3     (5.1)   (52.9)
                                                    -------  -------  -------
       Net pension income.........................  $  (8.8) $  (9.3) $  (9.7)
                                                    =======  =======  =======
     The actuarial assumptions used were:
     Discount rate................................     7.60%    7.00%    8.75%
     Rate of increase in compensation levels......     5.00%    5.00%    5.00%
     Expected long-term rate of return on assets..     9.50%    9.50%    9.50%
</TABLE>
 
  The following table sets forth the plans' funded status and amounts
recognized in the balance sheet:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                            ---------------------------------
                                                 1996             1995
                                            ---------------  ----------------
                                             OVER    UNDER    OVER     UNDER
                                            FUNDED   FUNDED  FUNDED   FUNDED
                                            -------  ------  -------  -------
     <S>                                    <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>
     Actuarial present value of benefit
      obligations:
       Vested benefit obligation........... $(343.0) $(71.2) $(314.2) $(123.6)
                                            -------  ------  -------  -------
     Accumulated benefit obligation........  (361.2)  (73.7)  (333.6)  (127.7)
                                            -------  ------  -------  -------
     Fair value of plan assets.............   522.9    62.4    449.9    108.8
     Projected benefit obligation..........  (377.7)  (76.1)  (355.2)  (130.8)
                                            -------  ------  -------  -------
     Plan assets in excess of (less than)
      projected benefit obligation.........   145.2   (13.7)    94.7    (22.0)
     Unrecognized net (gain) loss..........   (10.5)    4.0     28.8     16.9
     Prior service cost not yet recognized
      in net pension cost..................     6.0     3.1      5.7      3.3
     Unrecognized net asset................   (24.5)   (4.7)   (28.1)   (17.1)
                                            -------  ------  -------  -------
     Prepaid (accrued) pension............. $ 116.2  $(11.3) $ 101.1  $ (18.9)
                                            =======  ======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-15
<PAGE>
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  Under the Savings and Stock Ownership Plan and other supplemental plans, the
company matches employee contributions in cash and common stock equal to a
percentage of certain amounts contributed by employees. The company's
contributions under these plans amounted to $6.4 in 1996, $8.2 in 1995 and
$7.9 in 1994, and were invested in shares of the company's common stock. At
December 31, 1996, the plans held 2.6 million shares and 0.7 million shares
were reserved for issuance.
 
  NON-PENSION RETIREMENT BENEFITS: The company and its U.S. subsidiaries have
post-retirement plans that provide health and life insurance benefits for
retirees. Some of these plans require employee contributions at varying rates.
Not all employees are eligible to receive these benefits, with eligibility
governed by the plan(s) in effect at a particular location.
 
  The accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation at December 31, 1996 was
determined using the terms of the company's various plans, together with
relevant actuarial assumptions and health care cost - trend rates projected at
estimated annual rates ranging from 7.1 percent in 1996 and 6.6 percent in
1997, to 5.0 percent through the year 2005, and a weighted average discount
rate of 7.6 percent. Generally, where applicable, the discount rate and the
actuarial assumptions used for pension plans also apply to the non-pension
retirement plans. A one-percent annual increase in these assumed cost - trend
rates would increase the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation by
approximately $1.3, and annual service costs by approximately $0.1. Certain of
the company's non-U.S. subsidiaries have similar plans for retirees. The
company's obligations for such plans are not material.
 
  The net periodic post-retirement benefit cost related to continuing
operations is composed of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                    -------------------------
                                                     1996     1995     1994
                                                    -------  -------  -------
     <S>                                            <C>      <C>      <C>
     Service cost for benefits attributed to serv-
      ice during the period........................ $   0.6  $   0.4  $   0.6
     Interest cost on the accumulated post-retire-
      ment benefit obligation......................     6.0      4.5      4.7
     Net amortization and deferral.................    (4.5)    (5.5)    (6.2)
                                                    -------  -------  -------
       Net periodic post-retirement benefits....... $   2.1  $  (0.6) $  (0.9)
                                                    =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  The following table shows the plans' funded status and amounts recognized in
the balance sheet:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     DECEMBER 31,
                                             --------------------------------
                                                  1996             1995
                                             ---------------  ---------------
                                             HEALTH    LIFE   HEALTH    LIFE
                                             -------  ------  -------  ------
     <S>                                     <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>
     Accumulated post-retirement benefit
      obligation:
       Retirees............................  $ (55.8) $(15.3) $ (59.5) $(15.6)
       Fully-eligible active plan partici-
        pants..............................     (1.3)   (0.2)    (3.5)   (0.3)
       Other active plan participants......     (8.2)   (3.1)   (10.6)   (4.0)
                                             -------  ------  -------  ------
         Total.............................    (65.3)  (18.6)   (73.6)  (19.9)
     Unrecognized net (gain) loss..........    (20.4)   (1.7)   (16.3)   (0.5)
     Unrecognized prior service cost.......    (19.5)    --     (26.6)    0.1
                                             -------  ------  -------  ------
     Accrued post-retirement benefit cost..   (105.2)  (20.3)  (116.5)  (20.3)
     Less amounts classified as current....      7.3     1.3      7.3     1.3
                                             -------  ------  -------  ------
                                             $ (97.9) $(19.0) $(109.2) $(19.0)
                                             =======  ======  =======  ======
</TABLE>
 
  The accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation decreased from 1995 to
1996 as a result of a curtailment of benefits due to the sale of Leeds and
Northrup, resulting in a net curtailment gain of $4.5. This gain was credited
to the discontinued operations reserve in 1996.
 
  The unrecognized prior service cost at December 31, 1996 and 1995 represents
unamortized amounts for plan amendments, resulting from revisions to company-
sponsored health plans, which reduced benefit levels.
 
                                     F-16
<PAGE>
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  STOCK INCENTIVE PROGRAM: The company has a stock incentive program whereby
executive officers and designated employees have been or may be granted
restricted stock and options to purchase shares of company common stock.
Restricted stock awards were granted during 1996 and 1995 for 11,568 shares
and 172,529 shares of company common stock with a weighted-average price of
$40.31 per share and $32.87 per share, respectively. The shares covered by the
restricted stock award granted in 1996 vest at certain rates over a three-to-
five-year period. The awards granted in 1995 vest at certain rates over a
three-to-five-year period, or are based on performance criteria and time over
a period from September 1, 1995 to March 25, 2014. Non-employee directors may
elect to defer all or part of their cash compensation as directors and to
receive in lieu thereof restricted stock. In 1996, of the 11,568 shares
granted, 3,068 shares of company common stock were received by three non-
employee directors, subject to a five-year restriction period. In 1995, four
non-employee directors received 3,829 shares of company common stock, subject
to a five-year restriction period. Total compensation expense for restricted
stock for 1996 and 1995 was $1.2 and $1.8, respectively.
 
  Options are exercisable during specified dates at prices at least equal to
100 percent of the fair market value on the date of grant. All options granted
have 10-year terms, and vest and become fully exercisable at the end of four
years of continued employment. As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, 4.6 million
and 2.7 million shares, respectively, of company common stock were reserved
for issuance.
 
  The company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB 25) and related
Interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options. Under APB 25,
because the exercise price of the company's employee stock options equals the
market price of the underlying stock on the date of the grant, no compensation
expense is recognized.
 
  Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is
required by SFAS 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", which also
requires that the information be determined as if the company had accounted
for its employee stock options granted subsequent to December 31, 1994, under
the fair-value method of SFAS 123. The fair value for these options was
estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with
the following assumptions:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996     1995
                                                              -------  -------
     <S>                                                      <C>      <C>
     Risk-free interest rate................................     4.77%    5.39%
     Dividend yield.........................................     2.54%    2.76%
     Expected volatility of market price of company's common
      stock.................................................    0.235     0.20
     Expected option life...................................  5 years  5 years
</TABLE>
 
  The risk-free interest rate is based on short-term treasury bill rates. For
the purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the options
is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The company's pro
forma information is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1996  1995
                                                                   ------ -----
     <S>                                                           <C>    <C>
     Pro forma net income......................................... $132.5 $35.7
     Pro forma earnings per share................................. $ 2.67 $0.73
</TABLE>
 
  These pro forma effects may not be representative of the effects on future
years because of the prospective application required by SFAS No. 123, and the
fact that options vest over several years and new grants generally are made
each year.
 
                                     F-17
<PAGE>
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  OPTION ACTIVITY:  The following table shows the option activity for the
three years ended December 31, 1996. Options granted and exercised by Data
Switch prior to the merger date are included in the 1995 activity.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 WEIGHTED-
                                                 OPTION PRICE     AVERAGE
                                      SHARES       PER SHARE   EXERCISE PRICE
                                   ------------- ------------- --------------
                                   (IN MILLIONS)
     <S>                           <C>           <C>           <C>
     Options outstanding at
      December 31, 1993...........      1.9      $19.44-$36.20     $27.00
     Options granted..............      0.6      $31.88-$37.25     $33.56
     Options exercised............     (0.3)     $19.44-$32.25     $23.66
                                       ----      -------------     ------
     Options outstanding at
      December 31, 1994...........      2.2      $19.44-$37.25     $29.32
     Restatement for Data Switch
      merger......................      0.2      $13.94-$56.63     $27.46
     Options granted..............      0.7      $21.80-$38.25     $35.82
     Options exercised............     (0.5)     $13.94-$35.38     $25.03
     Options terminated...........     (0.2)     $13.94-$53.98     $32.71
                                       ----      -------------     ------
     Options outstanding at
      December 31, 1995...........      2.4      $13.94-$56.63     $31.30
     Options granted..............      0.4      $36.50-$42.63     $41.26
     Options exercised............     (0.3)     $13.94-$39.64     $26.71
     Options terminated...........     (0.1)     $13.94-$53.98     $31.42
                                       ----      -------------     ------
     Options outstanding at
      December 31, 1996...........      2.4      $13.94-$56.63     $33.73
                                       ====      =============     ======
     Options exercisable:
       1996.......................      1.4      $13.94-$56.63     $31.13
       1995.......................      1.1      $13.94-$56.63     $29.16
       1994.......................      1.0      $19.44-$34.88     $25.72
</TABLE>
 
  The weighted-average fair value of options granted during 1996 and 1995 was
$9.08 per share and $7.36 per share, respectively.
 
  The following table summarizes information concerning currently outstanding
and exercisable options:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               OPTIONS OUTSTANDING         OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                        --------------------------------- ---------------------
                                     WEIGHTED-
                                      AVERAGE   WEIGHTED-             WEIGHTED-
          RANGE OF                   REMAINING   AVERAGE               AVERAGE
          EXERCISE        NUMBER    CONTRACTUAL EXERCISE    NUMBER    EXERCISE
           PRICES       OUTSTANDING    LIFE       PRICE   EXERCISABLE   PRICE
          --------      ----------- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------
                                    (NUMBER OF SHARES IN THOUSANDS)
     <S>                <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>
     $10-$20...........       40       5.46      $17.03         29     $17.12
     $20-$30...........      432       2.99      $25.89        415     $26.04
     $30-$40...........    1,479       5.72      $34.04        964     $33.48
     $40-$50...........      455       9.57      $41.33          6     $43.21
     $50-$60...........        8       1.26      $53.63          8     $53.63
                           -----                             -----
                           2,414                             1,422
                           =====                             =====
</TABLE>
 
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
 
  During the three-year period ended December 31, 1996, the company acquired
seven entities for cash and common stock valued at $423.0 plus the assumption
of liabilities. The acquisitions, except Data Switch, were accounted for as
purchases, and, accordingly, the results of operations of the acquired
companies are included in the statement of earnings for the periods during
which they were owned by the company. Data Switch was accounted for as pooling
of interests. The following paragraphs discuss significant mergers and
acquisitions made during the three years ended December 31, 1996.
 
                                     F-18
<PAGE>
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
  On June 13, 1995, the company completed a cash-tender offer for Best Power
Technology, Inc. (Best Power). Best Power is a manufacturer of uninterruptible
power supply products, which provide backup power to protect computers,
information networks and other critical systems from power line disturbances.
The aggregate purchase price was $206.3, creating goodwill of $167.1. The
purchase price was financed through the issuance of commercial paper. The
company recorded a $7.4 before-tax charge ($4.8 after-tax) during the second
quarter of 1995, primarily for severance and other consolidation costs
relating to the combination of General Signal and Best Power locations.
 
  On July 27, 1995, the company acquired MagneTek Electric Inc. (Waukesha
Electric) for $73.9, creating goodwill of $46.2. Waukesha Electric designs,
manufactures and installs medium-power transformers and related products. The
purchase price was financed through the issuance of commercial paper.
 
  Unaudited pro forma data giving effect to the acquisitions of Best Power and
Waukesha Electric as if they had been acquired at the beginning of 1994 are
shown below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                         -----------------------
                                                            1995        1994
                                                         ----------- -----------
     <S>                                                 <C>         <C>
     Net sales..........................................    $1,974.3    $1,773.4
     Net earnings....................................... $      36.2 $      90.3
     Earnings per share................................. $      0.74 $      1.91
</TABLE>
 
  On November 9, 1995, the company merged with Data Switch Corporation by
exchanging 1.8 million shares of company common stock and 0.2 million rights
to receive company common stock for all of the outstanding common stock and
related options and warrants of Data Switch. Data Switch designs, develops,
manufactures, markets and services products for large-scale data center
networks. As a result of the merger, the company incurred transaction and
consolidation costs of $12.7 ($8.1 after-tax). The transaction costs included
investment banker and other professional fees. The consolidation costs
included severance pay primarily for Data Switch and asset valuation
adjustments.
 
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
  In November 1994, the company adopted a plan to sell Leeds & Northrup
Company (L&N), formerly a part of the Process Controls sector, and
Dynapower/Stratopower (Dynapower), formerly a part of the Industrial
Technology sector. These operations have been accounted for as discontinued
operations, and the consolidated financial statements have reported separately
their net assets and operating results.
 
  The 1994 loss on disposal of these operations of $25.8 included $23.4 of tax
charges primarily resulting from differences in carrying values for financial
reporting and tax purposes, and from adjustments related to tax planning
strategies that will not be utilized as a result of the planned disposal of
the operations. From the measurement date to the end of the year, the
operations incurred after-tax operating losses of $1.6. Sales of the
discontinued operations from January 1, 1994 to the measurement date were
$155.2. In the second and third quarters of 1995, the company recorded a total
of $99.9 before-tax charges ($64.0 after-tax) for additional expected losses
relating to the disposal of L&N and Dynapower. Through December 31, 1996,
substantially all related assets were sold.
 
  Certain residual operations continue in some foreign jurisdictions. The
ultimate disposition of these operations is not expected to have a material
effect on the operating results of the company.
 
  During 1994, the company recognized as part of earnings from discontinued
operations $6.1 of before-tax curtailment gains related to L&N's non-pension
post-retirement benefits plan.
 
                                     F-19
<PAGE>
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
DISPOSITION OF BUSINESS AND OTHER SPECIAL ITEMS
 
  In January 1996, the company sold Kinney Vacuum Company, a unit of the
Process Controls sector, for $29.0 and recognized a pre-tax gain of $20.8.
Included in the gain was a LIFO liquidation of approximately $1.1 and
transaction costs of approximately $0.5.
 
  During the first quarter of 1996, the company recognized $19.7 of pre-tax
charges for asset write-downs, lease termination costs and severance ($13.7),
remediation for products for which the warranty period had expired ($4.0) and
environmental matters ($2.0). The charges were included in cost of sales
($13.0) and selling, general and administrative expenses ($6.7), with an
associated income tax benefit of $7.9.
 
  In August 1994, the company negotiated an agreement to merge with Reliance
Electric Company. However, after entering into this agreement, Reliance was
acquired by another corporation in a cash tender offer, with the result that
the company was deprived of the benefits of the planned merger. Under the
terms of the merger agreement, the company received $50.0 for break-up fees
and $5.2 for partial reimbursement of expenses. The company incurred $9.0 of
transaction costs in connection with the merger.
 
  During the fourth quarter of 1994, the company recognized $46.2 of charges
for the consolidation of operations ($11.8), asset valuations ($24.1),
environmental matters ($4.9) and other issues ($5.4), all related to the
continuing operations of the company. The charges were included in cost of
sales ($27.7), selling, general and administrative expenses ($16.1) and income
taxes ($2.4).
 
  In 1994, the company completed the sale of the semiconductor businesses and
incurred an additional $13.8 for operating losses, severance payments, idle
facility costs and restructuring costs.
 
                                     F-20
<PAGE>
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
BUSINESS SECTOR INFORMATION
 
  The company manufactures industrial products and components in the Process
Control, Electrical Control and Industrial Technology (primarily
transportation and telecommunication) industries. See pages 3 through 5 of
this 10-K for a description of major products and markets served.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRODUCT SECTORS             1996          1995          1994          1993          1992
- - ---------------           --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
<S>                       <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
NET SALES:
Process Controls........  $  752.4      $  719.7      $  606.4      $  545.8      $  548.7
Electrical Controls.....     945.3         777.0         618.6         547.1         567.5
Industrial Technology...     367.3(/1/)    366.5         302.7         261.3         226.7
Dispositions............       --            --            --            --          134.9
                          --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
                          $2,065.0      $1,863.2      $1,527.7      $1,354.2      $1,477.8
                          --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
OPERATING EARNINGS:
Process Controls........  $  128.9(/2/) $   92.0      $   66.8(/7/) $   45.1(/8/) $   60.5
Electrical Controls.....      86.4(/3/)     62.1(/5/)     30.7(/7/)     29.2(/8/)     43.1
Industrial Technology...      62.5(/4/)     51.1(/6/)     47.4(/7/)     44.8          33.1
Other charges and
 credits................       --            --           46.2          48.0(/9/)    (93.0)
                          --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
                             277.8         205.2         191.1         167.1          43.7
Equity income...........       1.1           0.9           1.0           0.2           1.9
Interest expense, net...     (21.5)        (24.3)        (11.8)        (16.6)        (24.8)
Unallocated expenses....     (35.0)        (25.4)        (20.0)        (11.6)        (11.3)
                          --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
Earnings from continuing
 operations before
 income taxes...........  $  222.4      $  156.4      $  160.3      $  139.1      $    9.5
                          --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS:
Process Controls........  $  434.9      $  420.9      $  391.4      $  474.3      $  477.0
Electrical Controls.....     700.7         692.0         399.4         326.5         330.8
Industrial Technology...     205.9         209.0         181.3         167.2         181.7
                          --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
                           1,341.5       1,321.9         972.1         968.0         989.5
General corporate
 assets.................     183.1         210.3         211.8         213.1         160.3
Assets held for sale at
 estimated realizable
 value..................       4.9          60.4         153.6          25.7          91.1
Investments in and
 advances to
 affiliates.............      21.5          20.6          20.4          18.1          17.5
                          --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
  Total assets..........  $1,551.0      $1,613.2      $1,357.9      $1,224.9      $1,258.4
                          --------      --------      --------      --------      --------
DEPRECIATION OF
 PROPERTY, PLANT AND
 EQUIPMENT(/1//0/):
Process Controls........  $   17.8      $   17.9      $   16.6      $   12.4      $   12.9
Electrical Controls.....      22.1          19.0          14.5          13.0          12.3
Industrial Technology...      12.7          13.4           6.4           6.4           6.7
CAPITAL
 EXPENDITURES(/1//0/):
Process Controls........  $   21.8      $   15.0      $   28.7      $   23.1      $   19.7
Electrical Controls.....      25.1          21.1          21.8          22.3          19.5
Industrial Technology...      12.4          12.9          11.4           7.7           5.0
</TABLE>
- - -------
 (1) Includes $4.2 of royalty income.
 (2) Includes a $20.8 gain on disposition of Kinney Vacuum, a charge of $4.0
     for product warranty costs and a $1.8 insurance gain on the recovery of
     destroyed assets.
 (3) Includes an $11.1 charge related to plant closure costs, asset valuations
     and environmental costs.
 (4) Includes a $4.6 charge for asset valuations and $4.2 of royalty income.
 (5) Includes $7.4 of one-time charges related to the acquisition of Best
     Power.
 (6) Includes $12.7 of one-time charges related to the merger with Data
     Switch.
 (7) Includes 1994 charges in Process Controls ($11.9), Electrical Controls
     ($19.2) and Industrial Technology ($9.9) for the consolidation of
     operations, asset valuations, environmental and other.
 (8) Includes 1993 charges in Process Controls ($22.1) and Electrical Controls
     ($10.5) for asset valuations, restructuring and transaction and
     consolidation charges related to Revco.
 (9) Represents credits for the divested semiconductor operations ($53.2) and
     charges for the transportation businesses ($5.2).
(10) Excludes discontinued operations.
 
                                     F-21
<PAGE>
 
            GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                1996      1995      1994      1993      1992
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
<S>                           <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
NET SALES:
United States...............  $1,901.0  $1,699.8  $1,390.0  $1,218.9  $1,290.4
Foreign.....................     274.6     239.9     180.7     173.7     238.5
Intergeographic.............    (110.6)    (76.5)    (43.0)    (38.4)    (51.1)
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
                              $2,065.0   1,863.2  $1,527.7  $1,354.2  $1,477.8
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
OPERATING EARNINGS(/1/):
United States...............  $  234.7  $  212.0  $  135.7  $  113.4  $  118.5
Other charges and credits...      20.8     (20.1)     46.2      48.0     (85.6)
Foreign.....................      22.3      13.3       9.2       5.7      10.8
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
                              $  277.8  $  205.2  $  191.1  $  167.1  $   43.7
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS:
United States...............  $1,201.0  $1,175.6  $  875.8  $  822.5  $  769.2
Foreign.....................     140.5     146.3      96.3     145.5     220.3
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
                              $1,341.5  $1,321.9  $  972.1  $  968.0  $  989.5
                              --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Export sales to unaffiliated
 customers(/2/).............  $  215.2  $  199.1  $  125.4  $  110.9  $  131.9
</TABLE>
- - -------
(1) Excludes equity income, net interest expense and unallocated expenses.
(2) Included in United States sales.
 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEAR ENDED
                                                             DECEMBER 31,
                                                          --------------------
                                                          1996   1995    1994
                                                          ----- ------  ------
<S>                                                       <C>   <C>     <C>
Liabilities assumed in conjunction with acquisitions:
  Fair value of assets acquired.......................... $ --  $332.1  $105.4
  Cash paid..............................................   --  (280.2)  (83.3)
                                                          ----- ------  ------
                                                          $ --  $ 51.9  $ 22.1
                                                          ----- ------  ------
Research and development................................. $47.5 $ 46.9  $ 49.7
Advertising expense...................................... $17.9 $ 14.1  $ 10.1
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              FIRST                  SECOND              THIRD              FOURTH
                          ------------------      -------------      ------------------  -------------
                           1996        1995        1996   1995        1996        1995    1996   1995
                          ------      ------      ------ ------      ------      ------  ------ ------
<S>                       <C>         <C>         <C>    <C>         <C>         <C>     <C>    <C>
Net sales...............  $481.7      $434.1      $515.0 $446.3      $521.6      $481.1  $546.7 $501.7
Gross profit............   130.3       125.2       157.7  132.6       165.4       144.7   175.9  152.7
Earnings from continuing
 operations.............    25.4        28.1        31.6   24.6        37.4        27.2    39.0   20.2
Disposal of discontinued
 operations.............     --          --          --   (49.6)        --        (14.4)    --     --
                          ------      ------      ------ ------      ------      ------  ------ ------
Net earnings (loss).....  $ 25.4      $ 28.1      $ 31.6 $(25.0)     $ 37.4      $ 12.8  $ 39.0 $ 20.2
                          ------      ------      ------ ------      ------      ------  ------ ------
Earnings (loss) per
 share of common stock:
  Continuing
   operations...........  $ 0.51(/1/) $ 0.57(/3/) $ 0.64 $ 0.50(/4/) $ 0.75(/2/) $ 0.55  $ 0.78 $ 0.41(/5/)
  Disposal of
   discontinued
   operations...........     --          --          --   (1.01)        --        (0.29)    --     --
                          ------      ------      ------ ------      ------      ------  ------ ------
  Net earnings (loss)...  $ 0.51      $ 0.57      $ 0.64 $(0.51)     $ 0.75      $ 0.26  $ 0.78 $ 0.41
                          ------      ------      ------ ------      ------      ------  ------ ------
Common stock price range
  High..................  37 3/4      36 3/8      40 1/8     40      44 1/4      42 1/2  44 1/2 33 7/8
  Low...................      32          31      35 1/4 35 1/8      36 1/4          28  39 3/4     28
Dividends declared per
 share..................  $ 0.24      $ 0.24      $ 0.24 $ 0.24      $ 0.24      $ 0.24  $0.255 $ 0.24
Dividends paid per
 share..................  $ 0.24      $ 0.24      $ 0.24 $ 0.24      $ 0.24      $ 0.24  $ 0.24 $ 0.24
</TABLE>
- - -------
Note:  The sum of the quarters' earnings per share may not equal the full year
per-share amounts.
(1) Includes $0.25 of credit related to the gain on disposition of Kinney
    Vacuum and $0.24 of charges related to product warranty costs, plant
    closure costs, asset valuations and environmental costs.
(2) Includes $0.05 of credit related to royalty income and $0.02 of credit
    related to insurance gain on the recovery of destroyed assets.
(3) Includes $0.08 of credits related to non-recurring items, primarily cash
    settlements of royalty and insured matters.
(4) Includes $0.10 of charges related to the acquisition of Best Power and
    $0.04 of credits related to accrual adjustments.
(5) Includes $0.17 of transaction and consolidation charges related to the
    merger with Data Switch.
 
                                     F-23
<PAGE>
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                 SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994
                          ----------------------------------------------------------
                                         ADDITIONS
                                          CHARGED
                          BALANCE AT     (CREDITED)                       BALANCE AT
                          BEGINNING     TO COSTS AND                        END OF
                          OF PERIOD       EXPENSES   DEDUCTIONS             PERIOD
                          ----------    ------------ ----------           ----------
                                          (IN MILLIONS)
                                          -------------
<S>                       <C>           <C>          <C>                  <C>
1996
Reserves deducted from
 assets:
  Allowance for doubtful
   accounts.............    $10.6          $ 2.1       $ (2.7)              $10.0
  Assets held for sale..    $67.9            --         (67.9)(/1/)         $  --
Dispositions and special
 items:
  Consolidation of oper-
   ations and other.....    $24.7            --         (13.9)(/1/)          10.8
  Acquisition related...      4.1            --          (3.3)                0.8
  Semiconductor.........      3.2            --          (2.6)                0.6
  Restructuring and
   product repairs......      0.7            7.9         (2.6)                6.0
                            -----          -----       ------               -----
                            $32.7          $ 7.9       $(22.4)              $18.2
1995
Reserves deducted from
 assets:
  Allowance for doubtful
   accounts.............    $10.7(/7/)     $ 4.9       $ (5.0)(/2/)         $10.6
  Assets held for sale..    $ 8.6           59.5         (0.2)(/3/)         $67.9
Dispositions and special
 items:
  Consolidation of oper-
   ations and other.....    $15.9           40.4        (31.6)(/2/)          24.7
  Acquisition related...      0.6            5.6         (2.1)(/5/)           4.1
  Semiconductor.........     18.1            --         (14.9)(/5/)           3.2
  Restructuring.........      2.5            --          (1.8)(/5/)           0.7
                            -----          -----       ------               -----
                            $37.1          $46.0       $(50.4)              $32.7
1994
Reserves deducted from
 assets:
  Allowance for doubtful
   accounts.............    $10.5          $ 4.5       $ (4.9)(/2/)         $10.1
  Assets held for sale..    $14.4            8.6        (14.4)(/4/)         $ 8.6
Dispositions and special
 items:
  Consolidation of oper-
   ations and other.....    $ --            19.3         (3.4)(/5/)          15.9
  Acquisition related...      8.8           (1.5)        (6.7)(/5/)           0.6
  Semiconductor.........     13.3           (0.6)         5.4 (/5/),(/6/)    18.1
  Restructuring.........     13.0           (3.5)        (7.0)(/5/)           2.5
                            -----          -----       ------               -----
                            $35.1          $13.7       $(11.7)              $37.1
                            =====          =====       ======               =====
</TABLE>
- - -------
(1) Includes reclassification of $4.8 credit balance from assets held for sale
    reserve to discontinued operations reserve.
(2) Write-off of bad debts, net of recoveries. Includes reclassifications in
    1994 of discontinued operations to assets held for sale.
(3) Reflects reclassification to accruals.
(4) Charges to reserve related to businesses divested during 1994.
(5) Charges to reserve for related costs incurred during the year.
(6) Includes reclassification of $8.4 credit balance of GS Japan's cumulative
    translation adjustment as of December 31, 1994.
(7) Includes $0.6 of reserves recorded by Data Switch which were consolidated
    effective January 1, 1995.
 
                                     F-24
<PAGE>
 
                                                                 EXHIBIT (11.0)
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                       COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      ------------------------
                                                       1996    1995     1994
                                                      ------- -------  -------
                                                       (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT
                                                          PER-SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                   <C>     <C>      <C>
I. Earnings (loss) per share of common stock (used
 for financial reporting):
  Continuing operations.............................. $ 133.4 $ 100.1  $ 104.1
  Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations.......     --      --       2.4
  Loss on disposal of discontinued operations........     --    (64.0)   (25.8)
                                                      ------- -------  -------
  Net earnings (loss)................................ $ 133.4 $  36.1  $  80.7
  Average number of common shares outstanding(/1/)...    49.7    49.2     47.3
  Earnings (loss) per average share of common stock:
    Continuing operations............................ $  2.68 $  2.03  $  2.20
    Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations.....     --      --      0.05
    Loss on disposal of discontinued operations......     --    (1.30)   (0.54)
                                                      ------- -------  -------
                                                      $  2.68 $  0.73  $  1.71
II. Primary earnings per share (including common
 stock equivalents):
  Average number of common shares outstanding........    49.7    49.2     47.3
  Dilutive effect of outstanding options (as
   determined by application of the treasury stock
   method)...........................................     0.2     0.2      0.3
                                                      ------- -------  -------
  Total shares used in calculation of primary
   earnings per share................................    49.9    49.4     47.6
  Primary earnings (loss) per share:
    Continuing operations............................ $  2.67 $  2.03  $  2.19
    Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations.....     --      --      0.05
    Loss on disposal of discontinued operations......     --    (1.30)   (0.54)
                                                      ------- -------  -------
                                                      $  2.67 $  0.73  $  1.70
III. Fully diluted earnings per share:
  Earnings (loss) from continuing operations......... $ 133.4 $ 100.1  $ 104.1
  Interest expense recorded on 5.75% convertible
   notes.............................................     3.5     3.8      3.8
                                                      ------- -------  -------
  Earnings (loss) from continuing operations used in
   the calculation of fully diluted earnings per
   share.............................................   136.9   103.9    107.9
  Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations.......     --      --       2.4
  Loss on disposal of discontinued operations........     --    (64.0)   (25.8)
                                                      ------- -------  -------
  Net earnings (loss) used in the calculation of
   fully diluted earnings per share..................   136.9    39.9     84.5
  Average number of shares used in calculation of
   primary earnings per share above..................    49.9    49.4     47.6
  Additional dilutive effect of outstanding options
   (as determined by application of the treasury
   stock method).....................................     0.1     --       --
  Incremental shares from assumed conversion of 5.75%
   convertible notes.................................     2.5     2.5      2.5
                                                      ------- -------  -------
  Total shares used in calculation of fully diluted
   earnings per share................................    52.5    51.9     50.1
  Fully diluted earnings (loss) per share:
    Continuing operations............................ $  2.61 $  2.00  $  2.15
    Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations.....     --      --      0.05
    Loss on disposal of discontinued operations......     --    (1.23)   (0.51)
                                                      ------- -------  -------
                                                      $  2.61 $  0.77  $  1.69
                                                      ======= =======  =======
</TABLE>
- - -------
(1) Excludes common stock equivalents in accordance with provisions of APB
    Opinion No. 15 because such equivalent shares result in dilution of less
    than 3%.
 
                                     F-25
<PAGE>
 
                                                                 EXHIBIT (12.0)
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
              CALCULATIONS OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                              ---------------------------------
                                               1996   1995   1994   1993  1992
                                              ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
                                                    (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                           <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
Earnings:
  Earnings from continuing operations before
   income taxes.............................. $222.4 $156.4 $160.3 $139.1 $ 9.5
  Fixed charges..............................   30.9   34.7   20.2   22.6  35.3
                                              ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
                                              $253.3 $191.1 $180.5 $161.7 $44.8
Fixed charges:
  Interest expense (gross)................... $ 24.1 $ 27.7 $ 14.4 $ 18.0 $28.6
  One-third of rent expense..................    6.8    7.0    5.8    4.6   6.7
                                              ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
                                              $ 30.9 $ 34.7 $ 20.2 $ 22.6 $35.3
                                              ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
Ratio........................................   8.20   5.51   8.94   7.15  1.27
                                              ------ ------ ------ ------ -----
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-26
<PAGE>
 
                                                                 EXHIBIT (21.0)
 
           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT
 
1. CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         PERCENT ORGANIZED UNDER
                                                          OWNED    THE LAWS OF
                                                         ------- ---------------
<S>                                                      <C>     <C>
Aurora/Hydromatic Pumps, Inc............................   100   Delaware
Best Power Technology AG................................   100   Switzerland
 Subsidiary of Best Power Technology AG:
 Sola Electric GmbH.....................................   100   Germany
Borri Elettronica Industriale S.r.L.....................   100   Italy
DeZurik of Australia Proprietary Ltd....................   100   Australia
DeZurik Vertriebs GmbH..................................   100   Austria
Fairbanks Morse Pump Corporation........................   100   Kansas
 Subsidiary of Fairbanks Morse Pump Corporation:
 Fairbanks Morse Limited (India)........................    35   India
GCA International Corporation...........................   100   New Jersey
GSR Merger Sub., Inc....................................   100   Delaware
G.S. Building Systems Corporation.......................   100   Connecticut
 Subsidiary of G.S. Building Corporation:
 Dual Lite Manufacturing, Inc...........................   100   Delaware
General Signal (China) Co., Ltd.........................   100   China
General Signal FSC, Inc.................................   100   Virgin Islands
General Signal Holding Company..........................   100   Delaware
 Subsidiary of General Signal Holding Company:
 General Signal Networks, Inc...........................   100   Delaware
  Subsidiaries of General Signal Networks, Inc.:
  Data Switch Intellectual Property, Inc................   100   Delaware
  Data Switch Subsidiary Stock Corporation..............   100   Delaware
  Data Switch Collections, Inc..........................   100   Delaware
  Data Switch (UK) Limited..............................    50   England
  (balance of 50% held by Data Switch Subsidiary
   Stock Corporation)
  General Signal Networks Italia S.r.L..................   100   Italy
  General Signal Networks Limited.......................   100   England
 General Signal Technology Corporation..................   100   Delaware
  Subsidiary of General Signal Technology Corporation:
  General Farebox of Atlanta, Inc.......................   100   Delaware
General Signal International Corporation................   100   Delaware
General Signal Limited..................................   100   Canada
General Signal Mauritius, Inc...........................   100   Mauritius
General Signal S.E.G.--Asia, Ltd........................   100   Hong Kong
General Signal S.E.G. SARL..............................   100   France
General Signal Power Systems, Inc.......................   100   Wisconsin
 Subsidiaries of General Signal Power Systems, Inc.:
 Best Power Technology SARL (France)....................   100   France
 Best Power Technology Mexico SA. de C.V................   100   Mexico
 Best Power Technology Export Corp......................   100   Barbados
 Best Power Technology Limited..........................   100   Taiwan
  Subsidiary of Best Power Technology Limited:
  Best Power Taiwan Trading Co. Ltd.....................   100   Taiwan
 Best Power Technology Pte. Limited.....................   100   Singapore
 India Best Power Technology Pvt. Limited...............   100   India
</TABLE>
 
                                     F-27
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         PERCENT ORGANIZED UNDER
                                                          OWNED    THE LAWS OF
                                                         ------- ---------------
<S>                                                      <C>     <C>
General Signal UK Limited...............................   100     England
 Subsidiaries of General Signal UK Limited:
 Best Power Technology Limited..........................   100     England
  Subsidiary of Best Power Technology Limited:
  Sola (UK) Ltd.........................................   100     England
 DeZurik International Limited..........................   100     England
 GCA Limited............................................   100     England
 G.S. Iona Ltd..........................................   100     England
 General Signal Europe Limited..........................   100     England
  Subsidiaries of General Signal Europe Limited:
  General Signal Verwaltaugsgesellschaft mbH............   100     Germany
  General Signal GmbH & Co. KG..........................    99     Germany
   Subsidiaries of General Signal GmbH & Co. KG:
   Best Power Technology GmbH...........................   100     Germany
   General Signal Networks GmbH.........................   100     Germany
   Data Switch Elektronik GmbH..........................   100     Germany
 General Signal SEG, Ltd................................   100     England
 Leeds & Northrup Limited...............................   100     England
 Lightnin (Europe) Limited..............................   100     England
 Lightnin Mixers Limited................................   100     England
 Tau-Tron (UK) Limited..................................   100     England
 Telenex Europe Limited.................................   100     England
Leeds & Northrup Company................................   100     Delaware
 Subsidiaries of Leeds & Northrup Company:
 Leeds & Northrup GmbH..................................   100     Germany
 Leeds & Northrup Mexicanna, S.A........................   100     Mexico
 Leeds & Northrup S.A...................................   100     Spain
 LDN, Ltd...............................................   100     Delaware
  Subsidiaries of LDN, Ltd.:
  Leeds & Northrup S.A.R.L..............................   100     France
  L.D.N. Netherlands, B.V...............................   100     Netherlands
   Subsidiary of L.D.N. Netherlands, B.V.:
   High Ridge Ireland Ltd...............................   100     Ireland
    Subsidiary of High Ridge Ireland Ltd.:
    General Signal Enterprises..........................    99     Ireland
  Leeds & Northrup Singapore, Pte., Ltd.................   100     Singapore
  L&N Products Pty Ltd..................................   100     Australia
   Subsidiary of L&N Products Pty Ltd.:
   Leeds & Northrup (New Zealand) Ltd...................   100     New Zealand
Leeds & Northrup Italy, S.p.A...........................    53     Italy
(Remaining 47% owned by Leeds & Northrup Company)
Lightnin Mixers Pty. Ltd................................    60     Australia
(Remaining 40% owned by General Signal Ltd.)
Lightnin Private Limited................................   100     Singapore
Metal Forge Company, Inc................................   100     Delaware
Shenyang Stock Electric Power Equipment
Company, Limited........................................    50     China
Sola Australia, Limited.................................   100     Australia
Stock Japan, Ltd........................................   100     Japan
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>
 
2. OTHER SUBSIDIARIES
 
  The following minor foreign subsidiaries and the investment of 50 percent or
less owned companies, which are not material individually or in the aggregate
in relation to the financial statements, are carried at cost plus equity in
undistributed earnings since acquisition.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         PERCENT ORGANIZED UNDER
                                                          OWNED    THE LAWS OF
                                                         ------- ---------------
<S>                                                      <C>     <C>
Subsidiaries of General Signal Corporation:
DeZurik--India..........................................    40     India
DeZurik Japan Co., Ltd..................................    48     Japan
DeZurik Mexico, S.A. de C.V.............................    49     Mexico
General Signal Corporation..............................   100     Delaware
HMS Ventures Ltd........................................    14     California
High Ridge Company, Limited.............................   100     Bermuda
Industrias Sola Basic, S.A..............................    49     Mexico
Koyo Lindberg Ltd.......................................    50     Japan
New Signal, Inc.........................................   100     Delaware
Solamex, S.A. de C.V....................................    48     Mexico
 Subsidiaries of Solamex S.A. de C.V.:
 Inmobiliaria S-Tres, S.A. de C.V.......................    99     Mexico
 Inmobiliaria S-Dos, S.A. de C.V........................    99     Mexico
 Inmobiliaria Solamex, S.A. de C.V......................    99     Mexico
 Productora Y Maquiladora Queretana
 S.A. de C.V............................................    99     Mexico
Teraski Nelson Ltd......................................    50     Japan
Maquiladora Solamex S.A. de C.V.........................    48     Mexico
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>
 
                                                                 EXHIBIT (23.0)
 
                         CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
The Board of Directors and Shareholders General Signal Corporation
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-3 No. 33-33929) pertaining to the universal shelf registration dated
May, 1994, (Form S-8 No. 33-46613) pertaining to the General Signal
Corporation Savings and Stock Ownership Plan, (Form S-8 No. 33-05181)
pertaining to General Signal Corporation's stock incentive plans, (Form S-4
No. 33-62437) pertaining to the merger agreement with Data Switch Corporation,
(Form S-8 to Form S-4 No. 33-62437-01) pertaining to stock options assumed as
a result of the merger with Data Switch Corporation (Form S-3 to Form S-4 No.
33-62437-02) pertaining to the outstanding stock warrants as a result of the
merger with Data Switch Corporation and related prospectuses of our report
dated January 24, 1997, with respect to the financial statements and schedules
of General Signal Corporation included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended December 31, 1996.
 
                                   /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Stamford, Connecticut
March 20, 1997
 
                                     F-30

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.1

                   DESCRIPTION OF GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
                   -----------------------------------------

                          INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
                          --------------------------- 


    The General Signal Corporation Incentive Compensation Plan provides that key
 employees of the Corporation may be awarded bonuses determined annually by the
 Personnel and Compensation Committee (the "Committee"). Executive officers,
 unit presidents and senior staff managers throughout the Corporation are
 eligible for participation in the Incentive Compensation Plan.

    The Committee sets target awards using information from peer group and 
national compensation surveys and approves corporate and business unit 
performance goals. Each participant is assigned a competitive "target" 
percentage of base salary based on the individual's salary grade level.

    The current basis for award payments is corporate and business unit 
performance as measured by economic value added, which equals the dollar amount
arrived at by taking net operating profit after tax, adjusting for certain 
noncash elements included therein, and subtracting a charge for the use of 
capital needed to generate that profit. The bonuses awarded to the executive 
officers reflect the achievement of consolidated unit and corporate performance 
goals, and the bonuses awarded to unit presidents reflect the performance of 
their individual units.

    The actual awards determined by the Committee for the Chief Executive 
Officer and other individuals who are named in the Summary Compensation Table of
the Corporation's Annual Proxy Statement to Shareholders for any year are made 
under the Corporation's Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.


<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.2

                          GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
                 SENIOR EXECUTIVE INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN*

1.  PURPOSE

The purpose of the General Signal Corporation Senior Executive Incentive
Compensation Plan (the "Plan") is to provide senior executives of General Signal
Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Corporation") with incentive compensation
based upon the achievement of established performance goals.


2.  ADMINISTRATION

The Plan shall be administered by a committee of not less than three (3) members
appointed annually by the Board of Directors (the "Committee").  The Committee,
which may but need not be the Personnel and Compensation Committee, shall be
composed of members of the Board of Directors who are "outside directors" within
the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), and who
are not eligible to participate or to receive any benefits pursuant to the Plan.

The Committee shall have full power to administer and interpret the Plan and to
establish rules for its administration.  The Committee may designate employees
of the Corporation to act in its behalf to engage in daily administration of the
Plan.  The Committee, in making any determination under or referred to in the
Plan shall be entitled to rely on opinions, reports or statements of officers or
employees of the Corporation and other entities and of counsel, public
accountants and other professional expert persons.


3.  ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility for the Plan shall be limited to the Chief Executive Officer of the
Corporation and any other individual employed by the Corporation at the end of
any Plan Year who appears in the Summary Compensation Table of the Corporation's
Proxy Statement to Shareholders for that Plan Year.  Individuals eligible to
participate in the Plan are herein called "Participant(s)".

4.  AWARDS

Each Participant shall be eligible to receive a share of an incentive
compensation pool; provided, however, that the Committee shall have full
discretion to reduce or eliminate the share for any Participant for any Plan
Year.  The incentive compensation pool for any Plan Year shall equal 5% of
operating earnings of the Corporation for that Plan Year and it shall be based
on reported operating earnings in the Corporation's financial statements
included in the Corporation's Annual Report to Shareholders.  The financial
statements shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles and shall be audited by the Corporation's external auditors.  For
purposes of this Plan, reported operating earnings may be adjusted to exclude or
include items of an unusual, non-recurring or extraordinary nature as shall be
specifically defined by the Committee prior to the end of the first quarter of
the Plan Year.  In the event that the Committee pays out

*Approved by shareholders on April 20, 1995

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
less than the amount of the incentive compensation pool for any Plan Year, the
amount which is not paid out may, at the Committee's sole discretion, be added
to the incentive compensation pool that is available for any subsequent Plan
Year or Years.  Each Participant shall be eligible to receive a maximum award of
30% of the incentive compensation pool for the applicable Plan Year.

By the end of the first quarter of each Plan Year, the Committee shall approve
the amount of each Participant's share of the incentive compensation pool.
Following each Plan Year, the Committee shall certify the total amount of the
incentive compensation pool.  In determining the amount to be paid to a
Participant, the Committee shall consider a number of performance factors based
on individual merit and on the level of achievement of the earnings-per-share
goal and the progress in carrying out the Corporation's objectives and
strategies.  Awards under the Plan shall be paid in cash as soon as practicable
after the Plan Year, except to the extent deferred pursuant to the General
Signal Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan.


5.  MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Amendment of the Plan.  The Board of Directors shall have the right to suspend
or terminate this Plan at any time and may amend or modify the Plan prior to the
beginning of any Plan Year.

Assignment or Transfer.  No opportunity shall be assignable or transferable by a
Participant.

Costs and Expenses.  The costs and expenses of administering the Plan shall be
borne by the Corporation and shall not be charged against any Participant.

Effect on Employment.  Nothing contained in this Plan or any agreement related
hereto or referred to herein shall affect or be construed as affecting, the
terms of employment of any Participant except to the extent specifically
provided herein or therein.  Nothing contained in this Plan or any agreement
related hereto or referred to herein shall impose, or be construed as imposing,
any obligation on (a) the Corporation to continue the employment of any
Participant and (b) any Participant to remain in the employ of the Corporation.

Effective Date.  Subject to shareholder approval, this Plan shall be effective
as of January 1, 1995.

Governing Law. The Plan shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York
and applicable federal laws.

Other Incentive Plans.  The adoption of the Plan does not preclude the adoption
by appropriate means of any other incentive plan for employees.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
Plan Year.  "Plan Year" means the calendar year commencing January 1, 1995, and
each calendar year thereafter.

Taxation.  The Corporation shall have the right to deduct from any award to be
paid under the Plan any federal, state or local taxes required by law to be
withheld with respect to such payment.

                                       3

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4

                          GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
                   DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN FOR DIRECTORS*

1.   PURPOSE AND ELIGIBILITY
     -----------------------

     This Plan provides Directors of General Signal Corporation (the
     "Corporation") who are not employees of the Corporation the opportunity to
     defer all or a portion of their cash compensation ("Compensation").

2.   ELECTION
     --------

     A Director may at any time elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of
     Compensation not yet earned. Such election shall be in writing, shall
     specify the form of deferral and the method of payment of deferred amounts
     in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4, and shall continue until amended or
     terminated by written notice delivered to the Corporation.  Such notice of
     amendment or termination shall not affect previously deferred Compensation;
     provided, however, that a Director may irrevocably elect in writing to
     change the method and/or commencement date of payment.  This election must
     occur at least one year prior to the date payment of deferred compensation
     is to commence and have a commencement date no earlier than the date
     originally elected.

     In connection with the termination of the Retirement Plan for Directors of
     General Signal Corporation as of December 31, 1996, each current Director
     may irrevocably elect to transfer the lump sum value as of December 31,
     1996 of his/her accrued benefits under the Retirement Plan to an account
     under this Plan.

3.   MAINTENANCE OF DEFERRED ACCOUNTS
     --------------------------------

     (a)   Compensation which is deferred shall be credited to the Director's
           account ("Account") maintained on the books of the Corporation as of
           the date on which such Compensation would have been paid (the
           "Payment Date").  The amount of the Compensation so credited shall
           thereafter be adjusted, in accordance with each Director's election,
           either by treating such amount as cash generating interest as
           described in (i) below or as Units based on the value of the
           Corporation's common stock (the "Stock") as described in (ii) below:

           (i)  As cash plus interest:  interest shall be credited annually,
                calculated on the basis of the balance in the Account on
                December 31 at a rate based upon the prior year's December
                average annual yield for Long-Term Government Bonds (10-20
                years) as published by an official agency to be determined by
                the Vice President-Finance and utilized on a consistent year-to-
                year basis; or

           (ii) As Units based on the value of the shares of the Stock:  the
                number of Units credited from time to time to each Account shall
                be:

                -   with respect to Compensation deferred:  The number obtained
                    by dividing the amount of Compensation which would have been
                    paid on the Payment Date by the closing price of the Stock
                    on the New York Stock Exchange (the "Stock Price") on the
                    last business day of such month;

*  As amended and restated December 12, 1996.
<PAGE>
 
                -   with respect to cash dividends:  The number obtained by
                    multiplying the number of Units in the Account by any cash
                    dividends declared by the Corporation on the Stock and
                    dividing the product by the Stock Price on the related
                    dividend record date to derive at the incremental shares to
                    be credited to the Account; and

                -   with respect to stock dividends:  the number obtained by
                    multiplying the number of Units in the Account by the stock
                    dividend declared.

     (b)   The number of Units credited to each Account shall be appropriately
           adjusted to take into account any changes in the number of
           outstanding shares of Stock resulting from split-ups or combinations
           of shares or recapitalization.

4.   PAYMENT OF DEFERRED AMOUNTS
     ---------------------------

     (a)   All amounts credited to a Director's Account shall be paid to the
           Director in cash, as elected by the Director, either:

           (i)  in a lump sum on a date specified by the Director and in an
                amount equal to the value of the cash or Units then credited to
                the Director's Account, or

           (ii) in quarterly or annual installments over such period and
                commencing at such time as the Director shall have elected, each
                installment being equal to the value of the cash or Units then
                credited to the Account divided by the number of installments
                remaining to be paid.

           The value of each Unit shall be equal to the Stock Price on the last
           business day of the month preceding the date on which a payment is
           made.

     (b)   In the event of a Director's death, all amounts credited to
           Director's Account as of the Director's date of death shall be paid
           promptly in a lump sum to the Beneficiary designated on the
           Director's election form, or, if none, to the Director's estate.

5.   NON-ASSIGNMENT
     --------------

     No right to receive payments under this Plan shall be transferable or
     assignable by a Director except by will or in accordance with the laws of
     descent and distribution.

6.   EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERMINATION
     ------------------------------

     This Plan, as amended and restated, shall be effective with respect to any
     Compensation earned by a Director after  December 12, 1996, and may be
     amended or terminated at any time by resolution of the Board, but no
     amendment or termination shall affect amounts previously credited to
     Directors' Accounts.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.5

                          GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION

                     CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE PAY PLAN













                     As Amended and Restated June 20, 1996
<PAGE>
 
                          GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
                     CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE PAY PLAN


                                  Table of Contents
                                  -----------------

 
Section                                                    Page
- - -------                                                    ----
 
  1    Purpose...........................................     1
 
  2    Definitions.......................................     1
 
  3    Benefits..........................................     3
 
  4    Payments..........................................     5
 
  5    Administration of the Plan........................     5
 
  6    Litigation Expenses...............................     6
 
  7    Amendment, Suspension, or  Termination of the Plan     6
 
  8    Miscellaneous.....................................     6
<PAGE>
 
                              SECTION 1.  PURPOSE

          The purpose of the General Signal Corporation Change in Control
Severance Pay Plan is to encourage Employees to make and continue careers with
General Signal Corporation by providing eligible Employees with certain
severance pay benefits upon such Employees' Involuntary Termination of
employment following a Change in Control, as set forth herein.  This Plan was
adopted by the Board of Directors on February 12, 1987 and was amended from time
to time thereafter.


                            SECTION 2.  DEFINITIONS

          When used herein the following terms shall have the following
meanings:

          2.1  "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of General
Signal Corporation.

          2.2  "Change in Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if:

          (a)  the shareholders of the Corporation approve a merger or
consolidation of the Corporation with any other corporation, other than a merger
or consolidation which would result in the Voting Securities of the Corporation
held by such shareholders outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to
represent (either by remaining outstanding or by converting into Voting
Securities of the surviving entity) at least 51 percent of the total voting
power represented by the Voting Securities of the Corporation or such surviving
entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;

          (b)  the shareholders of the Corporation approve an agreement
providing for the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially
all the assets of the Corporation for the securities of another entity, cash or
other property;

          (c)  the shareholders of the Corporation approve a plan of liquidation
or dissolution of the Corporation;

          (d)  any "person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), other than a trustee or other
fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Corporation
or other than a corporation owned directly or indirectly by the shareholders of
the Corporation in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of
Voting Securities of the Corporation, is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as
defined in Rule 13d-3 under said Act), directly or indirectly, of Voting
Securities of the Corporation representing at least 20 percent of the total
voting power represented by the Voting Securities of the Corporation then
outstanding; or

                                     - 1 -
<PAGE>
 
          (e)  during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at
the beginning of such period constitute the Board of Directors of the
Corporation and any new director whose election by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation or nomination for election by the Corporation's shareholders was
approved by a vote of at least two thirds of the directors then still in office
who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election or
nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to
constitute a majority thereof.

          2.3  "Corporate Pension Board" means the Corporate Pension Board
provided for in Section 5.

          2.4  "Corporation" means General Signal Corporation and its successors
and assigns.

          2.5  "Employee" means any executive officer of the Corporation, any
exempt salaried employee in Position Level 15 or above employed at the
Corporation's headquarters in Connecticut and any President of a unit of the
Corporation; provided, however, that an Employee shall not include any employee
who has a severance agreement with the Corporation providing for a designated
termination date set forth in such agreement.

          2.6  "Involuntary Termination" shall mean any termination of an
Employee's employment by the Corporation, or by one of its subsidiaries, within
two years after a Change in Control; provided, however, such term shall not
include a termination by the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, for (i)
serious, willful misconduct in respect of the Employee's obligations to the
Corporation or its subsidiaries, which has caused demonstrable and serious
injury to the Corporation, monetary or otherwise, as evidenced by a
determination in a binding and final judgment, order or decree of a court or
administrative agency of competent jurisdiction, in effect after exhaustion or
lapse of all rights of appeal, in an action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative; or (ii) conviction of a felony, which
has caused demonstrable and serious injury to the Corporation, monetary or
otherwise, as evidenced by binding and final judgment, order, or decree of a
court of competent jurisdiction, in effect after exhaustion or lapse of all
rights of appeal.

          In addition to actual termination of employment, as and when so
declared to be by the Employee the following shall be deemed an Involuntary
Termination: (i) a reduction or change in an Employee's responsibilities,
duties, authority, powers, functions, title, working conditions or status from
those in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control; or (ii) a
reassignment to another geographic location more than 50 miles from the
Employee's place of employment immediately prior to the Change in Control; or
(iii) a reduction in base salary and incentive compensation, if any, from those
in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control.  For purposes of the
preceding sentence, a reduction in incentive compensation will be deemed to have
occurred if and only if the percentage of salary paid as incentive compensation
under the Corporation's Incentive Compensation Plan for any calendar year is
less than the average percentage of salary paid to the Employee as incentive
compensation under such Plan for the three calendar years preceding the Change
in Control.

                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>
 
          Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Employee's failure to object in
writing to the changes listed in subsections (i), (ii) and (iii) within 180 days
of any such change shall constitute a waiver of such change being deemed an
Involuntary Termination.

          2.7  "Plan" means the General Signal Corporation Change in Control
Severance Pay Plan as may be amended from time to time.

          2.8  "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation" as defined in
Section 425(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now in effect or as
hereafter amended.

          2.9  "Voting Securities" means any securities of the Corporation which
vote generally in the election of directors.


                             SECTION 3.  BENEFITS

          3.1  In the event of Involuntary Termination of any Employee who is an
executive officer of the Corporation, the Corporation shall pay such officer 36
months of Compensation.

          3.2  In the event of Involuntary Termination of any Employee who is
not an executive officer of the Corporation or a President of a unit of the
Corporation, the Corporation shall pay such person 24 months of Compensation.

          3.3  In the event of Involuntary Termination of any President of a
unit of the Corporation, the Corporation shall pay such person 12 months of the
Employee's annual base salary in effect immediately prior to the date of
Involuntary Termination.

          3.4  For purposes of this Section, Compensation is calculated using
the Employee's annual base salary in effect immediately prior to the date of
Involuntary Termination plus the average of the three highest payments made to
the Employee under the Corporation's Incentive Compensation Plan or any other
applicable bonus plans in the five calendar years preceding the calendar year of
Involuntary Termination.

          3.5  Any payments pursuant to Sections 3.1, 3.2 or 3.3 of this Plan
shall be paid in a lump sum within thirty (30) days following Involuntary
Termination and such payments shall be reduced by the amount paid to the
Employee pursuant to any other severance pay policy of the Corporation.

          3.6  Within thirty (30) days following Involuntary Termination, the
Corporation shall pay to an Employee described in Sections 3.1 or 3.2 a lump sum
cash amount equal to the present value of the retirement benefit the Employee
would have been entitled to receive under the terms of the Corporate Retirement
Plan for Employees of General Signal Corporation as in effect on the day

                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>
 
preceding the Change in Control (without regard to vesting thereunder) and the
Benefit Equalization Plan as in effect on the day preceding the Change in
Control had the Employee accumulated additional service equal to the period for
which the Employee is paid under Sections 3.1 or 3.2 of this Plan.  For purposes
of calculating the lump sum cash payments provided by this Section, the present
value shall be determined by using the lump sum factors contained in such
Corporate Retirement Plan on the date of Involuntary Termination.

          3.7  Within thirty (30) days following Involuntary Termination, the
Corporation shall pay to an Employee described in Sections 3.1 or 3.2 a lump sum
cash amount equal to the present value of the aggregate Matching Contributions
that would have been made by the Corporation under the terms of the General
Signal Corporation Savings and Stock Ownership Plan as in effect on the day
preceding the Change in Control if the Employee had continued to be employed and
to participate in such Savings Plan to the same extent as he participated in the
year of such Involuntary Termination during the period for which the Employee is
paid under Sections 3.1 or 3.2 of this Plan.  For purposes of calculating the
lump sum cash payments provided by this Section, the present value shall be
determined by using the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation interest rate for
immediate annuities on the date of Involuntary Termination.

          3.8  During the period for which an Employee is paid under Sections
3.1 or 3.2 of this Plan, the Employee shall be deemed to be on layoff status and
continue to be entitled to all benefits and service credit for benefits under
medical, insurance, and other welfare benefit plans, programs and arrangements
of the Corporation as if he were actively employed during such period (including
meeting any age and service requirements for post retirement benefits).  With
respect to such welfare benefit plans, an Employee shall be entitled to purchase
continued coverage for himself and all covered family members and the
Corporation shall arrange for, and make available, such coverage as of his
Involuntary Termination.  Such coverage shall be no less in scope than that
provided to the covered Employee (and covered family members) at the time of
Change in Control.  The cost of such coverage shall be shared by the Corporation
and the Employee in the same proportion as exists at the time of Change in
Control.  With respect to medical (including HMO) and dental coverage, such
coverage shall be in lieu of the Corporation's practice of affording health care
continuation coverage to terminating employees and covered family members
pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Budget Act of 1986, as
amended, ("COBRA"), to the extent that the availability of such coverage to such
Employee (and covered family members) satisfies the Corporation's legal
obligations under COBRA.

          3.9  If, by reason of the requirements for tax qualification or any
other reason, benefits or service credits under any welfare benefit plan shall
not be payable or provided under any such plan to the Employee or his
dependents, beneficiaries or estate despite the provisions of Section 3.8 above,
the Corporation itself shall, to the extent necessary, pay or provide for
payment of such benefits and service credit for such benefits to the Employee or
his dependents, beneficiaries or estate.

                                     - 4 -
<PAGE>
 
                             SECTION 4.  PAYMENTS

          4.1  All severance payments shall be made from the general assets of
the Corporation; provided, however, that such payments shall be reduced by the
amount of any payments made to an Employee from any trust or special or separate
fund established by the Corporation to assure such payments.  The Corporation
shall not be required to establish a special or separate fund or other
segregation of assets to assure such payments, and, if the Corporation shall
make any investments to aid it in meeting its obligations hereunder, Employees
shall have no right, title or interest whatever in or to any such investments
except as may otherwise be expressly provided in a separate written instrument
relating to such investments.  Nothing contained in this Plan, and no action
taken pursuant to its provisions, shall create or be construed to create a trust
of any kind between the Corporation and any Employees.  To the extent that any
Employee acquires a right to receive payments from the Corporation hereunder,
such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured creditor of the
Corporation.

          4.2  The Corporation may deduct from severance payments any Federal,
state or local withholding or other taxes or charges which is required to deduct
under applicable laws.


                    SECTION 5.  ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

          5.1  The Corporate Pension Board shall have general responsibility for
the administration and interpretation of the Plan.

          5.2  The Corporate Pension Board may arrange for the engagement of
such legal counsel, who may be counsel for the Corporation, and make use of such
agents and clerical or other personnel as it shall require or may deem advisable
for purposes of the Plan.  The Corporate Pension Board may rely upon the written
opinions of such counsel, may delegate to any agent or to any sub-committee or
member of the Corporate Pension Board its authority to perform any act,
including without limitation those matters involving the exercise of a
discretion; provided, however, that such delegation shall be subject to
revocation at any time at the discretion of the Corporate Pension Board.

          5.3  If any claim for benefits under the Plan is wholly or partially
denied, the Corporate Pension Board shall give written notice by registered or
certified mail of such denial to the claimant within 90 days after receipt of
the written claim by the Corporate Pension Board.  Notice must be written in a
manner calculated to be understood by the claimant, setting forth the specific
reasons for such denial, specific reference to pertinent Plan provisions on
which the denial is based, a description of any additional material or
information necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation
of why such material or information is necessary, and an explanation of the
Plan's claim review procedure.  The Corporate Pension Board shall also advise
the claimant that he or his duly authorized representative may request a review
by the Corporate Pension Board of the decision to deny the claim by filing with
the Corporate Pension Board, within 65 days after such notice has been received
by the claimant, a written request for such review.  The claimant may review
pertinent 

                                     - 5 -
<PAGE>
 
documents and submit issues and comments in writing within the same 65 day
period. If such request is so filed, such review shall be made by the Board
within 60 days after receipt of such request, unless special circumstances
(including, but not limited to, a need to hold a hearing) require an extension
of time for processing, in which case a decision shall be rendered not later
than 120 days after receipt of the request for review. The claimant shall be
given written notice within such 60 day period of the decision resulting from
such review, which shall include specific reasons for the decision, written in a
manner calculated to be understood by the claimant, and specific references to
the pertinent Plan provisions on which the decision was based.


                        SECTION 6.  LITIGATION EXPENSES

          6.1  In the event of any litigation or other proceeding between the
Corporation and the Employee with respect to the subject matter of this Plan and
the enforcement of his rights hereunder, the Corporation shall reimburse the
Employee for all of his reasonable costs and expenses relating to such
litigation or other proceeding, including his reasonable attorney's fees and
expenses, provided that such litigation or proceeding results in any (a)
settlement requiring the Corporation to make a payment to the Employee, or (b)
judgment or order in whole or in part in favor of the Employee, regardless of
whether such judgment or order is subsequently reversed on appeal or in a
collateral proceeding.  In no event shall the Employee be required to reimburse
the Corporation for any of the costs and expenses relating to such litigation or
other proceeding.  The obligation of the Corporation under this section shall
survive the termination for any reason of this Plan.

                     SECTION 7.  AMENDMENT, SUSPENSION, OR
                            TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

          7.1  At any time prior to the occurrence, if any, of a Change in
Control, the Board of Directors shall have the power to amend, suspend or
terminate the Plan in whole or in part and for any reason.

          7.2  For at least two years after the occurrence of a Change in
Control, the Plan may not be amended, suspended or terminated.


                           SECTION 8.  MISCELLANEOUS

          8.1  Nothing contained in the Plan shall give any Employee the right
to be retained in the employment of the Corporation or any of its affiliated or
associated corporations or affect the right of any such Employer to dismiss any
Employee.

          8.2  If the Corporate Pension Board shall find that any person to whom
any amount is payable under the Plan is unable to care for his or her affairs
because of illness or accident, or is a minor, or has died, then any payment due
him or her or his or her estate (unless a prior claim therefor 

                                     - 6 -
<PAGE>
 
has been made by a duly appointed legal representative) may, if the Corporate
Pension Board so elects, be paid to his or her spouse, a child, a relative, an
institution maintaining or having custody of such person, or any other person
deemed by the Corporate Pension Board to be a proper recipient on behalf of such
person otherwise entitled to payment. Any such payment shall be a complete
discharge of the liability of the Plan therefor.

          8.3  Except insofar as may otherwise be required by law, no amount
payable at any time under the Plan shall be subject in any manner to alienation
by anticipation, sale, transfer, assignment, bankruptcy, pledge, attachment,
charge or encumbrance of any kind or in any manner be subject to the debts or
liabilities of any person and any attempt so to alienate or subject any such
amount, whether at the time or thereafter payable, shall be void.  If any person
shall attempt to, or shall, alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, attach,
charge or otherwise encumber any amount payable under the Plan, or any part
thereof, or if by reason of his or her bankruptcy or other occurrence at any
time such amount would be made subject to his debts or liabilities or would
otherwise not be enjoyed by him or her, then the Corporate Pension Board, if it
so elects, may direct that such amount be withheld and that the same amount or
any part thereof be paid or applied to or for the benefit of such person, in
such manner and proportion as the Corporate Pension Board may deem proper.

          8.4  The captions preceding the Sections of the Plan have been
inserted solely as a matter of convenience and in no way define or limit the
scope or intent of any provisions of the Plan.

          8.5  The Plan and all rights thereunder shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

                                     - 7 -

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.8

                          GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
                          1996 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN*

1.   PURPOSE

     The purpose of this Plan is to offer as an additional incentive to the
officers and other designated employees most responsible for the growth and
success of General Signal Corporation (the "Corporation") the opportunity to
increase their proprietary interest in the Corporation under conditions which
will encourage their continued employment in the service of the Corporation. In
addition, this Plan provides an opportunity for non-employee directors to
increase their interest as shareholders of the Corporation, which serves to
align the interests of non-employee directors with other shareholders.

2.   ADMINISTRATION

     The portion of this Plan with respect to options, restricted stock,
performance shares and performance units applicable to employees shall be
administered by a Committee of not less than two (2) members appointed annually
by the Board of Directors. The Committee, which may but need not be the
Personnel and Compensation Committee, shall be composed of members of the Board
of Directors who are not eligible to receive awards applicable to employees
under this Plan. The Committee shall act by a majority vote or by a written
statement signed by a majority of the members. Subject to the express provisions
of this Plan, the Committee shall determine the individuals to whom, and the
time or times at which awards shall be granted, the number of shares or units to
be subject to each award and other terms and conditions thereof.

     The portion of this Plan with respect to non-employee directors shall be
administered by the Secretary of the Corporation. Since the restricted stock is
based on deferral elections by non-employee directors, this function will be
limited to matters of interpretation and administrative oversight.

3.    STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN

     The shares to be issued under this Plan shall be made available, at the
discretion of the Board of Directors or the Committee, either from the
authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock of the Corporation or from shares
of Common Stock reacquired by the Corporation, including shares purchased in the
open market.

     Subject to adjustment as provided in the last paragraph of this Section 3:

     (a)  the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock reserved and available
          for issuance under this Plan, subject to Section 3(b) below, shall be
          2,400,000 shares; and

     (b)  the shares available for granting awards in any year shall be
          increased by any shares represented by options or other awards granted
          under this Plan or the Corporation's 1992 Stock Incentive Plan which
          have been cancelled, terminated, forfeited or expire unexercised for
          any reason.


     In the event that the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock of the
Corporation shall be changed by reason of split-ups or combinations of shares or
recapitalization or by reason of stock dividends or equity distributions, the
number of shares for which awards may thereafter be granted under this Plan in
the aggregate and to any single participant, the number of shares then subject
to awards theretofore granted

*Approved by shareholders on April 18,1996.
<PAGE>
 
under this Plan, and the price per share payable upon exercise of such awards,
shall be appropriately adjusted as determined by the Board of Directors so as to
reflect such change. Awards may also contain provisions for their continuation
or for other equitable adjustments after changes in shares of Common Stock
resulting from reorganization, sale, merger, consolidation or similar
occurrence. Options assumed in acquiring another company shall not count against
the shares available for granting awards under this Plan.

4.   ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

     Awards of options, restricted stock, performance shares and performance
units applicable to employees may be granted only to officers and other
designated employees of the Corporation and of its subsidiaries, present and
future. A director of the Corporation who is not also an officer or other
employee of the Corporation or of one of its subsidiaries ("Eligible Director")
will be eligible only with respect to the provisions of this Plan concerning the
deferral of directors' fees into restricted stock.

5.   STOCK OPTIONS

     Grant

     Subject to the provisions of this Plan, the Committee shall have sole and
complete authority to determine the persons to whom options shall be granted,
the number of shares to be covered by each option and the conditions and
limitations, if any, in addition to those set forth in this Section 5,
applicable to such options. At the discretion of the Committee, options may be
granted to replace shares of the Corporation's Common Stock used as part or all
of the purchase price of other options under this Plan or any other stock option
plan of the Corporation. Subject to adjustment as provided in the last paragraph
of Section 3, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which
any option or options may be granted to any optionee in any one taxable year of
the Corporation shall not exceed 300,000 shares under this Plan or any other
stock option plan of the Corporation.

     Option Prices

     The purchase price of the Common Stock under each option shall be not less
than 100% of the fair market value of the stock on the date the option is
granted. Stock options shall not be repriced, i.e., there shall be no grant of
an option to an optionee in exchange for an optionee's agreement to cancellation
of a higher-priced stock option that was previously granted to such optionee.
The purchase price is to be paid in full upon the exercise of the option, and
payment shall be made in cash, or by check, bank draft or money order payable to
the order of the Corporation, or, with the approval of the Committee, by
delivering shares of Common Stock of the Corporation of equivalent fair market
value on the date the option is exercised. Fair market value shall be the
closing price on the New York Stock Exchange or, in the event that no sale shall
have taken place, the mean between the closing bid and asked prices.

     If the Committee grants any incentive stock options, within the meaning of
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the
aggregate fair market value, determined at the time such option is granted, of
the shares with respect to which such options are exercisable for the first time
by any one employee during any calendar year (under this Plan and any other plan
which is maintained by the Corporation or its subsidiaries and which provides
for the granting of such options) shall not exceed $100,000.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     Form of Option

     Options granted pursuant to this Plan to employees shall be evidenced by
Stock Option Agreements in such form as the Committee shall from time to time
adopt. Options may, but need not, be subject to such terms and conditions as
will qualify their holders for special Federal income tax treatment pursuant to
any provision of the Code. Each option granted under this Plan shall be
exercisable on such date or dates and during such period and for such number of
shares as shall be determined pursuant to the provisions of the Stock Option
Agreement with respect to such option; provided, however, that no option shall
be exercised later than ten years from the date of grant of the option. In any
event, all options granted hereunder shall terminate and expire upon the first
to occur of the following events:

     (a) the termination date specified in the option agreement;

     (b)  the date an optionee ceases to be employed by the Corporation or its
          subsidiaries other than by reason of death or retirement; provided,
          however, that the Committee may permit an additional period of up to
          one (1) year to exercise an option from the date an optionee ceases to
          be employed involuntarily by the Corporation or its subsidiaries; and

     (c)  the expiration of one (1) year from the date of an optionee's death if
          his or her death occurs at a time when the optionee is in the employ
          of the Corporation or a subsidiary.

     After termination of employment for any reason, an optionee, or his or her
legal representative, may exercise, subject to the above time limitations, only
that portion of the option which the optionee has a right to exercise on such
date of termination unless the Stock Option Agreement specifically allows a
greater portion of the option to continue to become exercisable within such time
limitations.

     The Committee may in its sole discretion include in any option granted
pursuant to this Section 5 a provision to the effect that, in the event of a
change in control of the Corporation (as such term may be defined by the
Committee), either of the following shall occur: (i) each outstanding option
shall be cancelled at such time as the Committee shall specify, and in lieu
thereof the participant shall have a right to receive cash payments or shares in
such amounts and subject to such vesting and payout terms as the Committee may
prescribe, or (ii) each outstanding option shall become fully exercisable
subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may prescribe.

     Compensation in Lieu of Exercise

     Upon written application of an optionee, the Corporation may, with the
approval of the Committee, substitute for the exercise of an option compensation
to the optionee not in excess of the difference between the option price and the
fair market value, determined in accordance with this Section 5, of the shares
covered by such written application as of the date thereof. Such compensation
may be in cash or shares of Common Stock of equivalent fair market value, or
both, as the Committee may determine. In the event compensation is substituted
pursuant to this Section 5 for the exercise, in whole or in part, of an option,
the option shall be reduced by the option shares for which such compensation is
substituted, and such shares shall again be available for awards under this
Plan. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, for the purpose
of determining the difference between the option price and the fair market value
to optionees who request such substitution, such fair market value shall be
deemed to be the closing sale price of the Corporation's Common Stock on the New
York Stock Exchange on the date of such request or, with respect to requests
during the period beginning on the third business day following the date of
release by the Corporation of its quarterly financial results and ending on the
twelfth business day following the date of 

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
such release, such fair market value shall be determined by the Committee but
shall not exceed the highest closing price or be less than the lowest closing
price of the Corporation's Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange during
such period.

     Non-Transferability of Option

     No option granted under this Plan to any employee shall be transferable
otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and an option
may be exercised during the lifetime of the holder thereof, only by such holder;
provided, however, that the Committee may permit limited transferability in
conformance with rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

6.   RESTRICTED STOCK

     Grant

     Subject to the provisions of this Plan, the Committee shall have sole and
complete authority to determine the officers and other employees to whom, and
the time or times at which, grants of restricted stock will be made, the number
of shares to be awarded, the time or times within which such awards may be
subject to forfeiture, and all other terms and conditions of the awards.

     Restricted stock awards granted pursuant to this Plan shall be evidenced by
a Restricted Stock Agreement in such form as the Committee shall from time to
time adopt. The Committee may condition the lapse of restrictions on restricted
stock upon continued employment and the attainment of specified performance
goals or such other factors as the Committee may determine, in its sole
discretion. The Committee must certify in writing prior to the lapse of
restrictions conditioned on attainment of performance goals that such
performance goals were in fact satisfied.

     Restrictions and Conditions

     The shares of restricted stock awarded pursuant to this Section 6 shall be
subject to the following restrictions and conditions:

     (a)  During a period set by the Committee commencing with the date of such
          award (the "Restriction Period"), the participant shall not be
          permitted to sell, transfer, pledge or assign shares of restricted
          stock awarded under the Plan. Within these limits, the Committee, in
          its sole discretion, may provide for the lapse of such restrictions in
          installments and may accelerate or waive such restrictions in whole or
          in part, based on service, performance and/or such other factors or
          criteria as the Committee may determine; provided, however, that the
          Restricted Stock Agreement may preclude discretion to accelerate or
          waive restrictions.

     (b)  Except as provided in paragraph (a) above, the participant shall have,
          with respect to the shares of restricted stock, all of the rights of a
          shareholder of the Corporation, including the right to vote the
          shares, and the right to receive any cash dividends;

     (c)  Upon termination of a participant's employment with the Corporation or
          any subsidiary for any reason during the Restriction Period, shares
          still subject to restriction will vest, or be forfeited, in accordance
          with the terms and conditions established by the Committee in the
          Restricted Stock Agreement; and

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
     (d)  If and when the Restriction Period expires without a prior forfeiture
          of the restricted stock subject to such Restriction Period,
          certificates for an appropriate number of unrestricted shares of stock
          shall be delivered promptly to the participant, and the certificates
          for the shares of restricted stock shall be cancelled.

     The Committee may in its sole discretion include in any restricted stock
award pursuant to this Section 6 a provision to the effect that, in the event of
a change in control of the Corporation (as such term may be defined by the
Committee), either of the following shall occur: (i) such restricted stock (to
the extent not vested) shall be forfeited at such time as the Committee shall
specify, and in lieu thereof the participant shall have a right to receive cash
payments in such amounts and subject to such vesting and payout terms as the
Committee may prescribe, or (ii) the restrictions on such restricted stock shall
lapse subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may prescribe.

7.   PERFORMANCE SHARES AND PERFORMANCE UNITS

     Grant

     Subject to the provisions of this Plan, the Committee shall have sole and
complete authority to determine the officers and other employees to whom, and
the time or times at which, grants of performance shares or performance units
will be made, the number of shares or units to be awarded, the time or times
within which such awards may be subject to forfeiture, and all other terms and
conditions of the awards.

     Performance shares or performance unit awards granted pursuant to this Plan
shall be evidenced by a Performance Share or Performance Unit Agreement in such
forms as the Committee shall from time to time adopt.

     Performance Period

     The Committee shall determine a performance period (the "Performance
Period") of one or more years and shall determine the performance objectives for
grants of performance shares and performance units. Performance objectives may
vary from participant to participant and shall be based upon such performance
criteria as the Committee may deem appropriate. Performance Periods may overlap
and participants may participate simultaneously with respect to performance
shares and performance units for which different Performance Periods are
prescribed.

     Award Value

     At the beginning of a Performance Period, the Committee shall determine for
each participant or group of participants with respect to that Performance
Period the range of number of shares, if any, in the case of performance shares,
and the range of dollar values, if any, in the case of performance units, which
may be fixed or may vary in accordance with such performance or other criteria
specified by the Committee, which shall be paid to a participant as an award if
the relevant measure of performance of the Corporation for the Performance
Period is met.

     Significant Events

     If during the course of a Performance Period there shall occur significant
events as determined by the Committee which the Committee expects to have a
substantial effect on a performance objective during such period, the Committee
may revise such objective; provided, however, that, if a Performance Share and
Performance Unit Agreement so provides, the Committee shall not have any
discretion to increase the 

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
amount of compensation payable under the award to the extent such an increase
would cause the award to lose its qualification as performance-based
compensation for purposes of Section 162(m)(4)(c) of the Code and the
regulations thereunder.

     Forfeiture

     Except as otherwise determined by the Committee, at the date of grant or
thereafter, upon termination of employment during the applicable Performance
Period, performance shares and performance units for which the Performance
Period was prescribed shall be forfeited; provided, however, that the Committee
may provide in any Performance Share or Performance Unit Agreement that
restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to performance shares and
performance units will be waived in whole or in part in the event of
terminations resulting from specified causes.

     The Committee may in its sole discretion include in any performance share
or performance unit award pursuant to this Section 7 a provision to the effect
that, in the event of a change in control of the Corporation (as such term may
be defined by the Committee), either of the following shall occur: (i) such
performance share or performance unit (to the extent not vested) shall be
forfeited at such time as the Committee shall specify, and in lieu thereof the
participant shall have a right to receive cash payments or shares in such
amounts and subject to such vesting and payout terms as the Committee may
prescribe, or (ii) such performance share or performance unit (to the extent not
vested) shall vest subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may
prescribe.

     Non-transferability

     Performance shares and performance units may not be sold, transferred,
pledged or assigned prior to payment and the lapse of any restrictions.

     Payment

     Each performance share or performance unit may be paid in whole shares, or
cash, or a combination of shares and cash either as a lump sum payment or in
installments, all as the Committee shall determine, at the time of grant of the
performance share or performance unit or otherwise, commencing as soon as
practicable after the end of the relevant Performance Period. The Committee must
certify in writing prior to payment that the performance goals and any other
material terms were in fact satisfied.

8.   DIRECTORS' FEES

     Deferral of Regular Cash Compensation into Restricted Stock

     Each Eligible Director may elect to reduce all or part of the cash
compensation otherwise payable for services to be rendered by him or her as a
director (including the annual retainer and any fees payable for serving on the
Board or a Committee of the Board) and to receive in lieu thereof restricted
stock. Any such election shall be in writing and must be made at least six
months before the services are rendered giving rise to such compensation, and
may not be revoked or changed thereafter except as to compensation for services
rendered at least six months after any such election to revoke or change is made
in writing. In consideration for forgoing cash compensation, the amount so
deferred shall be increased by 10% for purposes of determining the amount of
restricted stock to be credited to such director.

     If an Eligible Director so elects to defer, there shall be credited to such
director a number of shares of restricted stock equal to the amount of the
deferral (increased by 10% as described in the preceding 

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
sentence) divided by the reported closing price of the stock on the New York
Stock Exchange-Composite Transactions on the last business day of the month in
which the compensation would have been paid in the absence of a deferral
election.

     Restrictions and Forfeiture

     Restricted stock issued under this Section shall have a restriction period
of five (5) years. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, such
restricted stock shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:

     (a)  Restricted stock shall be represented by a stock certificate
          registered in the name of the holder. The holder shall have the right
          to enjoy all shareholder rights during the restriction period
          (including the right to vote the shares and the right to receive any
          cash dividends) with the exception that:

          (i)  The holder may not sell, transfer, pledge or assign the stock
               during the restriction period;

          (ii) The Corporation may either issue shares subject to such
               restrictive legends and/or stop transfer instructions as it deems
               appropriate or provide for retention of custody of the stock
               during the restriction period; and

          (iii)  A breach of the terms and conditions during the restriction
               period shall cause a forfeiture of the restricted stock.

     (b)  All restrictions shall lapse and the holder of restricted stock shall
          be entitled to the delivery of a stock certificate or certificates
          upon the earliest of the following:
 
          (i)  Five (5) years from the date the applicable shares are credited
               to such holder;
 
          (ii) The date of the holder's death or disability;
 
          (iii)  The date the holder, after being nominated by the Board, is not
               elected by the shareholders in an election for the Board;
 
          (iv) The date on which the Board determines that the holder will not
               be nominated for election to the Board; or
 
          (v)  The date on which the holder resigns from the Board in connection
               with his or her entering into any governmental, diplomatic or
               other service or employment, but only if, in the opinion of
               outside legal counsel selected by the Corporation, the holder's
               continued service on the Board would have created an inadvisable
               potential conflict of interest.

     (c)  Restricted stock shall be entirely forfeited in the event that during
          a restriction period the holder:
 
          (i)  Resigns (other than by reason of disability or pursuant to
               subsection (b)(v) above) or is dismissed for cause from the Board
               during his or her elected term; or

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
          (ii) Refuses to stand for an election to the Board after having been
               nominated by the Board.

     For purposes of subsection (b) above, "disability" shall mean long term
disability as determined under rules and procedures that apply under the
Corporation's Long Term Disability Plan then in effect. For purposes of
subsection (c) above, a holder shall be considered to have been dismissed for
cause if and only if he or she is dismissed on account of any act of (a) fraud
or intentional misrepresentation, or (b) embezzlement, misappropriation, or
conversion of assets or opportunities of the Corporation or any direct or
indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation.

     The holder may elect in writing at least three months before the end of any
restriction period irrevocably to re-defer restricted stock for additional five
(5)-year periods subject to the above terms and conditions.

9.   WITHHOLDING

     The Corporation or any subsidiary shall have the right to deduct from all
amounts paid in cash hereunder any taxes required by law to be withheld
therefrom. In the case of payments of awards in the form of Common Stock, the
participant shall be required to pay to the Corporation or subsidiary the amount
of any taxes required to be withheld with respect to such Common Stock; in lieu
thereof, the Corporation or subsidiary shall have the right to retain, or sell
without notice, a sufficient number of shares to cover the amount required to be
withheld. The Committee may from time to time establish procedures with respect
to stock withholding consistent with applicable requirements of Rule 16b-3
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

10.  GOVERNING LAW

     The validity, construction and effect of this Plan, any rules and
regulations relating to this Plan, and any awards under this Plan, shall be
determined in accordance with the laws of New York without giving effect to
principles of conflict of laws.

11.  EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF PLAN

     This Plan shall become effective upon the date of its approval by the
shareholders of the Corporation. Unless earlier terminated by the Board of
Directors, this Plan shall terminate on April 18, 2001; provided, however, that
any such termination shall not affect awards granted prior thereto.


12.  AMENDMENT OF PLAN

     The Board of Directors of the Corporation may from time to time make such
amendments of this Plan as it shall deem advisable; provided, however, that the
Board of Directors may not, without further approval of the holders of a
majority of all outstanding shares of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon,
(i) increase the maximum number of shares as to which awards may be granted
under this Plan (except as otherwise provided in Section 3), (ii) permit the
granting of options at less than 100% of fair market value at time of grant,
(iii) change the class of persons eligible to receive awards under this Plan, or
(iv) make any other amendment for which shareholder approval is required
pursuant to Rule 16b-3 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or Section 422 of the
Code. No amendment of this Plan may, without the consent of the holder of an
existing award, adversely affect such holder's rights thereunder. In addition,
the provisions of this Plan applicable to non-

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
employee directors may not be amended more than once every six months other than
to comport with changes in the Code, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, or the rules thereunder.

                                       9

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.14

                        [LETTERHEAD OF GENERAL SIGNAL]


October 29, 1996


Ms. Joanne L. Bober
300 East 75th Street, Apt. 4C
New York, NY 10021

Dear Joanne:

I am pleased to confirm our verbal offer to join General Signal in the position
of Senior Vice President and General Counsel.  In this position you would report
to Mike Lockhart, Chief Executive Officer, and be located in Stamford,  CT.

The following confirms the terms and conditions of our offer:

1. Your starting base salary will be an annual rate of $230,000, paid bi-weekly.

2. You will be a participant in General Signal's Incentive Compensation Plan
   beginning in calendar year 1997. As such, you will be eligible for a Target
   Award of 50% of base salary (with a cap of 200% of target) with actual awards
   payable in 1998, depending on performance, and as administered by the
   Personnel and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

3. Soon after your arrival you will be granted, subject to Board approval, 5,000
   shares of restricted stock. The restricted stock will vest at a rate of 50%
   at the end of three years and 100% at the end of five years. However, you
   will be entitled to receive dividends on the stock during the restricted
   period.

4. You will be eligible to participate in the executive stock option program
   which currently would equal 12,000 shares for your position.

5. You will be eligible for the Officers' and Presidents' Deferred Compensation
   Program that supplements your Savings Plan (SSOP) with investment
   opportunities that partially offset many of the restrictions imposed on
   qualified plans by government regulation as well as other General Signal
   benefits programs.

6. You will be a participant in the GS Salaried Pension Plan, and 1.5 years of
   service will be credited to your pension calculation for each year of service
   you complete. Any benefits exceeding the government imposed limits will be
   paid from the GS Benefits Equalization Program on a non-qualified basis. You
   will be vested in this benefit when you complete five years of service.

7. You will be eligible for a company car and a one-time grossed up parking
   allowance, as well as four weeks of vacation.
<PAGE>
 
Ms. Joanne L. Bober
Page 2



8. As discussed, we will not announce your new position at General Signal until
   early December, and would plan on a start date of January 2, 1997.

9. If you move within 12 months after your start date, you will be entitled to 
the benefits of General Signal's relocating policy.

You will be required to complete a company physical examination before beginning
employment. Please contact Julia Sweitzer at 203-329-4201 to schedule an
appoint-ment.

General Signal does not offer, nor ask for, employment commitments for a set
period of time. This offer of employment is not considered a contract. If the
foregoing is acceptable to you, please sign and return the attached copy of this
letter by November 15.

Joanne, we are very enthusiastic about your joining General Signal. It will be
great to have you with us.

If you have any questions, please call.

                         Sincerely,

                         /s/ Elizabeth D. Conklyn

                         Elizabeth D. Conklyn
                         Senior Vice President - Human Resources



Accepted:  /s/ Joanne Bober                     November 7, 1996  
         -------------------------            -------------------
           Joanne Bober                             Date

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.15

                        [LETTERHEAD OF GENERAL SIGNAL]

November 2, 1995



Ms. Elizabeth D. Conklyn
14 Captain Lawrence Drive
South Salem, NY  10590

Dear Liz:

On the basis of our discussion and your interviews, I am pleased to extend this
written confirmation of our verbal offer to become Sr. Vice President, Human
Resources of General Signal Corporation reporting to me as Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer. Your employment will be effective November 6, 1995 and your
appointment as an Officer of the Corporation will be acted upon by the Board of
Directors at the December 14, 1995 meeting.

The following confirms the terms and conditions of our offer:

1.   Your starting base salary will be at an annual rate of $190,000.

2.   You will be a participant in General Signal's Incentive Compensation Plan
     commencing in 1996.  As such you will be eligible for a Target Award of 45%
     with actual awards depending on performance and as administered by the
     Board of Directors.

3.   You will be recommended for an award of 5,000 shares of restricted common
     stock under our 1992 Stock Incentive Plan with a vesting schedule as
     follows:

          12/14/98 - 1,250 shares
          12/14/99 - 1,250 shares
          12/15/00 - 2,500 shares

     From the date of grant, you will receive dividends paid quarterly and have
     voting rights for the shares during the vesting period.

4.   You will also be recommended for an award of 5,000 shares of non-qualified
     stock options under the 1992 Stock Incentive Plan.  This award is subject
     to the usual terms and conditions of awards under the Plan, including an
     initial period of one year of employment, and shares may be exercised in
     25% 
<PAGE>
 
Ms. Elizabeth D. Conklyn
November 2, 1995
Page 2


     cumulative installments assuming continued employment. The option price
     will be set at 100% of fair market value on the date of grant which is
     anticipated to be the Board meeting of December 14, 1995. In addition, you
     will be eligible to receive further awards under the Plan in future years
     as administered by our Personnel and Compensation Committee.


5.   For purposes of your retirement benefits, the Company will recognize 1 1/2
     years of credited service for each year of your employment with the
     Company.  These special additional benefits must necessarily be provided
     outside the Corporate Retirement Plan of General Signal and will be paid
     from the general funds of the Company.

6.   You will be authorized to purchase a company car for up to $36,000
     including taxes and all other costs.

7.   Your medical and life insurance benefits coverage with General Signal will
     commence after 90 days of employment.  You should continue medical coverage
     with your current employer under COBRA, and we will reimburse you for the
     expense involved.

8.   As an officer of the Company, you will be included in the Financial
     Counseling perquisite recently approved by the Personnel and Compensation
     Committee.

9.   We have agreed you will be eligible for 4 weeks vacation beginning in 1996.

10.  Liz, you should know that General Signal, in common with most other
     companies, does not offer or ask for employment commitments for a set
     period of time.  In addition, this offer is conditioned upon satisfactorily
     completing a physical examination (which includes drug testing)  and
     fulfilling the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of
     1986.
<PAGE>
 
Ms. Elizabeth D. Conklyn
November 2, 1995
Page 3

Assuming the foregoing is acceptable to you, please sign and return one copy of
this letter to me no later than Monday, November 6, 1995.

Sincerely,

/s/ Michael D. Lockhart/cm
- - --------------------------
    Michael D. Lockhart

MDL:cm
Enclosure


Accepted By  /s/ Elizabeth D. Conklyn    Date   11/13/95   
            ----------------------------      ------------
                 Elizabeth D. Conklyn

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.16

                              September 12, 1996



Mr. Ernest R. Verebelyi
15875 Lymington Common
Chesterfield, Missouri 63005

Dear Ernie:

I am pleased to confirm our verbal offer to join General Signal as Senior Vice
President, Operations.  In this position you would report to Mike Lockhart,
Chief Executive Officer, and be located in Stamford, CT.

The following confirms the terms and conditions of our offer:

1. Your starting base salary will be an annual rate of $250,000.

2. You will be a participant in General Signal's Incentive Compensation Plan
   beginning in calendar year 1997.  As such, you will be eligible for a Target
   Award of 50% of base salary (with a cap of 200% of target) with actual awards
   payable in 1998, depending on performance, and as administered by the
   Personnel and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.  In February
   1997, a guaranteed payment of $42,000, or four months of incentive, whichever
   is greater, will be made to you.

3. You will be granted a one time payment of $200,000 after you begin
  employment.
<PAGE>
 
4. You will be granted, subject to Board approval, 5,000 shares of restricted
   stock.  The restricted stock will vest at a rate of 33 1/3% per year over a
   three year period.  However, you will be entitled to receive dividends on the
   stock during the restricted period.  Also, subject to Board approval, you
   will receive 5,000 stock options which will vest at a rate of 25% per year
   over a four year period.

5. Subject to Board approval of a proposed Long Term Incentive Plan, you will be
   eligible to receive an annual non-qualified option grant, expected to equal
   about 10,000 shares.  In response to your request, as with other employees,
   additional share grants will be considered for outstanding contributions.

6. You are eligible for the following relocation benefits:
     . Two house hunting trips with your family
     . Packing, shipping and unloading of your household goods
     . Up to sixty days temporary housing
     . Closing costs associated with the purchase of your new home
     . Prudential Relocation Smart Start / Market Value Driven Services to
       facilitate the sale of your current home.

7. As discussed, an appraisal on your home will be done immediately.

8. You will be eligible for the Officers' and Presidents' Deferred Compensation
   Program that supplements your Savings Plan (SSOP) with investment
   opportunities that partially offset many of the restrictions imposed on
   qualified plans by government regulation.  Please see attached material.

9. Financial Planning assistance reimbursement will be made up to $8,000 in your
   first year of employment and up to $6,000 thereafter.
<PAGE>
 
10. You will be a participant in the GS Salaried Pension Plan.  Any benefits
    exceeding the government imposed limits will be paid from the GS Benefits
    Equalization Program on a non-qualified basis.  You will be vested in this
    benefit when you complete five years of service.

11. The attached booklet which is being reprinted outlines medical costs after
    retirement.  Laura Markowitz, 203-329-4207 will be pleased to answer any
    questions you may have.

General Signal does not offer, nor ask for, employment commitments for a set
period of time.  This offer of employment is not considered a contract.  If the
foregoing is acceptable to you please sign and return the attached copy of this
letter by October 1/st/.

Ernie, we would like you and your spouse to make a preliminary house hunting
trip to the Stamford area as quickly as possible.  Please let Anita Wheeler,
Director of Staffing, or me know if we can help you arrange your trip.  I hope
the preceding provides adequate information on the compensation and benefits of
your new position.

If you have any questions, please call.

                         Sincerely,

                         /s/ Elizabeth D. Conklyn

                         Elizabeth D. Conklyn
                         Senior Vice President
                         Human Resources



Accepted: /s/ Ernest R. Verebelyi         September 18, 1996
          ------------------------     ------------------------
              Ernest R. Verebelyi               Date

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.17

[LOGO] GENERAL SIGNAL

HIGH RIDGE PARK
P.O. BOX 10010
STAMFORD, CT 06904
PHONE 203-329-4100


June 5, 1996


Mr. Donald J. Noonan
C/O Hotel Sofitel - Cambodian
Room 447
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Dear Don:

I am pleased to confirm  our  verbal offer to become Vice President, Asia
Pacific Development for General Signal. In this position you will be reporting
to the Chairman & CEO, Mike Lockhart. The position is stationed in Singapore and
will be responsible for working with all the General Signal units to develop
business throughout the Pacific Rim. You will begin your new position on
September 1, 1996.

The following confirms the terms and conditions of our offer:

1.  Your starting base salary will be an annual rate of US$ 150,000.

2.  You will be a participant in General Signal's Incentive Compensation Plan
    beginning in calendar year 1997. As such you will be eligible for a target
    award of 30% of base salary (to a cap of 200% of target) with actual awards
    depending upon General Signal's performance, and as administered by the
    Personnel & Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The award for
    the remainder of 1996 will be $25,000.

3.  As a permanent resident of Singapore you will participate in the Central
    Provident Fund (CPF). GSC will pay both the employer's and employee's
    portion to the maximum required and will deduct your contribution from base
    salary.

4.  Until we have established a regional or country benefits plan you will be
    covered under the welfare benefits provided to employees of the General
    Signal Corporate Staff in Stamford, Ct. although you will not have managed
    care options available for your medical coverage. Some of these plans will
    require a contribution by you, the amount of which will be determined by the
    coverage selected and the number of dependents covered.

5.  We have noted that although you took out permanent residency in Singapore
    eight years ago, you have not participated in the CPF. You have indicated
    this was an oversight by General Electric. Your acceptance of our offer will
    confirm your understanding that any liability arising from the eight years
    where coverage under CPF would normally be required is not the liability of
    General Signal. You also acknowledge by your acceptance that any
    consequences resulting from this action will be the sole responsibility of
    your former employer, General Electric, and yourself to the extent Singapore
    authority holds you personally responsible.
<PAGE>
 
                                       2

[LOGO] GENERAL SIGNAL


6.  You will be granted a housing allowance in the amount of US$110,000 per
    annum, subject to appropriate withholding requirements, that will be paid
    evenly over the 12 month period. This amount will be used for housing and
    all other expenses associated with housing (e.g. utilities). You will not be
    required to provide an accounting for this amount. This allowance will be
    increased or decreased on an annual basis utilizing a commonly used annual
    expense factor and the GSC programs then in effect. The adjustment, if any,
    will be made effective and retroactive to the first of every calendar year.
    You will not be provided with a cost-of-living allowance, a location
    premium, home leave, or any type of tax equalization.



7.  As you will be moving from your current housing to new facilities we will
    provide a transfer allowance equal to two months of base salary. You will
    not be required to provide an accounting for this amount.

8.  You will be provided use of a car of a make and model that is appropriate to
    your position. This will be determined by General Signal after
    recommendation from the GSC's Sourcing department. You will not be provided
    with a driver.

9   GSC will provide you with an office and a secretary.

10. GSC will continue to reimburse you for a membership in the Tanglin Sailing
    Club. We will evaluate with you the business value of this club versus
    another membership or no company sponsored membership. This review will be
    done annually.

11. We will provide you with five weeks vacation per year. 

12. You will be allowed to use Business Class air service on all business trips 
    in excess of 3 hours, airport to airport, or across 2 time zones.

13. GSC will provide one round-trip business class airfare for your spouse to
    the U.S. per year.

14. Subject to the Board of Director's approval, you will receive a grant of
    3000 restricted shares of General Signal common stock. You will vest in the
    first 1500 shares after three years of service and the remaining 1500 shares
    after 5 years of service. You will also receive a non-qualified option grant
    of 5000 shares. The option grant will be at a price equal to 100% of the
    fair market value on the date of the grant and will be exercisable during a
    period that begins one year after the date of grant and ends 10 years after
    the date of grant. Options will be subject to a four year vesting schedule
    (25% after 1 year, 50% after 2 years, 75% after 3 years, and 100% after 4
    years).

15. Until we have established a local payroll procedure for Singapore you will
    be paid by the Corporate Office payroll department in US dollars. Payments
    will be made bi-weekly to your US bank account via Fed Wire. Deductions for
    US taxes, Singapore taxes (e.g. CPF), Social Security, Medicare, and
    benefits contributions will be made in the US. GSC does not take
    responsibility for foreign exchange fluctuations in converting some or all
    of your pay into Singapore dollars.

16. Although we will not provide Tax Equalization you will be permitted to
    retain the use of the current IRS exemption from US tax obligation.
<PAGE>
 
                                       3

[LOGO] GENERAL SIGNAL


17. In the event that your employment is involuntarily terminated by the General
    Signal during the first three years of your employment, other than for
    cause, we will provide you with severance benefits for the period remaining
    between the date of your termination and two years from the original date of
    your employment, with a minimum payment of 6 months. After the initial three
    year period, the severance payment would be in accordance with GSC policy in
    effect at the time.

18. General Signal, in common with most other companies, does not offer, or ask
    for, employment commitment for a set period of time, nor does it guarantee
    employment for a set period of time. That is, you are an "at will" employee,
    and you or General Signal may terminate your employment at any time and for
    any reason, subject to the terms of this letter agreement. In addition,
    this offer is conditional upon satisfactorily completing a physical
    examination (which includes drug testing) by August 1, 1996 and fulfilling
    the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

If the foregoing is acceptable to you, please sign and return a copy of this
letter to me by  June 15, 1996.

Sincerely,

/s/ Elizabeth D. Conklyn
- - --------------------------------------
Elizabeth D. Conklyn
Senior Vice President, Human Resources

Accepted and Agreed:

/s/ Donald J. Noonan                          June 13, 1996
 ................................              ................................
Donald J. Noonan                              Date

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.18

January 28, 1997



Mr. Raymond L. Arthur
31 Iowa Road
Wayne, NJ  07470

Dear Mr. Arthur:

I am pleased to confirm our offer of Vice President and Controller at an annual
rate of $160,000, paid bi-weekly.

You will participate in General Signal's Incentive Compensation Plan beginning
in calendar year 1997.  In this Plan, you will be eligible for a Target Award of
40% of base salary (with a cap of 200% of target).  Actual rewards will be
payable in 1998 depending on performance and as administered by the Personnel
and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

You will be granted a one time payment of $40,000 shortly after you begin
employment.

Subject to Board approval, you will be eligible to receive an annual non-
qualified option grant which currently would be in the area of 10,000 shares
for your position.

Also subject to Board approval, you will be granted 4,000 shares of restricted
stock.  This stock will vest at the rate of 50% at the end of 3 years, and 100%
at the end of  5 years.  However, you will be entitled to receive dividends on
the stock during the restricted period.

You are eligible for the following relocation benefits:

 . Two househunting trips with your family

 . Packing, shipping and unloading of your household goods

 . Up to sixty days temporary housing

 . Closing costs associated with the purchase of your new home

 . Prudential Relocation Smart Start/Market Value Driven Services to facilitate
  the sale of your current home.
<PAGE>
 
You will be eligible for four weeks vacation and a company car.  Financial
Planning assistance reimbursement will be made up to $8,000 in your first year
of employment and up to $6,000 thereafter.

You will be a participant in the GS Salaried Pension Plan,  any benefits
exceeding the government imposed limits will be paid from the GS Benefits
Equalization Program on a non-qualified basis.  You will be vested in this
benefit when you complete five years of service.

You will be eligible for the Officers and Presidents Deferred Compensation
Program that supplements your savings plan (SSOP) with investment opportunities
that partially affect many of the restrictions imposed on qualified plans by
government regulations.

You will be eligible for 80% of a health club membership up to $1,000 per year;
80% of club initiation fees up to $1,000; and 100% of a trainers fees for up to
3 months.

In support of a Drugfree Workplace, this offer is contingent on the successful
completion of a substance abuse screen.  Please call Julia Sweitzer at (203)
329-4201 to schedule this test.

General Signal does not offer, nor ask for, employment commitments for a set
period of time.  This offer of employment is not considered a contract.
Assuming that the foregoing is acceptable to you, please sign and return the
attached copy of this letter by February 7, 1997.

We look forward to your joining General Signal.  If you have any questions
regarding this offer, please do not hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

/s/ Anita L. Wheeler
- - -----------------------------
    Anita L. Wheeler

ALW:cm
Attachment

cc:  Terence D. Martin


Accepted by: /s/ Raymond L. Arthur          Date: 2/11/97
             ----------------------------         ---------
                 Raymond L. Arthur

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.19

                                    August 5, 1996



Mr. Edgar J. Smith, Jr.
26 Lefurgy Avenue
Hastings-on-Hudson, New York  10706

Dear Ed:

          In connection with the termination of your employment with General
Signal, this letter and the attachment hereto set forth the severance terms that
the Corporation has agreed to provide you.  These terms are:

     1.   Your employment will continue until December 31, 1996, during which
time you would be required to perform your normal duties and responsibilities as
well as working for an orderly transition of your duties and responsibilities as
directed by Mike Lockhart.  You shall be paid your base salary (at the rate of
$215,000 per annum), in accordance with the Corporation's standard payroll
practices, through December 31, 1996.  Effective December 31, 1996, you will
resign all officer and employee positions with the Corporation and its
subsidiaries and would resign your membership on all Boards and Committees of
the Corporation and its subsidiaries.

     2.   You shall be paid your Incentive Compensation under the Corporation's
Incentive Compensation Plan for the entire calendar year of 1996 at the same
percentage rate as the average of target payments treated as earned by all other
corporate officers under said Incentive Compensation Plan with respect to 1996
(but excluding any guaranteed minimum bonus received by any corporate officer
pursuant to a contractual obligation of the Corporation if such guaranteed
minimum bonus represents a greater percentage of the applicable target bonus
than such average determined without regard to any such minimum bonus or
bonuses).  Such Incentive Compensation would be paid to you at the same time
that 1996 Incentive Compensation is paid to other officers under said Incentive
Compensation Plan.

<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-


     3.   You shall be paid an additional $100,000 in substantially equal bi-
weekly installments over the 12-month period beginning on January 1, 1997.  You
agree that during such 12-month period  you will provide consulting services to
the Corporation at the reasonable request of the Corporation but not to exceed
64 hours per month. Such consulting services shall be as requested by the CEO of
the Corporation and will be reasonably related to your previous responsibilities
and will only be requested in situations where the Corporation will benefit from
the special knowledge you have gained from your previous work experience. Such
services will be reasonable in both time and duration. The Corporation will
reimburse you for any actual and reasonable expenses incurred by you which are
related to any such consulting work. Such services will be reasonable in both
time and duration and will be scheduled at a time reasonably convenient to you.

     4.   Benefits under the Corporation's Corporate Retirement Plan and
Benefits Equalization Plan will be determined in accordance with the terms of
such plans on the basis of your actual service and age at the time of your
retirement on December 31, 1996 ("Retirement Date").

     5.   All Corporation matching contributions with respect to your deferrals
under the Corporation's Deferred Compensation Plan prior to your Retirement Date
that otherwise would be forfeited under the Corporation's Deferred Compensation
Plan nonetheless would become fully vested and paid to you in accordance with
the terms of such plan.

     6.   Stock options will continue to vest before and after your Retirement
Date in accordance with the terms of the applicable stock option plan and
agreement.  The vested portion of such options will be exercisable for five
years after your Retirement Date which is to say December 31, 2001 (unless the
remaining term were shorter) as provided under the applicable stock option plan
and agreement.

     7.   With respect to the restricted stock award granted to you in December
1994, your employment continuing through December 31, 1996 will result in an
additional one-third of the award vesting in accordance with the terms of such
award. On the first business day in the calendar year 1997, the Corporation will
make a cash payment for the remaining one-third of such award that shall not
have vested at December 31, 1996 (calculated on the basis of the closing price
of shares of the Corporation's common stock on December 31, 1996 as reported for
the New York Stock Exchange - Composite Transactions).
 

<PAGE>
 
                                      -3-

     8.   The Corporation will transfer to you on the first business day in
calendar year 1997 title to the company car, lap-top computer and portable fax
machine you are using (subject to satisfaction of applicable withholding
requirements, if any).

     9.   In the event of your death while still employed by the Corporation,
your beneficiary would be entitled to such benefits as may be provided under the
terms of the Corporation's applicable employee benefit plans.  Payments and
transfers pursuant to paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 would be made to your beneficiary in
the event of your death while still employed by the Corporation.

     10.  By your signature set forth in the space provided below, you agree
with these terms and the terms of the agreement attached to this letter
agreement, entitled "Retirement Agreement and General Release" which you will
execute simultaneously with this agreement.

     If the foregoing and the attached agreement entitled "Separation Agreement
and General Release" are acceptable to you, please sign each of the same and the
Corporation will do likewise, whereupon they shall be binding agreements.

                                    Very truly yours,


Attachment


Agreed to and Accepted:

/s/ Edgar J. Smith                  August 6, 1996
- - -----------------------------       ---------------------
Edgar J. Smith, Esq.                Date



General Signal Corporation


By:/s/ Elizabeth D. Conklyn         August 6, 1996
   ------------------------         ---------------------    
   Elizabeth D. Conklyn             Date



                                    

<PAGE>
 
                                     -4- 


                    RETIREMENT AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE



               THIS RETIREMENT AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE is made and entered
     into as of this 5th day of August, 1996 by and between EDGAR J. SMITH, JR.
     (the "Executive") and GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION, a New York corporation
     (the "Corporation").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

               WHEREAS, the Executive has been employed by the Corporation as
     its Chief Legal Officer and in other capacities since January, 1960; and

               WHEREAS, the Corporation and the Executive have agreed that the
     Executive will retire and in connection therewith resign all officer and
     employee positions with the Corporation and its subsidiaries and his
     membership on all Boards and Committees of the Corporation and its
     subsidiaries, effective as of December 31, 1996; and

               WHEREAS, the Executive and the Corporation desire to settle fully
     and finally all matters between them to date, including, but in no way
     limited to, any issues that might arise out of the Executive's employment
     or the termination of his employment;

               NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
     promises contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

               1.   The Executive agrees to continue to perform his normal
     duties and responsibilities until December 31, 1996 and during such period
     will work for an orderly transition of his duties as directed by the Chief
     Executive Officer of the Corporation.  Effective December 31, 1996, the
     Executive hereby retires and resigns all officer and employee positions
     with the Corporation and its subsidiaries as well as his membership on all
     Boards and Committees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries.  During the
     12-month period beginning on January 1, 1997, the Executive shall provide
     consulting services to the Corporation in accordance with paragraph 3 of
     the letter agreement between the Corporation to the Executive dated August
     5, 1996 (a copy of which is attached hereto) (the "Letter Agreement").
<PAGE>
 
                                      -5-



          2.  The Corporation agrees that it shall perform, and provide to the
Executive the payments and benefits set forth in, the Letter Agreement, the
terms of which are incorporated herein by reference with the same force and
effect as if set forth at length.

          3.  The Executive understands and agrees that the consideration
described in the Letter Agreement is more than the Executive would otherwise be
entitled to under the Corporation's existing plans and policies.

          4.  The Executive will as soon as practicable after his retirement
(but in any event no later than 30 days after his retirement) return to the
Corporation all Corporation Information and related reports, files, memoranda,
and records; credit cards, cardkey passes; door and file keys; computer access
codes; software; and other physical or personal property which the Executive
received or prepared or helped prepare in connection with his employment and
which are in his actual possession or control on the date of his retirement.
The Executive will not intentionally retain any copies, duplicates,
reproductions, or excerpts thereof.  The term "Corporation Information" as used
in this Agreement means all information relating to the Corporation or any of
its subsidiaries which is not already in the public domain and which is regarded
by the Corporation as confidential, proprietary or private in nature, including,
without limitation, information received from third parties under confidential
conditions, technical, business, or financial information, and  other
information concerning the business, contemplated future business prospects, and
other affairs of the Corporation.  The Corporation shall not treat information
as confidential, proprietary or private for purposes of this Agreement if it has
treated the same information as not being confidential, proprietary or private
with respect to any other former employee.  There shall be expressly excepted
from the scope and coverage of this section, the books, articles, documents,
forms of documents and other professional materials that the Executive has
accumulated in the course of his employment with the Corporation, provided that
the information contained in any such professional materials is not currently
confidential in nature.

          5.  The Executive agrees that in the course of his employment with the
Corporation, he has acquired Corporation Information as defined in Section 4.
The Executive understands and agrees that such Corporation Information has been
disclosed to the Executive in confidence and for Corporation use only.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -6-

         Unless otherwise required by a court of competent jurisdiction
or pursuant to any recognized subpoena power, or as is reasonably necessary in
connection with any adversarial process between the Executive and the
Corporation, the Executive understands and agrees that he (i) will keep
Corporation Information confidential at all times during and after his
employment with the Corporation, (ii) will not disclose or communicate
Corporation Information to any third party, and (iii) will not make use of
Corporation Information on the Executive's own behalf, or on behalf of any third
party.  In view of the nature of the Executive's employment and the nature of
Corporation Information which the Executive has received during the course of
his employment, the Executive agrees that any unauthorized disclosure to third
parties of Corporation Information or other violation, or threatened violation,
of this Agreement would cause irreparable damage to the trade secret status of
Corporation Information and to the Corporation, and that, therefore, the
Corporation shall be entitled to an injunction prohibiting the Executive from
any such disclosure, attempted disclosure, violation, or threatened violation.
When Corporation Information becomes generally available to the public other
than by the Executive's acts or omissions, it is no longer subject to these
restrictions.  However, Corporation Information shall not be deemed to come
under this exception merely because it is embraced by more general information
which is or becomes generally available to the public.  The undertakings set
forth in this Section 5 shall survive the termination of this Agreement or other
arrangements contained in this Agreement.

          6.  Unless otherwise required by a court of competent jurisdiction or
pursuant to any recognized subpoena power or as is reasonably necessary in
connection with any adversarial process between the Executive and the
Corporation, the Executive agrees and promises that he will not make any oral or
written statements or reveal any information to any person, company, or agency
which may be construed to be negative, disparaging or damaging to the reputation
or business of the Corporation, its subsidiaries, directors, officers or
affiliates, or which would be damaging to the business relations between the
Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and any of their customers
or potential customers.

          7.  Unless otherwise required by a court of competent jurisdiction or
pursuant to any recognized subpoena power or as is reasonably necessary in
connection with any adversarial process between the Executive and the
Corporation, the Corporation agrees and promises that neither it nor its
<PAGE>
 
                                      -7-



directors or officers will make any oral or written statements or reveal any
information to any person, company, or agency which may be construed to be
negative, disparaging or damaging to the reputation or business of the Executive
or any member of his family or which would interfere in any way with any future
professional or business relationships of the Executive.

          8.  The Executive represents and agrees that, unless compelled by
legal process or as is reasonably necessary in connection with any adversarial
process between the Corporation and the Executive, he will keep the terms of
this Agreement and the Letter Agreement completely confidential, and that he
will not hereafter disclose any information concerning this Agreement or the
Letter Agreement to anyone except his financial, legal or tax advisor(s), his
accountants, and his immediate family; provided that these individuals agree to
keep said information confidential and not disclose it to others.

          9.  The Corporation represents and agrees that, unless compelled by
legal process or applicable legal requirements, or as is reasonably necessary in
connection with any adversarial process between the Corporation and the
Executive, it will keep the terms of this Agreement and the Letter Agreement
completely confidential, and that it will not hereafter disclose any information
concerning this Agreement or the Letter Agreement to anyone except its
financial, legal or tax advisor(s), its accountants, its directors, and those
employees of the Corporation who have a need to know about its terms; provided
that these individuals agree to keep said information confidential and not
disclose it to others.

          10.  In consideration of the payments and benefits to the Executive as
described in the Letter Agreement, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by
the Executive, the Executive knowingly, voluntarily and unconditionally hereby
forever waives, releases and discharges, and covenants never to sue on, any and
all claims, liabilities, causes of actions, judgments, orders, assessments,
penalties, fines, expenses and costs (including without limitation attorneys'
fees) and/or suits of any kind arising out of any actions, events or
circumstances before the date of execution of this Agreement ("Claims") which
the Executive has, ever had or may have, including, without limitation, any
Claims arising in whole or in part from the Executive's employment or the
termination of the Executive's employment with the Corporation as contemplated
by this Agreement or the manner of said termination; provided,
<PAGE>
 
                                      -8-

however, that this Section 11 shall not apply to any of the obligations of the
Corporation specifically provided for in this Agreement or the Letter Agreement.
This Agreement is intended as a full and final settlement and compromise of
each, every and all Claims of every kind and nature, whether known or unknown,
which have been or could be asserted against the Corporation and/or any of its
subsidiaries, shareholders, officers, directors, agents, and employees, past or
present, and their respective heirs, successors and assigns (collectively, the
"Releasees"), including, without limitation --

            (1)   any Claims arising out of any employment agreement or other
                  contract, side-letter, resolution, promise or understanding of
                  any kind, whether written or oral or express or implied;

            (2)   any Claims arising under the Age Discrimination in Employment
                  Act ("ADEA"), as amended, 29 U.S.C. (S) 621 et seq.; and
                                                              -- ---

            (3)   any Claims arising under any federal, state, or local civil
                  rights, human rights, anti-discrimination, labor, employment,
                  contract or tort law, rule, regulation, order or decision,
                  including, without limitation, the Americans with Disabilities
                  Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. (S) 12101 et seq., and Title VII of the
                                                   -- ---
                  Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. (S) 2000e et seq., and as
                                                                -- ---
                  each of these laws have been or will be amended,

It is expressly agreed by the Corporation that to the extent that any
governmental authority or other third party, i.e., other than one of the 
                                             ---
Releasees, files a charge or institutes an investigation, lawsuit or any
proceeding against the Executive based on any event, occurrence or omission
during the period of the Executive's employment with the Corporation, in which
case the Executive will be permitted to implead or bring a court action against
the Corporation and/or any of the Releasees for indemnification of any liability
or other appropriate remedy, provided such impleader or court action is
otherwise available but for this Agreement.

            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 10, the
Executive does not release (i) any claim he may have under any employee benefit
plan in which he was a participant during his employment with the Corporation
for the payment
<PAGE>
 
                                      -9-



of a benefit thereunder to which he would be entitled upon his termination of
employment in accordance with the terms of such plan or (ii) any claim that he
may have under this Agreement or the Letter Agreement or that certain
Indemnification Agreement referred to in Section 13 hereof.

          11.  The Executive understands that this Agreement affects significant
rights and represents and agrees that he has carefully read and fully
understands all of the provisions of this Agreement, that he is voluntarily
entering into this Agreement, and that he has been advised to consult with and
has in fact consulted with legal counsel before entering into this Agreement.
In particular, the Executive acknowledges that he has been given twenty-one (21)
days during which time he has carefully considered and voluntarily approved the
terms of this Agreement.  The Executive understands that, pursuant to the
provisions of the ADEA, he shall have a period of seven (7) days from the date
of execution of this Agreement during which he may revoke this Agreement via
hand delivery of a notice of revocation to the Corporation's offices to the
attention of Michael D. Lockhart, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. This
Agreement shall not become effective or enforceable until the revocation period
has expired.

          12.  The Corporation's obligations to make payments, to transfer
property, and to provide benefits hereunder and under the Letter Agreement shall
be subject to the Executive's satisfaction of any applicable withholding tax
requirements.

          13.  This Agreement together with the Letter Agreement and that
certain Indemnification Agreement between the Executive and the Corporation
constitute the entire understanding and agreement between the Corporation and
the Executive with regard to all matters herein and supersedes all prior oral
and written agreements and understandings of the parties with respect to such
matters, whether express or implied.  There are no other agreements, conditions,
or representations, oral or written, express or implied, with regard thereto.
This Agreement and the Letter Agreement may be amended only in a writing of even
or subsequent date, signed by all parties hereto.

          14.  If any term or provision of this Agreement or the Letter
Agreement, or the application thereof to any person or circumstances, will to
any extent be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement and the
Letter Agreement, or the application of such terms to persons or circumstances
other than those as to which it is invalid or unenforceable,
<PAGE>
 
                                     -10-

will not be affected thereby, and each term of this Agreement and the Letter
Agreement will be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

            15.   This Agreement and the Letter Agreement shall be construed and
enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut without
reference to its choice of law provisions and shall be binding upon the parties
and their respective heirs, executors, successors and assigns.

            16.   This Agreement and the Letter Agreement may be executed in
several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all
of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -11-



          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation and the Executive have caused this
Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.

                                        GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION



                                        By:  /s/ Elizabeth D. Conklyn
                                           -----------------------------
                                             Its


WITNESS:


                                             /s/ Edgar J. Smith, Jr.
- - -----------------------------           --------------------------------
                                              Edgar J. Smith, Jr.

<PAGE>
 
                                   AMENDMENT

               THIS AMENDMENT, dated as of January 12, 1995, among GENERAL
SIGNAL CORPORATION (the "Company") and the undersigned commercial banking
institutions (herein called collectively "Banks").

                                  WITNESSETH:

               WHEREAS, the Company and the Banks are parties to a certain Four
Year Credit Agreement, dated as of January 12, 1994 (the "Four Year Agreement");
and

               WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend certain terms
of the  Agreement;

               NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the agreements herein con
tained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

               1. Except as otherwise defined herein, the capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in the Four Year
Agreement.

               2. The aggregate amount of the Credit as set forth in Sec tion
1.1.4 of the Agreement, is hereby increased to an amount no to exceed at any one
time $360,000,000 (or such greater or lesser amount as may be determined
pursuant to Section 1.1 of the Agreement). Each Bank's Commit ment is hereby
increased to the amount set forth opposite such Bank's sig nature hereto, as
such amount may be reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to Sections
1.1.6, 1.1.7 and 1.1.8 or Section 13.5.

               3. The "Revolver Expiration Date" is hereby amended to mean the
earlier of January 11, 2000 or the date of termination in whole of the
Commitments. All references to the "Four Year Agreement" shall be deemed to
refer to the Agreement as hereby amended.

               4. The table in Section 3.1.8, Applicable Margin, is hereby
deleted and replaced with the following:


Public Debt Rating                  Eurodollar Margin        CD Margin
- - ------------------                  -----------------        ---------
Level 1:                            0.175%                   0.300%
AA-/Aa3 or higher
Level 2:                            0.225%                   0.350%
A-/A3 or higher, but
less than Level 1
Level 3:                            0.3625%                  0.4875%
BBB-/Baa3 or higher,
but less than Level 2
Level 4:                            0.500%                   0.625%
Less than BBB-/Baa3

               5. The table in Section 3.2, Facility Fee, is hereby deleted and
replaced with the following:
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-


Public Debt Rating                           Facility Fee Percentage
- - ------------------                           -----------------------

Level 1:                                     0.100%
AA-/Aa3 or higher
Level 2:                                     0.120%
A-/A3 or higher, but less than
Level  1
Level 3:                                     0.1875%
BBB-/Baa3 or higher, but less
than  Level 2
Level 4:                                     0.275%
Less than BBB-/Baa3

            6. Except as set forth in this Amendment, all terms and con ditions
of the Four Year Agreement shall remain unchanged.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -3-


                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and each Bank have caused this
Amendment to be executed, as of the day and year first above written, by one of
its officers thereunto duly authorized.

                                    GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION

                                    By: /s/ Julian B. Twombly
                                        ---------------------------------       
                                        Vice President and
                                        Treasurer
                                        One High Ridge Park
                                        Stamford, Connecticut 06904
                                        Attention: Treasurer
                                        Telecopier No.: (203) 329-4365
<PAGE>
 
                                      -4-

                                             [4-Year Facility, As Amended]

Amount  of
Commitment
- - ----------

$40,000,000

                                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A.

                                            By: /s/ Edward F. McNulty
                                                ----------------------------
                                            Title: Managing Director

                                            Lending Office for Loans

                                            The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                                            One Chase Plaza, 17th Floor
                                            New York, New York 10081
                                            Attn: Edward F. McNulty
                                            Telecopier No.: (212) 552-1457
<PAGE>
 
                                      -5-

                                                   [4-Year Facility, As Amended]

Amount  of
Commitment
- - ----------

$40,000,000

                                            CHEMICAL BANK

                                            By: /s/ J.B. Treger
                                                --------------------------
                                                 Title: Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 Chemical Bank
                                                 270 Park Avenue
                                                 New York, New York 10017
                                                 Attn: James B. Treger
                                                 Telecopier No.: (212) 270-7138
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -6-

                                            [4-Year Facility, As Amended]
                                                 

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------
$40,000,000

                                            NATIONSBANK OF NORTH CAROLINA,

                                            N.A.

                                            By: /s/ M.K. Vandenberg
                                                ----------------------------
                                                Title: Senior Vice President

                                                Lending Office for Loans

                                                NationsBank of North
                                                Carolina, N.A.
                                                NationsBank Plaza
                                                Charlotte, North Carolina 28225
                                                Attn: Lisa McClelland,
                                                NC1-002-17-21
                                                Telecopier No.: (704) 386-8694
                                                

                                                cc:  Margaret K. Vandenberg

                                                NationsBank of North
                                                Carolina, N.A.
                                                767 Fifth Avenue
                                                New York, New York 10153
                                                Telecopier No.: (212) 751-6909
                                                
<PAGE>
 
                                      -7-

                                             [4-Year Facility, As Amended]

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$40,000,000

                                            WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.

                                            By: /s/ Linda M. Harris
                                                -----------------------------
                                                 Title: Senior Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A
                                                 191 Peachtree Street, N.E.
                                                 Atlanta, Georgia 30303
                                                 Attn: Walter R. Gillikin
                                                 Telecopier No.: (404) 332-6898
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -8-

                                             [4-Year Facility, As Amended]

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$25,000,000

                                            CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF

                                            COMMERCE

                                            By: /s/ E.L. Gordon
                                                -------------------------
                                                 Title: Authorized Signatory

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 Canadian Imperial Bank of
                                                 Commerce
                                                 425 Lexington Avenue
                                                 New York, New York 10017
                                                 Attn: E. Lindsay Gordon
                                                 Telecopier No.: (212) 856-3991
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -9-

                                             [4-Year Facility, As Amended]

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$25,000,000

                                            COMMERZBANK A.G.

                                            By: /s/ Juergen Boysen
                                                -----------------------------
                                                Title: Senior Vice President

                                            By: /s/ Michael D. Hintz
                                                -----------------------------
                                                 Title: Senior Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 CommerzBank A.G.
                                                 2 World Financial Center
                                                 New York, New York 10281-1050
                                                 Attn: Michael Hintz
                                                 Telecopier No.: (212) 266-7235
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -10-

                                    [4-Year Facility, As Amended]
                                
Amount of                       
Commitment                      
- - -----------                     
$25,000,000                     
                                
                                    THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                                
                                    By: /s/ Hames W. Peterson
                                        ---------------------------
                                         Title:  Vice President
                                
                                         Lending Office for Loans
                                
                                         The First National Bank of Chicago
                                         153 West 51st Street
                                         New York, New York 10019
                                         Attn: James W. Peterson
                                         Telecopier No.: (212) 373-1388
<PAGE>
 
                                      -11-


                                             [4-Year Facility, As Amended]

Amount of
Commitment
- - -----------

$25,000,000

                                            THE HONGKONG & SHANGHAI BANKING
                                            CORPORATION LIMITED

                                             By:  /s/ J.S. Dykes
                                                  --------------------------
                                                 Title: Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 The Hongkong & Shanghai
                                                 Banking  Corporation Limited
                                                 140 Broadway, 4th Floor
                                                 New York, New York 10015
                                                 Attn: Jeffry S. Dykes
                                                 Telecopier No. (212) 658-5109
<PAGE>
 
                                      -12-


                                             [4-Year Facility, As Amended]

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$25,000,000

                                        NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK Plc

                                        By: /s/ Anne Marie Torre
                                            ---------------------------
                                        Title: Senior Vice President
                                                
                                        Lending Office for Loans

                                        National Westminster Bank Plc
                                        Corporate and Institutional Finance
                                        175 Water Street
                                        New York, New York 10038-4924
                                        Attn: Jordon Fragiacomo
                                        Telecopier No.: (212) 602-4500
<PAGE>
 
                                      -13-


                                                   [4-Year Facility, As Amended]

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$25,000,000

                                            THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY

                                            By: /s/ J. C. McCall, III
                                                --------------------------
                                                 Title: Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 The Northern Trust Company
                                                 50 South LaSalle Street
                                                 Chicago, Illinios 60675
                                                 Attn: J. Chip McCall, III
                                                 Telecopier No.: (312) 444-3508
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -14-

                                             [4-Year Facility, As Amended]

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$25,000,000

                                            THE SANWA BANK LIMITED

                                            By: /s/ Stephen C. Small
                                                 Title: Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 The Sanwa Bank Limited
                                                 New York Branch
                                                 Park Avenue Plaza
                                                 55 East 52nd Street
                                                 New York, New York 10055
                                                 Attn: Stephen C. Small
                                                 Telecopier No.: (212) 754-1304
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -15-

                                             [4-Year Facility, As Amended]

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$25,000,000

                                            SHAWMUT BANK

                                            By:  /s/ Robert Surdham,Jr.
                                                 --------------------------
                                                 Title: Director

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 Shawmut Bank
                                                 777 Main Street
                                                 Hartford, CT 06115
                                                 Attn: Robert Surdham, Jr.
                                                 Telecopier No.: (203) 358-2039
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                                      Four-Year Credit Agreement

                                AMENDMENT NO. 2

               THIS AMENDMENT NO. 2, dated as of May 31, 1996, among GENERAL
SIGNAL CORPORATION (the "Company") and the undersigned commercial banking
institutions (herein called collectively "Banks").

                                  WITNESSETH:

               WHEREAS, the Company and the Banks are parties to a certain Four
Year Credit Agreement, dated as of January 12, 1994 (the "Four Year Agreement");

               WHEREAS, the Company and the Banks amended the Four Year Agree
ment as of January 12, 1995; and

               WHEREAS, the parties desire to further amend certain terms of the
Agreement.

               NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the agreements herein con
tained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

               1. Except as otherwise defined herein, the capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in the Four Year
Agreement.

               2. Each Bank's Commitment shall be the amount set forth op posite
its signature hereto, as such amount may be reduced or increased from time to
time pursuant to Sections 1.1.6, 1.1.7 and 1.1.8 or Section 13.5 of the Four
Year Agreement.

               3. The "Revolver Expiration Date" is hereby amended to mean the
earlier of May 30, 2001 or the date of termination in whole of the Com mitments.
All references to the "Four Year Agreement" shall be deemed to refer to the
Agreement as hereby amended.

               4. The table in Section 3.1.8, Applicable Margin, is hereby
deleted and replaced with the following:

Public Debt Rating                  Eurodollar Margin               CD Margin
- - ------------------                  -----------------               ---------

Level 1:                            0.16%                           0.285%
AA-/Aa3 or higher
Level 2:                            0.20%                           0.325%
A-/A3 or higher, but
less than Level 1
Level 3:                            0.30%                           0.425%
BBB-/Baa3 or higher,
but less than Level 2
Level 4:                            0.50%                           0.625%
Less than BBB-/Baa3
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-


               5. The table in Section 3.2, Facility Fee, is hereby deleted and
replaced with the following:

Public Debt Rating                               Facility Fee Percentage
- - ------------------                               -----------------------

Level 1:                                         0.08%
AA-/Aa3 or higher
Level 2:                                         0.10%
A-/A3 or higher, but less than
Level  1
Level 3:                                         0.175%
BBB-/Baa3 or higher, but less
than  Level 2
Level 4:                                         0.275%
Less than BBB-/Baa3

               6.   Except as set forth in this Amendment, all terms and con
ditions of the Four Year Agreement shall remain unchanged.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -3-

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and each Bank have caused this
Amendment to be executed, as of the day and year first above written, by one of
its officers thereunto duly authorized.

                                            GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION

                                            By: /s/ Julian B. Twombly
                                                -----------------------------
                                                  Vice President and
                                                  Treasurer
                                                  One High Ridge Park
                                                  Stamford, Connecticut 06904
                                                  Attention: Treasurer
                                                  Telecopier No.: (203) 329-4365
                                                  
<PAGE>
 
                                      -4-

                                        [4-Year Facility, Amendment No.2]
                                            

Amount  of
Commitment
- - ----------

$50,000,000

                                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A.

                                            By: /s/ Claudia Stone
                                                ------------------------
                                                 Title: Managing Director

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 The Chase Manhattan Bank,
                                                 N.A.
                                                 One Chase Plaza, 17th Floor
                                                 New York, New York 10081
                                                 Attn: Claudia Stone
                                                 Telecopier No.: (212) 552-1457
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -5-

                                                  [4-Year Facility, Amendment
                                                 No. 2]

Amount of
Commitment
- - -----------

$50,000,000

                                       NATIONSBANK, N.A.

                                       By: /s/ M.K. Vandenberg
                                           ------------------------------
                                           Title: Senior Vice President

                                           Lending Office for Loans

                                           NationsBank, N.A.
                                           NationsBank Plaza
                                           Charlotte, North Carolina 28225
                                           Attn: Lisa McClelland, NC1-002-17-21
                                           Telecopier No.: (704) 386-8694
                                                
                                           cc:  Margaret K. Vandenberg

                                           NationsBank, N.A.
                                           767 Fifth Avenue
                                           New York, New York 10153
                                           Telecopier No.: (212) 751-6909
                                                
<PAGE>
 
                                      -6-

                                              [4-Year Facility, Amendment No. 2]
                                          

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$50,000,000

                                            WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.

                                            By: /s/ Jane Deaver
                                                -----------------------------
                                                 Title: Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A
                                                 191 Peachtree Street, N.E.
                                                 Atlanta, Georgia 30303
                                                 Attn: Jane Deaver
                                                 Telecopier No.: (404) 332-6898
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -7-

                                         [4-Year Facility, Amendment No. 2]
                                            

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$30,000,000

                                       CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE

                                            

                                       By: /s/ E.L. Gordon
                                           --------------------------
                                           Title: Authorized Signatory

                                           Lending Office for Loans

                                           Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
                                           425 Lexington Avenue
                                           New York, New York 10017
                                           Attn: E. Lindsay Gordon
                                           Telecopier No.: (212) 856-3991
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -8-

                                               [4-Year Facility, Amendment No.2]
                                            

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$30,000,000

                                            COMMERZBANK A.G.

                                            By: /s/ Sean Harrigan
                                                --------------------------
                                                Title: Senior Vice President

                                            By: /s/ Juergen Boysen
                                                -----------------------------
                                                Title: Senior Vice President

                                                Lending Office for Loans

                                                CommerzBank A.G.
                                                2 World Financial Center
                                                New York, New York 10281-1050
                                                Attn: Andrew Campbell
                                                Telecopier No.: (212) 266-7235
                                                
<PAGE>
 
                                      -9-

                                              [4-Year Facility, Amendment No. 2]
                                            

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$30,000,000

                                      THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                                            

                                      By: /s/ Daniel Leuchor
                                          -----------------------------
                                          Title:  Vice President

                                          Lending Office for Loans

                                          The First National Bank of Chicago
                                          153 West 51st Street
                                          New York, New York 10019
                                          Attn: James W. Peterson
                                          Telecopier No.: (212) 373-1388
                                                
<PAGE>
 
                                      -10-

                                              [4-Year Facility, Amendment No. 2]
                                       

Amount of
Commitment
- - -----------

$30,000,000

                                            MARINE MIDLAND BANK

                                            By: /s/ William M. Holland
                                                ------------------------------
                                                 Title: Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 Marine Midland Bank
                                                 Asset Syndication Office
                                                 1 Marine Midland Center
                                                 Buffalo, New York 14203
                                                 Attn: Patricia Miller
                                                 Telecopier No. (716) 841-2325
<PAGE>
 
                                      -11-

                                         [4-Year Facility, Amendment No. 2]
                                            

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$30,000,000

                                            NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK Plc

                                            By: /s/ Anne Marie Torre
                                                -----------------------
                                                 Title: Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 National Westminster Bank Plc
                                                 New York Branch
                                                 175 Water Street
                                                 New York, New York 10038-4924
                                                 Attn: Anne Marie Torre
                                                 Telecopier No.: (212) 602-4500
                                                 

                                            By: /s/ Anne Marie Torre
                                                -------------------------------
                                                 Title: Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 National Westminster Bank Plc
                                                 Nassau Branch
                                                 175 Water Street
                                                 New York, New York 10038-4924
                                                 Attn: Anne Marie Torre
                                                 Telecopier No.: (212) 602-4500
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -12-

                                          [4-Year Facility, Amendment No. 2]
                                            

Amount of
Commitment
- - -----------

$30,000,000

                                            THE SANWA BANK LIMITED

                                            By: /s/ Stephen C. Small
                                                -------------------------
                                                 Title: Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 The Sanwa Bank Limited
                                                 New York Branch
                                                 Park Avenue Plaza
                                                 55 East 52nd Street
                                                 New York, New York 10055
                                                 Attn: Stephen C. Small
                                                 Telecopier No.: (212) 754-1304
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -13-

                                           [4-Year Facility, Amendment No. 2]
                                           

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$30,000,000

                                            FLEET NATIONAL BANK

                                            By:  /s/ Gary Kearns
                                                 ____________________________
                                                 Title: Senior Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 Fleet National Bank
                                                 One Landmark Square
                                                 Stamford, CT 06901 CTFD0752
                                                 Attn: Gwen Pesce
                                                 cc:  Barbara Agostini
                                                 Telecopier No.: (203) 358-6111
<PAGE>
 
                                                        364 Day Credit Agreement

                                AMENDMENT NO. 1

               THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1, dated as of May 31, 1996, among GENERAL
SIGNAL CORPORATION (the "Company") and the undersigned commercial banking
institutions (herein called collectively "Banks").

                                  WITNESSETH:

               WHEREAS, the Company and the Banks are parties to a certain 364
Day Credit Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1995 (the "364 Day Agreement"); and

               WHEREAS, the parties desire to further amend certain terms of the
Agreement.

               NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration for the agreements herein con
tained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

               1. Except as otherwise defined herein, the capitalized terms used
herein shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in the 364 Day
Agreement.

               2. Each Bank's Commitment shall be the amount set forth op posite
its signature hereto, as such amount may be reduced or increased from time to
time pursuant to Sections 1.1.6, 1.1.7 and 1.1.8 or Section 13.5 of the 364 Day
Agreement.

               3. The "Revolver Expiration Date" is hereby amended to mean the
earlier of May 30, 1997 or the date of termination in whole of the Com mitments.
All references to the "364 Day Agreement" shall be deemed to re fer to the
Agreement as hereby amended.

               4. The table in Section 3.1.8, Applicable Margin, is hereby
deleted and replaced with the following:

Public Debt Rating                Eurodollar Margin                CD Margin
- - ------------------                -----------------                ---------

Level 1:                          0.200%                           0.325%
AA-/Aa3 or higher

Level 2:                          0.225%                           0.350%
A-/A3 or higher, but
less than level 1

Level 3:                          0.375%                           0.500%
BBB-/Baa3 or higher,
but  less than level 2

Level 4:                          0.625%                           0.750%
Less than BBB-/Baa3

           5.  The table in Section 3.2, Facility Fee, is hereby deleted and
replaced with the following:
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-


Public Debt Rating                              Facility Fee Percentage
- - ------------------                              -----------------------

Level 1:                                         0.040%
AA-/Aa3 or higher

Level 2:                                         0.075%
A-/A3 or higher, but less than
level  1

Level 3:                                         0.100%
BBB-/Baa3 or higher, but less
than  Level 2

Level 4:                                         0.150%
Less than BBB-/Baa3

               6.  Except as set forth in this Amendment, all terms and con-
ditions of the 364 Day Agreement shall remain unchanged.

               IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and each Bank have caused this
Amendment to be executed, as of the day and year first above written, by one of
its officers thereunto duly authorized.

                                            GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION



                                            By: /s/ Julian B. Twombly
                                                 -----------------------------
                                                 Vice President and
                                                 Treasurer
                                                 One High Ridge Park
                                                 Stamford, Connecticut 06904
                                                 Attention: Treasurer
                                                 Telecopier No.: (203) 329-4365
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -3-

                                             [364 Day Facility, Amendment No. 1]

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$25,000,000

                                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A.



                                            By: /s/ Claudia Stone
                                                 ---------------------------
                                                 Title: Managing Director

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                                                 One Chase Plaza, 17th Floor
                                                 New York, New York 10081
                                                 Attn: Claudia Stone
                                                 Telecopier No.: (212) 552-1457
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -4-

                                           [364 Day Facility, Amendment  No. 1]
                                           

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$25,000,000

                                            NATIONSBANK, N.A.

                                            By: /s/ M.K. Vandenberg
                                                -------------------------
                                                 Title: Senior Vice
                                                 President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 NationsBank, N.A.
                                                 NationsBank Plaza
                                                 Charlotte, North Carolina 28225
                                                 Attn: Lisa McClelland,
                                                 NC1-002-17-21
                                                 Telecopier No.: (704) 386-8694
                                                 cc:  Margaret K. Vandenberg
                                                 NationsBank, N.A.
                                                 767 Fifth Avenue
                                                 New York, New York 10153
                                                 Telecopier No.: (212) 751-6909
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -5-

                                             [364 Day Facility, Amendment No. 1]
                                            

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$25,000,000

                                            WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.

                                            By: /s/ Jane Deaver
                                                ---------------------------
                                                 Title: Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A
                                                 191 Peachtree Street, N.E.
                                                 Atlanta, Georgia 30303
                                                 Attn: Jane Deaver
                                                 Telecopier No.: (404) 332-6898
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -6-

                                             [364 Day Facility, Amendment No. 1]

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$15,000,000

                                            CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF

                                            COMMERCE

                                            By: /s/ E.L.Gordon
                                                -------------------------------
                                                 Title: Authorized Signatory

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 Canadian Imperial Bank of
                                                 Commerce
                                                 425 Lexington Avenue
                                                 New York, New York 10017
                                                 Attn: E. Lindsay Gordon
                                                 Telecopier No.: (212) 856-3991
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -7-

                                         [364 Day Facility, Amendment No. 1]
                                            

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$15,000,000

                                            COMMERZBANK A.G.

                                            By:  /s/ Sean Harrigan
                                                 -----------------------------
                                                  Title: Senior Vice President

                                            By: /s/ Juergen Boysen
                                                ------------------------------
                                                 Title: Senior Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 CommerzBank A.G.
                                                 2 World Financial Center
                                                 New York, New York 10281-1050
                                                 Attn: Andrew Campbell
                                                 Telecopier No.: (212) 266-7235
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -8-

                                             [364 Day Facility, Amendment No. 1]
                                            

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$15,000,000

                                        THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO

                                            

                                        By: /s/ Daniel Leuchor
                                           -----------------------------
                                            Title:  Vice President

                                            Lending Office for Loans

                                            The First National Bank of Chicago
                                            153 West 51st Street
                                            New York, New York 10019
                                            Attn: James W. Peterson
                                            Telecopier No.: (212) 373-1388
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -9-

                                             [364 Day Facility, Amendment No. 1]
                                            

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$15,000,000

                                            MARINE MIDLAND BANK

                                            By: /s/ William M. Holland
                                                ____________________________
                                                 Title: Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 Marine Midland Bank
                                                 Asset Syndication Office
                                                 1 Marine Midland Center
                                                 Buffalo, New York 14203
                                                 Attn: Patricia Miller
                                                 Telecopier  No.: (716) 841-2325
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -10-

                                             [364 Day Facility, Amendment No. 1]
                                            

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$15,000,000

                                            NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK Plc

                                            By: /s/ Anne Marie Torre
                                                -----------------------------
                                                 Title: Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 National Westminster Bank Plc
                                                 New York Branch
                                                 175 Water Street
                                                 New York, New York 10038-4924
                                                 Attn: Anne Marie Torre
                                                 Telecopier No.: (212) 602-4500
                                                 

                                            By: /s/ Anne Marie Torre
                                                -----------------------------
                                                 Title: Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 National Westminster Bank Plc
                                                 Nassau Branch
                                                 175 Water STreet
                                                 New York, New York 10038-4924
                                                 Attn: Anne Marie Torre
                                                 Telecopier No.: (212) 602-4500
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -11-


                                             [364 Day Facility, Amendment No. 1]
                                            

Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$15,000,000

                                            THE SANWA BANK LIMITED

                                            By: /s/ Stephen C. Small
                                                ------------------------

                                                 Title: Vice President

                                                 Lending Office for Loans

                                                 The Sanwa Bank Limited
                                                 New York Branch
                                                 Park Avenue Plaza
                                                 55 East 52nd Street
                                                 New York, New York 10055
                                                 Attn: Stephen C. Small
                                                 Telecopier No.: (212) 754-1304
                                                 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -12-

                                             [364 Day Facility, Amendment No. 1]
                                            

Amount of
Commitment
- - -----------

$15,000,000

                                            FLEET NATIONAL BANK

                                            By: /s/ Gary Kearns
                                                _____________________________
                                            Title: Senior Vice President

                                            Lending Office for Loans

                                            Fleet National Bank
                                            One Landmark Square
                                            Stamford, CT 06901 CTFD0752
                                            Attn: Gwen Pesce
                                            cc:  Barbara Agostini
                                            Telecopier No.: (203) 358-6111
<PAGE>
 
                                                         [CONFORMED AS EXECUTED]



                           364 DAY CREDIT AGREEMENT

                           dated as of June 1, 1995


                                     among


                          GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION


                                      and


                    VARIOUS COMMERCIAL BANKING INSTITUTIONS
<PAGE>
 
                            364 DAY CREDIT AGREEMENT


          THIS 364 DAY CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of June 1, 1995 (the
"Agreement"), among GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION, a New York corporation (the
"Company"), each other Borrower hereunder, and the undersigned commercial
banking institutions (herein called collectively "Banks").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

          WHEREAS, the Company desires by this Agreement (capitalized terms
being used herein with the meanings respectively ascribed to them in Article
XII) to obtain commitments for revolving credit loans to be made in an aggregate
outstanding principal amount not to exceed $200,000,000 on or prior to the
Revolver Expiration Date and to provide for the making of Market Rate Loans by
the several Banks; and

          WHEREAS, Banks are willing, severally and not jointly, upon the terms
and conditions hereinafter set forth, to extend such revolving loan commitments
and to make loans pursuant thereto and to make non-committed Market Rate Loans
for general working capital and other corporate purposes (including, without
limitation, acquisitions and the purchase of securities and assets, including
repurchases of the Company's securities);

              NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements herein
contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:


                                   ARTICLE I

           COMMITMENTS OF BANKS; BORROWING PROCEDURES AND CONDITIONS

          SECTION 1.1.  Commitments.  Subject to the terms and conditions of
                        -----------                                         
this Agreement, each Bank severally agrees to make Revolving Loans hereunder to
any Borrower up to the maximum amounts specified in Section 1.1.4 as follows:
                                                    ------- -----            

          SECTION 1.1.1.  Revolving Loan Commitments.  Loans on a revolving
                          --------------------------                       
basis (i.e., subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Revolving
       ---                                                                   
Loans may be borrowed, prepaid, repaid and re-borrowed) from time to time on or
before the Revolver Expiration Date to any Borrower equal to such Bank's
Percentage of the aggregate amount of such Revolving Loan (each herein called a
"Revolving Loan") except as each Bank's obligation to make Revolving Loans may
be created or modified as provided in this Section 1.1 and Section 13.5.
                                           ------- ---     ------- ---- 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-



          SECTION 1.1.2.  Term Loan Commitments.  A loan (herein called a "Term
                          ---------------------                                
Loan") on the Revolver Expiration Date in such Bank's Percentage of such
aggregate amount as Borrower may request from all Banks, such aggregate amount
not to exceed the amount of the Credit.

          SECTION 1.1.3.  Domestic and Eurodollar Loan Commitments.  Subject to
                          ----------------------------------------             
the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each Revolving Loan and each Term
Loan shall be either a Domestic Loan or a Eurodollar Loan, as Borrower shall
request in the relevant notice of borrowing pursuant to Section 1.2 or 5.4, it
                                                        ------- ---    ---    
being understood that both Domestic Loans and Eurodollar Loans may be
outstanding at the same time.  As to any Eurodollar Loan or Domestic Loan, each
Bank may, if it so elects (which election shall be made by such Bank in a manner
consistent with its undertaking contained in Section 5.7 and otherwise in good
                                             ------- ---                      
faith with a view to not increasing unnecessarily the obligations of any
Borrower hereunder), fulfill its aforesaid commitment by causing a foreign
branch or affiliate of such Bank (such foreign branch or affiliate or any U.S.
branch or affiliate from which a Bank funds a Eurodollar Loan herein called such
Bank's "Eurodollar Office") to make such Loan, provided that in such event for
the purposes of this Agreement such Eurodollar Loan shall be deemed to have been
made by such Bank, and the obligation of Borrower to repay such Eurodollar Loan
shall nevertheless be to such Bank and shall be deemed held by it, to the extent
of such Eurodollar Loan, for the account of such branch or affiliate.

          SECTION 1.1.4.  Commitment Limits.  The aggregate principal amount of
                          -----------------                                    
Revolving Loans and Term Loans which any Bank shall be committed to lend to
Borrower shall not at any one time exceed such Bank's Commitment; and the
aggregate amount of the Credit shall not at any one time exceed $190,000,000 (or
such greater or lesser amount as may be determined pursuant to this Section
                                                                    -------
1.1).  Except as may be otherwise required by Section 5.6, no Bank's obligation
- - ---                                           ------- ---                      
to make any Revolving Loan or Term Loan shall, the ratability provisions of
                                                                           
Section 1.1.3 to the contrary notwithstanding, be affected by any other Bank's
- - ------- -----                                                                 
failure or inability to make any Revolving Loan or Term Loan.

          SECTION 1.1.5.  Mandatory Reduction of the Commitments.  On the
                          --------------------------------------         
Revolver Expiration Date the Commitment of each Bank shall be reduced to zero;
                                                                              
provided that on the Revolver Expiration Date any Borrower may borrow a Term
- - --------                                                                    
Loan pursuant to Section 1.2.  The aggregate amount of the Commitments of the
                 ------- ---                                                 
Banks once reduced pursuant to this Section 1.1.5 may not be reinstated.
                                    ------- -----                       
<PAGE>
 
                                      -3-

          SECTION 1.1.6.  Optional Pro Rata Reduction.  The Company shall have
                          ---------------------------                         
the right, at any time or from time to time, upon not less than three Business
Days' prior notice to the Depositary Bank (and the Depositary Bank shall
promptly notify each Bank of each termination or reduction) to terminate or
reduce, in whole or in part, on a pro rata basis the unused portions of the
respective Commitments of the Banks, provided that each partial reduction shall
                                     --------                                  
be in an aggregate principal amount of $5,000,000 or a multiple thereof.  The
aggregate amount of the Commitments of the Banks once reduced pursuant to this
Section 1.1.6 may not be reinstated, except pursuant to Section 1.1.8.
- - ------- -----                                           ------- ----- 

          SECTION 1.1.7.  Optional Non-Pro Rata Reduction.  The Company shall
                          -------------------------------                    
have the right, upon not less than five Business Days' prior notice to a Bank
(with a copy to the Depositary Bank), to terminate in whole such Bank's
Commitment; provided, that at the time such notice of termination is given (A)
            --------                                                          
no Credit Suspension Event has occurred and is continuing and (B) either (i) the
Public Debt Rating of the Company is A-/A3 or higher or (ii) concurrently with
the termination of such Bank's Commitment a Commitment Increase becomes
effective pursuant to Section 1.1.8 in an amount not less than the Commitments
                      ------- -----                                           
concurrently being terminated pursuant to this Section 1.1.7.  Such termination
                                               ------- -----                   
shall be effective, (A) with respect to such Bank's unused Commitment, on the
date set forth in such notice, provided, however, that such date shall be no
                               --------  -------                            
earlier than ten Business Days after receipt of such notice and (B) with respect
to each Loan outstanding to such Bank, on the last day of the then current
Interest Period relating to such Loan.  Upon termination of a Bank's Commitment
under this Section 1.1.7, the Company will pay or cause to be paid all principal
           ------- -----                                                        
of, and interest accrued to the date of such payment on Loans owing to such Bank
and pay any facility fees or other fees payable to such Bank pursuant to Section
                                                                         -------
3.2, and all other amounts payable to such Bank hereunder; and upon such
- - ---                                                                     
payments, the obligations of such Bank hereunder shall, by the provisions
hereof, be released and discharged.  The aggregate amount of the Commitments of
the Banks once reduced pursuant to this Section 1.1.7, may not be reinstated,
                                        ------- -----                        
except pursuant to Section 1.1.8.
                   ------- ----- 

          SECTION 1.1.8.  Increase in Commitments.  The Company may at any time,
                          -----------------------                               
by notice to the Depositary Bank, propose that the aggregate of the Commitments
be increased in excess of the aggregate of the Commitments then in effect (a
"Commitment Increase"), effective as of a date prior to the Revolver Expiration
Date (the "Increase Date") as to which agreement is to be reached by an earlier
date specified in such notice (the
<PAGE>
 
                                      -4-

"Commitment Date"); provided, however, that (A) the minimum proposed Commitment
                    --------  -------                                          
Increase per notice shall be in an amount no less than $5,000,000, (B) no Event
of Default has occurred and is continuing and (C) the warranties of the Company
in Article VII shall be true and correct in all material respects with the same
   ------- ---                                                                 
effect as if made on such Increase Date.  The Depositary Bank shall notify the
Banks thereof promptly upon its receipt of any such notice.  If agreement is
reached on or prior to the Commitment Date with one or more Banks and Assuming
Banks, if any, as to a Commitment Increase (which may be less than specified in
the applicable notice from the Company), such agreement to be evidenced by a
notice in reasonable detail from the Company to the Depositary Bank on or prior
to the Commitment Date, the Assuming Banks, if any, shall become Banks hereunder
as of the Increase Date and the Commitments of such Banks and such Assuming
Banks shall become or be, as the case may be, as of the Increase Date the
amounts specified in such notice (and the Depositary Bank shall give notice
thereof to the Banks (including such Assuming Banks)); provided, however, that:
                                                       --------  -------       

          (a) the Depositary Bank shall have received (with copies for each
     Bank, including each Assuming Bank), on or prior to the Increase Date, an
     opinion of counsel for the Company in substantially the form of Exhibit D
                                                                     ------- -
     hereto and an opinion of counsel for each other Borrower substantially in
     the form of Exhibit F hereto, dated such Increase Date, together with a
                 ------- -                                                  
     copy, certified on the Increase Date by the Secretary or an Assistant
     Secretary of the pertinent Borrower, of the resolutions adopted by the
     Board of Directors of the Company and each such other Borrower authorizing
     such Commitment Increase;

          (b) each such Assuming Bank shall have delivered, on or prior to the
     Increase Date, to the Depositary Bank an appropriate Assumption Agreement;
     and

          (c) each Bank which proposes to increase its Commitment in connection
     with such Commitment Increase shall have delivered, on or prior to the
     Increase Date, confirmation in writing satisfactory to the Depositary Bank
     as to its increased Commitment.

In the event that the Depositary Bank shall not have received notice from the
Company as to such agreement on or prior to the Commitment Date or the Company
shall, by notice to the Depositary Bank prior to the Increase Date, withdraw
such proposal or any of the actions provided for above in clauses (a) through
                                                                  ---        
(c) of this Section 1.1.8. shall not have occurred by the Increase Date, such
- - ---         ------- ------                                                   
<PAGE>
 
                                      -5-

proposal by the Company shall be deemed not to have been made.  In such event,
the actions theretofore taken under clauses (a) through (c) of this Section
                                            ---         ---         -------
1.1.8., shall be deemed to be of no effect and all the rights and obligations of
- - ------                                                                          
the parties shall continue as if no such proposal had been made.

          Following any Commitment Increase, the Borrower shall be deemed to
repay and reborrow each Revolving Loan having an Interest Period commencing
prior to such Increase Date on the date of the continuation or conversion of any
Revolving Loan that is a Fixed Rate Loan or the next Interest Date for any
Revolving Loan that is a Prime Rate Loan.

          SECTION 1.2.  Borrowing Procedures.  Borrower shall provide The Chase
                        --------------------                                   
Manhattan Bank, N.A. (herein called "Depositary Bank"), with notice (of which
Depositary Bank shall give prompt notice to each other Bank), by 10:00 a.m. New
York City time on the day of a proposed borrowing of Prime Rate Loans, at least
two Business Days prior to each proposed borrowing of CD Loans or at least three
Eurodollar Days prior to each proposed borrowing of Eurodollar Loans, as the
case may be, of the date and amount of such borrowing (except that if the Term
Loan borrowing shall comprise both Domestic and Eurodollar Loans, there shall be
a single notice at least three Eurodollar Days prior to such proposed
borrowing), the interest rate applicable thereto and, in the case of a
Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan, the duration of the initial Interest Period.  Each
Bank shall provide Depositary Bank at its address set forth below its signature
hereto, by not later than 12:30 p.m., New York City time, on the date of a
proposed borrowing, with immediately available funds covering such Bank's
Percentage of the borrowing (or, in the case of the Term Loan borrowing, of any
excess of the aggregate Term Loan borrowing over the aggregate principal amount
of the Revolving Loans then outstanding plus accrued interest unpaid at the
Revolver Expiration Date), and Depositary Bank shall pay over such immediately
available funds to Borrower upon each Bank's (including, without limitation,
Depositary Bank's) receipt of the documents required under Article IX with
                                                           ------- --     
respect to such borrowing.  Each borrowing hereunder shall be in an aggregate
amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and at least $5,000,000.

          SECTION 1.3.  Market Rate Loans.  (a)  Notwith-standing any provisions
                        -----------------                                       
of this Agreement to the contrary, any Bank may, from time to time, make Market
Rate Loans denominated in Dollars or in any Alternate Currency to any Borrower
bearing interest at such rate (hereinafter called such Bank's "Market Rate") of
interest as may be agreed upon by the Borrower and such Bank.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -6-

Each Bank may in its sole discretion negotiate with any Borrower concerning the
offering of Loans at a Market Rate (hereinafter called "Market Rate Loans");
provided, that nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to require
- - --------                                                                     
any Bank to offer Market Rate Loans to any Borrower.  In the event that any
Borrower and any Bank agree to the making of a Market Rate Loan, such Market
Rate Loan shall be made severally by such Bank directly to such Borrower without
participation in such Market Rate Loan by any other Bank.  Such Market Rate Loan
may be on such further terms and conditions, including the right of the Borrower
to prepay such Market Rate Loan, as may be agreed upon by the Borrower and such
Bank.

          (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Agreement, all payments or prepayments made in respect of Market Rate Loans made
by a Bank pursuant to Section 1.3(a) shall be made directly to such Bank, and
                      ------- ------                                         
such Bank shall not be subject to the provisions of Section 6.3 or 6.4 in
                                                    ------- ---    ---   
respect of any such payments so received.

          (c) Upon the making of, or any repayment of principal of, any Market
Rate Loan, Borrower shall give the Depositary Bank prompt written, facsimile or
telephonic notice of such Market Rate Loan or repayment, which notice shall
state the Borrower, the principal amount of such Market Rate Loan or the amount
of such repayment, the maturity date of such Market Rate Loan (if applicable)
and, if such Market Rate Loan is an Alternate Currency Loan, the Alternate
Currency, the Dollar equivalent of the principal amount thereof and the
Alternate Currency Payment Office.

          (d) Market Rate Loans shall not be subject to the limitations on the
aggregate amount of the Credit as provided in Section 1.1.4 and shall not reduce
                                              ------- -----                     
the amount of any Bank's unused Commitment.

          (e) The Company shall designate for each Alternate Currency in which
any Borrower proposes to borrow an Alternate Currency Loan an office of a bank
at which the proceeds of Alternate Currency Loans denominated in such Alternate
Currency will be made available to Borrower and payments in such Alternate
Currency will be made (an "Alternate Currency Payment Office") by written notice
to Depositary Bank.  Any Borrower and any Bank making a Market Rate Loan that is
an Alternate Currency Loan may agree upon a different Alternate Currency Payment
Office with respect to such Market Rate Loan.  The Company or Borrower shall
provide the Depositary Bank with written notice of any such designation.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -7-

          SECTION 1.4.  Conditions to Each Loan.  Notwithstanding any other
                        -----------------------                            
provision of this Agreement, no Revolving Loan or Term Loan shall be required to
be made hereunder if the conditions precedent to the making of such Loan
specified in Article IX have not been satisfied.

                                   ARTICLE II

                             NOTES EVIDENCING LOANS

          SECTION 2.1.  Revolving Notes.  The Revolving Loans of each Bank shall
                        ---------------                                         
be evidenced by a promissory note (herein called a "Revolving Note")
substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A, with appropriate insertions,
                                       ------- -                              
payable to the order of such Bank on the Revolver Expiration Date in the
principal amount equal to the amount of such Bank's Commitment or in the
aggregate unpaid principal amount of all of its Revolving Loans, whichever is
less.  The date and amount of each Revolving Loan made by such Bank and of each
repayment of principal thereof received by such Bank, and, in the case of each
Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan, the dates on which each Interest Period as to such
Loan shall begin and end, shall be recorded by such Bank on the schedule
attached to the Revolving Note issued to such Bank, and the aggregate unpaid
principal amount shown on such schedule shall be conclusive evidence absent
demonstrable error of the principal amount owing and unpaid on such Revolving
Note.  The failure to record any such amount on such schedule shall not,
however, limit or otherwise affect the obligations of Borrower hereunder or
under any Note to repay the principal amount of the Loans together with all
interest accruing thereon or any other amount owing hereunder.  Each Revolving
Loan shall be repaid on the Revolver Expiration Date, subject to the right of
Borrower to prepay such Revolving Loan and, prior to the Revolver Expiration
Date, to reborrow hereunder, in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement.

          SECTION 2.2.  Term Notes.  The Term Loan of each Bank shall be
                        ----------                                      
evidenced by a promissory note (herein called a "Term Note") substantially in
the form set forth in Exhibit B, with appropriate insertions, dated the Revolver
                      ------- -                                                 
Expiration Date, payable to the order of such Bank in the original principal
amount of such Term Loan on the date which is one year after the Revolver
Expiration Date.

          SECTION 2.3.  Market Rate Notes.  A Market Rate Loan made by any Bank
                        -----------------                                      
to Borrower shall be evidenced by a promissory note (herein called a "Market
Rate Note") substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit C, with appropriate
                                                   ---------                  
insertions, and
<PAGE>
 
                                      -8-

containing such other terms as the Borrower and such Bank may agree.

                                  ARTICLE III

                               INTEREST AND FEES

          SECTION 3.1.  Interest.  Subject to the provisions of Section 4.4, (i)
                        --------                                ------- ---     
interest prior to maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise) on each Prime
Rate Loan shall be payable in arrears on the last day of each March, June,
September and December and on the Revolver Expiration Date (herein, subject to
the requirements of Section 3.4, and including the final maturities, by
                    ------- ---                                        
acceleration or otherwise, of all of the Revolving Loans, called a "Prime Rate
Interest Date"), and (ii) interest prior to maturity on each Eurodollar Loan and
CD Loan shall be payable on the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan
(herein called a "Fixed Rate Interest Date").  Interest from and after maturity
(whether by acceleration or otherwise) on all Loans shall be payable on demand.
Interest on each Loan shall accrue from and including the Borrowing Date
thereof, but shall not accrue on any principal amount of such Loan for the day
on which such principal amount is paid.  For purposes of the foregoing
computations, a conversion of Eurodollar Loans to Domestic Loans or of Domestic
Loans to Eurodollar Loans, or a conversion of CD Loans to Prime Rate Loans or of
Prime Rate Loans to CD Loans, or a continuation of Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans,
pursuant to Article V shall be deemed to comprise a payment of principal
            ------- -                                                   
together with the making of a concurrent Loan.

          SECTION 3.1.1.  Interest on Domestic Loans.  Interest on the unpaid
                          --------------------------                         
portion of the principal amount of Domestic Loans shall accrue until paid with
respect to each Bank at the following rates per annum:

          SECTION 3.1.1.1.  Revolving Loans and Term Loans.  (i) Prior to
                            ------------------------------               
maturity, at a rate equal to the Prime Rate, from time to time in effect, or the
CD Rate, as the Borrower has specified in its notice of borrowing pursuant to
Section 1.2 hereof; and (ii) after maturity, whether by acceleration or
- - ------- ---                                                            
otherwise, until paid, at a rate equal to the sum of the Prime Rate, in effect
from time to time, plus 1%.

          SECTION 3.1.1.2.  Changes in Prime Rate.  The applicable interest rate
                            ---------------------                               
on Prime Rate Loans shall change simultaneously with the effectiveness of each
change in the Prime Rate.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -9-

          SECTION 3.1.2.  Interest on Eurodollar Loans.  Interest on the unpaid
                          ----------------------------                         
principal amount of each Eurodollar Loan shall accrue at a rate per annum
(herein called the "Eurodollar Interest Rate") calculated for each Eurodollar
Period as follows:

          SECTION 3.1.2.1.  Revolving Loans and Term Loans.  The Eurodollar
                            ------------------------------                 
Interest Rate for each Eurodollar Period shall be a rate per annum which is
equal to the sum of the Eurodollar Margin in effect on the first day of the
applicable Eurodollar Period plus the rate obtained by dividing (i) the
arithmetic average (rounded to the nearest whole multiple of 1/16 of 1%) of the
rates per annum calculated by Depositary Bank on the basis of notification from
the Reference Banks at which Dollar deposits are offered to each Reference Bank
by prime banks in the London Interbank Eurodollar market in immediately
available funds at 11:00 a.m., London time, two Eurodollar Days before the
beginning of such Eurodollar Period for a period comparable to such Eurodollar
Period and in a principal amount comparable to the Eurodollar Loan of such
Reference Bank for such Eurodollar Period divided (and rounded to the nearest
whole multiple of 1/16 of 1%) by (ii) a percentage equal to 100% minus the then
stated maximum rate of all reserve requirements (including without limitation
any marginal, emergency, supplemental, special or other reserves) applicable to
any member bank of the Federal Reserve System in respect of Eurocurrency
liabilities as defined in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System (herein called "Regulation D") or any successor category of
liabilities under Regulation D.

          SECTION 3.1.2.2.  After Maturity.  In the event of default by any
                            --------------                                 
Borrower in the payment when due (whether by acceleration or otherwise) of part
or all of the principal amount of any Eurodollar Loan, such Borrower shall pay
interest on such unpaid amount from the date such amount shall have become due
to the date of actual payment, accruing on a daily basis, at a rate per annum
(i) in the event such default shall occur prior to the scheduled expiration of
the Eurodollar Period for such Loan, then during the remaining portion of such
Eurodollar Period, equal to 1% plus the Eurodollar Interest Rate for such
Eurodollar Period of such Loan during which such default occurred and (ii) after
the expiration of the Eurodollar Period for such Loan (or expiring concurrently
with such default) equal to the Prime Rate, from time to time in effect, plus
1%.

          SECTION 3.1.3.  Notice of CD Rate or Eurodollar Interest Rate.  The CD
                          ------------------------------- -------------         
Rate for each CD Interest Period and the Eurodollar Interest Rate for each
Eurodollar Period shall be determined by Depositary Bank as provided herein and
notice
<PAGE>
 
                                      -10-

thereof (including a calculation in reasonable detail) shall be given by
Depositary Bank promptly to each Bank and to the Company.

          SECTION 3.1.4.  Rate Determination Conclusive.  Each calculation of
                          -----------------------------                      
the Eurodollar Interest Rate or the CD Rate, furnished to the Banks and to the
Company by Depositary Bank pursuant to Section 3.1.3 shall, unless objected to
                                       ------- -----                          
by any Bank or the Company within 30 days thereafter, be conclusive and binding
upon the parties hereto, in the absence of demonstrable error.  If any one or
more of the Reference Banks is unable or for any reason fails to notify
Depositary Bank of the applicable interest rate on the day specified in Section
                                                                        -------
3.1.2.1, in the case of a Eurodollar Loan, or in the definition of "CD Rate", in
- - -------                                                                         
the case of a CD Loan, by 9:00 p.m., London time in the case of a Eurodollar
Loan and 4:00 p.m., New York City time in the case of a CD Loan, the applicable
Eurodollar Interest Rate or CD Rate, as the case may be, shall be determined on
the basis of the rate or rates of which Depositary Bank is given notice by the
remaining Reference Bank or Banks by such time.  If none of the Reference Banks
is able to notify Depositary Bank of such a rate, the provisions of clauses (a),
                                                                    ------- --- 
(b) and (c) of Section 5.5 shall apply.
- - ---     ---    ------- ---             

          SECTION 3.1.5.  Increased Cost of Fixed Rate Loans.  Borrower agrees
                          ----------------------------------                  
to pay directly to each Bank additional amounts as will compensate such Bank for
(i.e., make such Bank whole against, but only to the extent and for the duration
 ---                                                                            
of) (i) any increase in the cost to such Bank of making or maintaining any
Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan hereunder, or of its obligation to make or maintain
any Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans hereunder, or (ii) any reduction in the amount
of any sum receivable by such Bank hereunder in respect of any Eurodollar Loan
or CD Loan, from time to time, by reason of:

          (a) any reserve, special deposit, or similar requirements against
     assets of, deposits with or for the account of or credit extended by, such
     Bank which are imposed on, or deemed applicable by, such Bank, under or
     pursuant to any law, treaty, rule, regulation (including, without
     limitation, Regulation D) or requirement in effect on or after the date
     hereof, any change therein, or any interpretation thereof by any
     governmental authority charged with administration thereof or by any
     central bank or other fiscal, monetary or other authority having
     jurisdiction over the CD Loans, the Eurodollar Loans, such Bank, or a
     Eurodollar Office which is a foreign branch or affiliate of such Bank, or
     any requirement imposed by any central bank or
<PAGE>
 
                                      -11-

     such other authority, whether or not having the force of law; or

          (b) any change in (including the introduction of any new) applicable
     law, treaty, rule, regulation or requirement or in the interpretation
     thereof by any official authority, or the imposition of any requirement of
     any central bank, whether or not having the force of law, which shall
     subject such Bank or Borrower to any tax (other than taxes on net income or
     net worth or franchise taxes), levy, impost, charge, fee, duty, deduction
     or withholding of any kind whatsoever or change the taxation of a
     Eurodollar Office which is a foreign branch or affiliate of such Bank with
     respect to any Eurodollar Loan of such Bank hereunder and the interest
     thereon (other than any change which affects, and to the extent that it
     affects, the taxation of net income);
 
provided, however, that no Bank shall seek compensation for any such increase in
- - --------  -------                                                               
cost, or for any such reduction in the amount of any sum receivable, for any
period when any Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan shall be outstanding if such Bank
shall, on or prior to the date of making such Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan, have
notified the Borrower that it will not seek compensation therefor and will not
give notice thereof in accordance with the following paragraph of this Section;
provided, further, that the Borrower shall not be required to pay any additional
- - --------  -------                                                               
amount on account of any taxes imposed by the United States pursuant to this
Section 3.1.5. to any Bank which (i) is not entitled, on the date hereof (or, in
- - ------- ------                                                                  
the case of an assignee of a Bank, on the date on which the assignment to it
became effective), to submit Form 1001 or Form 4224 (or any successor forms) so
as to meet its obligations to submit such a form pursuant to Section 13.18 or
                                                             ------- -----   
Section 13.5, or (ii) shall have failed to submit any form or other
- - ------- ----                                                       
certification which it was required to file pursuant to Section 13.18 or Section
                                                        ------- -----    -------
13.5 and entitled to file under applicable law, or (iii) shall have filed any
- - ----                                                                         
such form which is incorrect or incomplete in any material respect.

          In any such event, each Bank so affected shall promptly notify
Borrower and Depositary Bank (which shall give prompt notice thereof to each
other Bank) thereof by telephone, confirmed in writing, stating the reasons
therefor and the additional amounts required fully to compensate such Bank for
such increased cost or reduced amount.  Such additional amounts shall be payable
on the Fixed Rate Interest Date of each Eurodollar Loan and CD Loan so affected,
and upon demand if such notice is not given to Borrower prior to such Fixed Rate
Interest
<PAGE>
 
                                      -12-

Date or if there are no Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans outstanding when such
notice is given, provided that such compensation will cover a period beginning
                 --------                                                     
not more than 90 days prior to such notice.  A certificate as to any such
increased cost or reduced amount (including calculations, in reasonable detail,
showing how such Bank computed such cost or reduction) shall be submitted by
each affected Bank to Borrower and Depositary Bank (which shall promptly furnish
copies thereof to each other Bank) and shall, in the absence of demonstrable
error, be conclusive and binding.

          SECTION 3.1.6.  Interest on Market Rate Loans.  The applicable
                          -----------------------------                 
interest rate, and the time of payment therefor, for each Market Rate Loan shall
be as agreed upon by Borrower and the Bank making such Market Rate Loan.

          SECTION 3.1.7.  Additional Costs.  Without limiting the effect of the
                          ----------------                                     
foregoing provisions of Section 3.1.5 (but  without duplication), the Borrower
                        ------- -----                                         
shall pay directly to each Bank from time to time on demand such amounts as such
Bank may determine to be necessary to compensate such Bank for any costs which
such Bank determines are attributable to any Revolving Loan outstanding
hereunder or to its obligation to make any Revolving Loans hereunder and to
other loans or commitments of this type in respect of any amount of capital
maintained by such Bank or any of its affiliates pursuant to any law or
regulation of any jurisdiction, or any change therein, or any interpretation,
guidelines, directive or request (whether or not having the force of law) of any
court or governmental or monetary authority, whether in effect on the date of
this Agreement or thereafter.  Without limiting the foregoing, such compensation
shall include an amount equal to any reduction in return on assets or return on
equity to a level below that which such Bank could have achieved but for such
law, regulation, change, interpretation, directive or request; provided,
                                                               -------- 
however, that no Bank shall seek compensation for any such increase in cost, or
- - -------                                                                        
for any such reduction in the amount of any sum receivable, in respect of any
Revolving Loan outstanding hereunder for any period when any Revolving Loan
shall be outstanding if such Bank shall, on or prior to the date of making such
Revolving Loan, have notified the Borrower that it will not seek compensation
therefor and will not give notice thereof in accordance with the following
paragraph of this Section.

          In any such event, each Bank so affected shall promptly notify the
Company and Depositary Bank (which shall give prompt notice thereof to each
other Bank) thereof by telephone, confirmed in writing, stating the reasons
therefor and the additional amounts required fully to compensate such Bank for
<PAGE>
 
                                      -13-

such increased cost or reduced amount.  Such additional amounts shall be payable
on the next Interest Date, or upon demand if there are no Loans outstanding when
such notice is given, provided that such compensation will cover a period
                      --------                                           
beginning not more than 90 days prior to such notice.  A certificate as to any
such increased cost or reduced amount (including calculations, in reasonable
detail, showing how such Bank computed such cost or reduction) shall be
submitted by each affected Bank to Borrower and Depositary Bank (which shall
promptly furnish copies thereof to each other Bank) and shall, in the absence of
demonstrable error, be conclusive and binding.

          SECTION 3.1.8.  Applicable Margin.  The "Eurodollar Margin" or "CD
                          -----------------                                 
Margin" means, as of any date, with respect to any Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan,
respectively, the applicable percentage set opposite the Public Debt Rating in
effect on such date:
 
Public Debt Rating              Eurodollar Margin   CD Margin
- - ------------------              -----------------   ---------

Level 1:
  AA-/Aa3                              0.225%        0.350%
  or higher
 
Level 2:
  A-/A3 or higher, but                 0.260%        0.385%
  less than Level 1
 
Level 3:
  BBB-/Baa3 or higher,                 0.425%        0.550%
  but less than Level 2
 
Level 4:
  Less than BBB-/Baa3                  0.625%        0.750%

          Any adjustment to the Eurodollar Margin or CD Margin pursuant to this
Section 3.1.8 shall become effective for Interest Periods commencing after a
- - ------- -----                                                               
public announcement of a change in debt rating which requires an adjustment to
be made hereunder.

          SECTION 3.2.  Facility Fee.  Borrower agrees to pay the Banks a
                        ------------                                     
facility fee for the period from and including June 1, 1995 to the later of the
Revolver Expiration Date or the repayment of all Revolving Loans and Term Loans
in full, equal to the percentage per annum set forth for the applicable Public
Debt Rating in the table below on the daily average amount of the Credit;
provided that no facility fee shall be payable to any
- - --------                                             
<PAGE>
 
                                      -14-

Bank on that portion of the Credit then borrowed as Prime Rate Loans as a result
of a conversion of any Fixed Rate Loan pursuant to Section 4.2, 5.5, 5.6 or 5.7.
                                                   ------- ---  ---  ---    --- 

     Public Debt Rating             Facility Fee Percentage
     ------------------             -----------------------

Level 1:
  AA-/Aa3 or higher                        0.050%

Level 2:
  A-/A3 or higher,                         0.085%
  but less than Level 1

Level 3:
  BBB-/Baa3 or higher,                     0.125%
  but less than Level 2

Level 4:
  Less than BBB-/Baa3                      0.150%

          Such facility fee shall be payable on the last day of March, June,
September and December for the period then ending for which such facility fee
shall not have been theretofore paid (the first such payment to be made on June
30, 1995) and on the earlier of the Revolver Expiration Date or the date of
termination of the Credit for any period then ending for which such facility fee
shall not have been theretofore paid.

          SECTION 3.3.  Basis of Computation.  Interest on Prime Rate Loans and
                        --------------------                                   
the facility fee shall be computed for the actual number of days elapsed on the
basis of a year consisting of 365 or, if applicable, 366 days.  Interest on
Fixed Rate Loans shall be computed for the actual number of days elapsed on the
basis of a year consisting of 360 days.  Interest on each Market Rate Loan shall
be computed on the same basis as Fixed Rate Loans unless otherwise agreed upon
by Borrower and the Bank making such Market Rate Loan.

          SECTION 3.4.  Extension of Due Date.  If any payment of principal of,
                        ---------------------                                  
or interest on, any Domestic Loan or any payment of a facility fee falls due on
a day which is not a Business Day, then such due date shall be extended to the
next following Business Day.  If any payment of principal of, or interest on,
any Eurodollar Loan falls due on a day which is not a Eurodollar Day, then such
due date shall be extended to the next Eurodollar Day, unless such Eurodollar
Day falls in another calendar month, in which case the date for payment thereof
shall be the preceding Eurodollar Day.  If the date for any payment of principal
is
<PAGE>
 
                                      -15-

extended pursuant to this Section 3.4 additional interest shall accrue and be
                          ------- ---                                        
payable for the period of such extension.

          SECTION 3.5.  Interest Rate Determination.  Each Reference Bank agrees
                        ---------------------------                             
to furnish to the Depositary Bank timely information for the purpose of
determining each Prime Rate, CD Rate or Eurodollar Rate, as applicable.  If any
one or more of the Reference Banks shall not furnish such timely information to
the Depositary Bank for determination of any such interest rate, the Depositary
Bank shall determine such interest rate on the basis of timely information
furnished by the remaining Reference Banks.  The Depositary Bank shall give
prompt notice to the Borrower and, if different, the Company and the Banks of
the applicable interest rate determined by the Depositary Bank and of the
applicable rate, if any, furnished by each Reference Bank for determining the
applicable interest rate under Section 3.1.
                               ----------- 

          SECTION 3.6.  Currency Equivalents.  For purposes of the provisions of
                        --------------------                                    
Articles I, II, III, IV and V, (i) the equivalent in Dollars of any Alternate
- - -------- -  --  ---  --     -                                                
Currency shall be determined by using the quoted spot rate at which the
principal office in New York City of the pertinent Bank or the principal office
in New York City of any affiliate of such Bank offers to exchange Dollars for
such Alternate Currency in New York City at 11:00 a.m. (New York City time), two
Business Days prior to the date on which such equivalent is to be determined,
(ii) the equivalent in any Alternate Currency of any other Alternate Currency
shall be determined by using the quoted spot rate at which such Bank's principal
office in New York City or the principal office in New York City of any
affiliate of such Bank offers to exchange such Alternate Currency for the
equivalent in Dollars of such other Alternate Currency in New York City at 11:00
a.m. (New York City time), two Business Days prior to the date on which such
equivalent is to be determined, and (iii) the equivalent in any Alternate
Currency of Dollars shall be determined by using the quoted spot rate at which
such Bank's principal office in New York City or the principal office in New
York City of any affiliate of such Bank offers to exchange such Alternate
Currency for Dollars in New York City at 11:00 a.m. (New York City time), two
Business Days prior to the date on which such equivalent is to be determined.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -16-

                                 ARTICLE IV

                                  PREPAYMENTS

          SECTION 4.1.  Prepayment Upon Reduction or Termination of the Credit.
                        ------------------------------------------------------  
On the effective date of any reduction of the Commitments pursuant to Section
                                                                      -------
1.1.6 Borrower shall prepay the amount, if any, by which the aggregate unpaid
- - -----                                                                        
principal amount of all Revolving Notes exceeds the then reduced amount of the
Credit; provided, that on the later of the termination of the Commitments in
        --------                                                            
their entirety or the maturity of the Term Loan, if made, each Borrower shall
pay in full all of its obligations hereunder and under the Notes accrued or
payable through such date (all such obligations being herein collectively called
the "Liabilities").

          SECTION 4.2.  Change in Law Rendering Fixed Rate Loans Unlawful.  In
                        ---------------------------------------- --------     
the event that any change in (including the introduction of any new) applicable
laws or regulations, or in the interpretation thereof by any governmental or
other regulatory authority charged with the administration thereof, shall make
it unlawful for any Bank to make or continue any Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan to
be made or continued by it hereunder, the obligation of such Bank pursuant to
which such Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan would otherwise be made shall, upon the
happening of such event, forthwith terminate and such Bank shall, by telephonic
notice confirmed in writing to Borrower (with a copy to Depositary Bank, which
shall give prompt notice thereof to each other Bank), declare that such
obligation has so terminated.  If any such change shall make it unlawful for
any Bank to maintain any Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan made by it hereunder, such
Bank shall, upon the happening of such event, notify Borrower thereof by
telephone, confirmed in writing (with a copy to Depositary Bank, which shall
give prompt notice thereof to each other Bank), stating the reasons therefor and
Borrower shall, at such time as required by law and no later than at the end of
the Interest Period of such Loan, convert such Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan into a
Prime Rate Loan by such Bank pursuant to the provisions (other than as to prior
notice, to the extent that compliance therewith would violate applicable law) of
Article V.  If prior to the Revolver Expiration Date circumstances subsequently
- - ------- -                                                                      
change so that any such Bank shall no longer be so affected, such Bank shall
reinstate its Commitment to make Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans upon written
notice to Borrower thereof (with a copy to Depositary Bank, which shall give
prompt notice thereof to each other Bank).
<PAGE>
 
                                      -17-

          SECTION 4.3.  Optional Prepayment.  Borrower may from time to time,
                        -------------------                                  
upon at least three Eurodollar Days' prior written notice to each Bank, prepay
the Loans in whole or in part, subject to the provisions of Sections 6.1 and
                                                            -------- ---    
6.3, without premium or penalty other than as provided in Section 4.5; provided
- - ---                                                       ------- ---  --------
however, that such optional prepayment shall, if it occurs before the Revolver
- - -------                                                                       
Expiration Date, not reduce the Credit and any partial prepayment shall be in an
aggregate principal amount of at least $5,000,000 and an integral multiple of
$1,000,000.

          SECTION 4.4.  Interest on Principal Prepaid.  Any prepayment of
                        -----------------------------                    
principal of the Loans shall include accrued interest to the date of prepayment
on the principal amount being prepaid.  Upon any conversion of a Fixed Rate Loan
pursuant to Section 4.2, 5.6 or 5.7, Borrower shall on the date of such
            ------- ---  ---    ---                                    
conversion pay accrued interest on such Fixed Rate Loan to such date.  Payments
of interest on account of a conversion pursuant to Section 4.2, 5.6 or 5.7 shall
                                                   ------- ---  ---    ---      
be made directly to each Bank so affected.

          SECTION 4.5.  Prepayment Compensation.  If (i) any optional or
                        -----------------------                         
mandatory payment or prepayment of a Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan (including,
without limitation, on account of a reduction or termination of the Credit) or
any conversion of a Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan pursuant to Article V or Section
                                                           ------- -    -------
4.2 is made on a day which is not the originally scheduled last day (designated
- - ---                                                                            
in Borrower's notice pursuant to Section 1.2 or 5.4) of an Interest Period of
                                 ------- ---    ---                          
such Loan, or (ii) the Borrower fails to borrow, continue, or convert another
Loan into, a Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan on the date for such borrowing,
continuation, or conversion specified in the Borrower's notice pursuant to
Section 1.2 or 5.4, Borrower shall pay directly to the Bank having made such
- - ------- ---    ---                                                          
Loan or which would have made such Loan such amount or amounts as will fully
compensate such Bank for any net losses and expenses incurred by it (or any
branch or affiliate thereof) in connection with its repayment  or reinvestment
in respect of funds borrowed by it or deposited with it for the purpose of
making or maintaining such Loan, it being understood that the amount of any such
                                 -- ----- ----------                            
loss shall be determined with reference only to reduced earnings derived by such
Bank on, and shall not include any loss of, any principal amount of such funds
as the result of such Bank's reinvestment thereof.  Any such payment by Borrower
to any Bank shall be payable on demand made by such Bank (accompanied by a
calculation in reasonable detail of such payment which, in the absence of
demonstrable error, shall be conclusive and binding as to the amount
thereof).
<PAGE>
 
                                      -18-

                                   ARTICLE V

                       SPECIAL PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO
                      CONTINUATION OF FIXED RATE LOANS AND
                          CONVERSION OF LOANS BETWEEN
                        EURODOLLARS AND DOMESTIC DOLLARS

          SECTION 5.1.  Continuation of Eurodollar Loans.  Borrower may elect to
                        --------------------------------                        
continue a group of Eurodollar Loans from any Eurodollar Period into a
subsequent Eurodollar Period, provided that such continuation shall take place
                              --------                                        
on the last day of the prior Eurodollar Period (herein, in such case, called a
"Continuation Date").  Such election shall be subject to the notice requirements
of Section 5.4.  If no such election is made in compliance with the requirements
   ------- ---                                                                  
hereof and Borrower does not pay in full the outstanding principal amount of any
Eurodollar Loan on the last day of the Eurodollar Period thereof, such
Eurodollar Loan shall automatically, without any notice from or to Borrower, be
converted into a Prime Rate Loan in accordance with the other provisions of this
Article V (other than as to prior notice) at the end of such Eurodollar Period.
- - ------- -                                                                      

          SECTION 5.1.1.  Continuation of CD Loans.  Borrower may elect to
                          ------------------------                        
continue a group of CD Loans from any CD Interest Period into a subsequent CD
Interest Period, provided that such continuation shall take place on the last
                 --------                                                    
day of the prior CD  Interest Period (herein, in such case, called a
"Continuation Date").  Such election shall be subject to the notice requirements
of Section 5.4.  If no such election is made in compliance with the requirements
   ------- ---                                                                  
hereof and Borrower does not pay in full the outstanding principal amount of any
CD Loan on the last day of the CD Interest Period thereof, such CD Loan shall
automatically, without any notice from or to Borrower, be converted into a Prime
Rate Loan in accordance with the other provisions of this Article V (other than
                                                          ------- -            
as to prior notice) at the end of such CD Interest Period.

          SECTION 5.2.  Conversion.  Borrower may elect (i) on any Eurodollar
                        ----------                                           
Day to convert any outstanding Domestic Loans into Eurodollar Loans or any
outstanding Eurodollar Loans into Domestic Loans and (ii) on any Business Day to
convert any outstanding CD Loans into Prime Rate Loans or any outstanding Prime
Rate Loans into CD Loans (herein, in such case, called a "Conversion Date"), it
                                                                             --
being understood that any such conversion of a Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan into
- - ----- ----------                                                              
another type of Loan on a day other than the last day of the Eurodollar Period
or CD Interest Period, as the case may be, of such Loan shall be subject to the
applicable provisions of Section 4.5.  Such
                         ------- ---       
<PAGE>
 
                                      -19-

election shall be subject to the notice requirements of Section 5.4.
                                                        ------- --- 

          SECTION 5.3.  Restrictions on Borrower's Continuation and Conversion
                        --------------------------------------- --------------
Rights.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Article V, Banks shall not
- - ------                                                ------- -                 
be obligated to effect (i) any continuation or conversion under this Article V,
                                                                     ------- - 
so long as any Event of Default or Credit Suspension Event has occurred and
remains continuing or (ii) any continuation of any type of Loan outstanding or
any conversion of any outstanding type of Loan into another type of Loan so long
as any of the circumstances described in Sections 4.2, 5.5, 5.6 and 5.7
                                         -------- ---  ---  ---     ---
affecting such continuation or conversion have occurred and remain continuing.

          SECTION 5.4.  Notice of Continuations and Conversions.  Except as
                        ---------------------------------------            
otherwise provided in this Agreement, Borrower shall, at least three Eurodollar
Days prior to any Continuation Date or Conversion Date involving a Eurodollar
Loan, or at least two Business Days prior to any Continuation Date involving a
CD Loan or conversion of a CD Loan into a Prime Rate Loan or Prime Rate Loan
into a CD Loan, give notice to Depositary Bank (which shall give prompt notice
thereof to each other Bank) of such proposed continuation or conversion, and in
the case of any Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans to be continued or to be made by
conversion on such date, as the case may be, the duration of the subsequent
Eurodollar Period or CD Interest Period thereof.

          SECTION 5.5.  Interest Rate Unascertainable.  In the event that, prior
                        -----------------------------                           
to any Borrowing Date of any group of  Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans, Banks
having, in the aggregate, a Percentage of 66 2/3% or more shall have determined
(which determination shall be conclusive and binding on all parties hereto) that
(i) with respect to Eurodollar Loans and CD Loans, the circumstances described
in the third sentence of Section 3.1.4 have occurred, or that, (ii) by reason of
       ----- --------    -------------                                          
other circumstances affecting the London interbank eurodollar market or
certificate of deposit market, adequate and reasonable means do not exist for
ascertaining the Eurodollar Interest Rate or CD Rate applicable to such group of
Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans, (a) such Banks shall give notice of such
determination promptly (and in any event within three Eurodollar Days after
making such determination with respect to Eurodollar Loans and within two
Business Days after making such determination with respect to CD Loans) to the
other parties hereto and, (b) with respect to any new Eurodollar Loans or CD
Loans, as the case may be, Borrower's request for Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans,
as the case may be, shall be deemed a request for Prime Rate Loans and (c) with
respect to outstanding Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans, as the case
<PAGE>
 
                                      -20-

may be, to be continued on such Borrowing Date, such Loans shall be converted
into Prime Rate Loans in accordance with the provisions of this Article V on
                                                                ------- -   
such Borrowing Date, notwithstanding any failure of Borrower to comply with the
notice provisions of Section 1.2 or 5.4, as the case may be.
                     ------- ---    ---                     

          SECTION 5.6.  Bank Unable to Make Eurodollar Loan.  In the event that,
                        -----------------------------------                     
prior to any Borrowing Date of any Eurodollar Loan as Borrower shall request in
its relevant notice of borrowing pursuant to Section 1.2 or 5.4, any Bank
                                             ------- ---    ---          
requested to make or continue such Eurodollar Loan shall (i) have determined
(which determination if made in good faith shall be conclusive and binding on
all parties hereto) that Dollar deposits in the relevant amount and for the
relevant Eurodollar Period for such Eurodollar Loan are not available to such
Bank in the London interbank eurodollar market by reason of law or otherwise, or
(ii) learn of any change in (including the introduction of any new) applicable
laws or regulations, or in the interpretation thereof by any governmental or
other regulatory authority charged with the administration thereof, which shall
make it unlawful for such Bank to make or continue such Eurodollar Loan for the
proposed duration thereof, such Bank shall promptly give notice of such
determination to Borrower (with a copy to Depositary Bank, which shall give
prompt notice thereof to each other Bank) and (a) with respect to any new
Eurodollar Loan, Borrower's request for such Loan shall be deemed a request for
a Prime Rate Loan, and (b) with respect to any outstanding Eurodollar Loan to be
continued on such Borrowing Date, such Loan shall be converted into a Prime Rate
Loan in accordance with the provisions of this Article V on  such Borrowing
                                               ------- -                   
Date, notwithstanding any failure of Borrower to comply with the notice
provisions of Section 1.2 or 5.4, as the case may be.
              ------- ---    ---                     

          SECTION 5.7.  Conversions Affecting Some Banks.  Within ten days of
                        --------------------------------                     
notification by any Bank that any of the circumstances described in Section
                                                                    -------
3.1.5 or 3.1.7 shall have occurred and remain continuing with respect to any
- - -----    -----                                                              
outstanding Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan made by such Bank, Borrower may elect to
convert such Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan to a Prime Rate Loan.  Borrower shall,
at least three Eurodollar Days prior to the proposed Conversion Date in respect
of such Eurodollar Loan or two Business Days prior to the proposed Conversion
Date in respect of such CD Loan, give notice of such conversion to Depositary
Bank (which shall give prompt notice to each other Bank).  The exemption from
the ratability provisions of Section 1.1.3 shall apply to all Banks or Loans
                             ------- -----                                  
affected by conversions made pursuant to this Section or Section 4.2 or 5.6 and
                                              -------    ------- ---    ---    
so long as any of the circumstances which permitted or required such
<PAGE>
 
                                      -21-

conversion shall remain continuing.  Any Bank so affected shall use all
commercially reasonable efforts to cease being so affected, it being understood
                                                            -- ----- ----------
that such obligation shall in no way reduce the rights of Banks hereunder nor
require any Bank to take any action which would have a material adverse effect
on such Bank, to make any Eurodollar Loan at any office located in the United
States or to fund any Eurodollar Loan in domestic Dollars.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                    MAKING AND PRORATION OF PAYMENTS; OFFSET

          SECTION 6.1.  Making of Payments.  All payments made by Borrower
                        ------------------                                
hereunder shall be in immediately available funds and, except for payments
pursuant to Sections 1.3(b), 3.1.5, 3.1.7 and 4.5 and as otherwise indicated in
            -------- ------  -----  -----     ---                              
Sections 3.2 and 4.4, shall be made to Depositary Bank at its address set forth
- - -------- ---     ---                                                           
below its signature hereto not later than 12:30 p.m., New York City time, on the
date due; funds received after that hour shall be deemed to have been received
by Depositary Bank on the next Eurodollar Day or Business Day, as the case may
be.  Depositary Bank shall remit in immediately available funds to each Bank or
other holder its share of all such payments received by Depositary Bank for the
account of such Bank or holder, as determined pursuant to Section 6.3, promptly
                                                          ------- ---          
(and, in the event of any payment received prior to 12:30 p.m., New York City
time, on any Business Day, on such Business Day).

          SECTION 6.2.  Payment on Revolver Expiration Date.  Any Borrower may
                        -----------------------------------                   
effect payment of all or part of the Revolving Loans, together with accrued
interest thereon, on the Revolver Expiration Date by directing Depositary Bank,
in Borrower's notice of its proposed borrowing of the Term Loans pursuant to
Section 1.2, to apply the proceeds of the Term Loans to the extent necessary to
- - ------- ---                                                                    
the concurrent payment of principal of and interest on the Revolving Loans;
provided, that the aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan shall not exceed
- - --------                                                                       
the amount of the Credit.

          SECTION 6.3.  Allocation of Payments.  All payments of principal of
                        ----------------------                               
the Revolving Notes and Term Notes by Borrower shall be for the account of the
holders of the Revolving Notes and Term Notes pro rata according to the
respective unpaid principal amounts of the Revolving  Notes and Term Notes held
by them, and shall be applied by each such holder (except as Borrower may, in a
manner not inconsistent with other terms and provisions hereof, otherwise elect
in a notice, furnished on or prior to the date of
<PAGE>
 
                                      -22-

such payment, to Depositary Bank, which shall give prompt notice thereof to each
other Bank) first to its then outstanding Domestic Loans other than Loans made
by conversions pursuant to Section 4.2, 5.6 or 5.7 (herein called an "Equivalent
                           ------- ---  ---    ---                              
Domestic Loan"), second to any then outstanding Equivalent Domestic Loans, and
finally to its then outstanding Eurodollar Loans.  (For purposes of this
Section, any Equivalent Domestic Loan shall be deemed an ordinary Domestic Loan
to the extent that the Eurodollar Loan from which such Equivalent Domestic Loan
was converted would otherwise have been converted to any ordinary Domestic
Loan.)

          All payments of interest on Domestic Loans hereunder, except
Equivalent Domestic Loans made by an affected Bank pursuant to Section 4.2, 5.6
                                                               ------- ---  ---
or 5.7, shall be for the account of the holders of the Revolving Notes and Term
   ---                                                                         
Notes pro rata according to the respective unpaid principal amounts of Domestic
Loans evidenced by the Revolving Notes and Term Notes held by them; all payments
of interest on Equivalent Domestic Loans made by an affected Bank pursuant to
Section 4.2, 5.6 or 5.7, shall be for the account of the holders of the
- - ------- ---  ---    ----                                               
Revolving Notes and Term Notes pro rata according to the respective unpaid
principal amounts of Equivalent Domestic Loans evidenced by the Revolving Notes
and Term Notes held by them; and all payments of interest on Eurodollar Loans
hereunder, except those pursuant to Section 4.4 on account of a conversion
                                    ------- ---                           
pursuant to Section 4.2, 5.6 or 5.7, shall be for the account of the holders of
            ------- ---  ---    ---                                            
the Revolving Notes and Term Notes pro rata according to the respective unpaid
principal amounts of Eurodollar Loans evidenced by the Revolving Notes and Term
Notes held by them.

          All payments of facility fees shall be for the account of all Banks
pro rata according to the daily average amount of each Bank's Commitment,
provided that any reduction of facility fees in respect of Equivalent Domestic
Loans that are Prime Rate Loans shall be borne pro rata by each affected Bank
under Section 4.2, 5.5, 5.6 or 5.7.
      ------- ---  ---  ---    --- 

          Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6.3 payments of
                                                      ------- ---            
principal, interest, facility fees and other obligations hereunder to any Bank
upon termination of its Commitment pursuant to Section 1.1 or pursuant to
                                               ------- ---               
Section 3.1.7 shall be solely for the account of such Bank.
- - ------- -----                                              

          SECTION 6.4.  Proration of Other Recoveries.  If any Bank or other
                        -----------------------------                       
holder of a Revolving Note or Term Note shall obtain any payment or other
recovery (whether voluntary, involuntary, by application of offset or
otherwise), other than a
<PAGE>
 
                                      -23-

prepayment compensation pursuant to Section 4.5, on account of principal of or
                                    ------- ---                               
interest on any Revolving Note or Term Note, or facility fees, in excess of its
pro rata share, as determined pursuant to Section 6.3, of payments and other
                                          ------- ---                       
recoveries obtained by all Banks or other holders on account of principal of and
interest on Revolving Notes or Term Notes then held by them, or facility fees,
such Bank or other holder shall purchase from the other Banks or holders such
participation in the Revolving Notes or Term Notes held by them, or shall make
such other payments, as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Bank or
other holder to share the excess payment or other recovery ratably with each of
them; provided, however, that if all or any portion of the excess payment or
      --------  -------                                                     
other recovery is thereafter recovered from such purchasing holder, the purchase
shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such
recovery, but without interest.

          SECTION 6.5.  Offset.  In addition to and not in limitation of all
                        ------                                              
rights of offset that any Bank or other holder of a Note may have under
applicable law, each Bank or other holder of a Note shall, upon the occurrence
of any Event of Default described in Section 11.1.3 or any Credit Suspension
                                     ------- ------                         
Event which would constitute such an Event of Default described in Section
                                                                   -------
11.1.3, have the right, subject to Section 6.4, to appropriate and apply to the
- - ------                             ------- ---                                 
payment of such Note any and all balances, credits, deposits, accounts or moneys
of Borrower then or thereafter with such Bank or other holder.  If, in the
aggregate, the recovery by the Banks by offset, under applicable law, or
otherwise shall exceed the obligations of Borrower under the Notes and
hereunder, any Bank receiving such an excess agrees to promptly restore the same
to Borrower.

                                  ARTICLE VII

                                  WARRANTIES

          To induce Banks to grant the Credit and to make Loans hereunder, the
Company warrants to Banks that:

          SECTION 7.1.  Organization, etc.  The Company is a corporation duly
                        -----------------                                    
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New York; and each
Significant Subsidiary is a corporation duly existing and in good standing under
the laws of the jurisdiction of its respective incorporation.

          SECTION 7.2.  Authorization; No Conflict.  The execution and delivery
                        --------------------------                             
of this Agreement, the borrowings hereunder, the execution and delivery of the
Notes, and the
<PAGE>
 
                                      -24-

performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement and the
Notes, are within the Company's corporate powers, have been duly authorized by
all necessary corporate action, have received all necessary governmental
approval (if any shall be required), and do not and will not violate, contravene
or conflict in any material respect with any provision of law or of the charter
or by-laws of the Company or of any judgment or any material agreement or
indenture binding upon or applicable to the Company the contravention of or
conflict with which would materially adversely effect the consolidated financial
condition or continued operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a whole
or materially impair the ability of the Company to perform any of its
obligations hereunder.

          SECTION 7.3.  Validity and Binding Nature.  This Agreement is, and the
                        ---------------------------                             
Notes when duly executed and delivered will be, legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Company enforceable against it in accordance with their
respective terms, subject only to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforceability of rights of creditors
generally.

          SECTION 7.4.  Financial Statements.  The Company's audited
                        --------------------                        
consolidated financial statements as at December 31, 1994, copies of which have
been furnished to each Bank, have been prepared in conformity with GAAP applied
on a basis consistent with that of the preceding fiscal year and fairly present
the financial condition of the Company and its Consolidated Subsidiaries as at
such date and the results of their operations for the period covered by such
statements.

          SECTION 7.5.  Litigation.  No litigation or arbitration proceedings
                        ----------                                           
are pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company
or any Significant Subsidiary as to which there is a reasonable likelihood of an
adverse determination and which would reasonably be expected to have a material
adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or continued operations
of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a whole or materially impair the ability
of the Company to perform any of its obligations hereunder.

          SECTION 7.6.  Liens.  None of the assets of the Company is subject to
                        -----                                                  
any mortgage, pledge, title retention lien, or other lien, encumbrance or
security interest which is not permitted by Section 8.6.
                                            ------- --- 

          SECTION 7.7.  ERISA.  Neither the Company nor any Significant
                        -----                                          
Subsidiary has incurred any liability to the Pension
<PAGE>
 
                                      -25-

Benefit Guaranty Corporation in connection with any employee benefit plan which
could reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect the consolidated
financial condition or continued operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries
as a whole or materially impair the ability of the Company to perform any of its
obligations hereunder.

          SECTION 7.8.  Investment Company Act.  The Company is not an
                        ----------------------                        
"investment company," or a company "controlled" by or "controlling" an
"investment company," within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended.

          SECTION 7.9.  Public Utility Holding Company Act.  Neither the Company
                        ----------------------------------                      
nor any of its Subsidiaries is a "holding company," or a "subsidiary company" of
a "holding company," or an "affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a
"subsidiary company" of a "holding company," within the meaning of the Public
Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.

          SECTION 7.10.  Regulations G, U, and X.  The Company will not use the
                         -----------------------                               
proceeds of the Loans in violation of Regulations G, U, and X of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                                   COVENANTS

          Until the expiration or termination of the Credit and thereafter until
all Liabilities are paid in full, the Company agrees that, unless at any time
Banks having, in the aggregate, a Percentage of 66 2/3% or more shall otherwise
expressly consent in writing, it will:

          SECTION 8.1.  Reports, Certificates and Other
                        -------------------------------
Information.  Furnish to each Bank:
- - -----------                        

          SECTION 8.1.1.  Audit Report.  Within 120 days after each fiscal year
                          ------------                                         
of the Company, a copy of an annual audit report of the Company and its
Subsidiaries prepared on a consolidated basis and in conformity with GAAP, duly
certified by, and containing an opinion of, Ernst & Young or other independent
certified public accountants of recognized national standing selected by the
Company, which opinion shall be unqualified (excepting any qualification
relating to any change in the application of GAAP concurred in by such
accountants).  The requirements of this Section (other than the requirement that
any opinion shall be unqualified as aforesaid) shall be satisfied by
<PAGE>
 
                                      -26-

the Company's furnishing each Bank with a copy of its annual report on Form 10-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with the
instructions therefor.

          SECTION 8.1.2.  Interim Reports.  Within 60 days after each quarter
                          ---------------                                    
(except the last quarter) of each fiscal year of the Company, a copy of an
unaudited financial statement of the Company and its Subsidiaries prepared on a
consolidated basis and in conformity with GAAP applied on a basis consistent
with the most recent audit report referred to in Section 8.1.1, signed by a
                                                 ------- -----             
proper accounting officer of the Company and consisting of at least a balance
sheet as at the close of such quarter, a  statement of earnings for such quarter
and for the period from the beginning of such fiscal year to the close of such
quarter and a statement of cash flows for the period from the beginning of such
fiscal year to the close of such quarter.  The requirements of this Section
shall be satisfied by the Company's furnishing each Bank with a copy of its
quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
in accordance with the instructions therefor.

          SECTION 8.1.3.  Certificates.  Contemporaneously with the furnishing
                          ------------                                        
of a copy of each annual audit report and of each quarterly statement provided
for in Section 8.1.1 or 8.1.2, a certificate dated the date of such annual
       ------- -----    -----                                             
report or such quarterly statement and signed by the Chairman of the Board, any
Senior Vice President, the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer of the
Company, to the effect that no Event of Default or Credit Suspension Event has
occurred and is continuing, or, if there is any such event, describing it and
the steps, if any, being taken to cure it.

          SECTION 8.1.4.  Reports to SEC and to Shareholders.  Copies of each
                          ----------------------------------                 
report on Form 10-K, 10-Q or 8-K (excluding exhibits thereto) made by any
Borrower with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and of each annual report,
quarterly report, special report or proxy statement from the Company to its
shareholders generally, promptly after the filing or making thereof.

          SECTION 8.1.5.  Notice of Default or Litigation.  Forthwith upon
                          -------------------------------                 
learning of the occurrence of an Event of Default, or a Credit Suspension Event,
or of the institution of, or any adverse determination in, any litigation or
arbitration proceeding as to which there is a reasonable likelihood of an
adverse determination and which would reasonably be expected to have a material
adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or continued operations
of the Company and its
<PAGE>
 
                                      -27-

Subsidiaries as a whole or materially impair the ability of the Company to
perform any of its obligations hereunder, written notice thereof describing the
same and the steps being taken by the Company or the Subsidiary affected with
respect thereto.

          SECTION 8.1.6.  ERISA.  As soon as practicable after the occurrence of
                          -----                                                 
any Reportable Event (as defined in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974) which is material to the Company and its Significant Subsidiaries taken
as a whole, in connection with any employee pension benefit plan maintained by
the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, written notice thereof describing the
same.

          SECTION 8.1.7.  Other Information.  From time to time such other
                          -----------------                               
information concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries as any Bank may
reasonably request.

          SECTION 8.2.  Books, Records and Inspections.  Maintain, and cause
                        ------------------------------                      
each Subsidiary to maintain, proper books and records in the form customarily
employed by them; permit, and cause each Subsidiary to permit, upon reasonable
notice and during normal business hours, access by any Bank to the books and
records of the Company and of any Subsidiary; and permit, and cause each
Subsidiary to permit, any Bank to inspect upon reasonable notice and during
normal business hours the properties and operations of the Company and of any
Subsidiary.

          SECTION 8.3.  Insurance.  Maintain, and cause each Significant
                        ---------                                       
Subsidiary to maintain, such insurance as may be required by law and such other
insurance to such extent and against such hazards and liabilities, as is
customarily maintained by companies similarly situated.

          SECTION 8.4.  Taxes and Liabilities.  Pay, and cause each Significant
                        ---------------------                                  
Subsidiary to pay, when due all taxes, assessments and other liabilities except
as contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings.

          SECTION 8.5.  Purchase or Redemption of the Company's Securities;
                        --------------------------------------- -----------
Dividend Restrictions.  Not purchase, prepay or redeem, or permit any Subsidiary
- - ---------------------                                                           
to purchase, any shares of the capital stock of the Company, not declare or pay
any dividends thereon (other than stock dividends), not make any distribution to
shareholders or set aside any funds for any such purpose, not prepay, and not
permit any Subsidiary to purchase or prepay, any subordinated indebtedness for
borrowed money of the Company if, after giving effect thereto, any Event of
Default or Credit Suspension Event shall have occurred and be continuing;
provided
- - --------
<PAGE>
 
                                      -28-

that the foregoing shall not prevent the payment of any dividend or distribution
within 60 days of the declaration thereof if, on the date of such declaration,
such dividend or distribution would have complied with this Section 8.5.
                                                            ------- --- 

          SECTION 8.6.  Liens.  If the ratio of Consolidated Debt to
                        -----                                       
Consolidated Capitalization of the Company is more than 0.35:1, not create,
incur, assume or suffer to exist any mortgage, pledge, lien or other encumbrance
of any kind (including the charge upon property purchased under conditional
sales or other title retention agreements) upon, or any security interest in,
any of its property or assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, except
(i) liens for taxes, assessments and governmental charges not delinquent or
being contested in good faith or by appropriate proceedings and for which
adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (ii) existing
liens securing indebtedness, including mortgage debt, as reflected in the
Company's consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1994, (iii) liens
arising in favor of the United States Government, any state or local government
or any subdivision or agency thereof in the ordinary course of the Company's
business with any of the foregoing for advances, progress payments or partial
prepayments, (iv) liens in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment
insurance or social security obligations, (v) liens or deposits or pledges to
secure bids, tenders, contracts (other than contracts for repayment of borrowed
money), leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, indemnity,
performance and similar bonds and other obligations of like nature arising in
the ordinary course of business, (vi) mechanics', workmen's, materialmen's,
carriers', warehousemen's or other like liens arising in the ordinary course of
business with respect to obligations which are not due or which are being
contested in good faith or by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate
reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (vii) liens arising out
of judgments or awards with respect to which appeals are being prosecuted, levy
of execution pending such appeal having been stayed, (viii) rights-of-way,
easements, water rights, sewage and drainage rights, zoning or use regulations
or similar defects in title which do not materially impair the use of any
property for the purposes for which held, (ix) the lien or any right or
privilege reserved in leases for rent to secure compliance with the terms of any
lease, but not including any lien arising from a violation of any lease
provision other than one relating to conditional assignment of rents, (x) liens
of attachment not exceeding in the aggregate $15,000,000 outstanding at any one
time, (xi) liens of attachment exceeding in the aggregate $15,000,000 (but not
exceeding in the aggregate $150,000,000)
<PAGE>
 
                                      -29-

outstanding at any one time, provided, however, that any such liens shall be
released, discharged or vacated by bonding or otherwise within 30 days, (xii)
deposits to obtain releases of liens imposed by law and permitted hereunder,
(xiii) any mortgage, encumbrance or other lien upon, or security interest in,
any property or asset (whether real, personal or mixed) hereafter acquired
created contemporaneously with or within 365 days after such acquisition to
secure or provide for the payment or financing of any part of the purchase price
thereof, or the assumption of any mortgage, encumbrance or lien upon, or
security interest in, any such property or asset hereafter acquired existing at
the time of such acquisition, or the acquisition of any such property or asset
subject to any mortgage, encumbrance or other lien or security interest without
the assumption thereof (provided, at any one time that each such mortgage,
                        --------                                          
encumbrance, lien or security interest shall attach only to the property or
asset so acquired and improvements thereon), (xiv) other liens which do not, in
the aggregate, relate to or secure obligations exceeding 5% of Consolidated
Capitalization, (xv) any encumbrance or lien upon margin stock and (xvi) any
renewal, modification, extension, refinancing or replacement of any mortgage,
encumbrance, lien or security interest permitted under clause (ii), (xiii) or
(xiv), provided that the amount of indebtedness secured thereby is not increased
and that any such mortgage, encumbrance, lien, or security interest is limited
to all or part of the same property and any fixed improvement thereon; provided,
                                                                       -------- 
that nothing in this Section 8.6 shall be construed as prohibiting (x)
                     ------- ---                                      
conveyances of property to a political subdivision pursuant to an industrial
revenue or pollution control bond financing whereby equitable title to such
property remains in the Company (provided, however, any mortgage, deed of trust
or other security interest in the facility in connection therewith  shall not be
so excluded), or (y) the deposit of property or money with a trustee or other
entity, or the establishment of an escrow, trust or similar account, for the
purpose of defeasing indebtedness of the Company.

          SECTION 8.7.  Mergers and Consolidations.  Not be a party to any
                        --------------------------                        
merger or consolidation unless (i) after giving effect to such merger or
consolidation, no Event of Default and no Credit Suspension Event shall have
occurred and be continuing, (ii) the corporation resulting from or surviving
such merger or consolidation (if other than the Company) shall expressly assume
in writing (in a form reasonably acceptable to Banks having, in the aggregate, a
Percentage of 66 2/3% or more) and agree to perform all the Company's
obligations under this Agreement and (iii) immediately after giving effect to
such merger or consolidation the surviving corporation shall have a Consolidated
<PAGE>
 
                                      -30-

Net Worth at least equal to the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company
immediately preceding such merger or consolidation; provided, that nothing in
                                                    --------                 
this Agreement shall prevent the merger of any Subsidiary with and into the
Company or into another Subsidiary or the liquidation of any Subsidiary.

          SECTION 8.8.  Sale or Other Disposition of Assets.  Not, and not
                        -----------------------------------               
permit any Subsidiary to, sell or otherwise dispose of,  whether by merger or
otherwise, all or any substantial portion of its assets, except (i) to or with
any other Subsidiary or the Company, (ii) in the ordinary course of business,
(iii) all of the assets of, or the ownership interest in, any Subsidiary which
is not a Significant Subsidiary or (iv) on such other terms and conditions as
shall have been approved by the Company's Board of Directors but, in the case of
any transfer made pursuant to clause (iii) or (iv), only if, after giving effect
                              ------ -----    ----                              
thereto, no Event of Default or Credit Suspension Event shall have occurred and
be continuing.

          SECTION 8.9.  Interest Coverage and Consolidated Debt to Consolidated
                        -------------------------------------------------------
Capitalization Ratio.  Not permit, as of the end of any fiscal quarter, both (A)
- - --------------------                                                            
the ratio of Consolidated EBDIT to Consolidated Cash Interest Expense for the
twelve month period including such fiscal quarter and the three immediately
preceding fiscal quarters to be less than 2.50 to 1.0 and (B) the ratio of
Consolidated Debt to Consolidated Capitalization at the end of such fiscal
quarter to be more than .60 to 1.0.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                             CONDITIONS OF LENDING

          SECTION 9.1.  Initial Revolving Loans.  The obligation of each Bank to
                        -----------------------                                 
make its initial Revolving Loan hereunder is subject to the receipt by such Bank
of all of the following, each duly executed:

          SECTION 9.1.1.  Revolving Note.  The Revolving Note of the Company
                          --------------                
 payable to the order of such Bank.

          SECTION 9.1.2.  Resolutions.  Copies of resolutions of the Board of
                          -----------                                        
Directors of the Company authorizing or ratifying the execution, delivery and
performance, respectively, of this Agreement, the Notes, and other documents
provided for in this Agreement, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary of the Company.

          SECTION 9.1.3.  Consents, etc.  Copies of all documents evidencing any
                          -------------                                         
necessary corporate action, consents and governmental approvals (if any) with
respect to this Agreement
<PAGE>
 
                                      -31-

and the Notes, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the
Company.

          SECTION 9.1.4.  Incumbency and Signatures.  A Certificate of the
                          -------------------------                       
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company certifying the names of the
officer or officers of the Company authorized to sign this Agreement and the
Notes and other documents provided for in this Agreement, together with a sample
of the true signature of each such officer.

          SECTION 9.1.5.  Opinion of Counsel to Borrower.  The opinion of
                          ------------------------------                 
Messrs. Cahill Gordon & Reindel, counsel for the Company, addressed to Banks,
substantially in the form of Exhibit D.

          SECTION 9.1.6.  Other.  Such other documents as any Bank may
                          -----                          
 reasonably request.

          SECTION 9.2.  All Revolving Loans.  The obligation of each Bank to
                        -------------------                                 
make each Revolving Loan (including, without limitation, its initial Revolving
Loan but excluding, however, any Loan made by a continuation or conversion
pursuant to Article V and any repayment and reborrowing deemed to have been made
            ------- -                                                           
pursuant to Section 1.1.8) is subject to the following further conditions
            ------- -----                                                
precedent that:

          SECTION 9.2.1.  No Default.  After giving effect to all Loans then
                          ----------                                        
being made (a) no Event of Default, or Credit Suspension Event, shall have
occurred and be continuing, (b) the warranties of the Company contained in
                                                                          
Sections 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 and 7.10 shall be true and correct in
- - -------- ---  ---  ---  ---  ---  ---  ---     ----                             
all material respects with the same effect as though made on such date and (c)
if the Borrower of such Loan is a Designated Subsidiary, the warranties of such
Borrower in its Designation Letter shall be true and correct in all material
respects with the same effect as though made on such date.

          SECTION 9.2.2.  Confirmatory Certificate.  Depositary Bank shall have
                          ------------------------                             
received (in sufficient number of signed counterparts to provide, and Depositary
Bank shall provide, one to each Bank) a certificate dated the date of such
requested Loan and signed by the Chairman of the Board, any Senior Vice
President, the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer of the Company as to the
matters set out in Sections 9.2.1 and 9.2.3.
                   -------- -----     ----- 

          SECTION 9.2.3.  Litigation.  No litigation, arbitration proceedings or
                          ----------                                            
governmental investigation or proceedings not disclosed in writing by the
Company to Banks prior to the date of the immediately preceding Revolving Loan
hereunder (or in the case of the initial Revolving Loan, prior to the date of
execution and delivery of this Agreement) is pending or known to
<PAGE>
 
                                      -32-

be threatened against the Company or any Subsidiary and no material development
not so disclosed has occurred in any litigation, arbitration proceeding or
governmental proceeding so disclosed, which in the opinion of Banks having, in
the aggregate, a Percentage of 66 2/3% or more, is likely to materially
adversely affect the consolidated financial condition or continued operations of
the Company and its Subsidiaries as a whole or materially impair the ability of
the Company to perform its obligations hereunder.

          SECTION 9.3.  Initial Loan to Any Designated Subsidiary.  The
                        -----------------------------------------      
obligation of each Bank to make the initial Loan to each Designated Subsidiary
hereunder is subject to the further conditions precedent that such Bank shall
have received:

          SECTION 9.3.1.  Basic Documents.  The Revolving Note of such
                          ---------------                             
Designated Subsidiary payable to the order of the Bank and, with respect to such
Designated Subsidiary the documents contemplated by Sections 9.1.2, 9.1.3 and
                                                    -------- -----  -----    
9.1.4.
- - ----- 

          SECTION 9.3.2.  Designation.  The Designation Letter of such
                          -----------                                 
Designated Subsidiary, substantially in the form of Exhibit E.

          SECTION 9.3.3.  Opinion of Counsel.  A signed copy of an opinion of
                          ------------------                                 
counsel to such Designated Subsidiary, substantially in the form of Exhibit F.
                                                                    ------- - 

          SECTION 9.4.  Term Loans.  The obligation of each Bank to make Term
                        ----------                                           
Loans is subject to the conditions precedent (i) that such Bank shall have
received the Term Note of Borrower payable to the order of such Bank, duly
executed and dated the date of such Term Loan, and that the principal of and
accrued interest on all Revolving Notes shall have been or be paid in full prior
to or concurrently with the making of such Term Loan and (ii) that, if the
original principal amount of such Bank's Term Notes exceeds the principal amount
of its Revolving Notes outstanding immediately prior thereto, each of the
conditions precedent set forth in Sections 9.2.1 through 9.2.3 shall have been
                                  --------------         -----                
satisfied as if such Term Loan were a Revolving Loan.

                                   ARTICLE X

                                   GUARANTEE

          SECTION 10.1.  Unconditional Guarantee.  For valuable consideration,
                         -----------------------                              
receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and to induce each Bank to make Loans to
the Designated Subsidiaries, the Company, as principal and not merely as surety,
hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to each Bank that:  (i) the
principal of and interest on each Loan to each Designated
<PAGE>
 
                                      -33-

Subsidiary shall be promptly paid in full when due (whether at stated maturity,
by acceleration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms hereof, and, in case
of any extension of time of payment, in whole or in part, of such Loan, that all
such sums shall be promptly paid when due (whether at stated maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of such extension; and
(ii) all other amounts payable hereunder by any Designated Subsidiary to any
Bank shall be promptly paid in full when due in accordance with the terms hereof
(the obligations of the Designated Subsidiaries under these subsections (i) and
(ii) of this Section 10.1 being the "Obligations").
             ------- ----                          

          In addition, the Company hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees
that upon default in the payment when due (whether at stated maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise) of any principal of, or interest on, any Loan to any
Designated Subsidiary or such other amounts payable by any Designated Subsidiary
to any Bank, the Company will forthwith pay the same, without further notice or
demand.

          SECTION 10.2.  Guarantee Absolute.  The Company guarantees that the
                         ------------------                                  
Obligations will be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, regardless of any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect
in any jurisdiction affecting any of such terms or the rights of any Bank with
respect thereto.  The liability of the Company under this guarantee shall be
absolute and unconditional irrespective of:  (i) any lack of validity or
enforceability of this Agreement or any other agreement or instrument relating
thereto; (ii) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any
other term of, all or any of the Obligations,or any other amendment or waiver of
or any consent to departure from this Agreement (including, without limitation,
any extension of the Revolver Expiration Date or any Commitment Increase); (iii)
any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to departure from any other
guaranty, for all or any of the Obligations; or (iv) any other circumstance
which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the
Company, any Borrower or a guarantor.

          The guarantee shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the
case may be, if at any time any payment of any of the Obligations is rescinded
or must otherwise be returned by any of the Banks upon the insolvency,
bankruptcy or reorganization of the Company or any Borrower or otherwise, all as
though such payment had not been made.

          SECTION 10.3.  Waivers.  The Company hereby expressly waives
                         -------                                      
diligence, notice of acceptance of this guarantee, presentment, demand for
payment, protest, any requirement that any right or power be exhausted or any
action be taken against
<PAGE>
 
                                      -34-

any Designated Subsidiary or against any other guarantor of all or any portion
of the Loans, and all other notices and demands whatsoever.

          The Company irrevocably waives any and all rights to which it may be
entitled, by operation of law or otherwise, upon the making of any payment under
the guarantee contained in this Article X to be subrogated to the rights of the
                                ------- -                                      
payee against any Designated Subsidiary with respect to such payment or to
otherwise be reimbursed, indemnified or exonerated by a Designated Subsidiary in
respect thereof.

          SECTION 10.4.  Remedies.  Each of the Banks may pursue its respective
                         --------                                              
rights and remedies under this Article X and shall be entitled to payment
                               ------- -                                 
hereunder notwithstanding any other guarantee of all or any part of the Loans to
the Designated Subsidiaries, and notwithstanding any action taken by any such
Bank to enforce any of its rights or remedies under such other guarantee, or any
payment received thereunder.  The Company hereby irrevocably waives any claim or
other rights that it may now or hereafter acquire against the Designated
Subsidiary that arise from the existence, payment, performance or enforcement of
the Company's obligations under this Article X, including, without limitation,
                                     ------- -                                
any right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution or
indemnification and any right to participate in any claim or remedy of the Banks
against the Designated Subsidiary, whether or not such claim, remedy or right
arises in equity or under contract, statute or common law, including, without
limitation, the right to take or receive from the Designated Subsidiary,
directly or indirectly, in cash or other property or by set-off or in any other
manner, payment or security on account of such claim, remedy or right.  If any
amount shall be paid to the Company in violation of the preceding sentence at
any time when all the Obligations shall not have been paid in full, such amount
shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Banks and shall forthwith be paid
to the Depositary Bank for the accounts of the respective Banks to be credited
and applied to the Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement, or to be held as collateral for any Obligations or
other amounts payable under this Agreement thereafter arising.  The Company
acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the
financing arrangements contemplated by this Agreement and that the waiver set
forth in this section is knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.

          SECTION 10.5.  Survival.  This guaranty is a continuing guaranty and
                         --------                                             
shall (i) remain in full force and effect until payment in full of the
Obligations and all other amounts payable under this guaranty, (ii) be binding
upon the Company, its successors and assigns, (iii) inure to the benefit of and
be
<PAGE>
 
                                      -35-

enforceable by each Bank and their respective successors, transferees and
assigns and (iv) be reinstated if at any time any payment to a Bank hereunder is
required to be restored by such Bank.

                                   ARTICLE XI

                       EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND THEIR EFFECT

          SECTION 11.1.  Events of Default.  Each of the following shall
                         -----------------              
constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement:

          SECTION 11.1.1.  Non-Payment of Notes, etc.  Default, and continuance
                           -------------------------                           
thereof for five days after the due date thereof, in the payment when due of any
interest on any Note or any facility fee, or default in the payment when due of
any principal of any Note or other amounts payable by any Borrower hereunder
(excluding, however, to the extent disputed by Borrower in good faith, amounts
payable pursuant to Section 3.1.5, 3.1.7 or 4.5 in an aggregate amount not
                    ------- -----  -----    ---                           
exceeding $1,000,000 for all Banks).

          SECTION 11.1.2.  Non-Payment of Other Indebtedness.  Default in the
                           ---------------------------------                 
payment when due (subject to any applicable grace period), whether by
acceleration or otherwise, of any other indebtedness for borrowed money or other
obligations evidenced by a note, debenture, or similar instrument (including
capitalized lease obligations) in an aggregate principal amount exceeding
$50,000,000 of, or guaranteed by, the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or
default in the performance or observance of any obligation or condition with
respect to any such other indebtedness if the effect of such default in the
performance or observance is to accelerate the maturity of any such indebtedness
or to permit the holder or holders thereof, or any trustee or agent for such
holders, to cause such indebtedness to become due and payable prior to its
expressed maturity.

          SECTION 11.1.3.  Bankruptcy, Insolvency, etc.  (i) The Company or any
                           ---------------------------                         
Significant Subsidiary becomes insolvent or admits in writing its inability to
pay its debts or fails to pay its debts, generally as they become due; or the
Company or any Significant Subsidiary applies for, consents to, or acquiesces in
the appointment of, a trustee, custodian or receiver for the Company or such
Significant Subsidiary or any property thereof, or makes a general assignment
for the benefit of creditors; or, in the absence of such application, consent or
acquiescence, a trustee, custodian or receiver is appointed for the Company or
any Significant Subsidiary or for a substantial part of the property of any
thereof and is not discharged within 60 days; or any bankruptcy, reorganization,
debt arrangement, or other proceeding or case under any bankruptcy or insolvency
law, or any
<PAGE>
 
                                      -36-

dissolution or liquidation proceeding (except the voluntary dissolution, not
under any bankruptcy or insolvency law, of a Significant Subsidiary), is
commenced in respect of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, and if such
proceeding is not commenced by the Company or Significant Subsidiary, it is
consented to or acquiesced in by the Company or Significant Subsidiary or
remains for 60 days undismissed; or any corporate action is taken by the
shareholder(s) or board of directors of the Company or any Significant
Subsidiary to authorize or further any of the actions described in this Section
                                                                        -------
11.1.3.
- - ------ 

          SECTION 11.1.4.  Non-Compliance with This Agreement.  Failure by the
                           ----------------------------------                 
Company to comply with or to perform any provision of this Agreement (and not
constituting an Event of Default under any of the preceding provisions of this
Article XI) and continuance of such failure for 30 days, after notice thereof to
- - ------- --                                                                      
the Company from any Bank or the holder of any Note stating that such Bank or
holder is of the opinion that such failure is material; provided, that, any
failure by the Company to comply with any provision of this Agreement solely as
a result of a change in GAAP shall not constitute an Event of Default.

          SECTION 11.1.5.  Warranties.  Any warranty made by the Company herein
                           ----------                                          
is breached in any material respect, or any schedule, certificate, financial
statement or report furnished by the Company to any Bank is false or misleading
in any material respect on the date as of which the facts therein set forth are
stated or certified.

          SECTION 11.1.6.  ERISA.  The Company or any Significant Subsidiary
                           -----                                            
incurs any liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any
successor thereto in excess of $50,000,000.

          SECTION 11.2.  Effect of Event of Default.  If any Event of Default
                         --------------------------                          
described in Section 11.1.3 shall occur, the Credit (if it has not theretofore
             ------- ------                                                   
terminated) shall immediately terminate and all Notes and all other amounts
payable hereunder shall become immediately due and payable, all without
presentment or notice of any kind all of which are hereby waived; and, in the
case of any other Event of Default which shall have occurred and remain
continuing, Banks having, in the aggregate, a Percentage of 66 2/3% or more may,
by the giving of notice in writing to the Company, declare the Credit (if it has
not theretofore terminated) to be terminated and/or all Notes and all other
amounts payable hereunder to be immediately due and payable, whereupon the
Credit shall immediately terminate and/or all Notes and all other amounts
payable hereunder shall become immediately due and payable, all without
presentment or notice of any kind all of which are hereby waived.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the effect as an Event of Default of any event
described in Section 11.1.1 or Section 11.1.3 may be waived by the written
             ------- ------    ------- ------                             
<PAGE>
 
                                      -37-

concurrence of Banks having, in the aggregate, a Percentage of 100%, and the
effect as an Event of Default of any other event described in Section 11.1 may
                                                              ------- ----    
be waived by the written concurrence of Banks having, in the aggregate, a
Percentage of 66 2/3% or more.

          SECTION 11.3.  Defaults by Designated Subsidiaries.  If any of the
                         -----------------------------------                
following defaults with respect to any Designated Subsidiary have occurred and
are continuing then Section 11.4 shall apply:

          SECTION 11.3.1.  Warranties.  Any warranty made by such Designated
                           ----------                                       
Subsidiary herein or in the Designation Letter pursuant to which it is
designated as a Borrower hereunder is breached in any material respect or any
schedule, certificate, financial statement or report furnished by such
Designated Subsidiary to any Bank is false or misleading in any material respect
on the date as of which the facts therein set forth are stated or certified.

          SECTION 11.3.2.  Non-Payment of Other Indebtedness.  Default in the
                           ---------------------------------                 
payment when due (subject to any applicable grace period), whether by
acceleration or otherwise, of any other indebtedness for borrowed money or other
obligations evidenced by a note, debenture, or similar instrument (including
capitalized lease obligations) in an aggregate principal amount exceeding
$50,000,000 of, or guaranteed by, a Designated Subsidiary or default in the
performance or observance of any obligation or condition with respect to any
such other indebtedness if the effect of such default in the performance or
observance is to accelerate the maturity of any such indebtedness or to permit
the holder or holders thereof, or any trustee or agent for such holders, to
cause such indebtedness to become due and payable prior to its expressed
maturity.

          SECTION 11.3.3.  Bankruptcy, Insolvency, etc.  A Designated Subsidiary
                           ---------------------------                          
becomes insolvent or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts or fails
to pay its debts, generally as they become due; or the Designated Subsidiary
applies for, consents to, or acquiesces in the appointment of, a trustee,
custodian or receiver for such Designated Subsidiary or any property thereof, or
makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or, in the absence of
such application, consent or acquiescence, a trustee, custodian or receiver is
appointed for any Designated Subsidiary or for a substantial part of the
property of any thereof and is not discharged within 60 days; or any bankruptcy,
reorganization, debt arrangement, or other proceeding or case under any
bankruptcy or insolvency law, or any dissolution or liquidation proceeding is
commenced in respect of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, and if such
proceeding is not commenced by such Designated Subsidiary, it is
<PAGE>
 
                                      -38-

consented to or acquiesced in by such Designated Subsidiary or remains for 60
days undismissed; or any corporate action is taken by the shareholder(s) or
board of directors of any Designated Subsidiary to authorize or further any of
the actions described in this Section 11.3.3.
                              ------- ------ 

          SECTION 11.3.4.  Non-Compliance with This Agreement.  Failure by
                           ----------------------------------             
Designated Subsidiary to comply with or to perform any provision of this
Agreement (and not constituting an Event of Default under any of the preceding
provisions of this Section 11.3) and continuance of such failure for 30 days,
                   ------- ----                                              
after notice thereof to the Company and the Designated Subsidiary from any Bank
or the holder of any Note stating that such Bank or holder is of the opinion
that such failure is material.

          SECTION 11.4.  Effect of Default by Designated Subsidiary.  If any
                         ------------------------------------------         
default described in Section 11.3.2 or 11.3.3 shall occur, without any action by
                     ------- ------    ------                                   
the Bank, the Banks shall have no obligation to make Loans to such Designated
Subsidiary under this Agreement and all Loans under this Agreement to such
Designated Subsidiary and all other amounts payable hereunder by such Designated
Subsidiary shall become immediately due and payable, all without presentment or
notice of any kind; and, in the case of any other default described in Section
                                                                       -------
11.3 which shall have occurred and remain continuing, Banks having, in the
- - ----                                                                      
aggregate, a Percentage of 66 2/3% or more may, by the giving of notice in
writing to the Company, decline to make further Loans to such Designated
Subsidiary and/or declare all Loans under this Agreement to such Designated
Subsidiary and all other amounts payable hereunder by such Designated Subsidiary
to be immediately due and payable, without presentment or notice of any kind.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the effect of any event described in Section 11.3
                                                                    ------- ----
may be waived by the written concurrence of Banks having, in the aggregate, a
Percentage of 66 2/3% or more.

                                  ARTICLE XII

                              CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

          When used herein, the following terms shall have the following
meanings (which shall be equally applicable to the singular and plural forms
thereof):

          "Alternate Currency" means any currency other than Dollars which is
           ------------------                                                
freely transferable and convertible into Dollars.

          "Alternate Currency Loan" see the definition below of "Loan."
           -----------------------                    

          "Alternate Currency Payment Office" has the meaning specified
           ---------------------------------         
 in Section 1.3(e).
    ------- ------ 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -39-

          "Alternate Rating Agency" shall mean (i) Fitch Investors Service,
           -----------------------                                         
Inc., (ii) Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co. or (iii) another nationally
recognized rating agency selected by the Borrower to rate its senior debt
securities, which, in the case of clause (iii), shall be approved by Banks
having, in the aggregate, a Percentage of at least 66 2/3%.

           "Assuming Bank" shall mean, at any time, a Person which
            -------------                            
proposes to become a Bank hereunder pursuant to Section 1.1.8.
                                                ------- ----- 

          "Assumption Agreement" shall mean an agreement by which an institution
           --------------------                                                 
agrees to become a Bank party to this Agreement pursuant to Section 1.1.8.
                                                            ------- ----- 

          "Bank" shall mean the Banks listed on the signature pages hereof and
           ----                                                               
each institution that becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 1.1.8 or 13.5.
                                                         ------- -----    ---- 

          "Bank Indemnitees" -- see Section 13.9.
           ----------------         ------------ 

           "Borrower" shall mean the Company or any Designated Subsidiary,
           --------                               
as the context may require.

          "Borrowing Date" shall mean, with respect to each Loan, the date upon
           --------------                                                      
which a Bank makes such Loan hereunder to Borrower.

          "Business Day" shall mean a day on which banks are not authorized or
           ------------                                                       
required by law to close for business in New York City.

          "CD Interest Period" shall mean as to each CD Loan, the period which
           ------------------                                                 
shall begin on (and include) the most recent Borrowing Date with respect to such
Loan, and shall end, as Borrower shall elect in its notice pursuant to Section
                                                                       -------
1.2 or 5.4, as the case may be, on (and include) the day 30, 60, 90 or 180 days
- - ---    ---                                                                     
thereafter, as selected by Borrower; provided that no CD Interest Period
                                     --------                           
commencing prior to the Revolver Expiration Date or the final maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise, of all of the Term Loans shall end later than such
Revolver Expiration Date or date of maturity of the Term Loans, as the case may
be, and further, provided that any CD Interest Period which would  otherwise end
        -------  --------                                                       
on a day which is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
Business Day.

                   "CD Loan" -- see definition below of "Loan".
                    -------                                    

                   "CD Margin" -- see Section 3.1.8.
                    ---------         ------- ----- 

          "CD Rate" shall mean for each CD Interest Period a rate per annum
           -------                                                         
which is equal to the CD Margin as of the first day of the applicable Interest
Period plus the sum (rounded if necessary
<PAGE>
 
                                      -40-

to the nearest 1/20 of 1%) of (i) the rate obtained by dividing (x) the
arithmetic mean as calculated by the Depositary Bank of the respective rates per
annum (rounded if necessary to the nearest 1/20 of 1%) of the Reference Banks,
in each such case determined by each Reference Bank to be the average of the bid
rates quoted to it at its principal office at approximately 10:00 a.m. New York
City time (or as soon thereafter as practicable) on the first day of the CD
Interest Period for such Loan by New York certificate of deposit dealers of
recognized standing selected by such Reference Bank for the purchase at face
value in the secondary certificate of deposit market of certificates of deposit
of such Reference Bank for a period, and in an amount, comparable to such CD
Interest Period and the principal amount of the CD Loan which shall be made by
such Reference Bank and outstanding during such CD Interest Period, provided,
that, if such quotations from such dealers are not available to any Reference
Bank, such Reference Bank shall determine a reasonably equivalent rate on the
basis of another source or sources selected by it, by (y) a percentage equal to
100% minus the stated maximum rate of all reserve requirements as specified in
Regulation D (including, without limitation, any marginal, emergency,
supplemental, special or other reserves) applicable on the first day of such CD
Interest Period to a negotiable certificate of deposit in excess of $100,000
with a maturity equal to such CD Interest Period of any member bank of the
Federal Reserve System, plus (ii) the daily net annual assessment rate as
estimated by the Depositary Bank on the first day of such CD Interest Period for
determining the current annual assessment payable by the Depositary Bank to the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for insuring such certificates of deposit.

          "Commitment" shall mean the amount set forth opposite each Bank's
           ----------                                                      
signature hereto, as such amount may be reduced or increased from time to time
pursuant to Sections 1.1.6, 1.1.7 and 1.1.8 or Section 13.5.
            -------- -----  -----     -----    ------- ---- 

          "Commitment Increase" has the meaning specified in Section 1.1.8.
          -------------------                                ------- ----- 
   

          "Consolidated Capitalization" shall mean the sum of Consolidated
           ---------------------------                
 Debt and Consolidated Net Worth.

          "Consolidated Cash Interest Expense" means, with respect to the
           ----------------------------------                            
Company for any period, total interest expense deducted in calculating
Consolidated Net Income (including that attributable to capitalized lease
liabilities of the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries in accordance with
GAAP, but excluding interest expense not payable in cash (including
amortization of discount)), with respect to all outstanding Consolidated Debt,
as determined on a consolidated basis for the Company and Consolidated
Subsidiaries in conformity with GAAP.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -41-

          "Consolidated Debt" shall mean the sum of all indebtedness for
           -----------------                                            
borrowed money of the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries, all indebtedness
secured by assets of (and whether or not assumed by) the Company or any
Consolidated Subsidiary (which indebtedness shall be valued at the lesser of the
outstanding principal amount thereof or the book value of such assets), all
capitalized lease liabilities of the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries and
all outstanding obligations under guarantees and similar undertakings with
respect to any such indebtedness or liabilities of Persons other than the
Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries which is required to be reflected on the
Company's balance sheet (excluding any notes thereto) in accordance with GAAP;
provided, that there shall be excluded from Consolidated Debt any such
- - --------                                                              
indebtedness which by its terms is presently convertible into or exchangeable
for capital stock of the Company at a price per share at least 15 percent below
the Current Market Price per share of such capital stock.

          "Consolidated EBDIT" shall mean, without duplication, with respect to
           ------------------                                                  
the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries for any period, the sum of the amounts
for such period of (i) Consolidated Net Income, (ii) provision for taxes based
on income, (iii) depreciation expense, (iv) amortization expense, (v) total
interest expense deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income, and (vi) other
non-cash items reducing Consolidated Net Income all as determined on a
consolidated basis for the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries in conformity
with GAAP.

          "Consolidated Net Income" shall mean with respect to the Company for
           -----------------------                                            
any period, the net income (or loss) of the Company and Consolidated
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such period taken as a single
accounting period determined in conformity with GAAP; provided that there shall
                                                      --------                 
be excluded (i) the income (or loss) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary of
the Company) in which any other Person (other than the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries) has a joint interest, except to the extent of the amount of
dividends or other distributions actually paid to the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries by such Person during such period and (ii) the income (or loss) of
any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary of the Company or
is  merged into or consolidated with any of the Company's Subsidiaries or that
Person's assets are acquired by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

          "Consolidated Net Worth" shall mean the par value (or value stated on
           ----------------------                                              
the books of the Company) of the capital stock of all classes of the Company and
Consolidated Subsidiaries issued and outstanding, plus (or minus in the case of
a surplus deficit), the amount of the consolidated surplus, whether capital or
earned, of the Company and its Subsidiaries plus the principal amount of any
indebtedness of the Company and the Consolidated
<PAGE>
 
                                      -42-

Subsidiaries which by its terms is presently convertible into or exchangeable
for capital stock of the Company at a price per share at least 15 percent below
the Current Market Price per share of such capital stock.

          "Consolidated Subsidiary" shall mean any Subsidiary the accounts of
           -----------------------                                           
which are consolidated with those of the Company in accordance with GAAP.

          "Continuation Date" -- see Section 5.1.
           -----------------         ------- --- 

          "Conversion Date" -- see Section 5.2.
           ---------------         ------- --- 

          "Credit" shall mean the sum of (i) the aggregate unused Commitments of
           ------                                                               
all Banks hereunder to make Revolving Loans or Term Loans plus (ii) the
aggregate principal amount of Revolving Loans or Term Loans outstanding
hereunder.

          "Credit Suspension Event" shall mean any event which if it continues
           -----------------------                                            
uncured will, with lapse of time or notice or lapse of time and notice,
constitute an Event of Default.

          "Current Market Price" shall mean for any class of capital stock of
           --------------------                                              
the Company the average for any 20 consecutive Stock Trading Days ending within
30 days of the date of determination of the average of the high and low sale
prices per share, or if no sales are reported, the average of the bid and ask
prices per share or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average
bid and average ask prices per share) for each Stock Trading Day in such 20
consecutive Stock Trading Day period, as reported in the composite transactions
for the New York Stock Exchange, or if such capital stock is not listed or
admitted to trading on such exchange, as reported in the composite transactions
for the principal national or regional United States securities exchange on
which such capital stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if such capital
stock is not listed or admitted to trading on a United States national or
regional securities exchange, as reported by the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ") or by the National
Quotation Bureau Incorporated.  A "Stock Trading Day" means each day on which
the securities exchange or quotation system which is used to determine the
Current Market Price is open for trading or quotation.

          "Depositary Bank" -- see Section 1.2.
           ---------------         ------- --- 

          "Designated Subsidiary" shall mean any corporate Subsidiary of the
           ---------------------                                            
Company designated for borrowing privileges under this Agreement pursuant to
Section 13.10 hereof.
- - ------- -----        
<PAGE>
 
                                      -43-

          "Designation Letter" shall mean, in respect of any Designated
           ------------------                                          
Subsidiary, a letter in the form of Exhibit E  hereto signed by such Designated
                                    ---------                                  
Subsidiary and the Company.

          "Dollars" and the sign "$" shall mean lawful money of the United
           -------                                    
States of America.

          "Domestic Loan" -- see definition below of "Loan."
           -------------                            


          "Equivalent Domestic Loan" -- see Section 6.3.
           ------------------------         ----------- 

          "Eurodollar Day" shall mean a day on which dealings are carried on in
           --------------                                                      
the London Interbank market in Dollars and on which banks are not authorized or
required by law to close for business in New York City.

          "Eurodollar Interest Rate" -- see Section  3.1.2.
           ------------------------         -------  ----- 



          "Eurodollar Loan" -- see definition below of "Loan."
           ---------------                            


          "Eurodollar Margin" -- see Section 3.1.8.
           -----------------         ------- ----- 

          "Eurodollar Office" -- see Section 1.1.3.
           -----------------         ------- ----- 

          "Eurodollar Period" shall mean, as to each Eurodollar Loan, the period
           -----------------                                                    
which shall begin on (and include) the most recent Borrowing Date with respect
to such Loan and shall end, as Borrower shall elect in its notice pursuant to
Section 1.2 or 5.4, as the case may be, on (and include) the day one, two, three
- - ------- ---    ---                                                              
or six months thereafter, as selected by Borrower; provided that no Eurodollar
                                                   --------                   
Period commencing prior to the Revolver Expiration Date or the final maturity,
by acceleration or otherwise, of all of the Revolving Loans or Term Loans shall
end later than such Revolver Expiration Date or date of maturity, as the case
may be.  Subject to the proviso in the preceding sentence, any Eurodollar Period
which would otherwise end on a day which would not be a Eurodollar Day shall
instead continue to and end on the next succeeding Eurodollar Day, unless such
next succeeding Eurodollar Day would be the first Eurodollar Day in a calendar
month, in which case such Eurodollar Period shall instead end on the next
preceding Eurodollar Day, and any Eurodollar Period which begins on the last
Eurodollar Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no
numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such
Eurodollar Period) shall end on the last Eurodollar Day of a calendar month.

          "Event of Default" shall mean any of the events described in
           ----------------                              
 Section 11.1.
 ------- ---- 

          "Federal Funds Rate" shall mean for any period, a fluctuating interest
           ------------------                                                   
rate equal for each day during such period
<PAGE>
 
                                      -44-

to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal Funds transactions
with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal Funds brokers, as
published for each day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next
preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such
rate is not  so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of
the quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Depositary Bank
from three Federal Funds brokers of recognized standing selected by the
Depositary Bank.

          "Fixed Rate Interest Date" -- see Section 3.1.
           ------------------------         ------- --- 

          "Fixed Rate Loan" -- see definition below of "Loan".
           ---------------                            

          "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles set forth
           ----                                                               
in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and
pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other
statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of
the accounting profession, which are applicable to the circumstances as of the
date of determination.

          "Increase Date" has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 
           -------------                                           -------
1.1.8. 
- - ----- 

          "Indemnified Liabilities" -- see Section 13.9.
           -----------------------         ------- ---- 

          "Interest Date" shall mean Fixed Rate Interest Date and/or Prime
           -------------                                
Rate Interest Date, as the case may be.

          "Interest Period" shall mean a CD Interest Period or a
           ---------------                          
Eurodollar Period, as the context requires, or both.

          "Liabilities" -- see Section 4.1.
           -----------         ------- --- 

          "Loan" shall mean each lending by any Bank hereunder.  Particular
           ----                                     
types of Loans are as follows:

           (i) "Alternate Currency Loan" shall mean any Loan denominated in an
                -----------------------                                       
     Alternate Currency;

           (ii) "CD Loan" shall mean any Loan which bears interest at the CD
                 -------                                                    
Rate;

          (iii) "Domestic Loan" shall mean any Loan which is a Prime Rate
                 -------------                                           
Loan or a CD Loan;

           (iv) "Eurodollar Loan" shall mean any Loan which bears interest at
                 ---------------                                             
the Eurodollar Interest Rate;
<PAGE>
 
                                      -45-

             (v)  "Fixed Rate Loan" shall mean a CD Loan or a Eurodollar Loan;
                   ---------------                                            

             (vi) "Market Rate Loan" -- see Section 1.3;
                   ----------------         ------- --- 

             (vii)  "Prime Rate Loan" shall mean any Loan bearing interest at
                     ---------------                                         
the Prime Rate;

          (viii)    "Revolving Loan" shall mean any Loan made pursuant to the
                     --------------                                          
unused Commitments contained in Section 1.1.1 but shall exclude any Market Rate
                                ------- -----                                  
Loan; and

             (ix) "Term Loan" shall mean any Loan made pursuant to the
                   ---------                                          
commitments contained in Section 1.1.2.
                         ------- ----- 

             "Market Rate" -- see Section 1.3(a).
              -----------         ------- ------ 

             "Market Rate Loan" -- see definition above of "Loan."
              ----------------                                    

             "Market Rate Note" -- see Section 2.3.
              ----------------         ------- --- 

             "Notes" shall mean the Revolving Notes, Market Rate Notes and Term
              -----                                                            
Notes, or any of them.

             "Obligations" see Section 10.1.
              -----------      ------- ---- 

             "Percentage" with respect to any Bank shall mean at any time the
              ----------                                                     
percentage of the Credit represented by such Bank's Commitment.

             "Person" shall mean any corporation, partnership, association,
              ------                                                       
trust, individual or other entity.

             "Prime Rate" shall mean the greater of: (a) the average of the 
              ----------      
rates per annum from time to time announced by each of the Reference Banks at
the address set forth below its signature hereto as such Bank's prime commercial
lending rate and (b) the effective Federal Funds Rate for overnight funds plus
1/2 of 1% per annum.

             "Prime Rate Interest Date" -- see Section 3.1.
              ------------------------         ------- --- 

             "Prime Rate Loan" -- see definition of "Loan" above.
              ---------------                                    

             "Public Debt Rating" means, as of any date, the highest rating that
              ------------------                                                
has been most recently announced by either Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or an Alternate Rating
Agency in substitution for Moody's or S&P (but not both), for any class of long-
term unsecured senior debt issued by the Company; provided, that if the ratings
                                                  --------                     
determined by Moody's or S&P (or an Alternate Rating
<PAGE>
 
                                      -46-

Agency) differ by more than one rating category the Public Debt Rating shall be
the average of the two ratings.  For purposes of the foregoing, (a) if an
Alternate Rating Agency is used, the ratings provided by such Alternate Rating
Agency shall be converted into an equivalent of Moody's or S&P, as nearly as
practicable, for purposes of determining the Eurodollar Margin and CD Margin;
and (b) if any rating established or deemed to have been established by Moody's
or S&P shall be changed (other than as a result of a change in the rating system
of either Moody's or S&P), such change shall be effective as of the date on
which such change is first announced publicly by the rating agency making such
change.  Any change in the Eurodollar Margin or CD Margin due to a change in the
Public Debt Rating shall be effective for Interest Periods commencing after the
public announcement of the change in debt rating.  If the rating system of
either Moody's or S&P shall change, the Company and the Banks shall negotiate in
good faith to amend the references to specific ratings in this definition to
reflect such changed rating system.

          "Reference Banks" shall mean Chemical Bank, NationsBank, N.A.
           --------- -----                                             
(Carolinas) (formerly NationsBank of North Carolina N.A.), and The Chase
Manhattan Bank, N.A. or, with respect to Eurodollar Loans, the Eurodollar Office
of any of them.

             "Regulation D" -- see Section 3.1.2.1.
              ------------         ------- ------- 

             "Revolver Expiration Date" means the earlier of May 31, 1996 or the
              ------------------------                                          
date of termination in whole of the Commitments.

             "Revolving Loan" -- see definition above of "Loan."
              --------- ----                                    

             "Revolving Note" -- see Section 2.1.
              --------------         ------- --- 

             "Significant Subsidiary" shall have the meaning assigned to such 
              ----------------------   
term in Regulation C (S) 230.405 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as such
definition is in effect as of the date of this Agreement.

             "Subsidiary" shall mean a corporation of which the Company and its
              ----------                                                       
other Subsidiaries own directly or indirectly more than 50% of the ordinary
voting power for the election of directors.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -47-

             "Term Loan" -- see definition above of "Loan."
              ---------                                    

             "Term Note" -- see Section 2.2.
              ---------         ------- --- 


                                 ARTICLE XIII

                                    GENERAL

          SECTION 13.1.  Waiver; Amendments.  No delay on the part of any Bank
                         ------------------                                   
or the holder of any Note in the exercise of any right, power or remedy shall
operate as a waiver thereof,  nor shall any single or partial exercise by any of
them of any right, power or remedy preclude other or further exercise thereof,
or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy.  No amendment, modification
or waiver of, or consent with respect to, any provision of this Agreement or the
Notes shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing
(including telegram or telex) and signed and delivered by the Company and Banks
having an aggregate Percentage of not less than the Percentage expressly
designated herein with respect thereto or, in the absence of such designation as
to any provision of this Agreement or the Notes, by Banks having, in the
aggregate, a Percentage of 66 2/3% or more, and then any such amendment,
modification, waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance
and for the specific purpose for which given.  No amendment, modification,
waiver or consent (i) shall extend or increase the amount of the Credit, the
scheduled maturity of the Notes, or the scheduled date for the payment of
interest or fees, or reduce the fees or the rate of interest payable with
respect to the Notes or modify the provisions of Section 3.1.5, 3.1.7, 4.5, 6.3,
                                                 ------- -----  -----  ---  --- 
6.4, or 13.9 or modify the provisions of Article X in a manner adverse to the
- - ---     ----                             ------- -                           
Banks or impose an additional obligation on any of the Banks or reduce the
aggregate Percentage required to effect an amendment, modification, waiver or
consent without the consent of all of the Banks or (ii) shall extend the
scheduled maturity of, or the scheduled date for the payment of interest or fees
on, or reduce the principal amount of, or rate of interest on, any Note without
the consent of the holder of such Note.  The provisions of this Section 13.1 may
                                                                ------------    
not be amended or modified without the consent of all of the Banks.

          SECTION 13.2.  Confirmations.  Borrower and each holder of a Revolving
                         -------------                                          
Note agree from time to time, upon written request received by it from the
other, to confirm to the other in writing the aggregate unpaid principal amount
of the Revolving Loans then outstanding under such Revolving Note; and each such
holder agrees from time to time, upon written request received by it from
Borrower, to make the Revolving Note held by it (including the schedule attached
thereto) available for reasonable inspection by Borrower at the office of such
holder.  Each Bank
<PAGE>
 
                                      -48-

shall, promptly upon request by Borrower, furnish Borrower with a photocopy of
the schedule attached to such Bank's Revolving Note.

          SECTION 13.3.  Notices.  Any notice from Borrower to any Bank
                         -------                                       
(including Depositary Bank) under Section 1.2, 1.1.6, 1.1.8 or 5.4 may be (i)
                                  -----------  -----  -----    ---           
telephonic if confirmed, prior to the date for taking (or for the effectiveness
of) the action specified in such notice, by a writing received by such Bank or
(ii) by facsimile if confirmed, prior to the date for taking (or for the
effectiveness of) the action specified in such notice, by telephone.  Any other
notice hereunder to Borrower or any Bank (or other holder) shall, except as
otherwise expressly provided, be in writing and, if mailed shall be deemed to
have been given (i) three days after the date when sent by first class mail,
postage prepaid, (ii) one day after sent by overnight delivery service and, in
each case, addressed to Borrower or such Bank (or other holder) at its address
shown below its signature hereto, or at such other address as it may, by written
notice received by the other parties to this Agreement, have designated as its
address for such purpose.  Any Bank or the holder of any Note giving any waiver,
consent or notice to, or making any request upon, Borrower hereunder shall
promptly notify the Depositary Bank thereof.

          SECTION 13.4.  Accounting Terms and Determinations.  Unless otherwise
                         -----------------------------------                   
specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all
accounting determinations hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements
required to be delivered hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time
("GAAP"), applied on a basis consistent (except for changes concurred in by the
Company's independent public accountants) with the most recent audited
consolidated financial statements of the Company and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries delivered to the Banks; provided that, if the Company notifies the
                                     --------                                  
Depositary Bank that it wishes to amend any covenant in Article VIII to
eliminate the effect of any change in generally accepted accounting principles
on the operation of such covenant, then compliance with such covenant shall be
determined on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles in effect
immediately before the relevant change in generally accepted accounting
principles became effective, until either such notice is withdrawn or such
covenant is amended in a manner satisfactory to the Company and Banks holding,
in the aggregate, a Percentage of 66 2/3% or more.

          SECTION 13.5.  Participations; Transfers of Notes.  A Bank may assign
                         ----------------------------------                    
or sell participations in all or any part of its Commitment or any Loan to
another bank or other entity; provided that an assignment or participation shall
                              --------                                          
be in a minimum aggregate amount of $10,000,000; and provided, further (a)
                                                     --------  -------    
except
<PAGE>
 
                                      -49-

in the case of assignments of or participations in Market Rate Loans, that the
Company shall have consented in writing to the proposed assignment or
participation, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; and (b) in the
case of a participation, no such participation shall in any way affect such
Bank's obligations under this Agreement, and provided, that all amounts payable
by any Borrower under Article III shall be determined as if such Bank had not
                      ------- ---                                            
sold such participation.  Upon execution and delivery of an appropriate
instrument, payment by any assignee to the transferor Bank of an amount equal to
the purchase price agreed between such transferor Bank and such assignee, and
recordation of such assignment in the Register, such assignee shall be a Bank
party to this Agreement and shall have all the rights and obligations of a Bank
with Commitments as set forth in such instrument of assumption, and the
transferor Bank shall be released from its obligations hereunder to a
corresponding extent, and no further consent or action by any party shall be
required.  The Company shall maintain a copy of each instrument of assignment
and assumption delivered to it and a register (the "Register") for the
recordation of the names and addresses of the Banks and the Commitment of, and
principal amount owing to each Bank from time to time and, on the effective date
of each instrument of assignment received by it which meets the requirements of
this paragraph, the Company shall record such assignment in the Register.  Upon
the consummation of any assignment pursuant to this Section 13.5, the transferor
                                                    ------- ----                
Bank and the Borrower shall make approriate arrangements so that, if required, a
new Note is issued to the assignee.

          The agreement executed by the Bank in favor of any participant shall
not give the participant the right to require such Bank to take or omit to take
any action hereunder except action directly relating to (i) the extension of a
payment date with respect to any portion of the principal of or interest on any
amount outstanding or any fees payable hereunder allocated to such participant,
(ii) the reduction of the principal amount of any Loan outstanding hereunder,
(iii) the reduction of the rate of interest payable on such amount or any amount
of fees payable hereunder to a rate or amount, as the case may be, below that
which the participant is entitled to receive under its agreement with such Bank,
or (iv) an extension of the Revolver Expiration Date in accordance with the
terms hereof.  Each Bank may furnish to participants (including prospective
participants and prospective assignees) any information in the possession of
such Bank from time to time concerning any Borrower; provided, that such Bank
                                                     --------                
shall require any such participant or assignee (prospective or otherwise) to
agree in writing to maintain the confidentiality of such information; and
                                                                      ---
provided further, that such Bank may not furnish to the participant or assignee
- - -------- -------                                                               
any information which the Borrower has identified in writing to such Bank to be
trade secrets or proprietary information.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -50-

          If, pursuant to this Section 13.5, any interest in this Agreement or
                               ------- ----                                   
any Note is transferred to any assignee which is organized under the laws of any
jurisdiction other than the United States or any state thereof, the transferor
Bank shall cause such assignee concurrently with the effectiveness of such
transfer, (i) to represent to the transferor Bank (for the benefit of the
transferor Bank and the Company) that it is either (x) entitled to the benefits
of an income tax treaty with the United States which provides for an exemption
from United States withholding tax on interest and other payments which may be
made by the Company to such Bank pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any
other credit document; or (y) engaged in a trade or business within the United
States, (ii) to furnish to the transferor Bank and the Company either U.S.
Internal Revenue Service Form 4224 or U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 1001
(wherein such assignee claims entitlement to complete exemption from U.S.
federal withholding tax on all payments hereunder) and (iii) to agree (for the
benefit of the transferor Bank and the Company) to provide to the transferor
Bank and the Company a new Form 4224 or Form 1001 upon the obsolescence of any
previously delivered form and comparable statements in accordance with
applicable U.S. laws and regulations and amendments duly executed and completed
by such assignee, and to comply from time to time with all applicable U.S. laws
and regulations with regard to such withholding tax exemption.

          Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 13.5, any
                                                           ------- ----     
Bank may pledge and assign its rights hereunder and under the Notes held by it
to a Federal Reserve Bank as collateral.

          SECTION 13.6.  Regulation U.  Each Bank represents that it is not
                         ------------                                      
relying, either directly or indirectly, upon any margin stock (as such term is
defined in Regulation U promulgated by the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System) as collateral security for the extension or maintenance by it of
any credit provided for in this Agreement.

          SECTION 13.7.  Confidentiality of Information.  Each Bank understands
                         ------------------------------                        
that some of the information furnished pursuant to this Agreement or obtained by
such Bank pursuant to any inspection made in accordance with Section 8.2 may, at
                                                             -----------        
the time furnished or obtained, not have been made public, and each Bank agrees
to keep confidential all such information and will make no use of such
information until it shall have become public except in connection with this
Agreement and with such Bank's outside counsel and accountants, subject however
to each Bank's obligations under law or pursuant to subpoenas or other process
to make information available to governmental agencies and examiners or to
others.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -51-

          SECTION 13.8.  Limitation on Interest.  No provision of this Agreement
                         ----------------------                                 
or any Note shall require the payment or permit the collection of interest in
excess of the maximum rate permitted by applicable law.

          SECTION 13.9.  Costs, Expenses and Taxes.  The Company shall pay all
                         -------------------------                            
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the Depositary Bank and the Banks (but
excluding the fees and disbursements of counsel to the Depositary Bank and the
Banks) in connection with the preparation of this Agreement and all instruments
and documents relating thereto or necessary to satisfy the conditions to lending
hereunder.  The Company agrees to pay on demand all out-of-pocket costs and
expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses) incurred by
each Bank and the Depositary Bank in connection with the enforcement of this
Agreement, the Notes, any such other instruments or documents or any collateral
security.  In addition, each Borrower agrees (i) to pay, and to save the
Depositary Bank and the Banks harmless from all liability for, any stamp or
other taxes which may be payable in connection with the execution or delivery of
this Agreement, the borrowings hereunder, or the issuance of the Notes or of any
other instruments or documents provided for herein or delivered or to be
delivered hereunder or in connection herewith and (ii) to indemnify, exonerate
and hold each of the Depositary Bank and the Banks and each of the officers,
directors, employees and agents of such Banks (herein called collectively the
"Bank Indemnitees") free and harmless from and against any and all actions,
causes of action, suits, losses, liabilities, damages and expenses, including,
without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements incurred by any
Bank Indemnitee as a result of, or arising out of, or relating to any
transaction financed with proceeds of any of the Loans or the execution,
delivery, performance, enforcement or administration of this Agreement (herein
called collectively the "Indemnified Liabilities"), except for any such
Indemnified Liabilities arising on account of any such Bank Indemnitee's
negligence or willful misconduct, and if and to the extent that the foregoing
undertaking may be unenforceable for any reason, Borrower hereby agrees to make
the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the
Indemnified Liabilities which is permissible under applicable law.

             SECTION 13.10.  Designated Subsidiaries.
                             ----------------------- 

          (i) Designation.  The Company may at any time, and from time to time,
              -----------                                                      
by delivery to the Depositary Bank of a Designation Letter duly executed by the
Company and the respective Subsidiary, designate such Subsidiary as a
"Designated Subsidiary" for purposes of this Agreement and such Subsidiary shall
thereupon become a "Designated Subsidiary" for purposes of this Agreement.  The
Depositary Bank shall promptly notify each
<PAGE>
 
                                      -52-

Bank of each such designation by the Company and the identity of the respective
Subsidiary.

          (ii) Termination.  Upon the payment and performance in full of all of
               -----------                                                     
the Obligations of any Designated Subsidiary then, so long as at the time no
request for a Fixed Rate Loan to such Designated Subsidiary is outstanding, such
Subsidiary's status as a "Designated Subsidiary" shall terminate upon notice to
such effect from the Company to the Depositary Bank (which notice the Depositary
Bank shall deliver to each Bank).  Thereafter, the Banks shall be under no
further obligation to make any Loan hereunder to such Designated Subsidiary.

          SECTION 13.11.  Captions.  Captions used in this Agreement are for
                          --------                                          
convenience only and shall not affect the construction of this Agreement.

          SECTION 13.12.  Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction.  This
                          -----------------------------------------       
Agreement and each Note shall be a contract made under and governed by the
internal laws of the State of New York.  All obligations of Borrower and rights
of the Banks and any other holders of the Notes expressed herein or in the Notes
shall be in addition to and not in limitation of those provided by applicable
law.  The Borrowers hereby submit to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York and of any New York
State court sitting in New York City for purposes of all legal proceedings
arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby.  The Borrowers irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by
law, any objection which the may now or hereafter have to the laying of the
venue of any such proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that any such
proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

          SECTION 13.13.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any
                          ------------                                        
number of counterparts and by the different parties on separate counterparts
(provided, however, that each such counterpart shall be executed by the Company)
and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original, but all such
counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Agreement.

          SECTION 13.14.  Effectiveness.  When counterparts executed by all the
                          -------------                                        
Banks shall have been lodged with the Company and counterparts executed by the
Company shall have been lodged with each Bank this Agreement shall become
effective as of June 1, 1995.

          SECTION 13.15.  Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall be
                          ----------------------                          
binding upon Borrower and the Banks and their respective
<PAGE>
 
                                      -53-

successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the Borrower and the
Banks and the respective successors and assigns of the Banks, except that the
Company may not assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under this
Agreement without the prior written consent of Banks having, in the aggregate, a
Percentage of at least 100%.

          SECTION 13.16.  Duties of Depositary Bank.  The Depositary Bank shall
                          -------------------------                            
have no duties or responsibilities except those expressly set forth in this
Agreement and neither the Depositary Bank nor any of its directors, officers,
employees or agents shall be liable or responsible for any action taken or
omitted to be taken by it or them hereunder, or in connection herewith, except
for its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct.  In addition, the
Banks agree to indemnify the Depositary Bank, ratably in accordance with the
aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Loans made by the Banks (or, if no
Loans are at the time outstanding, ratably in accordance with their respective
Percentages), for any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages,
penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any
kind and nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted
against the Depositary Bank in any way relating to or arising out of the duties
and responsibilities of the Depositary Bank expressly set forth in this
Agreement; provided that (i) the Banks shall only be liable to the extent the
Borrower fails to indemnify and pay the Depositary Bank pursuant to Section 13.9
                                                                    ------- ----
hereof, and (ii) no Bank shall be liable for any of the foregoing to the extent
they arise from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Depositary
Bank.

          SECTION 13.17.  Severability.  In case any one or more of the
                          ------------                                 
provisions contained in this Agreement or the Notes should be invalid, illegal
or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of
the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be
affected or impaired thereby.

          SECTION 13.18.  Representation of the Banks.  Each Bank represents and
                          ---------------------------                           
warrants to the Borrower that it is (x) a United States person (as defined in
Section 7701(a) (30) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code")); (y) entitled to the benefits of an income tax treaty with the United
States which provides for an exemption from United States withholding tax on
interest and other payments which may be made by the Borrower to such Bank
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; or (z) engaged in a trade or business
within the United States.  Each Bank that is organized under the laws of any
jurisdiction other than the United States or any State thereof (including the
District of Columbia) agrees to furnish to the Borrower, prior to the date of
the first interest payment hereunder, two copies of either U.S.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -54-

Internal Revenue Service Form 4224 or U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 1001
(wherein such Bank claims entitlement to complete exemption from U.S. federal
withholding tax on all payments hereunder) and to provide to the Borrower a new
Form 4224 or Form 1001 upon the obsolescence of any previously delivered form
and comparable statements in accordance with applicable U.S. laws and
regulations and amendments duly executed and completed by such Bank, and to
comply from time to time with all applicable U.S. laws and regulations with
regard to such withholding tax exemptions.  Notwithstanding any other provisions
of this Agreement, the representations, warranties and obligations of the Banks
set forth in Section 13.5 and this Section 13.18 shall survive the borrowing of
             ------- ----          ------- -----                               
the Loans and the assignment, sale, repayment or other disposition of the Loans
or any interest therein.

          SECTION 13.19.  Survival.  The obligations of the Borrower under
                          --------                                        
Sections 3.1.5, 3.1.7, 4.5 and 13.9 shall survive the termination of this
- - -------- -----  -----  ---     ----                                      
Agreement and the payment of all Loans.

          SECTION 13.20.  WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY.  TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY
                          -----------------------                             
APPLICABLE LAW, THE BORROWER AND EACH OF THE BANKS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ALL
RIGHT OF TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF
OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY MATTER ARISING HEREUNDER.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -55-


          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and each Bank have caused this
Agreement to be executed, as of the day and year first above written, by one of
its officers thereunto duly authorized.

                              GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION


                              By: /s/ Julian B. Twombly
                                  ---------------------
                                  Vice President and Treasurer

                              High Ridge Park
                              Stamford, Connecticut 06904
                              Attention:  Treasurer
                              Telecopier No.:  (203) 329-4365
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$20,000,000

                            THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A.



                            By: /s/ Edward F. McNulty
                                ---------------------
                            Title:  Managing Director

                            Lending Office for Loans

                            The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                            One Chase Plaza, 17th Floor
                            New York, New York 10081
                            Attn:  Edward F. McNulty

                            Telecopy No.: (212) 552-1457
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$20,000,000

                            CHEMICAL BANK



                            By: ____________________________
                            Title:  Vice President

                            Lending Office for Loans

                            Chemical Bank
                            270 Park Avenue
                            New York, New York 10017
                            Attn: Lorraine Mohan

                            Telecopy No: (212) 270-1403
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$20,000,000

                            NATIONSBANK, N.A. (CAROLINAS)
                            (FORMERLY NATIONSBANK OF NORTH   
                            CAROLINA, N.A)



                            By: /s/ M.K. Vandenberg
                                -------------------
                            Title:  Senior Vice President

                            Lending Office for Loans

                            NationsBank, N.A. (Carolinas)
                            (Formerly NationsBank of North
                            Carolina, N.A.)
                            NationsBank Plaza
                            Charlotte, North Carolina 28255
                            Attn:  Carole Greene NCI-002-17-21

                            Telecopy No:  (704) 386-8694

                            cc:  Margaret K. Vandenberg

                            NationsBank, N.A. (Carolinas)
                            (Formerly NationsBank of North
                            Carolina, N.A.)
                            767 Fifth Avenue
                            New York, New York 10153

                            Telecopy No:  (212) 751-6909
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$20,000,000

                            WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.



                            By: /s/ Samuel Moss
                               _______________________________
                            Title:  Senior Vice President

                            Lending Office for Loans

                            Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.
                            191 Peachtree Street, N.E.
                            Atlanta, Georgia 30303
                            Attn:  Jane Castles Deaver

                            Telecopy No:  (404) 332-6898
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$13,750,000

                            CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE



                            By: /s/ E.L. Gordon
                                ---------------
                            Title:  Authorized Signatory

                            Lending Office for Loans

                            Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
                            425 Lexington Avenue
                            New York, New York 10017
                            Attn:  E. Lindsay Gordan

                            Telecopy No:  (212) 856-3599
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$13,750,000

                            COMMERZBANK A.G.



                            By: /s/ Tom Ausfuhl
                                ---------------
                            Title:  Tom Ausfuhl, AVP

                            By:  /s/ M. McCarthy
                                 ---------------
                            Title:  Michael McCarthy, AT

                            Lending Office for Loans

                            CommerzBank A.G.
                            2 World Financial Center
                            New York, New York 10281-1050
                            Attn:  Michael D. Hintz

                            Telecopy No:  (212) 266-7235
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$13,750,000

                            THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO



                            By:  /s/ James W. Peterson
                                 ---------------------
                            Title:  Vice President

                            Lending Office for Loans

                            The First National Bank of Chicago
                            153 West 51st Street
                            New York, New York 10019
                            Attn: James W. Peterson

                            Telecopy No:  (212) 373-1388
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$13,750,000

                            MARINE MIDLAND BANK



                            By: /s/ William M. Holland
                               ______________________________
                            Title:  Vice President

                            Lending Office for Loans

                            Marine Midland Bank
                            140 Broadway, 4th Floor
                            New York, New York  10005
                            Attn:  Jeffry S. Dykes

                            Telecopy No:  (212) 658-5109
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$13,750,000

                            NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK Plc



                            By: /s/ Anne Marie Tone
                                -------------------
                            Title:  Vice President

                            Lending Office for Loans

                            National Westminster Bank Plc
                            Corporate and Institutional Finance
                            175 Water Street
                            New York, New York 10038-4924
                            Attn:  Jordan Fragiacomo

                            Telecopy No:  (212) 602-4500
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$13,750,000

                            THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY



                            By: /s/ J.C. McCall, III
                                --------------------
                            Title:  Second Vice President

                            Lending Office for Loans

                            The Northern Trust Company
                            50 South LaSalle Street
                            Chicago, Illinois 60675
                            Attn:  J. Chip McCall, III

                            Telecopy No:  (312) 444-3508
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$13,750,000

                            THE SANWA BANK LIMITED



                            By: /s/ Stephen C. Small
                                --------------------
                            Title:  Vice President

                            Lending Office for Loans

                            The Sanwa Bank Limited
                            New York Branch
                            Park Avenue Plaza
                            55 East 52nd Street
                            New York, New York 10055
                            Attn:  Stephen C. Small

                            Telecopy No:  (212) 754-2368
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$13,750,000

                            SHAWMUT BANK CONNECTICUT, N.A.



                            By: /s/ R.M. Surdan, Jr.
                                --------------------
                            Title:  Director

                            Lending Office for Loans

                            Shawmut Bank Connecticut, N.A.
                            One Landmark Square
                            Stamford, Connecticut 06904
                            Attn:  Robert M. Surdan, Jr.

                            Telecopy No:  (203) 358-6111
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT A



                                REVOLVING NOTE


                                                            $, 199


          The undersigned, for value received, promises to pay to the order of
                                                                              on

or before the Revolver Expiration Date, as defined in the 364 Day Credit
Agreement referred to below, the principal sum of

                                Dollars or, if less, the aggregate unpaid
principal amount of all Revolving Loans made by the payee to the undersigned
pursuant to the 364 Day Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined) as shown on
the schedule attached hereto (and any continuation thereof), together, from time
to time, with interest on the unpaid principal amount hereof from time to time
outstanding as provided in Article III of the 364 Day Credit Agreement
hereinafter referred to (but in no event higher than the maximum rate permitted
by applicable law).

          Payments of both principal and interest are to be made in lawful money
of the United States of America for the account of the payee at the office of
The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., at One Chase Manhattan Plaza, New York, New York
10081 in immediately available funds.

          This Note evidences indebtedness incurred under, and is subject to the
terms and provisions of, a 364 Day Credit Agreement dated as of June 1, 1995,
(and, all further amendments thereto, if any) among the undersigned and certain
banks (including the payee) to which 364 Day Credit Agreement reference is
hereby made for a statement of said terms and provisions, including those under
which this Note may be paid, or may be declared to be due and payable, prior to
its due date.

          This Note is made under and governed by the internal laws of the State
of New York.

                              [BORROWER]


                              By _________________________
                                    Title_________________
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-


Schedule Attached to Revolving Note dated             , 199  of [Borrower]
payable to the order of


                         LOANS AND PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS
 
 
                   Beginning
                   and End
                   Eurodollar
                   or CD       Amount of  Unpaid
        Amount of  Interest    Principal  Principal  Notation
Date    Loan Made  Period      Repaid     Balance    Made By
- - ------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ---------  --------
 
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT B
                                                                       ---------



                                   TERM NOTE


                                                            $           May 31,
1996

      The undersigned, for value received, promises to pay to the order of the
principal sum of

      Dollars payable on May 31, 1997 together, from time to time, with interest
on the unpaid principal amount hereof from time to time outstanding as provided
in Article III of the 364 Day Credit Agreement hereinafter referred to (but in
   ------- ---
no event higher than the maximum rate permitted by law).

          Payments of both principal and interest are to be made in lawful money
of the United States of America for the account of the payee at the office of
The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., at One Chase Manhattan Plaza, New York, New York
10081 in immediately available funds.

          This Note evidences indebtedness incurred under, and is subject to the
terms and provisions of, a 364 Day Credit Agreement dated as of June 1, 1995,
(and, all further amendments thereto, if any) among the undersigned and certain
banks (including the payee), to which 364 Day Credit Agreement reference is
hereby made for a statement of said terms and provisions, including those under
which this Note may be paid, or may be declared to be due and payable, prior to
its due date.

          This Note is made under and governed by the internal laws of the State
of New York.

                                     [BORROWER]


                                     By___________________________
                                       Title
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT C


                          Market Rate Promissory Note

$,                                                                          199

          The undersigned, for value received, promises to pay to the order of
                                                                            on 
or before the Revolver Expiration Date, as defined in the 364 Day Credit
Agreement referred to below, the principal sum of Dollars or the equivalent in
any Alternate Currency shown on the schedule attached hereto or, if less, the
aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Market Rate Loans made by the payee to
the undersigned pursuant to the 364 Day Credit Agreement (as hereinafter
defined) as shown on the schedule attached hereto (and any continuation
thereof), together, from time to time, with interest on the unpaid principal
amount hereof from time to time outstanding as provided in Article III of the
364 Day Credit Agreement hereinafter referred to (but in no event higher than
the maximum rate permitted by applicable law).

          Payments of both principal and interest are to be made in lawful money
of the United States of America or an Alternate Currency if so specified with
respect to any Market Rate Loan on the schedule attached hereto in immediately
available funds to, in the case of loans in Dollars the account specified by the
payee and, in the case of Alternate Currency Loans, the Alternate Currency
Payment Office.

          This Note evidences indebtedness incurred under, and is subject to the
terms and provisions of, a 364 Day Credit Agreement dated as of June 1, 1995,
(and, all further amendments thereto, if any) among the undersigned and certain
banks (including the payee) to which 364 Day Credit Agreement reference is
hereby made for a statement of said terms and provisions, including those under
which this Note may be paid, or may be declared to be due and payable, prior to
its due date.

          This Note is made under and governed by the internal laws of the State
of New York.

                              [BORROWER]


                              By___________________________
                                Title______________________
<PAGE>
 
                SCHEDULE ATTACHED TO MARKET RATE PROMISSORY NOTE

                        DATED AS OF                FROM

                                 [BORROWER] TO
                              ____________________

 
                 ALTERNATE                        AMOUNT OF  UNPAID
        AMOUNT   CURRENCY         MATURITY        PRINCIPAL  PRINCIPAL
DATE    OF LOAN  (if applicable)  DATE      RATE  REPAID     BALANCE
- - ------  -------  --------------   --------  ----  ---------  ---------
 
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT D
                                   

               FORM OF ATTORNEY'S OPINION OF COUNSEL TO BORROWER

                               Per Section 9.1.5
                                   -------------

                [Letterhead of Messrs. Cahill Gordon & Reindel]


Each of the Commercial Banking Institutions
listed on Schedule I hereto

Re:  General Signal Corporation 364 Day Credit
     Agreement, Dated as of June 1, 1995
     --------------------------------------

Gentlemen:

          We have acted as counsel to General Signal Corporation, a New York
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the 364 Day Credit Agreement,
dated as of June 1, 1995 ("Agreement"), between you and the Company, covering
loans by you to Borrower to be evidenced by the Notes.  Capitalized terms used
herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them
in the 364 Day Credit Agreement.

          We have examined originals, photocopies or conformed copies of such
records of the Company and its subsidiaries and such agreements, certificates of
public officials, certificates of officers and representatives of the Company
and its subsidiaries and such other documents as we have deemed relevant and
necessary as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed.  In such
examinations, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures on original
documents and the conformity to the originals of all copies submitted to us as
conformed or photocopies.  As to various questions of fact material to the
opinions expressed herein, we have relied upon representations, statements or
certificates of public officials, officers and representatives of the Company
and its subsidiaries and others.

          We are of the opinion that:


          (1) The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and
     in good standing under the laws of the State of New York and in good
     standing in the State of Connecticut.

          (2) The execution, delivery and performance of the Agreement and the
     Notes, and the borrowings by the Company pursuant thereto, are within the
     Company's corporate powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary
     corporate action.

          (3) No governmental approval of the actions referred to in (2) above
     is required.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-

          (4) The actions referred to in (2) above do not contravene or conflict
     with any provision of law, the Articles of Incorporation or By-laws of the
     Company, or any material agreement, indenture or instrument which is
     binding on or applicable to the Company of which we have knowledge.

          (5) The Agreement is, and each of the Notes, when executed and
     delivered for the consideration as contemplated by the Agreement will be,
     the legally valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable
     against Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, except that (i)
     such enforceability may be limited by generally applicable bankruptcy,
     insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent transfer or conveyance or other similar
     laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) no
     opinion has been requested or is being rendered as to the availability of
     equitable remedies, such as, for example, specific performance or
     injunctive relief, which are within the discretion of courts of applicable
     jurisdiction.

          (6) The Company is not (i) an "investment company," or a company
     "controlled" by an "investment company," within the meaning of the
     Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or (ii) a public utility or a
     public utility holding company as defined in the Public Utility Holding
     Company Act of 1935.

          Our opinion in (4) above is based, in part, upon the accuracy of the
representations contained in Section 13.6 of the Agreement.
                             ------------                  

          We are members of the Bar of the State of New York and we express no
opinion herein with respect to any law other than the laws of the State of New
York and the federal law of the United States.

                              Very truly yours,
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT E


                           FORM OF DESIGNATION LETTER



                                                                           , 199


To each of the Banks party to the
  364 Day Credit Agreement (as defined below)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

          Reference is made to the 364 Day Credit Agreement dated as of June 1,
1995, among General Signal Corporation (the "Company") and the Banks named
therein (the "Credit Agreement").  Terms used herein and defined in the Credit
Agreement shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the
Credit Agreement.

          Please be advised that the Company hereby designates its undersigned
Subsidiary,                 ("Designated Subsidiary"), as a "Designated
Subsidiary" under and for all purposes of the Credit Agreement.

          The Designated Subsidiary, in consideration of each Bank's agreement
to extend credit to it under and on the terms and conditions set forth in the
Credit Agreement, does hereby assume each of the obligations imposed upon a
"Designated Subsidiary" and a "Borrower" under the Credit Agreement and agrees
to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement.  In furtherance
of the foregoing, the Designated Subsidiary hereby represents and warrants to
each Bank as follows:

          1.  The Designated Subsidiary is a corporation duly incorporated,
     validly existing and in good standing under the laws of                .

          2.  The delivery of this Designation Letter, the borrowings under the
     Credit Agreement, the execution and delivery of the Notes, and the
     performance by the Designated Subsidiary of its obligations under the
     Credit Agreement, the Designation Letter and the Notes, are within the
     Borrower's corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary
     corporate action, have received all necessary governmental approval (if any
     shall be required), and do not and will not violate, contravene or conflict
     in any material respect with any provision of law or of the charter or by-
     laws of the Designated Subsidiary or of any judgment or any material
     agreement or indenture binding upon or applicable to the Designated
     Subsidiary the contravention of or conflict with which would materially
     adversely affect the
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-

     consolidated financial condition or continued operations of the Designated
     Subsidiary as a whole or materially impair the ability of the Designated
     Subsidiary to perform any of its obligations hereunder.

          This Designation Letter and the Credit Agreement, and the Notes when
     duly executed and delivered by the Designated Subsidiary will be, legal,
     valid and binding obligations of the Designated Subsidiary enforceable
     against it in accordance with their respective terms, subject only to
     bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws
     affecting the enforceability of rights of creditors generally.

          3.  No litigation or arbitration proceedings are pending or, to the
     knowledge of the Designated Subsidiary, threatened against the Designated
     Subsidiary as to which there is a reasonable likelihood of an adverse
     determination and which would reasonably be expected to have a material
     adverse effect on the ability of the Designated Subsidiary to pay its debts
     (including the Loans made to it under the Credit Agreement) as the same
     become due and payable.

          4.  No authorizations, consents, approvals, licenses, filings or
     registrations by or with any governmental authority or administrative body
     are required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by
     the Designated Subsidiary of this Designation Letter and the Credit
     Agreement except for such authorizations, consents, approvals, licenses,
     filings or registrations as have heretofore been made, obtained or effected
     and are in full force and effect.

          5.  The Designated Subsidiary is not, and immediately after the
     application by the Designated Subsidiary of the proceeds of each Loan will
     not be, (a) an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment
     Company Act of 1940, as amended, or (b) a "holding company" within the
     meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.

                                    Very truly yours,

GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION          [THE DESIGNATED SUBSIDIARY]



By________________________          By_________________________
  Title:                                Title:
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT F


                         FORM OF ATTORNEY'S OPINION OF
                       COUNSEL TO A DESIGNATED SUBSIDIARY


Each of the Commercial Banking Institutions
listed on Schedule I hereto

          Re:  General Signal Corporation 364 Day Credit
               Agreement Dated as of June 1, 1995
               -----------------------------------------

Gentlemen:

          We have acted as counsel to [Designated Subsidiary], a
____________________ corporation (the "Designated Subsidiary"), in connection
with the 364 Day Credit Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1995 ("Agreement"),
between you and the Company, covering loans by you to Borrower to be evidenced
by the Notes.  Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein
shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Agreement.

          We have examined originals, photocopies or conformed copies of such
records of the Designated Subsidiary and such agreements, certificates of public
officials, certificates of officers and representatives of the Designated
Subsidiary and its subsidiaries and such other documents as we have deemed
relevant and necessary as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed.  In
such examinations, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures on original
documents and the conformity to the originals of all copies submitted to us as
conformed or photocopies.  As to various questions of fact material to the
opinions expressed herein, we have relied upon representations, statements or
certificates of public officials, officers and representatives of the Designated
Subsidiary and others.

          We are of the opinion that:

          (1) The Designated Subsidiary is a corporation duly organized, validly
     existing and in good standing under the laws of
     _________________________________.

          (2) The execution, delivery and performance by the Designated
     Subsidiary of the Designation Letter, and the Notes to be executed by the
     Designated Subsidiary, and the borrowings by the Designated Subsidiary
     pursuant thereto, are within the Designated Subsidiary's corporate powers
     and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action.

          (3) No governmental approval of the action referred to in (2) above is
     required.

          (4) The actions referred to in (2) above to not contravene or conflict
     with any provision of law, the
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-

     Charter or By-laws of the Designated Subsidiary, or any material agreement,
     indenture or instrument which is binding on or applicable to the Designated
     Subsidiary of which we have knowledge.

          (5) The Designation Letter is, and each of the Notes to be executed by
     the Designated Subsidiary, when executed and delivered for the
     consideration as contemplated by the Agreement will be, the legally valid
     and binding obligation of the Designated Subsidiary, enforceable against
     Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, except that (i) such
     enforceability may be limited by generally applicable bankruptcy,
     insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent transfer or conveyance or other similar
     laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) no
     opinion has been requested or is being rendered as to the availability of
     equitable remedies, such as, for example, specific performance or
     injunctive relief, which are within the discretion of courts of applicable
     jurisdiction.

          (6) The Company is not (i) an "investment company," or a company
     "controlled" by an "investment company," within the meaning of the
     Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or (ii) a public utility or a
     public utility holding company has defined in the Public Utility Holding
     Company Act of 1935.

          Our opinion in (4) above is based, in part, upon the accuracy of the
representations contained in Section 13.6 of the agreement.
                             ------------                  

                                    Very truly yours,
<PAGE>
 
                           FOUR YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT


          THIS FOUR YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of January 12, 1994 (the
"Agreement"), among GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION, a New York corporation (the
"Company"), each other Borrower hereunder and the undersigned commercial banking
institutions (herein called collectively "Banks").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

          WHEREAS, the Company desires by this Agreement (such and other
capitalized terms being used herein with the meanings respectively ascribed to
them in Article XII) to obtain commitments for revolving credit loans to be made
in an aggregate outstanding principal amount not to exceed $200,000,000 on or
prior to the Revolver Expiration Date and to provide for the making of Market
Rate Loans by the several Banks; and

          WHEREAS, Banks are willing, severally and not jointly, upon the terms
and conditions hereinafter set forth, to extend such revolving loan commitments
and to make loans pursuant thereto and to make non-committed Market Rate Loans
for general working capital and other corporate purposes (including, without
limitation, acquisitions and the purchase of securities and assets, including
repurchases of the Company's securities);

             NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements herein
contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:


                                   ARTICLE I

           COMMITMENTS OF BANKS; BORROWING PROCEDURES AND CONDITIONS

          SECTION 1.1.  Commitments.  Subject to the terms and conditions of
                        -----------                                         
this Agreement, each Bank severally agrees to make Revolving Loans hereunder to
any Borrower up to the maximum amounts specified in Section 1.1.4 as follows:
                                                    ------- -----            

          SECTION 1.1.1.  Revolving Loan Commitments.  Loans on a revolving
                          --------------------------                       
basis (i.e., subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Revolving
       ---                                                                   
Loans may be borrowed, prepaid, repaid and re-borrowed) from time to time on or
before the Revolver Expiration Date to any Borrower equal to such Bank's
Percentage of the aggregate amount of such Revolving Loan (each herein called a
"Revolving Loan") except as each Bank's obligation to
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-


make Revolving Loans may be created or modified as provided in this Section 1.1
                                                                    ------- ---
and Section 13.5.
    ------- ---- 


          SECTION 1.1.2.  Term Loan Commitments.  A loan (herein called a "Term
                          ---------------------                                
Loan") on the Revolver Expiration Date in such Bank's Percentage of such
aggregate amount as Borrower may request from all Banks, such aggregate amount
not to exceed the amount of the Credit.

          SECTION 1.1.3.  Domestic and Eurodollar Loan Commitments.  Subject to
                          ----------------------------------------             
the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each Revolving Loan and each Term
Loan shall be either a Domestic Loan or a Eurodollar Loan, as Borrower shall
request in the relevant notice of borrowing pursuant to Section 1.2 or 5.4, it
                                                        ------- ---    ---    
being understood that both Domestic Loans and Eurodollar Loans may be
outstanding at the same time.  As to any Eurodollar Loan or Domestic Loan, each
Bank may, if it so elects (which election shall be made by such Bank in a manner
consistent with its undertaking contained in Section 5.7 and otherwise in good
                                             ------- ---                      
faith with a view to not increasing unnecessarily the obligations of any
Borrower hereunder), fulfill its aforesaid commitment by causing a foreign
branch or affiliate of such Bank (such foreign branch or affiliate or any U.S.
branch or affiliate from which a Bank funds a Eurodollar Loan herein called such
Bank's "Eurodollar Office") to make such Loan, provided that in such event for
the purposes of this Agreement such Eurodollar Loan shall be deemed to have been
made by such Bank, and the obligation of Borrower to repay such Eurodollar Loan
shall nevertheless be to such Bank and shall be deemed held by it, to the extent
of such Eurodollar Loan, for the account of such branch or affiliate.

          SECTION 1.1.4.  Commitment Limits.  The aggregate principal amount of
                          -----------------                                    
Revolving Loans and Term Loans which any Bank shall be committed to lend to
Borrower shall not at any one time exceed such Bank's Commitment; and the
aggregate amount of the Credit shall not at any one time exceed $200,000,000 (or
such greater or lesser amount as may be determined pursuant to this Section
                                                                    -------
1.1).  Except as may be otherwise required by Section 5.6, no Bank's obligation
- - ---                                           ------- ---                      
to make any Revolving Loan or Term Loan shall, the ratability provisions of
Section 1.1.3 to the contrary notwithstanding, be affected by any other Bank's
- - ------- -----                                                                 
failure or inability to make any Revolving Loan or Term Loan.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -3-

          SECTION 1.1.5.   Mandatory Reduction of the Commitments.  On the
                           --------------------------------------         
Revolver Expiration Date the Commitment of each Bank shall be reduced to zero;
provided that on the Revolver Expiration Date any Borrower may borrow a Term
- - --------                                                                    
Loan pursuant to Section 1.2.  The aggregate amount of the Commitments of the
                 ------- ---                                                 
Banks once reduced pursuant to this Section 1.1.5 may not be reinstated.
                                    ------- -----                       

          SECTION 1.1.6.  Optional Pro Rata Reduction.  The Company shall have
                          ---------------------------                         
the right, at any time or from time to time, upon not less than three Business
Days' prior notice to the Depositary Bank (and the Depositary Bank shall
promptly notify each Bank of each termination or reduction) to terminate or
reduce, in whole or in part, on a pro rata basis the unused portions of the
respective Commitments of the Banks, provided that each partial reduction shall
                                     --------                                  
be in an aggregate principal amount of $5,000,000 or a multiple thereof.  The
aggregate amount of the Commitments of the Banks once reduced pursuant to this
Section 1.1.6 may not be reinstated, except pursuant to Section 1.1.8.
- - ------- -----                                           ------- ----- 

          SECTION 1.1.7.  Optional Non-Pro Rata Reduction.  The Company shall
                          -------------------------------                    
have the right, upon not less than five Business Days' prior notice to a Bank
(with a copy to the Depositary Bank), to terminate in whole such Bank's
Commitment; provided, that at the time such notice of termination is given (A)
            --------                                                          
no Credit Suspension Event has occurred and is continuing and (B) either (i) the
Public Debt Rating of the Company is A-/A3 or higher or (ii) concurrently with
the termination of such Bank's Commitment a Commitment Increase becomes
effective pursuant to Section 1.1.8 in an amount not less than the Commitments
                      ------- -----                                           
concurrently being terminated pursuant to this Section 1.1.7.  Such termination
                                               ------- -----                   
shall be effective, (A) with respect to such Bank's unused Commitment, on the
date set forth in such notice, provided, however, that such date shall be no
                               --------  -------                            
earlier than ten Business Days after receipt of such notice and (B) with respect
to each Loan outstanding to such Bank, on the last day of the then current
Interest Period relating to such Loan.  Upon termination of a Bank's Commitment
under this Section 1.1.7, the Company will pay or cause to be paid all principal
           ------- -----                                                        
of, and interest accrued to the date of such payment on Loans owing to such Bank
and pay any facility fees or other fees payable to such Bank pursuant to Section
                                                                         -------
3.2, and all other amounts payable to such Bank hereunder; and upon such
- - ---                                                                     
payments, the obligations of such Bank hereunder shall, by the provisions
hereof, be released and discharged.  The aggregate amount of the Commitments of
the
<PAGE>
 
                                      -4-

Banks once reduced pursuant to this Section 1.1.7, may not be reinstated, except
                                    ------- -----                               
pursuant to Section 1.1.8.
            ------- ----- 

          SECTION 1.1.8.  Increase in Commitments.  The Company may at any time,
                          -----------------------                               
by notice to the Depositary Bank, propose that the aggregate of the Commitments
be increased in excess of the aggregate of the Commitments then in effect (a
"Commitment Increase"), effective as of a date prior to the Revolver Expiration
Date (the "Increase Date") as to which agreement is to be reached by an earlier
date specified in such notice (the "Commitment Date"); provided, however, that
                                                       --------  -------      
(A) the minimum proposed Commitment Increase per notice shall be in an amount no
less than $5,000,000, (B) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and
(C) the warranties of the Company in Article VII shall be true and correct in
                                     ------- ---                             
all material respects with the same effect as if made on such Increase Date.
The Depositary Bank shall notify the Banks thereof promptly upon its receipt of
any such notice.  If agreement is reached on or prior to the Commitment Date
with one or more Banks and Assuming Banks, if any, as to a Commitment Increase
(which may be less than specified in the applicable notice from the Company),
such agreement to be evidenced by a notice in reasonable detail from the Company
to the Depositary Bank on or prior to the Commitment Date, the Assuming Banks,
if any, shall become Banks hereunder as of the Increase Date and the Commitments
of such Banks and such Assuming Banks shall become or be, as the case may be, as
of the Increase Date the amounts specified in such notice (and the Depositary
Bank shall give notice thereof to the Banks (including such Assuming Banks));
provided, however, that:
- - --------  -------       

          (a) the Depositary Bank shall have received (with copies for each
     Bank, including each Assuming Bank), on or prior to the Increase Date, an
     opinion of counsel for the Company in substantially the form of Exhibit D
                                                                     ------- -
     hereto and an opinion of counsel for each other Borrower substantially in
     the form of Exhibit F hereto, dated such Increase Date, together with a
                 ------- -                                                  
     copy, certified on the Increase Date by the Secretary or an Assistant
     Secretary of the pertinent Borrower, of the resolutions adopted by the
     Board of Directors of the Company and each such other Borrower authorizing
     such Commitment Increase;

          (b) each such Assuming Bank shall have delivered, on or prior to the
     Increase Date, to the Depositary Bank an appropriate Assumption Agreement;
     and
<PAGE>
 
                                      -5-

          (c) each Bank which proposes to increase its Commitment in connection
     with such Commitment Increase shall have delivered, on or prior to the
     Increase Date, confirmation in writing satisfactory to the Depositary Bank
     as to its increased Commitment.

In the event that the Depositary Bank shall not have received notice from the
Company as to such agreement on or prior to the Commitment Date or the Company
shall, by notice to the Depositary Bank prior to the Increase Date, withdraw
such proposal or any of the actions provided for above in clauses (a) through
                                                                  ---        
(c) of this Section 1.1.8. shall not have occurred by the Increase Date, such
- - ---         ------- ------                                                   
proposal by the Company shall be deemed not to have been made.  In such event,
the actions theretofore taken under clauses (a) through (c) of this Section
                                            ---         ---         -------
1.1.8., shall be deemed to be of no effect and all the rights and obligations of
- - ------                                                                          
the parties shall continue as if no such proposal had been made.
 
          Following any Commitment Increase, the Borrower shall be deemed to
repay and reborrow each Revolving Loan having an Interest Period commencing
prior to such Increase Date on the date of the continuation or conversion of any
Revolving Loan that is a Fixed Rate Loan or the next Interest Date for any
Revolving Loan that is a Prime Rate Loan.

          SECTION 1.2.  Borrowing Procedures.  Borrower shall provide The Chase
                        --------------------                                   
Manhattan Bank, N.A. (herein called "Depositary Bank"), with notice (of which
Depositary Bank shall give prompt notice to each other Bank), by 10:00 a.m. New
York City time on the day of a proposed borrowing of Prime Rate Loans, at least
two Business Days prior to each proposed borrowing of CD Loans or at least three
Eurodollar Days prior to each proposed borrowing of Eurodollar Loans, as the
case may be, of the date and amount of such borrowing (except that if the Term
Loan borrowing shall comprise both Domestic and Eurodollar Loans, there shall be
a single notice at least three Eurodollar Days prior to such proposed
borrowing), the interest rate applicable thereto and, in the case of a
Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan, the duration of the initial Interest Period.  Each
Bank shall provide Depositary Bank at its address set forth below its signature
hereto, by not later than 12:30 p.m., New York City time, on the date of a
proposed borrowing, with immediately available funds covering such Bank's
Percentage of the borrowing (or, in the case of the Term Loan borrowing, of any
excess of the aggregate Term Loan borrowing over the aggregate principal amount
of the Revolving Loans then outstanding plus accrued interest unpaid at the
Revolver
<PAGE>
 
                                      -6-

Expiration Date), and Depositary Bank shall pay over such immediately available
funds to Borrower upon each Bank's (including, without limitation, Depositary
Bank's) receipt of the documents required under Article IX with respect to such
                                                ------- --                     
borrowing.  Each borrowing hereunder shall be in an aggregate amount that is an
integral multiple of $1,000,000 and at least $5,000,000.

          SECTION 1.3.  Market Rate Loans.   (a) Notwithstanding any provisions
                        -----------------                                      
of this Agreement to the contrary, any Bank may, from time to time, make Market
Rate Loans denominated in Dollars or in any Alternate Currency to any Borrower
bearing interest at such rate (hereinafter called such Bank's "Market Rate") of
interest as may be agreed upon by the Borrower and such Bank.  Each Bank may in
its sole discretion negotiate with any Borrower concerning the offering of Loans
at a Market Rate (hereinafter called "Market Rate Loans"); provided, that
                                                           --------      
nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to require any Bank to offer
Market Rate Loans to any Borrower.  In the event that any Borrower and any Bank
agree to the making of a Market Rate Loan, such Market Rate Loan shall be made
severally by such Bank directly to such Borrower without participation in such
Market Rate Loan by any other Bank.  Such Market Rate Loan may be on such
further terms and conditions, including the right of the Borrower to prepay such
Market Rate Loan, as may be agreed upon by the Borrower and such Bank.

          (b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
Agreement, all payments or prepayments made in respect of Market Rate Loans made
by a Bank pursuant to Section 1.3(a) shall be made directly to such Bank, and
                      ------- ------                                         
such Bank shall not be subject to the provisions of Section 6.3 or 6.4 in
                                                    ------- ---    ---   
respect of any such payments so received.

          (c) Upon the making of, or any repayment of principal of, any Market
Rate Loan, Borrower shall give the Depositary Bank prompt written, facsimile or
telephonic notice of such Market Rate Loan or repayment, which notice shall
state the Borrower, the principal amount of such Market Rate Loan or the amount
of such repayment, the maturity date of such Market Rate Loan (if applicable)
and, if such Market Rate Loan is an Alternate Currency Loan, the Alternate
Currency, the Dollar equivalent of the principal amount thereof and the
Alternate Currency Payment Office.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -7-

          (d) Market Rate Loans shall not be subject to the limitations on the
aggregate amount of the Credit as provided in Section 1.1.4 and shall not reduce
                                              ------- -----                     
the amount of any Bank's unused Commitment.

          (e) The Company shall designate for each Alternate Currency in which
any Borrower proposes to borrow an Alternate Currency Loan an office of a bank
at which the proceeds of Alternate Currency Loans denominated in such Alternate
Currency will be made available to Borrower and payments in such Alternate
Currency will be made (an "Alternate Currency Payment Office") by written notice
to Depositary Bank.  Any Borrower and any Bank making a Market Rate Loan that is
an Alternate Currency Loan may agree upon a different Alternate Currency Payment
Office with respect to such Market Rate Loan.  The Company or Borrower shall
provide the Depositary Bank with written notice of any such designation.

          SECTION 1.4.  Conditions to Each Loan.  Notwithstanding any other
                        -----------------------                            
provision of this Agreement, no Revolving Loan or Term Loan shall be required to
be made hereunder if the conditions precedent to the making of such Loan
specified in Article IX have not been satisfied.

                                   ARTICLE II

                             NOTES EVIDENCING LOANS

          SECTION 2.1.  Revolving Notes.  The Revolving Loans of each Bank shall
                        ---------------                                         
be evidenced by a promissory note (herein called a "Revolving Note")
substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A, with appropriate insertions,
                                       ------- -                              
payable to the order of such Bank on the Revolver Expiration Date in the
principal amount equal to the amount of such Bank's Commitment or in the
aggregate unpaid principal amount of all of its Revolving Loans, whichever is
less.  The date and amount of each Revolving Loan made by such Bank and of each
repayment of principal thereof received by such Bank, and, in the case of each
Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan, the dates on which each Interest Period as to such
Loan shall begin and end, shall be recorded by such Bank on the schedule
attached to the Revolving Note issued to such Bank, and the aggregate unpaid
principal amount shown on such schedule shall be conclusive evidence absent
demonstrable error of the principal amount owing and unpaid on such Revolving
Note.  The failure to record any such amount on such schedule shall not,
however, limit or otherwise affect the obligations of Borrower hereunder or
<PAGE>
 
                                      -8-

under any Note to repay the principal amount of the Loans together with all
interest accruing thereon or any other amount owing hereunder.  Each Revolving
Loan shall be repaid on the Revolver Expiration Date, subject to the right of
Borrower to prepay such Revolving Loan and, prior to the Revolver Expiration
Date, to reborrow hereunder, in accordance with the provisions of this
Agreement.

          SECTION 2.2.  Term Notes.  The Term Loan of each Bank shall be
                        ----------                                      
evidenced by a promissory note (herein called a "Term Note") substantially in
the form set forth in Exhibit B, with appropriate insertions, dated the Revolver
                      ------- -                                                 
Expiration Date, payable to the order of such Bank in the original principal
amount of such Term Loan on the date which is one year after the Revolver
Expiration Date.

          SECTION 2.3.  Market Rate Notes.  A Market Rate Loan made by any Bank
                        -----------------                                      
to Borrower shall be evidenced by a promissory note (herein called a "Market
Rate Note") substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit C, with appropriate
                                                   ------- -                  
insertions, and containing such other terms as the Borrower and such Bank may
agree.


                                  ARTICLE III

                               INTEREST AND FEES

          SECTION 3.1.  Interest.  Subject to the provisions of Section 4.4, (i)
                        --------                                ------- ---     
interest prior to maturity (whether by acceleration or otherwise) on each Prime
Rate Loan shall be payable in arrears on the last day of each March, June,
September and December and on the Revolver Expiration Date (herein, subject to
the requirements of Section 3.4, and including the final maturities, by
                    ------- ---                                        
acceleration or otherwise, of all of the Revolving Loans, called a "Prime Rate
Interest Date"), and (ii) interest prior to maturity on each Eurodollar Loan and
CD Loan shall be payable on the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan
(herein called a "Fixed Rate Interest Date"). Interest from and after maturity
(whether by acceleration or otherwise) on all Loans shall be payable on demand.
Interest on each Loan shall accrue from and including the Borrowing Date thereof
but shall not accrue on any principal amount of such Loan for the day on which
such principal amount is paid.  For purposes of the foregoing computations, a
conversion of Eurodollar Loans to Domestic Loans or of Domestic Loans to
Eurodollar Loans, or a
<PAGE>
 
                                      -9-

conversion of CD Loans to Prime Rate Loans or of Prime Rate Loans to CD Loans,
or a continuation of Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans, pursuant to Article V shall
                                                               ------- -      
be deemed to comprise a payment of principal together with the making of a
concurrent Loan.

          SECTION 3.1.1.  Interest on Domestic Loans.  Interest on the unpaid
                          --------------------------                         
portion of the principal amount of Domestic Loans shall accrue until paid with
respect to each Bank at the following rates per annum:

          SECTION 3.1.1.1.  Revolving Loans and Term Loans.  (i) Prior to
                            ------------------------------               
maturity, at a rate equal to the Prime Rate, from time to time in effect, or the
CD Rate, as the Borrower has specified in its notice of borrowing pursuant to
Section 1.2 hereof; and (ii) after maturity, whether by acceleration or
- - ------- ---                                                            
otherwise, until paid, at a rate equal to the sum of the Prime Rate, in effect
from time to time, plus 1%.

          SECTION 3.1.1.2.  Changes in Prime Rate.  The applicable interest rate
                            ---------------------                               
on Prime Rate Loans shall change simultaneously with the effectiveness of each
change in the Prime Rate.

          SECTION 3.1.2.  Interest on Eurodollar Loans.  Interest on the unpaid
                          ----------------------------                         
principal amount of each Eurodollar Loan shall accrue at a rate per annum
(herein called the "Eurodollar Interest Rate") calculated for each Eurodollar
Period as follows:

          SECTION 3.1.2.1.  Revolving Loans and Term Loans.  The Eurodollar
                            ------------------------------                 
Interest Rate for each Eurodollar Period shall be a rate per annum which is
equal to the sum of the Eurodollar Margin in effect on the first day of the
applicable Eurodollar Period plus the rate obtained by dividing (i) the
arithmetic average (rounded to the nearest whole multiple of 1/16 of 1%) of the
rates per annum calculated by Depositary Bank on the basis of notification from
the Reference Banks at which Dollar deposits are offered to each Reference Bank
by prime banks in the London Interbank Eurodollar market in immediately
available funds at 11:00 a.m., London time, two Eurodollar Days before the
beginning of such Eurodollar Period for a period comparable to such Eurodollar
Period and in a principal amount comparable to the Eurodollar Loan of such
Reference Bank for such Eurodollar Period divided (and rounded to the nearest
whole multiple of 1/16 of 1%) by (ii) a percentage equal to 100% minus the then
stated maximum rate of all reserve requirements (including without limitation
any marginal, emergency, supplemental, special or other reserves)
<PAGE>
 
                                      -10-

applicable to any member bank of the Federal Reserve System in respect of
Eurocurrency liabilities as defined in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System (herein called "Regulation D") or any successor
category of liabilities under Regulation D.

          SECTION 3.1.2.2.  After Maturity.  In the event of default by any
                            --------------                                 
Borrower in the payment when due (whether by acceleration or otherwise) of part
or all of the principal amount of any Eurodollar Loan, such Borrower shall pay
interest on such unpaid amount from the date such amount shall have become due
to the date of actual payment, accruing on a daily basis, at a rate per annum
(i) in the event such default shall occur prior to the scheduled expiration of
the Eurodollar Period for such Loan, then during the remaining portion of such
Eurodollar Period, equal to 1% plus the Eurodollar Interest Rate for such
Eurodollar Period of such Loan during which such default occurred and (ii) after
the expiration of the Eurodollar Period for such Loan (or expiring concurrently
with such default) equal to the Prime Rate, from time to time in effect, plus
1%.

          SECTION 3.1.3.  Notice of CD Rate or Eurodollar Interest Rate.  The CD
                          ------------------------------- -------------         
Rate for each CD Interest Period and the Eurodollar Interest Rate for each
Eurodollar Period shall be determined by Depositary Bank as provided herein and
notice thereof (including a calculation in reasonable detail) shall be given by
Depositary Bank promptly to each Bank and to the Company.

          SECTION 3.1.4.  Rate Determination Conclusive.  Each calculation of
                          -----------------------------                      
the Eurodollar Interest Rate or the CD Rate, furnished to the Banks and to the
Company by Depositary Bank pursuant to Section 3.1.3 shall, unless objected to
                                       ------- -----                          
by any Bank or the Company within 30 days thereafter, be conclusive and binding
upon the parties hereto, in the absence of demonstrable error.  If any one or
more of the Reference Banks is unable or for any reason fails to notify
Depositary Bank of the applicable interest rate on the day specified in Section
                                                                        -------
3.1.2.1, in the case of a Eurodollar Loan, or in the definition of "CD Rate", in
- - -------                                                                         
the case of a CD Loan, by 9:00 p.m., London time in the case of a Eurodollar
Loan and 4:00 p.m., New York City time in the case of a CD Loan, the applicable
Eurodollar Interest Rate or CD Rate, as the case may be, shall be determined on
the basis of the rate or rates of which Depositary Bank is given notice by the
remaining Reference Bank or Banks by such time.  If none of the Reference Banks
is able to notify Depositary Bank of such a rate,
<PAGE>
 
                                      -11-

the provisions of clauses (a), (b) and (c) of Section 5.5 shall apply.
                  ------- ---  ---     ---    ------- ---             

          SECTION 3.1.5.  Increased Cost of Fixed Rate Loans.  Borrower agrees
                          ----------------------------------                  
to pay directly to each Bank additional amounts as will compensate such Bank for
(i.e., make such Bank whole against, but only to the extent and for the duration
 ---                                                                            
of) (i) any increase in the cost to such Bank of making or maintaining any
Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan hereunder, or of its obligation to make or maintain
any Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans hereunder, or (ii) any reduction in the amount
of any sum receivable by such Bank hereunder in respect of any Eurodollar Loan
or CD Loan, from time to time, by reason of:

          (a) any reserve, special deposit, or similar requirements against
     assets of, deposits with or for the account of or credit extended by, such
     Bank which are imposed on, or deemed applicable by, such Bank, under or
     pursuant to any law, treaty, rule, regulation (including, without
     limitation, Regulation D) or requirement in effect on or after the date
     hereof, any change therein, or any interpretation thereof by any
     governmental authority charged with administration thereof or by any
     central bank or other fiscal, monetary or other authority having
     jurisdiction over the CD Loans, the Eurodollar Loans, such Bank, or a
     Eurodollar Office which is a foreign branch or affiliate of such Bank, or
     any requirement imposed by any central bank or such other authority,
     whether or not having the force of law; or

          (b) any change in (including the introduction of any new) applicable
     law, treaty, rule, regulation or requirement or in the interpretation
     thereof by any official authority, or the imposition of any requirement of
     any central bank, whether or not having the force of law, which shall
     subject such Bank or Borrower to any tax (other than taxes on net income or
     net worth or franchise taxes), levy, impost, charge, fee, duty, deduction
     or withholding of any kind whatsoever or change the taxation of a
     Eurodollar Office which is a foreign branch or affiliate of such Bank with
     respect to any Eurodollar Loan of such Bank hereunder and the interest
     thereon (other than any change which affects, and to the extent that it
     affects, the taxation of net income);
 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -12-

provided, however, that no Bank shall seek compensation for any such increase in
- - --------  -------                                                               
cost, or for any such reduction in the amount of any sum receivable, for any
period when any Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan shall be outstanding if such Bank
shall, on or prior to the date of making such Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan, have
notified the Borrower that it will not seek compensation therefor and will not
give notice thereof in accordance with the following paragraph of this Section;
                                                                                
provided, further, that the Borrower shall not be required to pay any additional
- - --------  -------                                                               
amount on account of any taxes imposed by the United States pursuant to this
                                                                            
Section 3.1.5. to any Bank which (i) is not entitled, on the date hereof (or, in
- - ------- ------                                                                  
the case of an assignee of a Bank, on the date on which the assignment to it
became effective), to submit Form 1001 or Form 4224 (or any successor forms) so
as to meet its obligations to submit such a form pursuant to Section 13.18 or
                                                             ------- -----   
Section 13.5, or (ii) shall have failed to submit any form or other
- - ------- ----                                                       
certification which it was required to file pursuant to Section 13.18 or Section
                                                        ------- -----    -------
13.5 and entitled to file under applicable law, or (iii) shall have filed any
- - ----                                                                         
such form which is incorrect or incomplete in any material respect.

In any such event, each Bank so affected shall promptly notify Borrower and
Depositary Bank (which shall give prompt notice thereof to each other Bank)
thereof by telephone, confirmed in writing, stating the reasons therefor and the
additional amounts required fully to compensate such Bank for such increased
cost or reduced amount.  Such additional amounts shall be payable on the Fixed
Rate Interest Date of each Eurodollar Loan and CD Loan so affected, and upon
demand if such notice is not given to Borrower prior to such Fixed Rate Interest
Date or if there are no Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans outstanding when such
notice is given, provided that such compensation will cover a period beginning
                 --------                                                     
not more than 90 days prior to such notice.  A certificate as to any such
increased cost or reduced amount (including calculations, in reasonable detail,
showing how such Bank computed such cost or reduction) shall be submitted by
each affected Bank to Borrower and Depositary Bank (which shall promptly furnish
copies thereof to each other Bank) and shall, in the absence of demonstrable
error, be conclusive and binding.

          SECTION 3.1.6.  Interest on Market Rate Loans.  The applicable
                          -----------------------------                 
interest rate, and the time of payment therefor, for each Market Rate Loan shall
be as agreed upon by Borrower and the Bank making such Market Rate Loan.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -13-

          SECTION 3.1.7.  Additional Costs.  Without limiting the effect of the
                          ----------------                                     
foregoing provisions of Section 3.1.5 (but  without duplication), the Borrower
                        ------- -----                                         
shall pay directly to each Bank from time to time on demand such amounts as such
Bank may determine to be necessary to compensate such Bank for any costs which
such Bank determines are attributable to any Revolving Loan outstanding
hereunder or to its obligation to make any Revolving Loans hereunder and to
other loans or commitments of this type in respect of any amount of capital
maintained by such Bank or any of its affiliates pursuant to any law or
regulation of any jurisdiction, or any change therein, or any interpretation,
guidelines, directive or request (whether or not having the force of law) of any
court or governmental or monetary authority, whether in effect on the date of
this Agreement or thereafter.  Without limiting the foregoing, such compensation
shall include an amount equal to any reduction in return on assets or return on
equity to a level below that which such Bank could have achieved but for such
law, regulation, change, interpretation, directive or request; provided,
                                                               -------- 
however, that no Bank shall seek compensation for any such increase in cost, or
- - -------                                                                        
for any such reduction in the amount of any sum receivable, in respect of any
Revolving Loan outstanding hereunder for any period when any Revolving Loan
shall be outstanding if such Bank shall, on or prior to the date of making such
Revolving Loan, have notified the Borrower that it will not seek compensation
therefor and will not give notice thereof in accordance with the following
paragraph of this Section.

In any such event, each Bank so affected shall promptly notify the Company and
Depositary Bank (which shall give prompt notice thereof to each other Bank)
thereof by telephone, confirmed in writing, stating the reasons therefor and the
additional amounts required fully to compensate such Bank for such increased
cost or reduced amount.  Such additional amounts shall be payable on the next
Interest Date, or upon demand if there are no Loans outstanding when such notice
is given, provided that such compensation will cover a period beginning not more
          --------                                                              
than 90 days prior to such notice.  A certificate as to any such increased cost
or reduced amount (including calculations, in reasonable detail, showing how
such Bank computed such cost or reduction) shall be submitted by each affected
Bank to Borrower and Depositary Bank (which shall promptly furnish copies
thereof to each other Bank) and shall, in the absence of demonstrable error, be
conclusive and binding.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -14-

          SECTION 3.1.8.  Applicable Margin.  The "Eurodollar Margin" or "CD
                          -----------------                                 
Margin" means, as of any date, with respect to any Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan,
respectively, the applicable percentage set opposite the Public Debt Rating in
effect on such date:
 
     Public Debt Rating         Eurodollar Margin   CD Margin
     ------------------         -----------------   ----------

     Level 1:
       AA-/Aa3
       or higher                       0.1875%     0.3125%
 
     Level 2:
       A-/A3 or higher, but
       less than Level 1                 0.25%      0.375%
 
     Level 3:
       BBB-/Baa3 or higher,
       but less than Level 2             0.40%      0.525%
 
     Level 4:
       Less than BBB-/Baa3               0.75%      0.875%


          Any adjustment to the Eurodollar Margin or CD Margin pursuant to this
Section 3.1.8 shall become effective for Interest Periods commencing after a
- - ------- -----                                                               
public announcement of a change in debt rating which requires an adjustment to
be made hereunder.

          SECTION 3.2.  Facility Fee.  Borrower agrees to pay the Banks a
                        ------------                                     
facility fee for the period from and including January 12, 1994 to the Revolver
Expiration Date equal to the percentage per annum set forth for the applicable
Public Debt Rating in the table below on the daily average amount of the Credit;
provided that no facility fee shall be payable to any Bank on that portion of
- - --------                                                                     
the Credit then borrowed as Prime Rate Loans as a result of a conversion of any
Fixed Rate Loan pursuant to Section 4.2, 5.5, 5.6 or 5.7.
                            ------- ---  ---  ---    --- 

     Public Debt Rating           Facility Fee Percentage
     ------------------           -----------------------

     Level 1:
       AA-/Aa3 or higher          0.1250%
<PAGE>
 
                                      -15-

     Public Debt Rating           Facility Fee Percentage
     ------------------           -----------------------

     Level 1:
       AA-/Aa3 or higher          0.1250%
     Level 2:
       A-/A3 or higher,           0.15%
       but less than Level 1

     Level 3:
       BBB-/Baa3 or higher,       0.25%
       but less than Level 2

     Level 4:
       Less than BBB-/Baa3        0.40%


          If Term Loans are borrowed on the Revolver Expiration Date, Borrower
agrees to pay the Banks a Facility Fee from and including the Revolver
Expiration Date to the date all Term Loans are repaid in full equal to 0.125% on
the average daily principal balance of the Term Loans; provided that no Facility
Fee shall be payable to any Bank on that portion of the Term Loans that are
Prime Rate Loans as a result of a conversion of any Fixed Rate Loan pursuant to
Section 4.2, 5.5, 5.6 or 5.7.
- - ------- ---  ---  ---    --- 

          Such facility fee shall be payable on the last day of March, June,
September and December for the period then ending for which such facility fee
shall not have been theretofore paid (the first such payment to be made on March
31, 1994) and on the earlier of the Revolver Expiration Date or the date of
termination of the Credit for any period then ending for which such facility fee
shall not have been theretofore paid.

          SECTION 3.3.  Basis of Computation.  Interest on Prime Rate Loans and
                        --------------------                                   
the facility fee shall be computed for the actual number of days elapsed on the
basis of a year consisting of 365 or, if applicable, 366 days.  Interest on
Fixed Rate Loans shall be computed for the actual number of days elapsed on the
basis of a year consisting of 360 days.  Interest on each Market Rate Loan shall
be computed on the same basis as Fixed Rate Loans unless otherwise agreed upon
by Borrower and the Bank making such Market Rate Loan.

          SECTION 3.4.  Extension of Due Date.  If any payment of principal of,
                        ---------------------                                  
or interest on, any Domestic Loan or any payment of a facility fee falls due on
a day which is not a Business Day, then such due date shall be extended to the
next following Business Day.  If any payment of principal of, or interest on,
any Eurodollar Loan falls due on a day which is not a Eurodollar
<PAGE>
 
                                      -16-

Day, then such due date shall be extended to the next Eurodollar Day, unless
such Eurodollar Day falls in another calendar month, in which case the date for
payment thereof shall be the preceding Eurodollar Day.  If the date for any
payment of principal is extended pursuant to this Section 3.4, additional
                                                  ------- ---            
interest shall accrue and be payable for the period of such extension.

          SECTION 3.5.  Interest Rate Determination.  Each Reference Bank agrees
                        ---------------------------                             
to furnish to the Depositary Bank timely information for the purpose of
determining each Prime Rate, CD Rate or Eurodollar Rate, as applicable.  If any
one or more of the Reference Banks shall not furnish such timely information to
the Depositary Bank for determination of any such interest rate, the Depositary
Bank shall determine such interest rate on the basis of timely information
furnished by the remaining Reference Banks.  The Depositary Bank shall give
prompt notice to the Borrower and, if different, the Company and the Banks of
the applicable interest rate determined by the Depositary Bank and of the
applicable rate, if any, furnished by each Reference Bank for determining the
applicable interest rate under Section 3.1.
                               ------- --- 

          SECTION 3.6.  Currency Equivalents.  For purposes of the provisions of
                        --------------------                                    
Articles I, II, III, IV and V, (i) the equivalent in Dollars of any Alternate
- - -------- -  --  ---  --     -                                                
Currency shall be determined by using the quoted spot rate at which the
principal office in New York City of the pertinent Bank or the principal office
in New York City of any affiliate of such Bank offers to exchange Dollars for
such Alternate Currency in New York City at 11:00 a.m. (New York City time), two
Business Days prior to the date on which such equivalent is to be determined,
(ii) the equivalent in any Alternate Currency of any other Alternate Currency
shall be determined by using the quoted spot rate at which such Bank's principal
office in New York City or the principal office in New York City of any
affiliate of such Bank offers to exchange such Alternate Currency for the
equivalent in Dollars of such other Alternate Currency in New York City at 11:00
a.m. (New York City time), two Business Days prior to the date on which such
equivalent is to be determined, and (iii) the equivalent in any Alternate
Currency of Dollars shall be determined by using the quoted spot rate at which
such Bank's principal office in New York City or the principal office in New
York City of any affiliate of such Bank offers to exchange such Alternate
Currency for Dollars in New York City at 11:00 a.m. (New York City time), two
Business Days prior to the date on which such equivalent is to be determined.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -17-

                                  ARTICLE IV

                                  PREPAYMENTS

          SECTION 4.1.  Prepayment upon Reduction or Termination of the Credit.
                        ------------------------------------------------------  
On the effective date of any reduction of the Commitments pursuant to Section
                                                                      -------
1.1.6 Borrower shall prepay the amount, if any, by which the aggregate unpaid
- - -----                                                                        
principal amount of all Revolving Notes exceeds the then reduced amount of the
Credit; provided, that on the later of the termination of the Commitments in
        --------                                                            
their entirety or the maturity of the Term Loan, if made, each Borrower shall
pay in full all of its obligations hereunder and under the Notes accrued or
payable through such date (all such obligations being herein collectively called
the "Liabilities").

          SECTION 4.2.  Change in Law Rendering Fixed Rate Loans Unlawful.  In
                        ---------------------------------------- --------     
the event that any change in (including the introduction of any new) applicable
laws or regulations, or in the interpretation thereof by any governmental or
other regulatory authority charged with the administration thereof, shall make
it unlawful for any Bank to make or continue any Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan to
be made or continued by it hereunder, the obligation of such Bank pursuant to
which such Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan would otherwise be made shall, upon the
happening of such event, forthwith terminate and such Bank shall, by telephonic
notice confirmed in writing to Borrower (with a copy to Depositary Bank, which
shall give prompt notice thereof to each other Bank), declare that such
obligation has so terminated.  If any such change shall make it unlawful for
any Bank to maintain any Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan made by it hereunder, such
Bank shall, upon the happening of such event, notify Borrower thereof by
telephone, confirmed in writing (with a copy to Depositary Bank, which shall
give prompt notice thereof to each other Bank), stating the reasons therefor and
Borrower shall, at such time as required by law and no later than at the end of
the Interest Period of such Loan, convert such Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan into a
Prime Rate Loan by such Bank pursuant to the provisions (other than as to prior
notice, to the extent that compliance therewith would violate applicable law) of
Article V.  If prior to the Revolver Expiration Date circumstances subsequently
- - ------- -                                                                      
change so that any such Bank shall no longer be so affected, such Bank shall
reinstate its Commitment to make Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans upon written
notice to Borrower thereof (with a copy to Depositary Bank, which shall give
prompt notice thereof to each other Bank).
<PAGE>
 
                                      -18-

          SECTION 4.3.  Optional Prepayment.  Borrower may from time to time,
                        -------------------                                  
upon at least three Eurodollar Days' prior written notice to each Bank, prepay
the Loans in whole or in part, subject to the provisions of Sections 6.1 and
                                                            -------- ---    
6.3, without premium or penalty other than as provided in Section 4.5; provided
- - ---                                                       ------- ---  --------
however, that such optional prepayment shall, if it occurs before the Revolver
- - -------                                                                       
Expiration Date, not reduce the Credit and any partial prepayment shall be in an
aggregate principal amount of at least $5,000,000 and an integral multiple of
$1,000,000.

          SECTION 4.4.  Interest on Principal Prepaid.  Any prepayment of
                        -----------------------------                    
principal of the Loans shall include accrued interest to the date of prepayment
on the principal amount being prepaid.  Upon any conversion of a Fixed Rate Loan
pursuant to Section 4.2, 5.6 or 5.7, Borrower shall on the date of such
            ------- ---  ---    ---                                    
conversion pay accrued interest on such Fixed Rate Loan to such date.  Payments
of interest on account of a conversion pursuant to Section 4.2, 5.6 or 5.7 shall
                                                   ------- ---  ---    ---      
be made directly to each Bank so affected.

          SECTION 4.5.  Prepayment Compensation.  If (i) any optional or
                        -----------------------                         
mandatory payment or prepayment of a Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan (including,
without limitation, on account of a reduction or termination of the Credit) or
any conversion of a Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan pursuant to Article V or Section
                                                           ------- -    -------
4.2 is made on a day which is not the originally scheduled last day (designated
- - ---                                                                            
in Borrower's notice pursuant to Section 1.2 or 5.4) of an Interest Period of
                                 ------- ---    ---                          
such Loan, or (ii) the Borrower fails to borrow, continue, or convert another
Loan into, a Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan on the date for such borrowing,
continuation, or conversion specified in the Borrower's notice pursuant to
                                                                          
Section 1.2 or 5.4, Borrower shall pay directly to the Bank having made such
- - ------- ---    ---                                                          
Loan or which would have made such Loan such amount or amounts as will fully
compensate such Bank for any net losses and expenses incurred by it (or any
branch or affiliate thereof) in connection with its repayment  or reinvestment
in respect of funds borrowed by it or deposited with it for the purpose of
making or maintaining such Loan, it being understood that the amount of any such
                                 -- ----- ----------                            
loss shall be determined with reference only to reduced earnings derived by such
Bank on, and shall not include any loss of, any principal amount of such funds
as the result of such Bank's reinvestment thereof.  Any such payment by Borrower
to any Bank shall be payable on demand made by such Bank (accompanied by a
calculation in reasonable detail of such
<PAGE>
 
                                      -19-

payment which, in the absence of demonstrable error, shall be conclusive and
binding as to the amount thereof).

                                   ARTICLE V

                       SPECIAL PROVISIONS WITH RESPECT TO
                      CONTINUATION OF FIXED RATE LOANS AND
                          CONVERSION OF LOANS BETWEEN
                        EURODOLLARS AND DOMESTIC DOLLARS

          SECTION 5.1.  Continuation of Eurodollar Loans.  Borrower may elect to
                        --------------------------------                        
continue a group of Eurodollar Loans from any Eurodollar Period into a
subsequent Eurodollar Period, provided that such continuation shall take place
                              --------                                        
on the last day of the prior Eurodollar Period (herein, in such case, called a
"Continuation Date").  Such election shall be subject to the notice requirements
of Section 5.4.  If no such election is made in compliance with the requirements
   ------- ---                                                                  
hereof and Borrower does not pay in full the outstanding principal amount of any
Eurodollar Loan on the last day of the Eurodollar Period thereof, such
Eurodollar Loan shall automatically, without any notice from or to Borrower, be
converted into a Prime Rate Loan in accordance with the other provisions of this
                                                                                
Article V (other than as to prior notice) at the end of such Eurodollar Period.
- - ------- -                                                                      

          SECTION 5.1.1.  Continuation of CD Loans.  Borrower may elect to
                          ------------------------                        
continue a group of CD Loans from any CD Interest Period into a subsequent CD
Interest Period, provided that such continuation shall take place on the last
                 --------                                                    
day of the prior CD  Interest Period (herein, in such case, called a
"Continuation Date").  Such election shall be subject to the notice requirements
of Section 5.4.  If no such election is made in compliance with the requirements
   ------- ---                                                                  
hereof and Borrower does not pay in full the outstanding principal amount of any
CD Loan on the last day of the CD Interest Period thereof, such CD Loan shall
automatically, without any notice from or to Borrower, be converted into a Prime
Rate Loan in accordance with the other provisions of this Article V (other than
                                                          ------- -            
as to prior notice) at the end of such CD Interest Period.

          SECTION 5.2.  Conversion.  Borrower may elect (i) on any Eurodollar
                        ----------                                           
Day to convert any outstanding Domestic Loans into Eurodollar Loans or any
outstanding Eurodollar Loans into Domestic Loans and (ii) on any Business Day to
convert any outstanding CD Loans into Prime Rate Loans or any outstanding Prime
Rate Loans into CD Loans (herein, in such case, called a
<PAGE>
 
                                      -20-

"Conversion Date"), it being understood that any such conversion of a Eurodollar
                    -- ----- ----------                                         
Loan or CD Loan into another type of Loan on a day other than the last day of
the Eurodollar Period or CD Interest Period, as the case may be, of such Loan
shall be subject to the applicable provisions of Section 4.5.  Such election
                                                 ------- ---                
shall be subject to the notice requirements of Section 5.4.
                                               ------- --- 

          SECTION 5.3.  Restrictions on Borrower's Continuation and Conversion
                        --------------------------------------- --------------
Rights.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Article V, Banks shall not
- - ------                                                ------- -                 
be obligated to effect (i) any continuation or conversion under this Article V,
                                                                     ------- - 
so long as any Event of Default or Credit Suspension Event has occurred and
remains continuing or (ii) any continuation of any type of Loan outstanding or
any conversion of any outstanding type of Loan into another type of Loan so long
as any of the circumstances described in Sections 4.2, 5.5, 5.6 and 5.7
                                         -------- ---  ---  ---     ---
affecting such continuation or conversion have occurred and remain continuing.

          SECTION 5.4.  Notice of Continuations and Conversions.  Except as
                        ---------------------------------------            
otherwise provided in this Agreement, Borrower shall, at least three Eurodollar
Days prior to any Continuation Date or Conversion Date involving a Eurodollar
Loan, or at least two Business Days prior to any Continuation Date involving a
CD Loan or conversion of a CD Loan into a Prime Rate Loan or Prime Rate Loan
into a CD Loan, give notice to Depositary Bank (which shall give prompt notice
thereof to each other Bank) of such proposed continuation or conversion, and in
the case of any Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans to be continued or to be made by
conversion on such date, as the case may be, the duration of the subsequent
Eurodollar Period or CD Interest Period thereof.

          SECTION 5.5.  Interest Rates Unascertainable.  In the event that,
                        ------------------------------                     
prior to any Borrowing Date of any group of  Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans, Banks
having, in the aggregate, a Percentage of 66 2/3% or more shall have determined
(which determination shall be conclusive and binding on all parties hereto) that
(i) with respect to Eurodollar Loans and CD Loans, the circumstances described
in the third sentence of Section 3.1.4 have occurred, or that, (ii) by reason of
       ----- --------    -------------                                          
other circumstances affecting the London interbank eurodollar market or
certificate of deposit market, adequate and reasonable means do not exist for
ascertaining the Eurodollar Interest Rate or CD Rate applicable to such group of
Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans, (a) such Banks shall give notice of such
determination promptly (and in any event within three Eurodollar Days after
making such
<PAGE>
 
                                      -21-

determination with respect to Eurodollar Loans and within two Business Days
after making such determination with respect to CD Loans) to the other parties
hereto and, (b) with respect to any new Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans, as the
case may be, Borrower's request for Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans, as the case
may be, shall be deemed a request for Prime Rate Loans and (c) with respect to
outstanding Eurodollar Loans or CD Loans, as the case may be, to be continued on
such Borrowing Date, such Loans shall be converted into Prime Rate Loans in
accordance with the provisions of this Article V on such Borrowing Date,
                                       ------- -                        
notwithstanding any failure of Borrower to comply with the notice provisions of
Section 1.2 or 5.4, as the case may be.
- - ------- ---    ---                     

          SECTION 5.6.  Bank Unable to Make Eurodollar Loan.  In the event that,
                        -----------------------------------                     
prior to any Borrowing Date of any Eurodollar Loan as Borrower shall request in
its relevant notice of borrowing pursuant to Section 1.2 or 5.4, any Bank
                                             ------- ---    ---          
requested to make or continue such Eurodollar Loan shall (i) have determined
(which determination if made in good faith shall be conclusive and binding on
all parties hereto) that Dollar deposits in the relevant amount and for the
relevant Eurodollar Period for such Eurodollar Loan are not available to such
Bank in the London interbank eurodollar market by reason of law or otherwise, or
(ii) learn of any change in (including the introduction of any new) applicable
laws or regulations, or in the interpretation thereof by any governmental or
other regulatory authority charged with the administration thereof, which shall
make it unlawful for such Bank to make or continue such Eurodollar Loan for the
proposed duration thereof, such Bank shall promptly give notice of such
determination to Borrower (with a copy to Depositary Bank, which shall give
prompt notice thereof to each other Bank) and (a) with respect to any new
Eurodollar Loan, Borrower's request for such Loan shall be deemed a request for
a Prime Rate Loan, and (b) with respect to any outstanding Eurodollar Loan to be
continued on such Borrowing Date, such Loan shall be converted into a Prime Rate
Loan in accordance with the provisions of this Article V on  such Borrowing
                                               ------- -                   
Date, notwithstanding any failure of Borrower to comply with the notice
provisions of Section 1.2 or 5.4, as the case may be.
              ------- ---    ---                     

          SECTION 5.7.  Conversions Affecting Some Banks.  Within ten days of
                        --------------------------------                     
notification by any Bank that any of the circumstances described in Section
                                                                    -------
3.1.5 or 3.1.7 shall have occurred and remain continuing with respect to any
- - -----    -----                                                              
outstanding Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan made by such Bank, Borrower may elect to
convert such Eurodollar Loan or CD Loan to a Prime Rate Loan.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -22-

Borrower shall, at least three Eurodollar Days prior to the proposed Conversion
Date in respect of such Eurodollar Loan or two Business Days prior to the
proposed Conversion Date in respect of such CD Loan, give notice of such
conversion to Depositary Bank (which shall give prompt notice to each other
Bank).  The exemption from the ratability provisions of Section 1.1.3 shall
                                                        ------- -----      
apply to all Banks or Loans affected by conversions made pursuant to this
Section or Section 4.2 or 5.6 and so long as any of the circumstances which
- - -------    ------- ---    ---                                              
permitted or required such conversion shall remain continuing.  Any Bank so
affected shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to cease being so
affected, it being understood that such obligation shall in no way reduce the
          -- ----- ----------                                                
rights of Banks hereunder nor require any Bank to take any action which would
have a material adverse effect on such Bank, to make any Eurodollar Loan at any
office located in the United States or to fund any Eurodollar Loan in domestic
Dollars.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                    MAKING AND PRORATION OF PAYMENTS; OFFSET

          SECTION 6.1.  Making of Payments.  All payments made by Borrower
                        ------------------                                
hereunder shall be in immediately available funds and, except for payments
pursuant to Sections 1.3(b), 3.1.5, 3.1.7 and 4.5 and as otherwise indicated in
            -------- ------  -----  -----     ---                              
Sections 3.2 and 4.4, shall be made to Depositary Bank at its address set forth
- - -------- ---     ---                                                           
below its signature hereto not later than 12:30 p.m., New York City time, on the
date due; funds received after that hour shall be deemed to have been received
by Depositary Bank on the next Eurodollar Day or Business Day, as the case may
be.  Depositary Bank shall remit in immediately available funds to each Bank or
other holder its share of all such payments received by Depositary Bank for the
account of such Bank or holder, as determined pursuant to Section 6.3, promptly
                                                          ------- ---          
(and, in the event of any payment received prior to 12:30 p.m., New York City
time, on any Business Day, on such Business Day).

          SECTION 6.2.  Payment on Revolver Expiration Date.  Any Borrower may
                        -----------------------------------                   
effect payment of all or part of the Revolving Loans, together with accrued
interest thereon, on the Revolver Expiration Date by directing Depositary Bank,
in Borrower's notice of its proposed borrowing of the Term Loans pursuant to
Section 1.2, to apply the proceeds of the Term Loans to the extent necessary to
- - ------- ---                                                                    
the concurrent payment of principal of and
<PAGE>
 
                                      -23-

interest on the Revolving Loans; provided, that the aggregate principal amount
                                 --------                                     
of the Term Loan shall not exceed the amount of the Credit.

          SECTION 6.3.  Allocation of Payments.  All payments of principal of
                        ----------------------                               
the Revolving Notes and Term Notes by Borrower shall be for the account of the
holders of the Revolving Notes and Term Notes pro rata according to the
respective unpaid principal amounts of the Revolving  Notes and Term Notes held
by them, and shall be applied by each such holder (except as Borrower may, in a
manner not inconsistent with other terms and provisions hereof, otherwise elect
in a notice, furnished on or prior to the date of such payment, to Depositary
Bank, which shall give prompt notice thereof to each other Bank) first to its
then outstanding Domestic Loans other than Loans made by conversions pursuant to
Section 4.2, 5.6 or 5.7 (herein called an "Equivalent Domestic Loan"), second to
- - ------- ---  ---    ---                                                         
any then outstanding Equivalent Domestic Loans, and finally to its then
outstanding Eurodollar Loans.  (For purposes of this Section, any Equivalent
Domestic Loan shall be deemed an ordinary Domestic Loan to the extent that the
Eurodollar Loan from which such Equivalent Domestic Loan was converted would
otherwise have been converted to any ordinary Domestic Loan.)

All payments of interest on Domestic Loans hereunder, except Equivalent Domestic
Loans made by an affected Bank pursuant to Section 4.2, 5.6 or 5.7, shall be for
                                           ------- ---  ---    ---              
the account of the holders of the Revolving Notes and Term Notes pro rata
according to the respective unpaid principal amounts of Domestic Loans evidenced
by the Revolving Notes and Term Notes held by them; all payments of interest on
Equivalent Domestic Loans made by an affected Bank pursuant to Section 4.2, 5.6
                                                               ------- ---  ---
or 5.7 shall be for the account of the holders of the Revolving Notes and Term
   ---                                                                        
Notes pro rata according to the respective unpaid principal amounts of
Equivalent Domestic Loans evidenced by the Revolving Notes and Term Notes held
by them; and all payments of interest on Eurodollar Loans hereunder, except
those pursuant to Section 4.4 on account of a conversion pursuant to Section
                  ------- ---                                        -------
4.2, 5.6 or 5.7, shall be for the account of the holders of the Revolving Notes
- - ---  ---    ---                                                                
and Term Notes pro rata according to the respective unpaid principal amounts of
Eurodollar Loans evidenced by the Revolving Notes and Term Notes held by them.

All payments of facility fees shall be for the account of all Banks pro rata
according to the daily average amount of each Bank's Commitment, provided that
any reduction of facility fees
<PAGE>
 
                                      -24-

in respect of Equivalent Domestic Loans that are Prime Rate Loans shall be borne
pro rata by each affected Bank under Section 4.2, 5.5, 5.6 or 5.7.
                                     ------- ---  ---  ---    --- 

          Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 6.3 payments of
                                                      ------- ---            
principal, interest, facility fees and other obligations hereunder to any Bank
upon termination of its Commitment pursuant to Section 1.1 or pursuant to
                                               ------- ---               
Section 3.1.7 shall be solely for the account of such Bank.
- - ------- -----                                              

          SECTION 6.4.  Proration of Other Recoveries.  If any Bank or other
                        -----------------------------                       
holder of a Revolving Note or Term Note shall obtain any payment or other
recovery (whether voluntary, involuntary, by application of offset or
otherwise), other than a prepayment compensation pursuant to Section 4.5, on
                                                             ------- ---    
account of principal of or interest on any Revolving Note or Term Note, or
facility fees, in excess of its pro rata share, as determined pursuant to
Section 6.3, of payments and other recoveries obtained by all Banks or other
- - ------- ---                                                                 
holders on account of principal of and interest on Revolving Notes or Term Notes
then held by them, or facility fees, such Bank or other holder shall purchase
from the other Banks or holders such participation in the Revolving Notes or
Term Notes held by them, or shall make such other payments, as shall be
necessary to cause such purchasing Bank or other holder to share the excess
payment or other recovery ratably with each of them; provided, however, that if
                                                     --------  -------         
all or any portion of the excess payment or other recovery is thereafter
recovered from such purchasing holder, the purchase shall be rescinded and the
purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, but without interest.

          SECTION 6.5.  Offset.  In addition to and not in limitation of all
                        ------                                              
rights of offset that any Bank or other holder of a Note may have under
applicable law, each Bank or other holder of a Note shall, upon the occurrence
of any Event of Default described in Section 10.1.3 or any Credit Suspension
                                     ------- ------                         
Event which would constitute such an Event of Default described in Section
                                                                   -------
10.1.3, have the right, subject to Section 6.4, to appropriate and apply to the
- - ------                             ------- ---                                 
payment of such Note any and all balances, credits, deposits, accounts or moneys
of Borrower then or thereafter with such Bank or other holder.  If, in the
aggregate, the recovery by the Banks by offset, under applicable law, or
otherwise shall exceed the obligations of Borrower under the Notes and
hereunder, any Bank receiving such an excess agrees to promptly restore the same
to Borrower.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -25-

                                  ARTICLE VII

                                   WARRANTIES

          To induce Banks to grant the Credit and to make Loans hereunder, the
Company warrants to Banks that:

          SECTION 7.1.  Organization, etc.  The Company is a corporation duly
                        -----------------                                    
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of New York; and each
Significant Subsidiary is a corporation duly existing and in good standing under
the laws of the jurisdiction of its respective incorporation.

          SECTION 7.2.  Authorization; No Conflict.  The execution and delivery
                        --------------------------                             
of this Agreement, the borrowings hereunder, the execution and delivery of the
Notes, and the performance by the Company of its obligations under this
Agreement and the Notes, are within the Company's corporate powers, have been
duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, have received all necessary
governmental approval (if any shall be required), and do not and will not
violate, contravene or conflict in any material respect with any provision of
law or of the charter or by-laws of the Company or of any judgment or any
material agreement or indenture binding upon or applicable to the Company the
contravention of or conflict with which would materially adversely effect the
consolidated financial condition or continued operations of the Company and its
Subsidiaries as a whole or materially impair the ability of the Company to
perform any of its obligations hereunder.

          SECTION 7.3.  Validity and Binding Nature.  This Agreement is, and the
                        ---------------------------                             
Notes when duly executed and delivered will be, legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Company enforceable against it in accordance with their
respective terms, subject only to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforceability of rights of creditors
generally.

          SECTION 7.4.  Financial Statements.  The Company's audited
                        --------------------                        
consolidated financial statements as at December 31, 1992 and unaudited
consolidated financial statements as at September 30, 1993, copies of which have
been furnished to each Bank, have been prepared in conformity with GAAP applied
on a basis consistent with that of the preceding fiscal year or nine-month
period, as the case may be, and fairly present the financial condition of the
Company and its Consolidated
<PAGE>
 
                                      -26-

Subsidiaries as at such date and the results of their operations for the period
covered by such statements subject, in the case of any unaudited interim
financial statements, to  changes resulting from normal year-end adjustments.

          SECTION 7.5.  Litigation.  No litigation or arbitration proceedings
                        ----------                                           
are pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against the Company
or any Significant Subsidiary as to which there is a reasonable likelihood of an
adverse determination and which would reasonably be expected to have a material
adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or continued operations
of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a whole or materially impair the ability
of the Company to perform any of its obligations hereunder.

          SECTION 7.6.  Liens.  None of the assets of the Company is subject to
                        -----                                                  
any mortgage, pledge, title retention lien, or other lien, encumbrance or
security interest which is not permitted by Section 8.6.
                                            ------- --- 

          SECTION 7.7.  ERISA.  Neither the Company nor any Significant
                        -----                                          
Subsidiary has incurred any liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation in connection with any employee benefit plan which could reasonably
be expected to materially adversely affect the consolidated financial condition
or continued operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a whole or
materially impair the ability of the Company to perform any of its obligations
hereunder.

          SECTION 7.8.  Investment Company Act.  The Company is not an
                        ----------------------                        
"investment company," or a company "controlled" by or "controlling" an
"investment company," within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended.

          SECTION 7.9.  Public Utility Holding Company Act.  Neither the Company
                        ----------------------------------                      
nor any of its Subsidiaries is a "holding company," or a "subsidiary company" of
a "holding company," or an "affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a
"subsidiary company" of a "holding company," within the meaning of the Public
Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.

          SECTION 7.10.  Regulations G, U, and X.  The Company will not use the
                         -----------------------                               
proceeds of the Loans in violation of Regulations G, U, and X of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -27-

                                 ARTICLE VIII

                                   COVENANTS

          Until the expiration or termination of the Credit and thereafter until
all Liabilities are paid in full, the Company agrees that, unless at any time
Banks having, in the aggregate, a Percentage of 66 2/3% or more shall otherwise
expressly consent in writing, it will:

          SECTION 8.1.  Reports, Certificates and Other Information.
                        ------------------------------- -----------
Furnish to each Bank:

          SECTION 8.1.1.  Audit Report.  Within 120 days after each fiscal year
                          ------------                                         
of the Company, a copy of an annual audit report of the Company and its
Subsidiaries prepared on a consolidated basis and in conformity with GAAP, duly
certified by, and containing an opinion of, Ernst & Young or other independent
certified public accountants of recognized national standing selected by the
Company, which opinion shall be unqualified (excepting any qualification
relating to any change in the application of GAAP concurred in by such
accountants).  The requirements of this Section (other than the requirement that
any opinion shall be unqualified as aforesaid) shall be satisfied by the
Company's furnishing each Bank with a copy of its annual report on Form 10-K
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with the
instructions therefor.

          SECTION 8.1.2.  Interim Reports.  Within 60 days after each quarter
                          ---------------                                    
(except the last quarter) of each fiscal year of the Company, a copy of an
unaudited financial statement of the Company and its Subsidiaries prepared on a
consolidated basis and in conformity with GAAP applied on a basis consistent
with the most recent audit report referred to in Section 8.1.1, signed by a
                                                 ------- -----             
proper accounting officer of the Company and consisting of at least a balance
sheet as at the close of such quarter, a  statement of earnings for such quarter
and for the period from the beginning of such fiscal year to the close of such
quarter and a statement of cash flows for the period from the beginning of such
fiscal year to the close of such quarter.  The requirements of this Section
shall be satisfied by the Company's furnishing each Bank with a copy of its
quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
in accordance with the instructions therefor.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -28-

          SECTION 8.1.3.  Certificates.  Contemporaneously with the furnishing
                          ------------                                        
of a copy of each annual audit report and of each quarterly statement provided
for in Section 8.1.1 or 8.1.2, a certificate dated the date of such annual
       ------- -----    -----                                             
report or such quarterly statement and signed by the Chairman of the Board, any
Senior Vice President, the chief financial officer or the Treasurer of Borrower
to the effect that no Event of Default or Credit Suspension Event has occurred
and is continuing or, if there is any such event, describing it and the steps,
if any, being taken to cure it.

          SECTION 8.1.4.  Reports to SEC and to Shareholders.  Copies of each
                          ----------------------------------                 
report on Form 10-K, 10-Q or 8-K (excluding exhibits thereto) made by any
Borrower with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and of each annual report,
quarterly report, special report or proxy statement from the Company to its
shareholders generally, promptly after the filing or making thereof.

          SECTION 8.1.5.  Notice of Default or Litigation.  Forthwith upon
                          -------------------------------                 
learning of the occurrence of an Event of Default, or a Credit Suspension Event,
or of the institution of, or any adverse determination in, any litigation or
arbitration proceeding as to which there is a reasonable likelihood of an
adverse determination and which would reasonably be expected to have a material
adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition or continued operations
of the Company and its Subsidiaries as a whole or materially impair the ability
of the Company to perform any of its obligations hereunder, written notice
thereof describing the same and the steps being taken by the Company or the
Subsidiary affected with respect thereto.

          SECTION 8.1.6.  ERISA.  As soon as practicable after the occurrence of
                          -----                                                 
any Reportable Event (as defined in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974), which is material to the Company and its Significant Subsidiaries
taken as a whole, in connection with any employee pension benefit plan
maintained by the Company or any Significant Subsidiary, written notice thereof
describing the same.

          SECTION 8.1.7.  Other Information.  From time to time such other
                          -----------------                               
information concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries as any Bank may
reasonably request.

          SECTION 8.2.  Books, Records and Inspections.  Maintain, and cause
                        ------------------------------                      
each Subsidiary to maintain, proper books and
<PAGE>
 
                                      -29-

records in the form customarily employed by them; permit, and cause each
Subsidiary to permit, upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours,
access by any Bank to the books and records of the Company and of any
Subsidiary; and permit, and cause each Subsidiary to permit, any Bank to inspect
upon reasonable notice and during normal business hours the properties and
operations of the Company and of any Subsidiary.

          SECTION 8.3.  Insurance.  Maintain, and cause each Significant
                        ---------                                       
Subsidiary to maintain, such insurance as may be required by law and such other
insurance to such extent and against such hazards and liabilities, as is
customarily maintained by companies similarly situated.

          SECTION 8.4.  Taxes and Liabilities.  Pay, and cause each Significant
                        ---------------------                                  
Subsidiary to pay, when due all taxes, assessments and other liabilities except
as contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings.

          SECTION 8.5.  Purchase or Redemption of the Company's Securities;
                        --------------------------------------- -----------
Dividend Restrictions.  Not purchase, prepay or redeem, or permit any Subsidiary
- - ---------------------                                                           
to purchase, any shares of the capital stock of the Company, not declare or pay
any dividends thereon (other than stock dividends), not make any distribution to
shareholders or set aside any funds for any such purpose, not prepay, and not
permit any Subsidiary to purchase or prepay, any subordinated indebtedness for
borrowed money of the Company if, after giving effect thereto, any Event of
Default or Credit Suspension Event shall have occurred and be continuing;
provided that the foregoing shall not prevent the payment of any dividend or
- - --------                                                                    
distribution within 60 days of the declaration thereof if, on the date of such
declaration, such dividend or distribution would have complied with this Section
                                                                         -------
8.5.
- - --- 

          SECTION 8.6.  Liens.  If the ratio of Consolidated Debt to
                        -----                                       
Consolidated Capitalization of the Company is more than 0.35:1, not create,
incur, assume or suffer to exist any mortgage, pledge, lien or other encumbrance
of any kind (including the charge upon property purchased under conditional
sales or other title retention agreements) upon, or any security interest in,
any of its property or assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, except
(i) liens for taxes, assessments and governmental charges not delinquent or
being contested in good faith or by appropriate proceedings and for which
adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (ii) existing
liens securing indebtedness, including mortgage
<PAGE>
 
                                      -30-

debt, as reflected in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of September
30, 1993, (iii) liens arising in favor of the United States Government, any
state or local government or any subdivision or agency thereof in the ordinary
course of the Company's business with any of the foregoing for advances,
progress payments or partial prepayments, (iv) liens in connection with workers'
compensation, unemployment insurance or social security obligations, (v) liens
or deposits or pledges to secure bids, tenders, contracts (other than contracts
for repayment of borrowed money), leases, statutory obligations, surety and
appeal bonds, indemnity, performance and similar bonds and other obligations of
like nature arising in the ordinary course of business, (vi) mechanics',
workmen's, materialmen's, carriers', warehousemen's or other like liens arising
in the ordinary course of business with respect to obligations which are not due
or which are being contested in good faith or by appropriate proceedings and for
which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP, (vii)
liens arising out of judgments or awards with respect to which appeals are being
prosecuted, levy of execution pending such appeal having been stayed, (viii)
rights-of-way, easements, water rights, sewage and drainage rights, zoning or
use regulations or similar defects in title which do not materially impair the
use of any property for the purposes for which held, (ix) the lien or any right
or privilege reserved in leases for rent to secure compliance with the terms of
any lease, but not including any lien arising from a violation of any lease
provision other than one relating to conditional assignment of rents, (x) liens
of attachment not exceeding in the aggregate $15,000,000 outstanding at any one
time, (xi) liens of attachment exceeding in the aggregate $15,000,000 (but not
exceeding in the aggregate $150,000,000) outstanding at any one time, provided,
however, that any such liens shall be released, discharged or vacated by bonding
or otherwise within 30 days, (xii) deposits to obtain releases of liens imposed
by law and permitted hereunder, (xiii) any mortgage, encumbrance or other lien
upon, or security interest in, any property or asset (whether real, personal or
mixed) hereafter acquired created contemporaneously with or within 365 days
after such acquisition to secure or provide for the payment or financing of any
part of the purchase price thereof, or the assumption of any mortgage,
encumbrance or lien upon, or security interest in, any such property or asset
hereafter acquired existing at the time of such acquisition, or the acquisition
of any such property or asset subject to any mortgage, encumbrance or other lien
or security interest without the assumption thereof (provided, at any one time
                                                     --------                 
that each such mortgage, encumbrance,
<PAGE>
 
                                      -31-

lien or security interest shall attach only to the property or asset so acquired
and improvements thereon), (xiv) other liens which do not, in the aggregate,
relate to or secure obligations exceeding 5% of Consolidated Capitalization,
(xv) any encumbrance or lien upon margin stock and (xvi) any renewal,
modification, extension, refinancing or replacement of any mortgage,
encumbrance, lien or security interest permitted under clause (ii), (xiii) or
(xiv), provided that the amount of indebtedness secured thereby is not increased
and that any such mortgage, encumbrance, lien, or security interest is limited
to all or part of the same property and any fixed improvement thereon; provided,
                                                                       -------- 
that nothing in this Section 8.6 shall be construed as prohibiting (x)
                     ------- ---                                      
conveyances of property to a political subdivision pursuant to an industrial
revenue or pollution control bond financing whereby equitable title to such
property remains in the Company (provided, however, any mortgage, deed of trust
or other security interest in the facility in connection therewith  shall not be
so excluded), or (y) the deposit of property or money with a trustee or other
entity, or the establishment of an escrow, trust or similar account, for the
purpose of defeasing indebtedness of the Company.

          SECTION 8.7.  Mergers and Consolidations.  Not be a party to any
                        --------------------------                        
merger or consolidation unless (i) after giving effect to such merger or
consolidation, no Event of Default and no Credit Suspension Event shall have
occurred and be continuing, (ii) the corporation resulting from or surviving
such merger or consolidation (if other than the Company) shall expressly assume
in writing (in a form reasonably acceptable to Banks having, in the aggregate, a
Percentage of 66 2/3% or more) and agree to perform all the Company's
obligations under this Agreement and (iii) immediately after giving effect to
such merger or consolidation the surviving corporation shall have a Consolidated
Net Worth at least equal to the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company
immediately preceding such merger or consolidation; provided, that nothing in
                                                    --------                 
this Agreement shall prevent the merger of any Subsidiary with and into the
Company or into another Subsidiary or the liquidation of any Subsidiary.

          SECTION 8.8.  Sale or Other Disposition of Assets.  Not, and not
                        -----------------------------------               
permit any Subsidiary to, sell or otherwise dispose of, whether by merger or
otherwise, all or any substantial portion of its assets, except (i) to or with
any other Subsidiary or the Company, (ii) in the ordinary course of business,
(iii) all of the assets of, or the ownership interest in, any Subsidiary which
is not a Significant Subsidiary or (iv) on such
<PAGE>
 
                                      -32-

other terms and conditions as shall have been approved by the Company's Board of
Directors but, in the case of any transfer made pursuant to clause (iii) or
                                                            ------ -----   
(iv), only if, after giving effect thereto, no Event of Default or Credit
- - ----                                                                     
Suspension Event shall have occurred and be continuing.

          SECTION 8.9.  Interest Coverage and Consolidated Debt to Consolidated
                        -------------------------------------------------------
Capitalization Ratio.  Not permit, as of the end of any fiscal quarter, both (A)
- - --------------------                                                            
the ratio of Consolidated EBDIT to Consolidated Cash Interest Expense for the
twelve month period including such fiscal quarter and the three immediately
preceding fiscal quarters to be less than 2.50 to 1.0 and (B) the ratio of
Consolidated Debt to Consolidated Capitalization at the end of such fiscal
quarter to be more than .60 to 1.0.


                                   ARTICLE IX

                             CONDITIONS OF LENDING

          SECTION 9.1.  Initial Revolving Loans.  The obligation of each Bank to
                        -----------------------                                 
make its initial Revolving Loan hereunder is subject to the receipt by such Bank
of all of the following, each duly executed:

          SECTION 9.1.1.  Revolving Note.  The Revolving Note of the
                          --------------                
Company payable to the order of such Bank.

          SECTION 9.1.2.  Resolutions.  Copies of resolutions of the Board of
                          -----------                                        
Directors of the Company authorizing or ratifying the execution, delivery and
performance, respectively, of this Agreement, the Notes, and other documents
provided for in this Agreement, certified by the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary of the Company.

          SECTION 9.1.3.  Consents, etc.  Copies of all documents evidencing any
                          -------------                                         
necessary corporate action, consents and governmental approvals (if any) with
respect to this Agreement and the Notes, certified by the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of the Company.

          SECTION 9.1.4.  Incumbency and Signatures.  A Certificate of the
                          -------------------------                       
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company certifying the names of the
officer or officers of the Company authorized to sign this Agreement and the
Notes and other documents provided for in this Agreement, together with a sample
of the true signature of each such officer.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -33-

          SECTION 9.1.5.  Opinion of Counsel to Borrower.  The opinion of
                          ------------------------------                 
Messrs. Cahill Gordon & Reindel, counsel for the Company, addressed to Banks,
substantially in the form of Exhibit D.

          SECTION 9.1.6.  Other.  Such other documents as any Bank may
                          -----                          
reasonably request.

          SECTION 9.2.  All Revolving Loans.  The obligation of each Bank to
                        -------------------                                 
make each Revolving Loan (including, without limitation, its initial Revolving
Loan but excluding, however, any Loan made by a continuation or conversion
pursuant to Article V  and any repayment and reborrowing deemed to have been
            ------- --                                                      
made pursuant to Section 1.1.8) is subject to the following further conditions
                 ------- -----                                                
precedent that:

          SECTION 9.2.1.  No Default.  After giving effect to all Loans then
                          ----------                                        
being made (a) no Event of Default, or Credit Suspension Event, shall have
occurred and be continuing, (b) the warranties of the Company contained in
                                                                          
Sections 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 and 7.10 shall be true and correct in
- - -------- ---  ---  ---  ---  ---  ---  ---     ----                             
all material respects with the same effect as though made on such date and (c)
if the Borrower of such Loan is a Designated Subsidiary, the warranties of such
Borrower in its Designation Letter shall be true and correct in all material
respects with the same effect as though made on such date.

          SECTION 9.2.2.  Confirmatory Certificate.  Depositary Bank shall have
                          ------------------------                             
received (in sufficient number of signed counterparts to provide, and Depositary
Bank shall provide, one to each Bank) a certificate dated the date of such
requested Loan and signed by the Chairman of the Board, any Senior Vice
President, the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer of the Company as to the
matters set out in Sections 9.2.1 and 9.2.3.
                   -------- -----     ----- 

          SECTION 9.2.3.  Litigation.  No litigation, arbitration proceedings or
                          ----------                                            
governmental investigation or proceedings not disclosed in writing by the
Company to Banks prior to the date of the immediately preceding Revolving Loan
hereunder (or in the case of the initial Revolving Loan, prior to the date of
execution and delivery of this Agreement) is pending or known to be threatened
against the Company or any Subsidiary and no material development not so
disclosed has occurred in any litigation, arbitration proceeding or governmental
proceeding so disclosed, which in the opinion of Banks having, in the aggregate,
a Percentage of 66 2/3% or more, is likely to materially adversely affect the
consolidated financial condition or continued operations of the Company and its
Subsidiaries as a
<PAGE>
 
                                      -34-

whole or materially impair the ability of the Company to perform its obligations
hereunder.

          SECTION 9.3.  Initial Loan to Any Designated Subsidiary.  The
                        -----------------------------------------      
obligation of each Bank to make the initial Loan to each Designated Subsidiary
hereunder is subject to the further conditions precedent that such Bank shall
have received:


          SECTION 9.3.1.  Basic Documents.  The Revolving Note of such
                          ---------------                             
Designated Subsidiary payable to the order of the Bank and, with respect to such
Designated Subsidiary the documents contemplated by Sections 9.1.2, 9.1.3 and
                                                    -------- -----  -----    
9.1.4.
- - ----- 

          SECTION 9.3.2.  Designation.  The Designation Letter of such
                          -----------                                 
Designated Subsidiary, substantially in the form of Exhibit E.

          SECTION 9.3.3.  Opinion of Counsel.  A signed copy of an opinion of
                          ------------------                                 
counsel to such Designated Subsidiary, substantially in the form of Exhibit F.
                                                                    ------- - 

          SECTION 9.4.  Term Loans.  The obligation of each Bank to make Term
                        ----------                                           
Loans is subject to the conditions precedent (i) that such Bank shall have
received the Term Note of Borrower payable to the order of such Bank, duly
executed and dated the date of such Term Loan, and that the principal of and
accrued interest on all Revolving Notes shall have been or be paid in full prior
to or concurrently with the making of such Term Loan and (ii) that, if the
original principal amount of such Bank's Term Notes exceeds the principal amount
of its Revolving Notes outstanding immediately prior thereto, each of the
conditions precedent set forth in Sections 9.2.1 through 9.2.3 shall have been
                                  -------- -----         -----                
satisfied as if such Term Loan were a Revolving Loan.


                                   ARTICLE X

                                   GUARANTEE

          SECTION 10.1.  Unconditional Guarantee.  For valuable consideration,
                         -----------------------                              
receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and to induce each Bank to make Loans to
the Designated Subsidiaries, the Company, as principal and not merely as surety,
hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to each Bank that:  (i) the
principal of and interest on each Loan to each Designated Subsidiary shall be
promptly paid in full when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or
otherwise) in accordance with the terms hereof, and, in case of any extension of
time of
<PAGE>
 
                                      -35-

payment, in whole or in part, of such Loan, that all such sums shall be promptly
paid when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) in
accordance with the terms of such extension; and (ii) all other amounts payable
hereunder by any Designated Subsidiary to any Bank shall be promptly paid in
full when due in accordance with the terms hereof (the obligations of the
Designated Subsidiaries under these subsections (i) and (ii) of this Section
                                                                     -------
10.1 being the "Obligations").
- - ----                          

In addition, the Company hereby unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that upon
default in the payment when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or
otherwise) of any principal of, or interest on, any Loan to any Designated
Subsidiary or such other amounts payable by any Designated Subsidiary to any
Bank, the Company will forthwith pay the same, without further notice or demand.

          SECTION 10.2.  Guarantee Absolute.  The Company guarantees that the
                         ------------------                                  
Obligations will be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, regardless of any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect
in any jurisdiction affecting any of such terms or the rights of any Bank with
respect thereto.  The liability of the Company under this guarantee shall be
absolute and unconditional irrespective of:  (i) any lack of validity or
enforceability of this Agreement or any other agreement or instrument relating
thereto; (ii) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any
other term of, all or any of the Obligations,or any other amendment or waiver of
or any consent to departure from this Agreement (including, without limitation,
any extension of the Revolver Expiration Date or any Commitment Increase); (iii)
any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to departure from any other
guaranty, for all or any of the Obligations; or (iv) any other circumstance
which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the
Company, any Borrower or a guarantor.

The guarantee shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may
be, if at any time any payment of any of the Obligations is rescinded or must
otherwise be returned by any of the Banks upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or
reorganization of the Company or any Borrower or otherwise, all as though such
payment had not been made.

          SECTION 10.3.  Waivers.  The Company hereby expressly waives
                         -------                                      
diligence, notice of acceptance of this guarantee, presentment, demand for
payment, protest, any requirement that any right or power be exhausted or any
action be taken against any Designated Subsidiary or against any other guarantor
of all
<PAGE>
 
                                      -36-

or any portion of the Loans, and all other notices and demands whatsoever.

          The Company irrevocably waives any and all rights to which it may be
entitled, by operation of law or otherwise, upon the making of any payment under
the guarantee contained in this Article X to be subrogated to the rights of the
                                ------- -                                      
payee against any Designated Subsidiary with respect to such payment or to
otherwise be reimbursed, indemnified or exonerated by a Designated Subsidiary in
respect thereof.

          SECTION 10.4.  Remedies.  Each of the Banks may pursue its respective
                         --------                                              
rights and remedies under this Article X and shall be entitled to payment
                               ------- -                                 
hereunder notwithstanding any other guarantee of all or any part of the Loans to
the Designated Subsidiaries, and notwithstanding any action taken by any such
Bank to enforce any of its rights or remedies under such other guarantee, or any
payment received thereunder.  The Company hereby irrevocably waives any claim or
other rights that it may now or hereafter acquire against the Designated
Subsidiary that arise from the existence, payment, performance or enforcement of
the Company's obligations under this Article X, including, without limitation,
                                     ------- -                                
any right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution or
indemnification and any right to participate in any claim or remedy of the Banks
against the Designated Subsidiary, whether or not such claim, remedy or right
arises in equity or under contract, statute or common law, including, without
limitation, the right to take or receive from the Designated Subsidiary,
directly or indirectly, in cash or other property or by set-off or in any other
manner, payment or security on account of such claim, remedy or right.  If any
amount shall be paid to the Company in violation of the preceding sentence at
any time when all the Obligations shall not have been paid in full, such amount
shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Banks and shall forthwith be paid
to the Depositary Bank for the accounts of the respective Banks to be credited
and applied to the Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with
the terms of this Agreement, or to be held as collateral for any Obligations or
other amounts payable under this Agreement thereafter arising.  The Company
acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the
financing arrangements contemplated by this Agreement and that the waiver set
forth in this section is knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.

          SECTION 10.5.  Survival.  This guarantee is a continuing guarantee and
                         --------                                               
shall (i) remain in full force and effect until payment in full after the
Termination Date of the Obligations and all other amounts payable under this
guarantee,
<PAGE>
 
                                      -37-

(ii) be binding upon the Company, its successors and assigns, (iii) inure to the
benefit of and be enforceable by each Bank and its successors, transferees and
assigns and (iv) be reinstated if at any time any payment to a Bank hereunder is
required to be restored by such Bank.


                                   ARTICLE XI

                       EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND THEIR EFFECT

                              SECTION 11.1.  Events of Default.  Each of the
                                             -----------------              
following shall constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement:

          SECTION 11.1.1.  Non-Payment of Notes, etc.  Default, and continuance
                           -------------------------                           
thereof for five days after the due date thereof, in the payment when due of any
interest on any Note or any facility fee, or default in the payment when due of
any principal of any Note or other amounts payable by any Borrower hereunder
(excluding, however, to the extent disputed by Borrower in good faith, amounts
payable pursuant to Section 3.1.5, 3.1.7 or 4.5 in an aggregate amount not
                    ------- -----  -----    ---                           
exceeding $1,000,000 for all Banks).

          SECTION 11.1.2.  Non-Payment of Other Indebtedness.  Default in the
                           ---------------------------------                 
payment when due (subject to any applicable grace period), whether by
acceleration or otherwise, of any other indebtedness for borrowed money or other
obligations evidenced by a note, debenture, or similar instrument (including
capitalized lease obligations) in an aggregate principal amount exceeding
$50,000,000 of, or guaranteed by, the Company or any Significant Subsidiary or
default in the performance or observance of any obligation or condition with
respect to any such other indebtedness if the effect of such default in the
performance or observance is to accelerate the maturity of any such indebtedness
or to permit the holder or holders thereof, or any trustee or agent for such
holders, to cause such indebtedness to become due and payable prior to its
expressed maturity.

          SECTION 11.1.3.  Bankruptcy, Insolvency, etc.  The Company or any
                           ---------------------------                     
Significant Subsidiary becomes insolvent or admits in writing its inability to
pay its debts or fails to pay its debts, generally as they become due; or the
Company or any Significant Subsidiary applies for, consents to, or acquiesces in
the appointment of, a trustee, custodian or receiver for the Company or such
Significant Subsidiary or any property thereof, or makes a general assignment
for the benefit of creditors; or, in the absence of such application, consent or
acquiescence, a trustee, custodian or receiver is appointed for the Company or
<PAGE>
 
                                      -38-

any Significant Subsidiary or for a substantial part of the property of any
thereof and is not discharged within 60 days; or any bankruptcy, reorganization,
debt arrangement, or other proceeding or case under any bankruptcy or insolvency
law, or any dissolution or liquidation proceeding (except the voluntary
dissolution, not under any bankruptcy or insolvency law, of a Significant
Subsidiary), is commenced in respect of the Company or any Significant
Subsidiary, and if such  proceeding is not commenced by the Company or
Significant Subsidiary, it is consented to or acquiesced in by the Company or
Significant Subsidiary or remains for 60 days undismissed; or any corporate
action is taken by the shareholder(s) or board of directors of the Company or
any Significant Subsidiary to authorize or further any of the actions described
in this Section 11.1.3.
        ------- ------ 

          SECTION 11.1.4.  Non-Compliance with This Agreement.  Failure by the
                           ----------------------------------                 
Company to comply with or to perform any provision of this Agreement (and not
constituting an Event of Default under any of the preceding provisions of this
Article XI) and continuance of such failure for 30 days, after notice thereof to
- - ------- --                                                                      
the Company from any Bank or the holder of any Note stating that such Bank or
holder is of the opinion that such failure is material; provided, that, any
failure by the Company to comply with any provision of this Agreement solely as
a result of a change in GAAP shall not constitute an Event of Default.

          SECTION 11.1.5.  Warranties.  Any warranty made by the Company herein
                           ----------                                          
is breached in any material respect, or any schedule, certificate, financial
statement or report furnished by the Company to any Bank is false or misleading
in any material respect on the date as of which the facts therein set forth are
stated or certified.

          SECTION 11.1.6.  ERISA.  The Company or any Significant Subsidiary
                           -----                                            
incurs any liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any
successor thereto in excess of $50,000,000.

          SECTION 11.2.  Effect of Event of Default.  If any Event of Default
                         --------------------------                          
described in Section 11.1.3 shall occur, the Credit (if it has not theretofore
             ------- ------                                                   
terminated) shall immediately terminate and all Notes and all other amounts
payable hereunder shall become immediately due and payable, all without
presentment or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived; and, in the
case of any other Event of Default which shall have occurred and remain
continuing, Banks having, in the aggregate, a Percentage of 66 2/3% or more may,
by the giving of notice in writing to the Company, declare the Credit (if it has
not theretofore terminated) to be terminated and/or all Notes and all other
amounts payable hereunder to be immediately due and
<PAGE>
 
                                      -39-

payable, whereupon the Credit shall immediately terminate and/or all Notes and
all other amounts payable hereunder shall become immediately due and payable,
all without presentment or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the effect as an Event of Default of any event
described in Section 11.1.1 or Section 11.1.3 may be waived by the written
             ------- ------    ------- ------                             
concurrence of Banks having, in the aggregate, a Percentage of 100%, and the
effect as an Event of Default of any other event described in Section 11.1 may
                                                              ------- ----    
be waived by the written concurrence of Banks having, in the aggregate, a
Percentage of 66 2/3% or more.

          SECTION 11.3.  Defaults by Designated Subsidiaries.  If any of the
                         -----------------------------------                
following defaults with respect to any Designated Subsidiary have occurred and
are continuing then Section 11.4 shall apply:

          SECTION 11.3.1.  Warranties.  Any warranty made by such Designated
                           ----------                                       
Subsidiary herein or in the Designation Letter pursuant to which it is
designated as a Borrower hereunder is breached in any material respect or any
schedule, certificate, financial statement or report furnished by such
Designated Subsidiary to any Bank is false or misleading in any material respect
on the date as of which the facts therein set forth are stated or certified.

          SECTION 11.3.2.  Non-Payment of Other Indebtedness.  Default in the
                           ---------------------------------                 
payment when due (subject to any applicable grace period), whether by
acceleration or otherwise, of any other indebtedness for borrowed money or other
obligations evidenced by a note, debenture, or similar instrument (including
capitalized lease obligations) in a principal amount exceeding $50,000,000 of,
or guaranteed by, a Designated Subsidiary or default in the performance or
observance of any obligation or condition with respect to any such other
indebtedness if the effect of such default in the performance or observance is
to accelerate the maturity of any such indebtedness or to permit the holder or
holders thereof, or any trustee or agent for such holders, to cause such
indebtedness to become due and payable prior to its expressed maturity.

          SECTION 11.3.3.  Bankruptcy, Insolvency, etc.  A Designated Subsidiary
                           ---------------------------                          
becomes insolvent or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts or fails
to pay its debts, generally as they become due; or the Designated Subsidiary
applies for, consents to, or acquiesces in the appointment of, a trustee,
custodian or receiver for such Designated Subsidiary or any property thereof, or
makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or, in the absence of
such application, consent or
<PAGE>
 
                                      -40-

acquiescence, a trustee, custodian or receiver is appointed for any Designated
Subsidiary or for a substantial part of the property of any thereof and is not
discharged within 60 days; or any bankruptcy, reorganization, debt arrangement,
or other proceeding or case under any bankruptcy or insolvency law, or any
dissolution or liquidation proceeding is commenced in respect of the Company or
any Significant Subsidiary, and if such  proceeding is not commenced by such
Designated Subsidiary, it is consented to or acquiesced in by such Designated
Subsidiary or remains for 60 days undismissed; or any corporate action is taken
by the shareholder(s) or board of directors of any Designated Subsidiary to
authorize or further any of the actions described in this Section 11.3.3.
                                                          ------- ------ 

          SECTION 11.3.4.  Non-Compliance with This Agreement.  Failure by
                           ----------------------------------             
Designated Subsidiary to comply with or to perform any provision of this
Agreement (and not constituting an Event of Default under any of the preceding
provisions of this Section 11.3) and continuance of such failure for 30 days,
                   ------- ----                                              
after notice thereof to the Company and the Designated Subsidiary from any Bank
or the holder of any Note stating that such Bank or holder is of the opinion
that such failure is material.

          SECTION 11.4.  Effect of Default by Designated Subsidiary.  If any
                         ------------------------------------------         
default described in Section 11.3.2 or 11.3.3 shall occur, without any action by
                     ------- ------    ------                                   
the Bank, the Banks shall have no obligation to make Loans to such Designated
Subsidiary under this Agreement and all Loans under this Agreement to such
Designated Subsidiary and all other amounts payable hereunder by such Designated
Subsidiary shall become immediately due and payable, all without presentment or
notice of any kind; and, in the case of any other default described in Section
                                                                       -------
11.3 which shall have occurred and remain continuing, Banks having, in the
- - ----                                                                      
aggregate, a Percentage of 66 2/3% or more may, by the giving of notice in
writing to the Company, decline to make further Loans to such Designated
Subsidiary and/or declare all Loans under this Agreement to such Designated
Subsidiary and all other amounts payable hereunder by such Designated Subsidiary
to be immediately due and payable, without presentment or notice of any kind.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the effect of any event described in Section 11.3
                                                                    ------- ----
may be waived by the written concurrence of Banks having, in the aggregate, a
Percentage of 66 2/3% or more.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -41-


                                  ARTICLE XII

                              CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

          When used herein, the following terms shall have the following
meanings (which shall be equally applicable to the singular and plural forms
thereof):

          "Alternate Currency" means any currency other than Dollars which is
           ------------------                                                
freely transferable and convertible into Dollars.

          "Alternate Currency Loan" see the definition below of "Loan."
           -----------------------                          

          "Alternate Currency Payment Office" has the meaning specified
           ---------------------------------         
in Section 1.3(e).
   ------- ------ 

          "Alternate Rating Agency" shall mean (i) Fitch Investors Service,
           -----------------------                                         
Inc., (ii) Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co. or (iii) another nationally
recognized rating agency selected by the Borrower to rate its senior debt
securities, which, in the case of clause (iii), shall be approved by Banks
having, in the aggregate, a Percentage of at least 66 2/3%.

          "Assuming Bank" shall mean, at any time, a Person which proposes
           -------------                                   
 to become a Bank hereunder pursuant to Section 1.1.8.
                                        ------- ----- 

          "Assumption Agreement" shall mean an agreement by which an institution
           --------------------                                                 
agrees to become a Bank party to this Agreement pursuant to Section 1.1.8.
                                                            ------- ----- 

          "Bank" shall mean the Banks listed on the signature pages hereof and
           ----                                                               
each institution that becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 1.1.8 or 13.5.
                                                         ------- -----    ---- 

          "Bank Indemnitees" -- see Section 13.9.
           ----------------         ------------ 

           "Borrower" shall mean the Company or any Designated Subsidiary,
            --------                               
as the context may require.

          "Borrowing Date" shall mean, with respect to each Loan, the date upon
           --------------                                                      
which a Bank makes such Loan hereunder to Borrower.
          "Business Day" shall mean a day on which banks are not authorized or
           ------------                                                       
required by law to close for business in New York City.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -42-

          "CD Interest Period" shall mean as to each CD Loan, the period which
           ------------------                                                 
shall begin on (and include) the most recent Borrowing Date with respect to such
Loan and shall end, as Borrower shall elect in its notice pursuant to Section
                                                                      -------
1.2 or 5.4, as the case may be, on (and include) the day 30, 60, 90 or 180 days
- - ---    ---                                                                     
thereafter, as selected by Borrower; provided that no CD Interest Period
                                     --------                           
commencing prior to the Revolver Expiration Date or the final maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise, of all of the Term Loans shall end later than such
Revolver Expiration Date or date of maturity of the Term Loans, as the case may
be, and further provided that any CD Interest Period which would  otherwise end
        ------- --------                                                       
on a day which is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
Business Day.

          "CD Loan" -- see definition below of "Loan".
           -------                                    

          "CD Margin" -- see Section 3.1.8.
           ---------         ------- ----- 

          "CD Rate" shall mean for each CD Interest Period a rate per annum
           -------                                                         
which is equal to the CD Margin as of the first day of the applicable Interest
Period plus the sum (rounded if necessary to the nearest 1/20 of 1%) of (i) the
rate obtained by dividing (x) the arithmetic mean as calculated by the
Depositary Bank of the respective rates per annum (rounded if necessary to the
nearest 1/20 of 1%) of the Reference Banks, in each such case determined by each
Reference Bank to be the average of the bid rates quoted to it at its principal
office at approximately 10:00 a.m. New York City time (or as soon thereafter as
practicable) on the first day of the CD Interest Period for such Loan by New
York certificate of deposit dealers of recognized standing selected by such
Reference Bank for the purchase at face value in the secondary certificate of
deposit market of certificates of deposit of such Reference Bank for a period,
and in an amount, comparable to such CD Interest Period and the principal amount
of the CD Loan which shall be made by such Reference Bank and outstanding during
such CD Interest Period, provided, that, if such quotations from such dealers
are not available to any Reference Bank, such Reference Bank shall determine a
reasonably equivalent rate on the basis of another source or sources selected by
it, by (y) a percentage equal to 100% minus the stated maximum rate of all
reserve requirements as specified in Regulation D (including, without
limitation, any marginal, emergency, supplemental, special or other reserves)
applicable on the first day of such CD Interest Period to a negotiable
certificate of deposit in excess of $100,000 with a maturity equal to such CD
Interest Period of any member bank of the Federal Reserve System, plus (ii) the
daily net annual assessment rate as estimated by the Depositary Bank on the
first day of such CD Interest Period for determining the current annual
assessment
<PAGE>
 
                                      -43-

payable by the Depositary Bank to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for
insuring such certificates of deposit.

          "Commitment" shall mean the amount set forth opposite each Bank's
           ----------                                                      
signature hereto, as such amount may be reduced or increased from time to time
pursuant to Sections 1.1.6, 1.1.7 and 1.1.8 or Section 13.5.
            -------- -----  -----     -----    ------- ---- 

          "Commitment Increase" has the meaning specified in Section 1.1.8.
           -------------------                               ------- ----- 


          "Consolidated Capitalization" shall mean the sum of Consolidated Debt
           ---------------------------                    
and Consolidated Net Worth.

          "Consolidated Cash Interest Expense" means, with respect to the
           ----------------------------------                            
Company for any period, total interest expense deducted in calculating
Consolidated Net Income (including that attributable to capitalized lease
liabilities of the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries in accordance with
GAAP, but excluding interest expense not payable in cash (including
amortization of discount)), with respect to all outstanding Consolidated Debt,
as determined on a consolidated basis for the Company and Consolidated
Subsidiaries in conformity with GAAP.

          "Consolidated Debt" shall mean the sum of all indebtedness for
           -----------------                                            
borrowed money of the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries, all indebtedness
secured by assets of (and whether or not assumed by) the Company or any
Consolidated Subsidiary (which indebtedness shall be valued at the lesser of the
outstanding principal amount thereof or the book value of such assets), all
capitalized lease liabilities of the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries and
all outstanding obligations under guarantees and similar undertakings with
respect to any such indebtedness or liabilities of Persons other than the
Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries which is required to be reflected on the
Company's balance sheet (excluding any notes thereto) in accordance with GAAP;
provided, that there shall be excluded from Consolidated Debt any such
- - --------                                                              
indebtedness which by its terms is presently convertible into or exchangeable
for capital stock of the Company at a price per share at least 15 percent below
the Current Market Price per share of such capital stock.

          "Consolidated EBDIT" shall mean, without duplication, with respect to
           ------------------                                                  
the Company and Consolidated Subsidiaries for any period, the sum of the amounts
for such period of (i) Consolidated Net Income, (ii) provision for taxes based
on income, (iii) depreciation expense, (iv) amortization expense, (v) total
interest expense deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income, and (vi) other
non-cash items reducing Consolidated
<PAGE>
 
                                      -44-

Net Income all as determined on a consolidated basis for the Company and
Consolidated Subsidiaries in conformity with GAAP.

          "Consolidated Net Income" shall mean with respect to the Company for
           -----------------------                                            
any period, the net income (or loss) of the Company and Consolidated
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such period taken as a single
accounting period determined in conformity with GAAP; provided that there shall
                                                      --------                 
be excluded (i) the income (or loss) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary of
the Company) in which any other Person (other than the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries) has a joint interest, except to the extent of the amount of
dividends or other distributions actually paid to the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries by such Person during such period and (ii) the income (or loss) of
any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary of the Company or
is  merged into or consolidated with any of the Company's Subsidiaries or that
Person's assets are acquired by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.


          "Consolidated Net Worth" shall mean the par value (or value stated on
           ----------------------                                              
the books of the Company) of the capital stock of all classes of the Company and
Consolidated Subsidiaries issued and outstanding, plus (or minus in the case of
a surplus deficit), the amount of the consolidated surplus, whether capital or
earned, of the Company and its Subsidiaries plus the principal amount of any
indebtedness of the Company and the Consolidated Subsidiaries which by its terms
is presently convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock of the Company
at a price per share at least 15 percent below the Current Market Price per
share of such capital stock.

          "Consolidated Subsidiary" shall mean any Subsidiary the accounts of
           -----------------------                                           
which are consolidated with those of the Company in accordance with GAAP.

          "Continuation Date" -- see Section 5.1.
           -----------------         ------- --- 

          "Conversion Date" -- see Section 5.2.
           ---------------         ------- --- 

          "Credit" shall mean the sum of (i) the aggregate unused Commitments of
           ------                                                               
all Banks hereunder to make Revolving Loans or Term Loans plus (ii) the
aggregate principal amount of Revolving Loans or Term Loans outstanding
hereunder.

          "Credit Suspension Event" shall mean any event which if it continues
           -----------------------                                            
uncured will, with lapse of time or notice or lapse of time and notice,
constitute an Event of Default.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -45-

          "Current Market Price" shall mean for any class of capital stock of
           --------------------                                              
the Company the average for any 20 consecutive Stock Trading Days ending within
30 days of the date of determination of the average of the high and low sale
prices per share, or if no sales are reported, the average of the bid and ask
prices per share or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average
bid and average ask prices per share) for each Stock Trading Day in such 20
consecutive Stock Trading Day period, as reported in the composite transactions
for the New York Stock Exchange, or if such capital stock is not listed or
admitted to trading on such exchange, as reported in the composite transactions
for the principal national or regional United States securities exchange on
which such capital stock is listed or admitted to trading or, if such capital
stock is not listed or admitted to trading on a United States national or
regional securities exchange, as reported by the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ") or by the National
Quotation Bureau Incorporated.  A "Stock Trading Day" means each day on which
the securities exchange or quotation system which is used to determine the
Current Market Price is open for trading or quotation.

          "Depositary Bank" -- see Section 1.2.
           ---------------         ------- --- 

          "Designated Subsidiary" shall mean any corporate Subsidiary of the
           ---------------------                                            
Company designated for borrowing privileges under this Agreement pursuant to
Section 13.10 hereof.
- - ------- -----        

          "Designation Letter" shall mean, in respect of any Designated
           ------------------                                          
Subsidiary, a letter in the form of Exhibit E  hereto signed by such Designated
                                    ------- -                                  
Subsidiary and the Company.

          "Dollars" and the sign "$" shall mean lawful money of the United
           -------                                          
States of America.

          "Domestic Loan" -- see definition below of "Loan."
           -------------                                    

          "Equivalent Domestic Loan" -- see Section 6.3.
           ------------------------         ------- --- 

          "Eurodollar Day" shall mean a day on which dealings are carried on in
           --------------                                                      
the London Interbank market in Dollars and on which banks are not authorized or
required by law to close for business in New York City.

          "Eurodollar Interest Rate" -- see Section 3.1.2.
           ------------------------         ------- ----- 
<PAGE>
 
                                      -46-

           "Eurodollar Loan" -- see definition below of "Loan."
            ---------------                            

           "Eurodollar Margin" -- see Section 3.1.8.
            -----------------         ------- ----- 

           "Eurodollar Office" -- see Section 1.1.3.
            -----------------         ------- ----- 

           "Eurodollar Period" shall mean, as to each Eurodollar Loan, the
            -----------------                                      
 period which shall begin on (and include) the most recent Borrowing Date with
respect to such Loan and shall end, as Borrower shall elect in its notice
pursuant to
                                                                             
Section 1.2 or 5.4, as the case may be, on (and include) the day one, two, three
- - ------- ---    ---                                                              
or six months thereafter, as selected by Borrower; provided that no Eurodollar
                                                   --------                   
Period commencing prior to the Revolver Expiration Date or the final maturity,
by acceleration or otherwise, of all of the Revolving Loans or Term Loans shall
end later than such Revolver Expiration Date or date of maturity, as the case
may be.  Subject to the proviso in the preceding sentence, any Eurodollar Period
which would otherwise end on a day which would not be a Eurodollar Day shall
instead continue to and end on the next succeeding Eurodollar Day, unless such
next succeeding Eurodollar Day would be the first Eurodollar Day in a calendar
month, in which case such Eurodollar Period shall instead end on the next
preceding Eurodollar Day, and any Eurodollar Period which begins on the last
Eurodollar Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no
numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such
Eurodollar Period) shall end on the last Eurodollar Day of a calendar month.

          "Event of Default" shall mean any of the events described
           ----------------                              
in Section 11.1.
   ------- ---- 

          "Federal Funds Rate" shall mean for any period, a fluctuating interest
           ------------------                                                   
rate equal for each day during such period to the weighted average of the rates
on overnight Federal Funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve
System arranged by Federal Funds brokers, as published for each day (or, if such
day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not  so published for any day
which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such
transactions received by the Depositary Bank from three Federal Funds brokers of
recognized standing selected by the Depositary Bank.

          "Fixed Rate Interest Date" -- see Section 3.1.
           ------------------------         ------- --- 

          "Fixed Rate Loan" -- see definition below of "Loan".
           ---------------                            
<PAGE>
 
                                      -47-

          "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles set forth
           ----                                                               
in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and
pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other
statements by such other entity as may be approved by a significant segment of
the accounting profession, which are applicable to the circumstances as of the
date of determination.

          "Increase Date" has the meaning assigned to that term in
           -------------                                  
Section 1.1.8.
- - ------- ----- 

          "Indemnified Liabilities" -- see Section 13.9.
           -----------------------         ------- ---- 

           "Interest Date" shall mean Fixed Rate Interest Date and/or Prime Rate
           -------------                                
Interest Date, as the case may be.

          "Interest Period" shall mean a CD Interest Period or a Eurodollar 
           ---------------                                 
Period, as the context requires, or both.

          "Liabilities" -- see Section 4.1.
           -----------         ------- --- 

          "Loan" shall mean each lending by any Bank
           ----                                     
hereunder.  Particular types of Loans are as follows:

            (i) "Alternate Currency Loan" shall mean any Loan denominated in an
                 -----------------------                                       
Alternate Currency;

            (ii) "CD Loan" shall mean any Loan which bears interest at the CD
                  -------                                                    
Rate;

            (iii)  "Domestic Loan" shall mean any Loan which is a Prime
                    -------------                                      
Rate Loan or a CD Loan;

            (iv) "Eurodollar Loan" shall mean any Loan which bears interest at
                  ---------------                                             
the Eurodollar Interest Rate;

            (v)  "Fixed Rate Loan" shall mean a CD Loan or a Eurodollar Loan;
                  ---------------                                            

            (vi) "Market Rate Loan" -- see Section 1.3;
                  ----------------         ------- --- 

            (vii) "Prime Rate Loan" shall mean any Loan bearing interest
                   ---------------                                      
at the Prime Rate;
<PAGE>
 
                                      -48-

          (viii)  "Revolving Loan" shall mean any Loan made pursuant to the
                   --------------                                          
unused Commitments contained in Section 1.1.1 but shall exclude any Market Rate
                                ------- -----                                  
Loan; and

            (ix) "Term Loan" shall mean any Loan made pursuant to the
                  ---------                                          
commitments contained in Section 1.1.2.
                         ------- ----- 

            "Market Rate" -- see Section 1.3(a).
             -----------         ------- ------ 

            "Market Rate Loan" -- see definition above of "Loan."
             ----------------                                    

            "Market Rate Note" -- see Section 2.3.
             ----------------         ------- --- 

            "Notes" shall mean the Revolving Notes, Market Rate Notes and Term
             -----                                                            
Notes, or any of them.

            "Obligations" see Section 10.1.
             -----------      ------- ---- 

            "Percentage" with respect to any Bank shall mean at any time the
             ----------                                                     
percentage of the Credit represented by such Bank's Commitment.

            "Person" shall mean any corporation, partnership, association,
             ------                                                       
trust, individual or other entity.

            "Prime Rate" shall mean the greater of: (a) the average of the rates
             ----------                                                         
per annum from time to time announced by each of the Reference Banks at the
address set forth below its signature hereto as such Bank's prime commercial
lending rate and (b) the effective Federal Funds Rate for overnight funds plus
1/2 of 1% per annum.

            "Prime Rate Interest Date" -- see Section 3.1.
             ------------------------         ------- --- 

            "Prime Rate Loan" -- see definition of "Loan" above.
             ---------------                                    

            "Public Debt Rating" means, as of any date, the highest rating that
             ------------------                                                
has been most recently announced by either Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or an Alternate Rating
Agency in substitution for Moody's or S&P (but not both), for any class of long-
term unsecured senior debt issued by the Company; provided, that if the ratings
                                                  --------                     
determined by Moody's or S&P (or an Alternate Rating Agency) differ by more than
one rating category the Public Debt Rating shall be the average of the two
ratings.  For purposes of the foregoing, (a) if an Alternate Rating Agency is
used, the
<PAGE>
 
                                      -49-

ratings provided by such Alternate Rating Agency shall be converted into an
equivalent of Moody's or S&P, as nearly as practicable, for purposes of
determining the Eurodollar Margin or CD Margin; and (b) if any rating
established or deemed to have been established by Moody's or S&P shall be
changed (other than as a result of a change in the rating system of either
Moody's or S&P), such change shall be effective as of the date on which such
change is first announced publicly by the rating agency making such change.  Any
change in the Eurodollar Margin or CD Margin due to a change in the Public Debt
Rating shall be effective for Interest Periods commencing after the public
announcement of the change in debt rating.  If the rating system of either
Moody's or S&P shall change, the Company and the Banks shall negotiate in good
faith to amend the references to specific ratings in this definition to reflect
such changed rating system.

          "Reference Banks" shall mean Chemical Bank, NationsBank of North
           ---------------                                                
Carolina N.A. and The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. or, with respect to Eurodollar
Loans, the Eurodollar Office of any of them.

          "Regulation D" -- see Section 3.1.2.1.
           ------------         ------- ------- 

          "Revolver Expiration Date" means the earlier of January 11, 1998 or
           ------------------------                                          
the date of termination in whole of the Commitments.

          "Revolving Loan" -- see definition above of "Loan."
           --------------                                    

          "Revolving Note" -- see Section 2.1.
           --------------         ------- --- 

          "Significant Subsidiary" shall have the meaning assigned to such term
           ----------------------                                              
in Regulation C (S) 230.405 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as such
definition is in effect as of the date of this Agreement.

          "Subsidiary" shall mean a corporation of which the Company and its
           ----------                                                       
other Subsidiaries own directly or indirectly more than 50% of the ordinary
voting power for the election of directors.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -50-

            "Term Loan" -- see definition above of "Loan."
             ---------                                    

            "Term Note" -- see Section 2.2.
             ---------         ------- --- 


                                  ARTICLE XIII

                                    GENERAL

          SECTION 13.1.  Waiver; Amendments.  No delay on the part of any Bank
                         ------------------                                   
or the holder of any Note in the exercise of any right, power or remedy shall
operate as a waiver thereof,  nor shall any single or partial exercise by any of
them of any right, power or remedy preclude other or further exercise thereof,
or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy.  No amendment, modification
or waiver of, or consent with respect to, any provision of this Agreement or the
Notes shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing
(including telegram or telex) and signed and delivered by the Company and Banks
having an aggregate Percentage of not less than the Percentage expressly
designated herein with respect thereto or, in the absence of such designation as
to any provision of this Agreement or the Notes, by Banks having, in the
aggregate, a Percentage of 66 2/3% or more, and then any such amendment,
modification, waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance
and for the specific purpose for which given.  No amendment, modification,
waiver or consent (i) shall extend or increase the amount of the Credit, the
scheduled maturity of the Notes, or the scheduled date for the payment of
interest or fees, or reduce the fees or the rate of interest payable with
respect to the Notes or modify the provisions of Section 3.1.5, 3.1.7, 4.5, 6.3,
                                                 ------- -----  -----  ---  --- 
6.4, or 13.9 or modify the provisions of Article X in a manner adverse to the
- - ---     ----                             ------- -                           
Banks or impose an additional obligation on any of the Banks or reduce the
aggregate Percentage required to effect an amendment, modification, waiver or
consent without the consent of all of the Banks or (ii) shall extend the
scheduled maturity of, or the scheduled date for the payment of interest or fees
on, or reduce the principal amount of, or rate of interest on, any Note without
the consent of the holder of such Note.  The provisions of this Section 13.1 may
                                                                ------- ----    
not be amended or modified without the consent of all of the Banks.

          SECTION 13.2.  Confirmations.  Borrower and each holder of a Revolving
                         -------------                                          
Note agree from time to time, upon written request received by it from the
other, to confirm to the other in writing the aggregate unpaid principal amount
of the Revolving
<PAGE>
 
                                      -51-

Loans then outstanding under such Revolving Note; and each such holder agrees
from time to time, upon written request received by it from Borrower, to make
the Revolving Note held by it (including the schedule attached thereto)
available for reasonable inspection by Borrower at the office of such holder.
Each Bank shall, promptly upon request by Borrower, furnish Borrower with a
photocopy of the schedule attached to such Bank's Revolving Note.

          SECTION 13.3.  Notices.  Any notice from Borrower to any Bank
                         -------                                       
(including Depositary Bank) under Section 1.2, 1.1.6, 1.1.8 or 5.4 may be (i)
                                  ------- ---  -----  -----    ---           
telephonic if confirmed, prior to the date for taking (or for the effectiveness
of) the action specified in such notice, by a writing received by such Bank or
(ii) by facsimile if confirmed, prior to the date for taking (or for the
effectiveness of) the action specified in such notice, by telephone.  Any other
notice hereunder to Borrower or any Bank (or other holder) shall, except as
otherwise expressly provided, be in writing and, if mailed shall be deemed to
have been given (i) three days after the date when sent by first class mail,
postage prepaid, (ii) one day after sent by overnight delivery service and, in
each case, addressed to Borrower or such Bank (or other holder) at its address
shown below its signature hereto, or at such other address as it may, by written
notice received by the other parties to this Agreement, have designated as its
address for such purpose.  Any Bank or the holder of any Note giving any waiver,
consent or notice to, or making any request upon, Borrower hereunder shall
promptly notify the Depositary Bank thereof.

          SECTION 13.4.  Accounting Terms and Determinations.  Unless otherwise
                         -----------------------------------                   
specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all
accounting determinations hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements
required to be delivered hereunder shall be prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time
("GAAP"), applied on a basis consistent (except for changes concurred in by the
Company's independent public accountants) with the most recent audited
consolidated financial statements of the Company and its Consolidated
Subsidiaries delivered to the Banks; provided that, if the Company notifies the
                                     --------                                  
Depositary Bank that it wishes to amend any covenant in Article VIII to
eliminate the effect of any change in generally accepted accounting principles
on the operation of such covenant, then compliance with such covenant shall be
determined on the basis of generally accepted accounting principles in effect
<PAGE>
 
                                      -52-

immediately before the relevant change in generally accepted accounting
principles became effective, until either such notice is withdrawn or such
covenant is amended in a manner satisfactory to the Company and Banks holding,
in the aggregate, a Percentage of 66 2/3% or more.

          SECTION 13.5.  Participations; Transfers of Notes.  A Bank may assign
                         ----------------------------------                    
or sell participations in all or any part of its Commitment or any Loan to
another bank or other entity; provided that an assignment or participation shall
                              --------                                          
be in a minimum aggregate amount of $10,000,000; and provided, further, (a)
                                                     --------  -------     
except in the case of assignments of or participations in Market Rate Loans,
that the Company shall have consented in writing to the proposed assignment or
participation, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; and (b) in the
case of a participation, no such participation shall in any way affect such
Bank's obligations under this Agreement, and provided, that all amounts payable
by any Borrower under Article III shall be determined as if such Bank had not
                      ------- ---                                            
sold such participation.  Upon execution and delivery of an approriate
instrument and payment by any assignee to the transferor Bank of an amount equal
to the purchase price agreed between such transferor Bank and such assignee,
such assignee shall be a Bank party to this Agreement and shall have all the
rights and obligations of a Bank with Commitments as set forth in such
instrument of assumption, and the transferor Bank shall be released from its
obligations hereunder to a corresponding extent, and no further consent or
action by any party shall be required.  Upon the consummation of any assignment
pursuant to this Section 13.5, the transferor Bank and the Borrower shall make
                 ------- ----                                                 
appropriate arrangements so that, if required, a new Note is issued to the
assignee.

          The agreement executed by the Bank in favor of any participant shall
not give the participant the right to require such Bank to take or omit to take
any action hereunder except action directly relating to (i) the extension of a
payment date with respect to any portion of the principal of or interest on any
amount outstanding or any fees payable hereunder allocated to such participant,
(ii) the reduction of the principal amount of any Loan outstanding hereunder,
(iii) the reduction of the rate of interest payable on such amount or any amount
of fees payable hereunder to a rate or amount, as the case may be, below that
which the participant is entitled to receive under its agreement with such Bank,
or (iv) an extension of the Revolver Expiration Date in accordance with the
terms hereof.  Each Bank may furnish to participants (including prospective
participants and
<PAGE>
 
                                      -53-

prospective assignees) any information in the possession of such Bank from time
to time concerning any Borrower; provided, that such Bank shall require any such
                                 --------                                       
participant or assignee (prospective or otherwise) to agree in writing to
maintain the confidentiality of such information; and provided, further, that
                                                  --- --------  -------      
such Bank may not furnish to the participant or assignee any information which
the Borrower has identified in writing to such Bank to be trade secrets or
proprietary information.

          If, pursuant to this Section 13.5, any interest in this Agreement or
                               ------- ----                                   
any Note is transferred to any assignee which is organized under the laws of any
jurisdiction other than the United States or any state thereof, the transferor
Bank shall cause such assignee concurrently with the effectiveness of such
transfer, (i) to represent to the transferor Bank (for the benefit of the
transferor Bank and the Company) that it is either (x) entitled to the benefits
of an income tax treaty with the United States which provides for an exemption
from United States withholding tax on interest and other payments which may be
made by the Company to such Bank pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any
other credit document; or (y) engaged in a trade or business within the United
States, (ii) to furnish to the transferor Bank and the Company either U.S.
Internal Revenue Service Form 4224 or U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 1001
(wherein such assignee claims entitlement to complete exemption from U.S.
federal withholding tax on all payments hereunder) and (iii) to agree (for the
benefit of the transferor Bank and the Company) to provide to the transferor
Bank and the Company a new Form 4224 or Form 1001 upon the obsolescence of any
previously delivered form and comparable statements in accordance with
applicable U.S. laws and regulations and amendments duly executed and completed
by such assignee, and to comply from time to time with all applicable U.S. laws
and regulations with regard to such withholding tax exemption.

          Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 13.5, any
                                                           ------- ----     
Bank may pledge and assign its rights hereunder and under the Notes held by it
to a Federal Reserve Bank as collateral.

          SECTION 13.6.  Regulation U.  Each Bank represents that it is not
                         ------------                                      
relying, either directly or indirectly, upon any margin stock (as such term is
defined in Regulation U promulgated by the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System) as collateral security for the extension or maintenance by it of
any credit provided for in this Agreement.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -54-

          SECTION 13.7.  Confidentiality of Information.  Each Bank understands
                         ------------------------------                        
that some of the information furnished pursuant to this Agreement or obtained by
such Bank pursuant to any inspection made in accordance with Section 8.2 may, at
                                                             ------- ---        
the time furnished or obtained, not have been made public, and each Bank agrees
to keep confidential all such information and will make no use of such
information until it shall have become public except in connection with this
Agreement and with such Bank's outside counsel and accountants, subject however
to each Bank's obligations under law or pursuant to subpoenas or other process
to make information available to governmental agencies and examiners or to
others.

          SECTION 13.8.  Limitation on Interest.  No provision of this Agreement
                         ----------------------                                 
or any Note shall require the payment or permit the collection of interest in
excess of the maximum rate permitted by applicable law.

          SECTION 13.9.  Costs, Expenses and Taxes.  The Company shall pay all
                         -------------------------                            
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the Depositary Bank and the Banks (but
excluding the fees and disbursements of counsel to the Depositary Bank and the
Banks) in connection with the preparation of this Agreement and all instruments
and documents relating thereto or necessary to satisfy the conditions to lending
hereunder.  The Company agrees to pay on demand all out-of-pocket costs and
expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses) incurred by
each Bank and the Depositary Bank in connection with the enforcement of this
Agreement, the Notes, any such other instruments or documents or any collateral
security.  In addition, each Borrower agrees (i) to pay, and to save the
Depositary Bank and the Banks harmless from all liability for, any stamp or
other taxes which may be payable in connection with the execution or delivery of
this Agreement, the borrowings hereunder, or the issuance of the Notes or of any
other instruments or documents provided for herein or delivered or to be
delivered hereunder or in connection herewith and (ii) to indemnify, exonerate
and hold each of the Depositary Bank and the Banks and each of the officers,
directors, employees and agents of such Banks (herein called collectively the
"Bank Indemnitees") free and harmless from and against any and all actions,
causes of action, suits, losses, liabilities, damages and expenses, including,
without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements incurred by any
Bank Indemnitee as a result of, or arising out of, or relating to any
transaction financed with proceeds of any of the Loans or the execution,
delivery, performance, enforcement or administration
<PAGE>
 
                                      -55-

of this Agreement (herein called collectively the "Indemnified Liabilities"),
except for any such Indemnified Liabilities arising on account of any such Bank
Indemnitee's negligence or willful misconduct, and if and to the extent that the
foregoing undertaking may be unenforceable for any reason, Borrower hereby
agrees to make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each
of the Indemnified Liabilities which is permissible under applicable law.

          SECTION 13.10.  Designated Subsidiaries.  (i) Designation.  The
                          -----------------------       -----------      
Company may at any time, and from time to time, by delivery to the Depositary
Bank of a Designation Letter duly executed by the Company and the respective
Subsidiary, designate such Subsidiary as a "Designated Subsidiary" for purposes
of this Agreement and such Subsidiary shall thereupon become a "Designated
Subsidiary" for purposes of this Agreement.  The Depositary Bank shall promptly
notify each Bank of each such designation by the Company and the identity of the
respective Subsidiary.


          (ii)  Termination.  Upon the payment and performance in full of all of
                -----------                                                     
the Obligations of any Designated Subsidiary then, so long as at the time no
request for a Fixed Rate Loan to such Designated Subsidiary is outstanding, such
Subsidiary's status as a "Designated Subsidiary" shall terminate upon notice to
such effect from the Company to the Depositary Bank (which notice the Depositary
Bank shall deliver to each Bank).  Thereafter, the Banks shall be under no
further obligation to make any Loan hereunder to such Designated Subsidiary.

          SECTION 13.11.  Captions.  Captions used in this Agreement are for
                          --------                                          
convenience only and shall not affect the construction of this Agreement.

          SECTION 13.12.  Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction.  This
                          -----------------------------------------       
Agreement and each Note shall be a contract made under and governed by the
internal laws of the State of New York.  All obligations of Borrower and rights
of the Banks and any other holders of the Notes expressed herein or in the Notes
shall be in addition to and not in limitation of those provided by applicable
law.  The Borrowers hereby submit to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York and of any New York
State court sitting in New York City for purposes of all legal proceedings
arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated
hereby.  The Borrowers irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by
law, any objection which they may now or hereafter have to the laying of the
venue of any such
<PAGE>
 
                                      -56-

proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that any such proceeding
brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

          SECTION 13.13.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any
                          ------------                                        
number of counterparts and by the different parties on separate counterparts
(provided, however, that each such counterpart shall be executed by the Company)
and each such counterpart shall be deemed to be an original, but all such
counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Agreement.

          SECTION 13.14.  Effectiveness.  When counterparts executed by all the
                          -------------                                        
Banks shall have been lodged with the Company and counterparts executed by the
Company shall have been lodged with each Bank this Agreement shall become
effective as of January 12, 1994.

          SECTION 13.15.  Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall be
                          ----------------------                          
binding upon Borrower and the Banks and their respective successors and assigns,
and shall inure to the benefit of the Borrower and the Banks and the respective
successors and assigns of the Banks, except that the Company may not assign or
transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior
written consent of Banks having, in the aggregate, a Percentage of at least
100%.

          SECTION 13.16.  Duties of Depositary Bank.  The Depositary Bank shall
                          -------------------------                            
have no duties or responsibilities except those expressly set forth in this
Agreement and neither the Depositary Bank nor any of its directors, officers,
employees or agents shall be liable or responsible for any action taken or
omitted to be taken by it or them hereunder, or in connection herewith, except
for its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct.  In addition, the
Banks agree to indemnify the Depositary Bank, ratably in accordance with the
aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Loans made by the Banks (or, if no
Loans are at the time outstanding, ratably in accordance with their respective
Percentages), for any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages,
penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any
kind and nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted
against the Depositary Bank in any way relating to or arising out of the duties
and responsibilities of the Depositary Bank expressly set forth in this
Agreement; provided that (i) the Banks shall only be liable to the extent the
Borrower fails to
<PAGE>
 
                                      -57-

indemnify and pay the Depositary Bank pursuant to Section 13.9 hereof, and (ii)
                                                  ------- ----                 
no Bank shall be liable for any of the foregoing to the extent they arise from
the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Depositary Bank.

          SECTION 13.17.  Severability.  In case any one or more of the
                          ------------                                 
provisions contained in this Agreement or the Notes should be invalid, illegal
or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of
the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in any way be
affected or impaired thereby.

          SECTION 13.18.  Representation of the Banks.  Each Bank represents and
                          ---------------------------                           
warrants to the Borrower that it is (x) a United States person (as defined in
Section 7701(a) (30) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code")); (y) entitled to the benefits of an income tax treaty with the United
States which provides for an exemption from United States withholding tax on
interest and other payments which may be made by the Borrower to such Bank
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; or (z) engaged in a trade or business
within the United States.  Each Bank that is organized under the laws of any
jurisdiction other than the United States or any State thereof (including the
District of Columbia) agrees to furnish to the Borrower, prior to the date of
the first interest payment hereunder, two copies of either U.S. Internal Revenue
Service Form 4224 or U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 1001 (wherein such Bank
claims entitlement to complete exemption from U.S. federal withholding tax on
all payments hereunder) and to provide to the Borrower a new Form 4224 or Form
1001 upon the obsolescence of any previously delivered form and comparable
statements in accordance with applicable U.S. laws and regulations and
amendments duly executed and completed by such Bank, and to comply from time to
time with all applicable U.S. laws and regulations with regard to such
withholding tax exemptions.  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this
Agreement, the representations, warranties and obligations of the Banks set
forth in Section 13.5 and this Section 13.18 shall survive the borrowing of the
         ------- ----          ------- -----                                   
Loans and the assignment, sale, repayment or other disposition of the Loans or
any interest therein.

          SECTION 13.19.  Survival.  The obligations of the Borrower under
                          --------                                        
Sections 3.1.5, 3.1.7, 4.5 and 13.9 shall survive the termination of this
- - -------- -----  -----  ---     ----                                      
Agreement and the payment of all Loans.
<PAGE>
 
                                      -58-

          SECTION 13.20.  WAIVER OF TRIAL BY JURY.  TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY
                          -----------------------                             
APPLICABLE LAW, THE BORROWER AND EACH OF THE BANKS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ALL
RIGHT OF TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF
OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY MATTER ARISING HEREUNDER.
<PAGE>
 
                                     -59-
 
          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and each Bank have caused this
Agreement to be executed, as of the day and year first above written, by one of
its officers thereunto duly authorized.

                                           GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
                              
                              
                                           By /s/ Julian B. Twombly
                                             ----------------------------
                                             Vice President and Treasurer
                              
                                           High Ridge Park
                                           Stamford, Connecticut 06904
                                           Attention:  Treasurer
                                           Telecopier No.:  (203) 329-4365
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$22,222,222                             THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, N.A.



                                         By: /s/ Edward F. McNulty  
                                         -------------------------------   
                                         Title:  Vice President
                     
                                         Lending Office for Loans
                     
                                         The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.
                                         One Chase Plaza, 17th Floor
                                         New York, New York  10081
                                         Attn:  Edward F. McNulty


                                         Telecopy No.:  (212) 552-1457
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$22,222,222

                                       CHEMICAL BANK
                                 
                                 
                                 
                                       By: /s/ Robert C. Kennedy
                                          ------------------------------
                                       Title:  Vice President
                                 
                                       Lending Office for Loans
                                 
                                       Chemical Bank
                                       270 Park Avenue
                                       New York, New York 10017
                                       Attn: Robert C. Kennedy

                                       Telecopy No: (212) 270-7138
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$22,222,222

                                 NATIONSBANK OF NORTH CAROLINA, N.A
                            
                            
                            
                                 By:  /s/ Margaret K. Vandenberg
                                    ------------------------------
                                 Title:  Vice President
                            
                                 Lending Office for Loans
                            
                                 NationsBank of North Carolina, N.A.
                                 NationsBank Plaza
                                 Charlotte, North Carolina 28255
                                 Attn:  Lisa McClelland, NCI-002-17-21
                            
                                 Telecopy No:  (704) 386-8694
                            
                                 cc:  Margaret K. Vandenberg
                            
                                 NationsBank of North Carolina, N.A.
                                 767 Fifth Avenue
                                 New York, New York 10153
                            
                                Telecopy No:  (212) 593-1083
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$22,222,222

                                    WACHOVIA BANK OF GEORGIA, N.A.
                                
                                
                                
                                    By:  /s/ Linda M. Harris
                                       ------------------------------
                                    Title:  Senior Vice President
                                
                                    Lending Office for Loans
                                
                                    Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A.
                                    191 Peachtree Street, N.E.
                                    Atlanta, Georgia 30303
                                    Attn:  Walter R. Gillikin
                                
                                    Telecopy No:  (404) 332-6898
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$13,888,889

                                       CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                       By:  /s/ Brian E. O'Callahan
                                          ------------------------------
                                       Title:  Senior Vice President
                                   
                                       Lending Office for Loans
                                   
                                       Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
                                       425 Lexington Avenue
                                       New York, New York 10017
                                       Attn:  Brian E. O'Callahan
                                   
                                       Telecopy No:  (212) 856-3991
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$13,888,889

                                       COMMERZBANK A.G.
                                 
                                 
                                 
                                       By:  /s/ Juergen Boysen
                                          ------------------------------
                                       Title:  Senior Vice President
                                 
                                       By:  /s/ Christian Jagenberg
                                          ------------------------------
                                       Title:  Vice President
                                     
                                       Lending Office for Loans
                                     
                                       CommerzBank A.G.
                                       2 World Financial Center
                                       New York, New York 10281-1050
                                       Attn:  J.F. Christian Jagenberg

                                       Telecopy No:  (212) 266-7235
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$13,888,889

                                       THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CHICAGO
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                       By:  /s/ James W. Petersen
                                          ------------------------------
                                       Title:  Vice President
                                   
                                       Lending Office for Loans
                                   
                                       The First National Bank of Chicago
                                       153 West 51st Street
                                       New York, New York 10019
                                       Attn: James W. Peterson
                                   
                                       Telecopy No:  (212) 373-1388
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$13,888,889

                                     THE HONG KONG & SHANGHAI BANKING
                                     CORPORATION
                               
                               
                               
                                     By:  /s/ Jeffry S. Dykes
                                        ------------------------------
                                     Title:  Vice President
                               
                                     Lending Office for Loans
                               
                                     The Hong Kong & Shanghai Banking
                                     Corporation
                                     140 Broadway, 4th Floor
                                     New York, New York  10015
                                     Attn:  Jeffry S. Dykes

Telecopy No:  (212) 658-5109
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$13,888,889

                                       NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK Plc
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                       By:  /s/ Anthony G. Muller
                                          ------------------------------
                                       Title:  Vice President
                                  
                                       Lending Office for Loans
                                  
                                       National Westminster Bank Plc
                                       Corporate and Institutional Finance
                                       175 Water Street
                                       New York, New York 10038-4924
                                       Attn:  Anthony G. Muller

                                       Telecopy No:  (212) 602-4500
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$13,888,889

                                       THE NORTHERN TRUST COMPANY
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                       By:  /s/ Gregory Werd
                                          ------------------------------
                                       Title:  Vice President
                                  
                                       Lending Office for Loans
                                  
                                       The Northern Trust Company
                                       50 South LaSalle Street
                                       Chicago, Illinois 60675
                                       Attn:  Gregory F. Werd, Jr.
                                  
                                       Telecopy No:  (312) 444-3508
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$13,888,889

                                          THE SANWA BANK LIMITED
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                          By:  /s/ Stephen C. Small
                                             ------------------------------
                                          Title:  Vice President
                                    
                                          Lending Office for Loans
                                    
                                          The Sanwa Bank Limited
                                          New York Branch
                                          Park Avenue Plaza
                                          55 East 52nd Street
                                          New York, New York 10055
                                          Attn:  Stephen C. Small

                                          Telecopy No:  (212) 754-1304
<PAGE>
 
Amount of
Commitment
- - ----------

$13,888,889

                                           SHAWMUT BANK
                                      
                                      
                                      
                                           By:  /s/ John F. Wood
                                              ------------------------------
                                           Title:  Senior Vice President
                                      
                                           Lending Office for Loans
                                      
                                           Shawmut Bank
                                           777 Main Street
                                           MSN 203
                                           Hartford, Connecticut 06115
                                           Attn:  Christopher Mango

                                           Telecopy No:  (203) 722-9378
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT A



                                 REVOLVING NOTE


$                                                                        ,199


          The undersigned, for value received, promises to pay to 

the    order       of
                                                                        on 
or before the Revolver Expiration Date, as defined in the Four Year Credit
Agreement referred to below, the principal sum of

                                Dollars or, if less, the aggregate unpaid
principal amount of all Revolving Loans made by the payee to the undersigned
pursuant to the Four Year Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined) as shown on
the schedule attached hereto (and any continuation thereof), together, from time
to time, with interest on the unpaid principal amount hereof from time to time
outstanding as provided in Article III of the Four Year Credit Agreement
hereinafter referred to (but in no event higher than the maximum rate permitted
by applicable law).

          Payments of both principal and interest are to be made in lawful money
of the United States of America for the account of the payee at the office of
The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., at One Chase Manhattan Plaza, New York, New York
10081 in immediately available funds.

          This Note evidences indebtedness incurred under, and is subject to the
terms and provisions of, a Four Year Credit Agreement dated as of January 12,
1994, (and, all further amendments thereto, if any) among the undersigned and
certain banks (including the payee) to which Four Year Credit Agreement
reference is hereby made for a statement of said terms and provisions, including
those under which this Note may be paid, or may be declared to be due and
payable, prior to its due date.

          This Note is made under and governed by the internal laws of the State
of New York.

                              [BORROWER]


                              By__________________________________________
                                 Title____________________________________
<PAGE>
 
Schedule Attached to Revolving Note dated             , 199  of [Borrower]
payable to the order of


                          LOANS AND PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS


                         Beginning
                         and End
                         Eurodollar
                         or CD        Amount of  Unpaid
             Amount of   Interest     Principal  Principal   Notation
Date         Loan Made   Period       Repaid     Balance     Made By
- - ----         ---------   ----------   ---------  ---------   -------

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT B
                                                                       ---------



                                   TERM NOTE


$                                                                       , 199

     The undersigned, for value received, promises to pay to the order of the
principal   sum      of                                                  the

                                                                     Dollars

payable on January 11, 1998 together, from time to time, with interest on the
unpaid principal amount hereof from time to time outstanding as provided in
Article III of the Four Year Credit Agreement hereinafter referred to
- - ------- ---
(but in no event higher than the maximum rate permitted by law).

          Payments of both principal and interest are to be made in lawful money
of the United States of America for the account of the payee at the office of
The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., at One Chase Manhattan Plaza, New York, New York
10081 in immediately available funds.

          This Note evidences indebtedness incurred under, and is subject to the
terms and provisions of, a Four Year Credit Agreement dated as of January 12,
1994, (and, all further amendments thereto, if any) among the undersigned and
certain banks (including the payee), to which Four Year Credit Agreement
reference is hereby made for a statement of said terms and provisions, including
those under which this Note may be paid, or may be declared to be due and
payable, prior to its due date.

          This Note is made under and governed by the internal laws of the State
of New York.

                              [BORROWER]


                              By____________________________________
                                Title
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT C


                          Market Rate Promissory Note

$                                                                         , 199

          The undersigned, for value received, promises to pay to 
the  order   of
                                                                            on
or before the Revolver Expiration Date, as defined in the Four Year Credit
Agreement referred to below, the principal sum of 

          Dollars or the equivalent in any Alternate Currency shown on the
schedule attached hereto or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of
all Market Rate Loans made by the payee to the undersigned pursuant to the Four
Year Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined) as shown on the schedule attached
hereto (and any continuation thereof), together, from time to time, with
interest on the unpaid principal amount hereof from time to time outstanding as
provided in Article III of the Four Year Credit Agreement hereinafter referred
to (but in no event higher than the maximum rate permitted by applicable law).

          Payments of both principal and interest are to be made in lawful money
of the United States of America or an Alternate Currency if so specified with
respect to any Market Rate Loan on the schedule attached hereto in immediately
available funds to, in the case of loans in Dollars the account specified by the
payee and, in the case of Alternate Currency Loans, the Alternate Currency
Payment Office.

          This Note evidences indebtedness incurred under, and is subject to the
terms and provisions of, a Four Year Credit Agreement dated as of January 12,
1994, (and, all further amendments thereto, if any) among the undersigned and
certain banks (including the payee) to which Four Year Credit Agreement
reference is hereby made for a statement of said terms and provisions, including
those under which this Note may be paid, or may be declared to be due and
payable, prior to its due date.

          This Note is made under and governed by the internal laws of the State
of New York.

                              [BORROWER]


                              By__________________________________
                                 Title____________________________
<PAGE>
 
                SCHEDULE ATTACHED TO MARKET RATE PROMISSORY NOTE

                        DATED AS OF                FROM

                                 [BORROWER] TO
                              ____________________



 
            ALTERNATE                   AMOUNT OF  UNPAID
AMOUNT      CURRENCY   MATURITY         PRINCIPAL  PRINCIPAL
DATE        OF LOAN    (if applicable)  DATE       RATE       REPAID  BALANCE
- - ----        ---------  --------------   ---------  ----       ------  -------

_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
_____________________________________________________________________________ 
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT D
                                                                       ---------

               FORM OF ATTORNEY'S OPINION OF COUNSEL TO BORROWER

                               Per Section 9.1.5
                                   -------------

                [Letterhead of Messrs. Cahill Gordon & Reindel]


Each of the Commercial Banking Institutions
listed on Schedule I hereto

Re:  General Signal Corporation Four Year Credit
     Agreement, Dated as of January 12, 1994
     -------------------------------------------

Gentlemen:

          We have acted as counsel to General Signal Corporation, a New York
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the Four Year Credit Agreement,
dated as of January 12, 1994 ("Agreement"), between you and the Company,
covering loans by you to Borrower to be evidenced by the Notes.  Capitalized
terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings
assigned to them in the Four Year Credit Agreement.

          We have examined originals, photocopies or conformed copies of such
records of the Company and its subsidiaries and such agreements, certificates of
public officials, certificates of officers and representatives of the Company
and its subsidiaries and such other documents as we have deemed relevant and
necessary as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed.  In such
examinations, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures on original
documents and the conformity to the originals of all copies submitted to us as
conformed or photocopies.  As to various questions of fact material to the
opinions expressed herein, we have relied upon representations, statements or
certificates of public officials, officers and representatives of the Company
and its subsidiaries and others.

           We are of the opinion that:

           (1) The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and
     in good standing under the laws of the State of New York and in good
     standing in the State of Connecticut.

           (2) The execution, delivery and performance of the Agreement and the
     Notes, and the borrowings by the Company
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-

     pursuant thereto, are within the Company's corporate powers and have been
     duly authorized by all necessary corporate action.

           (3) No governmental approval of the actions referred to in (2) above
     is required.

           (4) The actions referred to in (2) above do not contravene or
     conflict with any provision of law, the Articles of Incorporation or By-
     laws of the Company, or any material agreement, indenture or instrument
     which is binding on or applicable to the Company of which we have
     knowledge.

           (5) The Agreement is, and each of the Notes, when executed and
     delivered for the consideration as contemplated by the Agreement will be,
     the legally valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable
     against Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, except that (i)
     such enforceability may be limited by generally applicable bankruptcy,
     insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent transfer or conveyance or other similar
     laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) no
     opinion has been requested or is being rendered as to the availability of
     equitable remedies, such as, for example, specific performance or
     injunctive relief, which are within the discretion of courts of applicable
     jurisdiction.

           (6) The Company is not (i) an "investment company," or a company
     "controlled" by an "investment company," within the meaning of the
     Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or (ii) a public utility or a
     public utility holding company as defined in the Public Utility Holding
     Company Act of 1935.

          Our opinion in (4) above is based, in part, upon the accuracy of the
representations contained in Section 13.6 of the Agreement.
                             ------------                  

          We are members of the Bar of the State of New York and we express no
opinion herein with respect to any law other than the laws of the State of New
York and the federal law of the United States.

                              Very truly yours,
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT E


                           FORM OF DESIGNATION LETTER



                                                                           , 199


To each of the Banks party to the
  Four Year Credit Agreement (as defined below)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

          Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of January 12,
1994, among General Signal Corporation (the "Company") and the Banks named
therein (the "Credit Agreement").  Terms used herein and defined in the Credit
Agreement shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the
Credit Agreement.

          Please be advised that the Company hereby designates its undersigned
Subsidiary,                 ("Designated Subsidiary"), as a "Designated
Subsidiary" under and for all purposes of the Credit Agreement.

          The Designated Subsidiary, in consideration of each Bank's agreement
to extend credit to it under and on the terms and conditions set forth in the
Credit Agreement, does hereby assume each of the obligations imposed upon a
"Designated Subsidiary" and a "Borrower" under the Credit Agreement and agrees
to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement.  In furtherance
of the foregoing, the Designated Subsidiary hereby represents and warrants to
each Bank as follows:

          1.  The Designated Subsidiary is a corporation duly incorporated,
     validly existing and in good standing under the laws of                .

          2.  The delivery of this Designation Letter, the borrowings under the
     Credit Agreement, the execution and delivery of the Notes, and the
     performance by the Designated Subsidiary of its obligations under the
     Credit Agreement, the Designation Letter and the Notes, are within the
     Borrower's corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary
     corporate action, have received all necessary governmental approval (if any
     shall be required), and do not and will not violate, contravene
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-

     or conflict in any material respect with any provision of law or of the
     charter or by-laws of the Designated Subsidiary or of any judgment or any
     material agreement or indenture binding upon or applicable to the
     Designated Subsidiary the contravention of or conflict with which would
     materially adversely affect the consolidated financial condition or
     continued operations of the Designated Subsidiary as a whole or materially
     impair the ability of the Designated Subsidiary to perform any of its
     obligations hereunder.

          This Designation Letter and the Credit Agreement, and the Notes when
     duly executed and delivered by the Designated Subsidiary will be, legal,
     valid and binding obligations of the Designated Subsidiary enforceable
     against it in accordance with their respective terms, subject only to
     bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws
     affecting the enforceability of rights of creditors generally.

          3.  No litigation or arbitration proceedings are pending or, to the
     knowledge of the Designated Subsidiary, threatened against the Designated
     Subsidiary as to which there is a reasonable likelihood of an adverse
     determination and which would reasonably be expected to have a material
     adverse effect on the ability of the Designated Subsidiary to pay its debts
     (including the Loans made to it under the Credit Agreement) as the same
     become due and payable.

          4.  No authorizations, consents, approvals, licenses, filings or
     registrations by or with any governmental authority or administrative body
     are required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by
     the Designated Subsidiary of this Designation Letter and the Credit
     Agreement except for such authorizations, consents, approvals, licenses,
     filings or registrations as have heretofore been made, obtained or effected
     and are in full force and effect.

          5.  The Designated Subsidiary is not, and immediately after the
     application by the Designated Subsidiary of the proceeds of each Loan will
     not be, (a) an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment
     Company Act of 1940, as amended, or (b) a
<PAGE>
 
                                      -3-

     "holding company" within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company
     Act of 1935, as amended.

                                    Very truly yours,

GENERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION          [THE DESIGNATED SUBSIDIARY]



By________________________          By_________________________
  Title:                                Title:
<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT F


                         FORM OF ATTORNEY'S OPINION OF
                       COUNSEL TO A DESIGNATED SUBSIDIARY


Each of the Commercial Banking Institutions
listed on Schedule I hereto

          Re:  General Signal Corporation Four Year Credit
               Agreement Dated as of January 12, 1994
               -------------------------------------------

Gentlemen:

          We have acted as counsel to [Designated Subsidiary], a
_____________________ corporation (the "Designated Subsidiary"), in connection
with the Four Year Credit Agreement, dated as of January 12, 1994 ("Agreement"),
betweenbppppppppa you and the Company, covering loans by you to Borrower to be
evidenced by the Notes.  Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined
herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Agreement.

          We have examined originals, photocopies or conformed copies of such
records of the Designated Subsidiary and such agreements, certificates of public
officials, certificates of officers and representatives of the Designated
Subsidiary and its subsidiaries and such other documents as we have deemed
relevant and necessary as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed.  In
such examinations, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures on original
documents and the conformity to the originals of all copies submitted to us as
conformed or photocopies.  As to various questions of fact material to the
opinions expressed herein, we have relied upon representations, statements or
certificates of public officials, officers and representatives of the Designated
Subsidiary and others.

          We are of the opinion that:

          (1) The Designated Subsidiary is a corporation duly organized, validly
     existing and in good standing under the laws of
     _________________________________.

          (2) The execution, delivery and performance by the Designated
     Subsidiary of the Designation Letter, and the Notes to be executed by the
     Designated Subsidiary, and the borrowings by the Designated Subsidiary
     pursuant thereto, are within the Designated Subsidiary's corporate powers
<PAGE>
 
                                      -2-

     and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action.

          (3) No governmental approval of the action referred to in (2) above is
     required.

          (4) The actions referred to in (2) above to not contravene or conflict
     with any provision of law, the Charter or By-laws of the Designated
     Subsidiary, or any material agreement, indenture or instrument which is
     binding on or applicable to the Designated Subsidiary of which we have
     knowledge.

          (5) The Designation Letter is, and each of the Notes to be executed by
     the Designated Subsidiary, when executed and delivered for the
     consideration as contemplated by the Agreement will be, the legally valid
     and binding obligation of the Designated Subsidiary, enforceable against
     Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, except that (i) such
     enforceability may be limited by generally applicable bankruptcy,
     insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent transfer or conveyance or other similar
     laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and (ii) no
     opinion has been requested or is being rendered as to the availability of
     equitable remedies, such as, for example, specific performance or
     injunctive relief, which are within the discretion of courts of applicable
     jurisdiction.

          (6) The Company is not (i) an "investment company," or a company
     "controlled" by an "investment company," within the meaning of the
     Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or (ii) a public utility or a
     public utility holding company has defined in the Public Utility Holding
     Company Act of 1935.

          Our opinion in (4) above is based, in part, upon the accuracy of the
representations contained in Section 13.6 of the agreement.
                             ------------                  

                                    Very truly yours,

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
BALANCE SHEET AND THE STATEMENT OF EARNINGS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          17,700
<SECURITIES>                                    90,000
<RECEIVABLES>                                  368,300
<ALLOWANCES>                                    15,300
<INVENTORY>                                    240,600
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               691,900
<PP&E>                                         747,300
<DEPRECIATION>                                 437,300
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,551,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          439,200
<BONDS>                                        201,300
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        78,200
<OTHER-SE>                                     665,600
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 1,551,000
<SALES>                                      2,065,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             2,065,000
<CGS>                                        1,435,700
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                1,821,100
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 2,100
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              21,500
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                222,400
<INCOME-TAX>                                    89,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            133,400
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   133,400
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.68
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
        

</TABLE>


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