HEICO CORP
S-3/A, 1999-02-10
AIRCRAFT ENGINES & ENGINE PARTS
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 10, 1999
    
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-39841
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                             ---------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 3
    
                                  TO FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                             ---------------------
 
                               HEICO CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>
                   FLORIDA                                             65-0341002
       (State or other jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. Employer
        incorporation or organization)                            Identification No.)
</TABLE>
 
                                3000 TAFT STREET
                            HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA 33021
                                 (954) 987-6101
    (Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code,
                  of Registrant's Principal Executive Offices)
 
                             ---------------------
 
                              LAURANS A. MENDELSON
                            CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                                3000 TAFT STREET
                            HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA 33021
                                 (954) 987-6101
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)
 
                             ---------------------
 
                          COPIES OF COMMUNICATIONS TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>
          BRUCE E. MACDONOUGH, ESQ.                              ROBERT EVANS III, ESQ.
           MICHAEL G. TAYLOR, ESQ.                                SHEARMAN & STERLING
           GREENBERG TRAURIG, P.A.                                599 LEXINGTON AVENUE
             1221 BRICKELL AVENUE                               NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
             MIAMI, FLORIDA 33131                                    (212) 848-4000
                (305) 579-0500
</TABLE>
 
                             ---------------------
 
        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
  As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
 
                             ---------------------
 
    If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box.  [ ]
 
    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933 (the "Securities Act"), other than securities offered only in connection
with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.  [ ]
 
    If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering.  [ ]
 
    If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.  [ ]
 
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box.  [ ]
 
                             ---------------------
 
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY
NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
 
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
   
                 PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED FEBRUARY 10, 1999
    
 
PROSPECTUS
- ----------------
 
                                4,000,000 SHARES
 
                            (HEICO CORPORATION LOGO)
 
                              CLASS A COMMON STOCK
                            ------------------------
     HEICO Corporation is offering 3,700,000 shares of Class A common stock, and
the selling shareholder is offering 300,000 shares of Class A common stock. We
will not receive any proceeds from the sale of Class A common stock by the
selling shareholder.
 
     Our authorized capital stock includes common stock, par value $.01 per
share, and Class A common stock, par value $.01 per share. The rights of the
holders of Class A common stock and the holders of the common stock are
identical, except that the holders of Class A common stock are entitled to
one-tenth of a vote for each share of Class A common stock while the common
stock entitles its holders to one vote per share. Immediately after this
offering, the outstanding shares of Class A common stock will represent
approximately 8.5% of the combined voting power of the outstanding shares of
both classes of common stock.
 
   
     Our Class A common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol "HEI.A." On February 9, 1999, the last sale price of the Class A common
stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange was $21 15/16 per share.
    
 
     INVESTING IN THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK INVOLVES RISKS WHICH ARE DESCRIBED IN
THE "RISK FACTORS" SECTION BEGINNING ON PAGE 10 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
                            ------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        PER SHARE           TOTAL
                                                        ---------           -----
<S>                                                     <C>               <C>
Public Offering Price...............................        $                 $
Underwriting Discount...............................        $                 $
Proceeds, before expenses, to HEICO Corporation.....        $                 $
Proceeds to the selling shareholder.................        $                 $
</TABLE>
 
     The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional 300,000 shares from
us and up to an additional 300,000 shares from the selling shareholder at the
public offering price, less the underwriting discount, within 30 days from the
date of this prospectus to cover over-allotments.
 
     Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.
 
     The shares of Class A Common Stock will be ready for delivery in New York,
New York on or about             , 1999.
 
                            ------------------------
 
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
 
                        RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
 
                                                      ING BARING FURMAN SELZ LLC
                            ------------------------
                The date of this prospectus is          , 1999.
<PAGE>   3
 
                            (HEICO CORPORATION LOGO)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                       <C>
 
                [picture]                                                 [picture]
 
Our Flight Support Group New Product                      Flight Support Group New Product
Development engineers utilize                             Development engineers work in the
sophisticated Computer Aided Design (CAD)                 Company's Metrology Laboratory.
computers and software to re-engineer jet
engine replacement parts, such as the
parts shown in the foreground of the
photograph.
</TABLE>
 
                                   [picture]
 
        A Flight Support Group Team Member manufactures aircraft parts.
<PAGE>   4
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>
Prospectus Summary..........................................    4
Risk Factors................................................   10
Use of Proceeds.............................................   17
Capitalization..............................................   18
Price Range of Common Stock and Dividends...................   19
Selected Consolidated Financial Data........................   20
Selected Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data..............   21
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
  and Results of Operations.................................   24
Business....................................................   32
Management..................................................   45
Principal and Selling Shareholders..........................   47
Description of Capital Stock................................   50
Shares Eligible for Future Sale.............................   53
Certain United States Tax Consequences to Non-United States
  Holders...................................................   53
Underwriting................................................   56
Legal Matters...............................................   58
Experts.....................................................   58
Available Information.......................................   58
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.............   59
Index to Financial Statements...............................  F-1
</TABLE>
 
                             ---------------------
 
                           FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
     This prospectus includes forward-looking statements. We have based these
forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about
future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks,
uncertainties, and assumptions about HEICO Corporation, including, among other
things:
 
     - Our anticipated growth strategies and ability to integrate acquired
       businesses,
 
     - Our intention to introduce new products,
 
     - Product pricing levels,
 
     - Product specifications costs and requirements,
 
     - Governmental and regulatory demands,
 
     - Anticipated trends in our businesses, including trends in the markets for
       jet engine parts, jet engine overhaul and ground support equipment,
 
     - Economic conditions within and outside of the aerospace, aviation and
       defense industries, and
 
     - Our ability to continue to control costs and maintain quality.
 
     We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
In light of these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, the forward-looking
events discussed in the prospectus might not occur.
                             ---------------------
 
     You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We
have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide
you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or
inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the
underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any
jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that
the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate as of the date on the
front cover of this prospectus only. Our business, financial condition, results
of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
     In this section, we have provided you with an overview of some of the more
important information in this Prospectus. However, we caution you that this
information is not complete. You should read all of the information in this
Prospectus before purchasing any Class A Common Stock. When we refer to "fiscal"
or "fiscal year," we mean our fiscal year ended October 31, and when we refer to
"pro forma," we include information for McClain International, Inc. and
Rogers-Dierks, Inc., two companies that we acquired in 1998.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     HEICO believes it is the world's largest manufacturer of Federal Aviation
Administration-approved jet engine replacement parts, other than the original
equipment manufacturers and their subcontractors. It is also a leading
manufacturer of ground support equipment to the airline and defense industries.
Through our Flight Support Group, we use proprietary technology to design,
manufacture and sell jet engine replacement parts for sale at lower prices than
those manufactured by original equipment manufacturers. These parts are approved
by the FAA and are the functional equivalent of parts sold by original equipment
manufacturers. In addition, our Flight Support Group repairs, refurbishes and
overhauls jet engine and aircraft components for domestic and foreign commercial
air carriers and aircraft repair companies. In fiscal 1998, the Flight Support
Group accounted for 73% of pro forma revenues. Through our Ground Support Group,
we manufacture various types of ground support equipment, including electrical
power, air start, air conditioning and heating units, as well as some electronic
equipment for commercial airlines and military agencies. In fiscal 1998, the
Ground Support Group accounted for 27% of pro forma revenues. We currently sell
our products to every major U.S. airline, as well as a growing number of
airlines throughout the world.
 
     We have continuously operated in the aerospace industry for 38 years. Since
assuming control in 1990, current management has achieved significant sales and
profit growth through expanded product offerings, an expanded customer base,
increased research and development expenditures, and the completion of a number
of acquisitions. As a result of internal growth and acquisitions, our revenues
have grown from $19.2 million in fiscal 1994 to pro forma revenues of $112.4
million in fiscal 1998, a compound annual growth rate of 56%. During the same
period, net income increased from $1.9 million to pro forma net income of $12.1
million, a compound annual growth rate of 59%.
 
     In October 1997, we formed a strategic alliance with Lufthansa Technik AG,
the technical services subsidiary of Lufthansa German Airlines AG. Lufthansa
Technik is the world's largest independent provider of engineering and
maintenance services for aircraft and aircraft engines and supports over 200
airlines, governments and other customers. As part of the transaction, Lufthansa
Technik acquired a 20% minority interest in our Flight Support Group, investing
$29 million to date and committing to invest an additional $9 million over the
next two years. This includes direct equity investments and the funding of
specific research and development projects. In connection with subsequent
acquisitions by our Flight Support Group, Lufthansa Technik invested additional
amounts pursuant to its option to maintain a 20% equity interest. This strategic
alliance should enable us to expand domestically and internationally by
enhancing our ability to (i) identify key jet engine replacement parts with
significant profit potential by utilizing Lufthansa Technik's extensive
operating data on engine parts, (ii) introduce those parts throughout the world
in an efficient manner due to Lufthansa Technik's testing and diagnostic
resources, and (iii) broaden our customer base by capitalizing on Lufthansa
Technik's established relationships and alliances within the airline industry.
 
     The Canaan Group, an independent management consulting firm specializing in
the aviation and aerospace industries, estimated the 1998 worldwide annual sales
for jet engine repair, refurbishment and overhaul services to be approximately
$7.5 billion, of which approximately $4 billion represented annual sales of jet
engine replacement parts. While we currently supply less than 2% of the market
for jet engine replacement parts, we have been adding new products at a rapid
rate. According to the Canaan Group, the jet engine replacement parts market is
expected to grow at approximately 4-5% over the next three years.



                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
Historically, the three principal jet engine original equipment manufacturers,
Pratt & Whitney, General Electric (including CFM International) and Rolls Royce,
have been the sole source for substantially all new replacement parts. We
believe that, based on our competitive pricing, reputation for high quality,
short lead time requirements, strong relationships with domestic and foreign
commercial air carriers and airmotives (companies that overhaul aircraft),
relationship with Lufthansa Technik and successful track record of receiving
Parts Manufacturer Approvals from the FAA, we are uniquely positioned to
continue to increase our product lines and gain market share.
 
     According to a 1996 study conducted by GSE TODAY, a leading ground support
industry publication, the 1995 annual sales of the worldwide commercial ground
support equipment market were approximately $1.7 billion and that market was
expected to grow at approximately 7% annually over the next five years. We
currently supply less than 2% of this market. We believe that the ground support
equipment market is highly fragmented, with a significant number of participants
supplying only one or two types of equipment. We believe that our growth in the
ground support equipment market will be driven by our ability to differentiate
our product offerings with more technologically advanced and value-added
products and services, as well as our ability to acquire complementary
businesses.
 
     Jet engine maintenance is a highly regulated, ongoing process that
typically accounts for approximately 6% of an aircraft's total operating costs.
FAA regulations require "cradle-to-grave" documentation of an engine's service
life, as well as the individual parts that comprise the engine. We utilize
sophisticated computer aided design technologies, advanced engineering,
proprietary design and manufacturing capabilities, and our established
credibility with the FAA to obtain Parts Manufacturer Approvals from the FAA,
allowing us to produce parts which are the functional equivalent of those
available from the original equipment manufacturer. We believe that our
sophisticated and proprietary design capabilities and experience with the Parts
Manufacturer Approval process create a significant barrier to entry for others.
 
     We believe that there are several favorable industry trends in the aviation
industry that will contribute to the growth in the markets for jet engine
replacement parts and ground support equipment products, including: (i) expected
strong growth in aircraft traffic and fleet size; (ii) an increase in the number
of older aircraft in service; (iii) increased FAA regulations and maintenance
and safety requirements that require repair or overhaul of engine and airframe
components; and (iv) consolidation of the service and supply chain in the
aircraft industry generally.
 
     We believe that replacement jet engine products and services are less
susceptible than new aircraft purchases to economic cycles of the airline
industry because FAA regulations require the regular replacement of jet engine
parts. In our experience, demand for replacement jet engine parts typically
commences four to seven years after an aircraft is first put into service. Also,
many airlines tend to replace parts more frequently than required by the FAA to
ensure optimal engine performance and the efficiency of their aircraft. We
believe that we are different from most aerospace and defense suppliers because
reductions in new aircraft orders should not adversely affect our business. Our
business mostly serves companies that operate existing aircraft, not companies
that build aircraft. Airline companies are increasingly cost conscious,
especially during economic down-cycles, which prompts them to seek more cost
effective alternatives to replacement parts manufactured by original equipment
manufacturers and prompts them to overhaul accessory components and fuselage
structures in greater numbers in order to reduce operating costs. Most of the
products sold by our Ground Support Group are not sold specifically to furnish
new commercial aircraft, but are more frequently sold to replace existing older
equipment, to retrofit airport gates or to service other aerospace applications.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
GROWTH STRATEGY
 
     We intend to capitalize on our reputation for assured quality, proprietary
research and development and manufacturing capabilities, customer relationships,
alliance with Lufthansa Technik, as well as favorable industry trends to
continue to achieve profitable growth utilizing the following specific
strategies:
 
   
     - Expand Jet Engine Replacement Parts Product Lines.  We intend to broaden
       our current jet engine replacement parts product lines through the
       development and receipt of additional Parts Manufacturer Approvals from
       the FAA. Since 1991, we have added approximately 200 new Parts
       Manufacturer Approval parts through internal development and 160 through
       acquisitions. We currently supply over 700 parts for Pratt & Whitney
       JT3D, JT8D, JT9D, PW2000 and PW4000 and CFM International CFM56 engines.
       We intend to increase the number of jet engine parts we offer on most of
       these engines, as well as expand into new engine types. We select the jet
       engine replacement parts to design and manufacture through a process
       which analyzes industry information to determine which jet engine
       replacement parts are expected to generate the greatest profitability.
       Most jet engine replacement parts selected are complex, high value-added
       and require specific technical expertise. As part of this strategy, we
       have increased our research and development expenditures from $300,000 in
       fiscal 1991 to approximately $4.4 million in fiscal 1998. We believe that
       our sophisticated proprietary design technologies, advanced engineering
       and manufacturing capabilities and our established credibility with the
       FAA expedites the process of obtaining Parts Manufacturer Approvals.
    
 
     - Expand Ground Support Equipment Product Lines.  Since entering the ground
       support equipment industry in fiscal 1996, we have aggressively expanded
       our ground support equipment lines with new value-added and
       technologically advanced products. Over the past two years, we have added
       16 new ground support equipment products. These offerings include a new
       range of aircraft ground air-conditioning systems, an advanced electronic
       power supply system replacing existing technology for use with the
       International Space Station, a ground cooling system for the new F-22
       Raptor fighter aircraft and a new commercial continuous-flow pneumatic
       airstart system. In addition, our Ground Support Group continually
       redesigns its existing product offerings to reflect changes in technology
       and differentiate its products from those of its competitors. In November
       1998, our Ground Support Group introduced a ground aircraft heating
       system which has met with strong initial demand. In order to facilitate
       these new product lines, our Ground Support Group has dramatically
       improved its production capabilities by implementing a flow line-based
       manufacturing protocol and adding a new state-of-the-art, 113,000 square
       foot manufacturing facility in Palmetto, Florida.
 
   
     - Expand Overhaul and Repair Business.  Our Flight Support Group has also
       pursued expansion of its FAA-authorized overhaul and repair business.
       Northwings' revenues increased 48% from approximately $10 million in the
       twelve months prior to its acquisition to $14.8 million in fiscal 1998.
       This growth resulted from the addition of new repair and overhaul
       services, as well as increased production capability and marketing
       efforts through an increase in personnel. Northwings' historical customer
       base has been limited to small passenger airlines and cargo airlines. We
       are seeking to expand Northwings' customer base with these types of
       customers, as well as add larger commercial airline customers. This
       strategy also applies to the fuselage structures repair business acquired
       in October 1998.
    
 
     - Pursue Acquisitions of Complementary Businesses.  A key element of our
       strategy involves growth through acquisitions in both the Flight and
       Ground Support Group businesses. In connection with our acquisitions, we
       seek to identify cost savings and production efficiencies, increase
       research and development and marketing expenditures and improve customer
       service. Historically, through application of this strategy, we have
       achieved significant growth in revenues and product offerings while
       improving overall profitability. Our Flight Support Group, in December
       1998, acquired Rogers-Dierks, Inc., and in July 1998 acquired McClain
       International, Inc., both of which are designers and manufacturers of FAA
       Parts Manufacturer Approval jet engine replacement parts. In September
       1997, we acquired Northwings, an FAA-authorized overhaul and repair
       facility, and, in
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
      October 1998, Associated Composite, Inc., a Miami, Florida-based aircraft
      fuselage structure repair and overhaul business, to complement our Flight
      Support Group.
 
     - Expand Internationally.  In fiscal 1998, approximately 23% of our
       revenues were derived from sales outside of the United States. Our
       strategy is to increase our international sales, both in the jet engine
       replacement parts and ground support equipment businesses, utilizing our
       relationship with Lufthansa Technik to identify new customers throughout
       the world. We intend to leverage Lufthansa Technik's established industry
       presence and participation in alliances, such as the Star Alliance which
       is currently comprised of six major airlines, to broaden our
       international exposure and develop relationships which, we believe, will
       lead to increased sales of our products internationally.
 
   
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
    
 
   
     Effective as of January 31, 1999, our Ground Support Group acquired the
Radiant Power products business of Santa Ana, California-based Derlan, Inc. for
$6.5 million in cash. Derlan has advised us that the acquired business had
revenues of approximately $4.36 million for the 12 months ended December 31,
1998. The Radiant Power product line includes back-up power supplies and battery
packs for a variety of commercial aircraft applications, including emergency
lighting systems, emergency door assist systems, emergency fuel shut-off
systems, on-board flight computers, cockpit lighting dimmers and power
inverters. Subject to receipt of relevant FAA and customer approvals, Radiant
will be consolidated into the Ground Support Group's new 113,000 square foot
manufacturing facility in Palmetto, Florida.
    
                             ---------------------
 
     Our principal executive offices are located at 3000 Taft Street, Hollywood,
Florida, and our telephone number is (954) 987-4000.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
Class A Common Stock offered by HEICO........  3,700,000 shares
Class A Common Stock offered by the selling
  shareholder................................    300,000 shares
                                               ----------------
            Total............................  4,000,000 shares
Shares outstanding after the Offering:
  Class A Common Stock.......................  7,836,106 shares (1)
  Common Stock...............................  8,389,556 shares (2)
Use of Proceeds..............................  We estimate that the net proceeds to be
                                               received by the Company from this offering
                                               will be approximately $73.3 million. We
                                               intend to use the net proceeds:
                                               - to repay approximately $43 million of
                                                 existing indebtedness and
                                               - for working capital and general corporate
                                                 purposes, including possible acquisitions.
Over-allotment Option........................  The Company and the selling shareholder, the
                                               Mendelson Reporting Group or entities
                                               controlled by it, have also granted the
                                               underwriters an option to purchase up to
                                               600,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. See
                                               "Principal and Selling Shareholders" and
                                               "Underwriting."
Risk Factors.................................  See "Risk Factors" and the other information
                                               included in this prospectus for a discussion
                                               of factors you should carefully consider
                                               before deciding to invest in shares of the
                                               Class A Common Stock.
American Stock Exchange Symbols:
  Class A Common Stock.......................  HEI.A
  Common Stock...............................  HEI
Proposed New York Stock Exchange Symbols:
  Class A Common Stock.......................  HEI.A
  Common Stock...............................  HEI
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(1) As of December 31, 1998. Does not include 1,416,536 shares of Class A Common
    Stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options or 172,310
    additional shares of Class A Common Stock reserved for future grants or
    awards under the Company's existing stock option plans. See "Shares Eligible
    for Future Sale."
 
(2) As of December 31, 1998. Does not include 2,693,203 shares of Common Stock
    issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options or 47,399 additional
    shares of Common Stock reserved for future grants or awards under the
    Company's existing stock option plans. See "Shares Eligible for Future
    Sale."
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
                      SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
   
     The following summary consolidated financial data at October 31, 1998 and
for the years ended October 31, 1994 through 1998 have been derived from the
audited consolidated financial statements of the Company. The pro forma
financial data, which are not audited, give effect to our July 1998 acquisition
of McClain International, Inc. and our December 1998 acquisition of
Rogers-Dierks, Inc. as if such transactions had occurred on the first day of
fiscal 1998. Pro forma results are presented for comparative purposes only and
are not intended to indicate actual results had the transactions occurred as of
such date, or indicate results which may be obtained in the future. The
following data should be read with "Selected Consolidated Financial Data,"
"Selected Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our Consolidated
Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
                                                  -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     PRO FORMA
                                                   1994      1995      1996      1997      1998        1998
                                                  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -----------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                               <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Net sales.......................................  $19,212   $25,613   $34,565   $63,674   $95,351    $112,421
                                                  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------    --------
Gross profit....................................    5,835     8,116    12,169    20,629    36,104      45,794
Selling, general and administrative expenses....    5,495     6,405     7,657    11,515    17,140      20,147
                                                  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------    --------
Operating income................................      340     1,711     4,512     9,114    18,964      25,647
Interest expense................................       59       169       185       477       984       3,215
Income:
  From continuing operations before cumulative
    effect of change in accounting principle....  $   640   $ 1,437   $ 3,665   $ 7,019   $10,509    $ 12,138
  From discontinued operations including gain on
    sale........................................      830     1,258     6,227        --        --          --
  From cumulative effect on prior years of
    change in accounting principle..............      381        --        --        --        --          --
                                                  -------   -------   -------   -------   -------    --------
Net income......................................  $ 1,851   $ 2,695   $ 9,892   $ 7,019   $10,509    $ 12,138
                                                  =======   =======   =======   =======   =======    ========
Weighted average number of common shares
  outstanding:(1)
  Basic.........................................   11,209    11,307    11,680    12,040    12,499      12,499
  Diluted.......................................   11,351    11,930    13,282    14,418    15,541      15,541
PER SHARE DATA:(1)
Income from continuing operations before
  cumulative effect of change in accounting
  principle:
  Basic.........................................  $   .06   $   .13   $   .31   $   .58   $   .84    $    .97
  Diluted.......................................      .06       .12       .28       .49       .68         .78
Net income:
  Basic.........................................      .17       .24       .84       .58       .84         .97
  Diluted.......................................      .16       .23       .75       .49       .68         .78
Cash dividends..................................     .030      .032      .038      .045      .050        .050
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 AT OCTOBER 31, 1998
                                                              -------------------------
                                                               ACTUAL    AS ADJUSTED(2)
                                                              --------   --------------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.............................................  $ 40,587      $ 93,887
Total assets................................................   133,061       186,361
Long-term debt (including current portion)..................    30,520        10,520
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary................    14,892        14,892
Shareholders' equity........................................    67,607       140,907
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Information has been adjusted to reflect three-for-two stock splits
    distributed in April 1996 and December 1997, 10% stock dividends paid in
    July 1995, February 1996, July 1996 and January 1997 and the 50% stock
    dividend, in shares of Class A Common Stock, paid in April 1998.
(2) Adjusted to give effect to the sale of the 3,700,000 shares of Class A
    Common Stock offered by the Company at an assumed public offering price of
    $21 per share (after deduction of the estimated underwriting discount and
    offering expenses) and the receipt and application of the net proceeds
    therefrom. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     In addition to the other information contained and incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, you should carefully consider the following
factors before purchasing any of the Class A Common Stock offered under this
Prospectus.
 
   
     This Prospectus (including the information incorporated by reference)
contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Federal securities
law. Terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate,"
"continue," "predict," or other similar words identify forward-looking
statements. These statements discuss future expectations, contain projections of
results of operations or of financial condition or state other forward-looking
information. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this
Prospectus and include statements regarding management's intent, belief or
current expectation about, among other things, (i) trends affecting the aviation
industry generally and the segments in which we operate and (ii) our business
and growth strategies, including our research and development plans, manufacture
of additional replacement parts and potential acquisitions. Although management
believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are
based on reasonable assumptions, forward-looking statements are not guarantees
of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may
differ materially from those predicted in the forward-looking statements as a
result of various factors, including those set forth below.
    
 
DEPENDENCE ON AVIATION INDUSTRY
 
     Economic factors that affect the aviation industry also affect our
business. The aviation industry has historically been subject to downward cycles
from time to time which reduce the overall demand for jet engine replacement
parts and ground support equipment, as well as drive prices down, increase
competition and increase credit risk. These economic factors can have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
RISK OF LOSS OF GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATIONS AND APPROVALS
 
     Governmental agencies throughout the world, including the FAA, highly
regulate the repair and overhaul of aircraft engines. Guidelines established by
original equipment manufacturers supplement governmental regulation and
generally require that aircraft operators overhaul engines and replace specified
engine parts after a specified number of flight hours or cycles (take-offs and
landings).
 
     We include with the replacement parts that we sell to our customers
documentation certifying that each part complies with applicable regulatory
requirements and meets applicable standards of airworthiness established by the
FAA or the equivalent regulatory agencies in other countries. Specific
regulations vary from country to country, although compliance with FAA
requirements generally satisfies regulatory requirements in other countries. The
revocation or suspension of any of our material authorizations or approvals
would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations. New and more stringent government regulations, if adopted and
enacted, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
 
DEPENDENCE ON THE JT8D AIRCRAFT ENGINE AFTERMARKET
 
     The Pratt & Whitney JT8D aircraft engine and its component engine parts
substantially influence our business, financial condition and results of
operations. Approximately 48% of our net sales during the year ended October 31,
1998 consisted of sales of replacement parts and overhaul services for the JT8D
aircraft engine. A significant number of the JT8D aircraft engines in the market
are nearing the end of their service lives, at which point they will be
withdrawn from operation. These withdrawals will decrease the size of the
markets for replacement parts and overhaul services for the JT8D aircraft
engine.
 
     Supply and demand substantially affect the aftermarket for JT8D aircraft
engine parts. A significant increase in supply or reduction in demand could have
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations. An unanticipated wind-down or liquidation of an air carrier
operating a
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
large number of JT8D aircraft engines could cause a significant increase in
supply. A change in preferences or the imposition of regulations affecting the
use of JT8D aircraft engines could reduce demand. The following are examples of
factors that could decrease demand for JT8D aircraft engines:
 
   
     - Hush-Kits.  The FAA and the European Union have implemented noise
       reduction regulations that reduce the number of older model JT8D aircraft
       that may be operated in the United States and the member states of the
       European Union unless noise reduction equipment, known as "hush-kits,"
       are added to the aircraft, or the aircraft are otherwise modified to
       Stage 3 compliance. The FAA requires full compliance with the Stage 3
       noise levels by December 31, 1999, unless a waiver is received from the
       FAA. Additional noise reduction rules imposed by communities surrounding
       some major European cities further restrict the operation of non-Stage 3
       compliant aircraft in those markets. The European Union is currently
       considering a proposed regulation which would bar the registration in a
       member state of the European Union after March 31, 1999 and, with some
       exceptions, the operation in the European Union after April 1, 2002, of
       any older model JT8D aircraft which has reached Stage 3 compliance
       through hush-kitting or some other means. The failure to hush-kit JT8D
       aircraft could significantly reduce the demand for JT8D aircraft engines,
       resulting in an oversupply of JT8D aircraft engines and component engine
       parts. This, in turn, could decrease the value of our products and have a
       material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results
       of operations. Aircraft operators may replace their older model JT8D
       aircraft with newer, quieter aircraft engines, rather than hush-kit or
       otherwise modify them to Stage 3 compliance.
    
 
     - Other Regulations.  Other regulations in both the United States and the
       European Union impose stringent inspection, upgrading, maintenance and
       retrofit requirements on aging aircraft and aircraft engines that
       increase the cost of operating older model aircraft and aircraft engines.
 
     - Passenger Confidence.  A decline in passenger confidence in older
       aircraft and aircraft engines as a result of apparent fatigue could also
       discourage aircraft operators from using JT8D aircraft engines.
 
     - Emissions Standards.  The Environmental Protection Agency and various
       agencies of the European Union have sought the adoption of stricter
       standards limiting the emissions of nitrous oxide from aircraft engines.
       If adopted, stricter emissions standards could cause the use of JT8D
       aircraft engines to become substantially more costly in the event
       modifications must be made to bring aircraft engines into compliance.
 
NEED TO EXPAND BUSINESS TO OTHER AIRCRAFT ENGINE TYPES
 
     As a result of our focus on the JT8D aircraft engine, we have limited
experience with engine parts for other aircraft engine types. We will have to
expand our business to other aircraft engine types in preparation for the
eventual decline in the JT8D aircraft engine aftermarket. While we are currently
developing engine parts for other aircraft engines, we may not be able to
profitably expand into new markets with other aircraft engines, and we may not
be able to achieve acceptable levels of net sales and gross profit in new
markets.
 
COMPETITION
 
     We face significant competition in each of our businesses.
 
  Flight Support Group
 
     - For jet engine replacement parts, we compete with the industry's leading
       jet engine original equipment manufacturers, particularly Pratt & Whitney
       and, to a lesser extent, General Electric.
 
     - For the overhaul and repair of jet engine and airframe components, we
       compete with
 
      -- major commercial airlines, many of which operate their own maintenance
         and overhaul units,
 
      -- original equipment manufacturers, which manufacture, repair and
         overhaul their own parts, and
 
      -- other independent service companies.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
  Ground Support Group
 
     - For the design and manufacture of various types of ground support
       equipment, we compete in a highly fragmented marketplace with a number of
       companies, some of which are well capitalized.
 
     The aviation aftermarket supply industry is highly fragmented, has several
highly visible leading companies and is characterized by intense competition.
Some of our competitors have substantially greater name recognition,
complementary lines of business and financial, marketing and other resources. In
addition, original equipment manufacturers, aircraft maintenance providers,
leasing companies and FAA-certificated repair facilities may vertically
integrate into the supply industry, thereby significantly increasing industry
competition. Moreover, our smaller competitors may be able to offer more
attractive pricing of parts as a result of lower labor costs or other factors. A
variety of potential actions by any of our competitors, including a reduction of
product prices or the establishment by competitors of long-term relationships
with new or existing customers, could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations. Competition typically
intensifies during cyclical downturns in the aviation industry, when supply may
exceed demand. We may not be able to continue to compete effectively against
present or future competitors, and competitive pressures may have a material and
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
LITIGATION
 
     UTC Litigation.  In November 1989, United Technologies Corporation filed a
complaint against HEICO alleging infringement of a patent, misappropriation of
trade secrets and unfair competition relating to some of the jet engine parts
and coatings that we sell in competition with Pratt & Whitney, a division of
UTC. The complaints sought damages of approximately $30 million. Summary
judgment motions filed by the Company were granted, and all allegations against
the Company were dismissed. UTC is seeking to challenge these rulings in further
court proceedings. A counter-claim that we filed is still pending. The ultimate
outcome of this litigation is not certain at this time, and we have made no
provision for litigation costs and/or gain or loss, if any, in our consolidated
financial statements. The legal costs, management efforts and other resources
that have been and continue to be incurred are substantial. The lawsuit may have
a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
 
     Travelers Litigation.  In May 1998, Travelers Casualty & Surety Co., f/k/a
The Aetna Casualty and Surety Co., filed a lawsuit against HEICO seeking
reimbursement of legal fees and costs totaling in excess of $15 million paid by
Travelers in defending us in the aforementioned litigation with UTC. In
addition, Travelers seeks a declaratory judgment that we did not and do not have
insurance coverage under some of our insurance policies with Travelers and,
accordingly, that Travelers did not have and does not have a duty to defend or
indemnify us under these policies. Travelers' lawsuit also names UTC and one of
the law firms representing us in the UTC litigation.
 
     We intend to vigorously defend against Travelers' claim and believe that we
have significant counterclaims for damages. After taking into consideration
legal counsel's evaluation of Travelers' claim, management is of the opinion
that the outcome of the Travelers litigation will not have a significant adverse
effect on our consolidated financial statements.
 
PRODUCT LIABILITY AND CLAIMS EXPOSURE
 
     Our jet engine replacement parts and repair and overhaul services expose
our business to potential liabilities for personal injury or death as a result
of the failure of an aircraft component that we have designed, manufactured or
serviced. The commercial aviation industry occasionally has catastrophic losses
that may exceed policy limits. While we believe that our liability insurance is
adequate to protect us from these liabilities, and, while no material claims
related to these liabilities have been made against us, claims may arise in the
future and our insurance coverage may not be adequate. An uninsured or partially
insured claim, or a claim for which third-party indemnification is not
available, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations. Additionally, insurance coverage may
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
become too expensive in the future. Any of these liabilities not covered by
insurance or for which third party indemnification is not available could have a
material adverse effect on our financial condition.
 
POSSIBLE INABILITY TO MANAGE GROWTH
 
     We have experienced rapid growth in recent periods and intend to continue
to pursue an aggressive growth strategy, both through acquisitions and internal
expansion of products and services. Our growth to date has placed, and could
continue to place, significant demands on our administrative and operational
resources. We may not be able to grow effectively or manage any growth
successfully, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
POSSIBLE INABILITY TO IMPLEMENT ACQUISITION STRATEGY
 
     A key element of our strategy is growth through the acquisition of
additional companies. Our acquisition strategy poses a number of challenges and
risks, including the following:
 
     - Availability of suitable acquisition candidates,
 
     - Availability of capital,
 
     - Diversion of management's attention,
 
     - Integrating the operations and personnel of acquired companies,
 
     - Potential amortization of acquired intangible assets,
 
     - Potential loss of key employees of acquired companies,
 
     - Use of a significant portion of our available cash,
 
     - Significant dilution to our shareholders for acquisitions made utilizing
       our securities, and
 
     - Consummation of acquisitions on satisfactory terms
 
     We may not be able to successfully execute our acquisition strategy
(including the integration of acquired businesses), and the failure to do so
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
 
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES; INSURANCE
 
     Our operations and facilities are subject to a number of federal, state and
local environmental laws and regulations, which govern, among other things, the
discharge of hazardous materials into the air and water, as well as the
handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials. Pursuant to various
environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property may
be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous materials.
Environmental laws typically impose liability whether or not the owner or
operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of hazardous materials.
Although management believes that our operations and facilities are in material
compliance with environmental laws and regulations, future changes in them or
interpretations thereof or the nature of our operations may require us to make
significant additional capital expenditures to ensure compliance in the future.
 
     We do not maintain environmental liability insurance, and the expenses
related to these environmental liabilities, if we are required to pay them,
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
 
RISK OF CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION AND CONSOLIDATION OF AVIATION INDUSTRY
 
     Although no individual customer directly accounted for more than 10% of our
combined net sales during the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998, our net sales
to our five largest customers accounted for approximately 32% of total net sales
for that period. The continuing consolidation of various segments of the
aviation industry, including vertical integration of original equipment
manufacturers and repair and
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
overhaul businesses, could significantly increase the concentration of our
customer base. The loss of, or significant reduction of purchases by, our
significant customers could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
 
POSSIBLE INABILITY TO DEVELOP AND MANUFACTURE NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS
 
     The aviation industry is constantly undergoing development and change and,
accordingly, new products, equipment and methods of repair and overhaul service
are likely to be introduced in the future. In addition to manufacturing ground
support equipment and selected aerospace and defense components for original
equipment manufacturers and the U.S. government and repairing jet engines and
airframe components, we re-design sophisticated jet engine replacement parts
originally developed by jet engine original equipment manufacturers so that we
can offer the replacement parts for sale at substantially lower prices than
those manufactured by the original equipment manufacturers. Consequently, we
devote substantial resources to research and product development. Technological
development poses a number of challenges and risks, including the following:
 
     - We may not be able to successfully protect the proprietary interests we
       have in various jet engine parts, ground support equipment and repair
       processes.
 
     - As original equipment manufacturers continue to develop and improve jet
       engines, we may not be able to re-design and manufacture replacement
       parts that perform as well as those offered by original equipment
       manufacturers or that we can profitably sell at substantially lower
       prices than the original equipment manufacturers.
 
     - We may need to expend significant capital to:
 
      -- purchase new equipment and machines,
 
      -- train employees in new methods of production and service, and
 
      -- fund the research and development of new products.
 
     - Development by our competitors of patents or methodologies that preclude
       us from the design and manufacture of jet engine replacement parts could
       adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of
       operations.
 
     In addition, we may not be able to successfully develop new products,
equipment or methods of repair and overhaul service, and the failure to do so
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
 
CREDIT RISKS
 
     Downward cycles may more adversely affect our smaller customers than our
larger customers and, as a result, our smaller customers may pose credit risks
to us as a result of our inability to collect receivables from a substantial
sale to any of them. Although our bad debt loss was less than 1.0% of sales for
the year ended October 31, 1998, we may incur significant bad debt losses in the
future.
 
IMPACT OF THE YEAR 2000
 
     The Year 2000 problem will impact us and our business partners. The Year
2000 problem results from writing computer programs and other business systems
with two digits, rather than four, to represent the year. Some of our time
sensitive applications and business systems and those of our business partners
may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000,
which could result in system failure or disruption of operations. The failure of
one of our major vendor's systems to operate properly with respect to the Year
2000 problem on a timely basis or a Year 2000 conversion that is incompatible
with our systems could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations. We have assessed our Year 2000 exposure and
are implementing a compliance program. The assessment included inquiries of
management and certification requests from hardware and software
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
vendors. We expect to replace some older software applications with newer ones.
We have also developed and are implementing a plan of communication with
significant business partners to ensure that our operations are not disrupted
through these relationships and that the Year 2000 issues are resolved in a
timely manner. We believe that we will be able to achieve Year 2000 compliance
in a timely manner. We do not expect the related capital expenditures and other
costs to be material.
 
DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
     Our success substantially depends on the performance, contributions and
expertise of our senior management team led by Laurans A. Mendelson, our
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. In addition, we hire many
members of our engineering team from original equipment manufacturers, such as
General Electric and Pratt & Whitney. These technical employees are critical to
our research and product development, as well as our ability to continue to
re-design sophisticated products of original equipment manufacturers in order to
sell competing replacement parts at substantially lower prices than those
manufactured by the jet engine original equipment manufacturers. The loss of the
services of any of our executive officers or other key employees or our
inability to continue to attract, retain or motivate the necessary personnel
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
 
CONTROL BY PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS; LIMITED VOTING RIGHTS
 
     After this offering, assuming no exercise of the underwriters'
over-allotment option, our executive officers and entities controlled by them,
our 401(k) Plan and members of the Board of Directors collectively will
beneficially own approximately 41% of the outstanding Common Stock and
approximately 22% of the outstanding Class A Common Stock. Accordingly, they
will be able to substantially influence the election of the Board of Directors
and the control of our business, policies and affairs, including the approval of
business combinations and defeating any attempted takeover. In addition, the
Class A Common Stock offered under this prospectus carries only one-tenth of a
vote per share, while the Common Stock carries one full vote per share.
 
FACTORS INHIBITING TAKEOVER
 
     Articles and Bylaws.  Some of the provisions of our Articles and Bylaws may
be deemed to have anti-takeover effects and may discourage, delay, defer or
prevent a takeover attempt that a shareholder might consider in its best
interest. These provisions do the following:
 
     - Establish advance notice procedures for the nomination of candidates for
       election as directors and for shareholder proposals to be considered at
       annual shareholders' meetings.
 
     - Provide that special meetings of the shareholders may be called only by
       the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President or by a majority of
       the Board.
 
     - Authorize the issuance of 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with the
       designations, rights, preferences and limitations as may be determined
       from time to time by the Board.
 
     - Authorize the issuance of 30,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock
       having one-tenth of a vote per share.
 
     Accordingly, without shareholder approval, the Board can, among other
things,
 
     - issue preferred stock with dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or
       other rights that could adversely affect the voting powers or other
       rights of holders of the Common Stock and Class A Common Stock, and
 
     - help maintain existing shareholders' voting power and deter or frustrate
       takeover attempts that a holder of Common Stock might consider to be in
       his or her best interest by issuing additional Class A Common Stock
       instead of Common Stock.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
     Rights.  In addition, one preferred stock purchase right trades with each
outstanding share of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock. Each right entitles
the registered holder to purchase from us one one-hundredth of a share of a
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, at a price which is subject to
adjustment in some circumstances. The rights are not exercisable or transferable
apart from the common stock until a person or group acquires 15% or more of the
outstanding common stock or commences, or announces an intention to commence, a
tender offer for 30% or more of the outstanding common stock. The rights, which
expire on November 2, 2003, will cause substantial dilution to a person or a
group who attempts to acquire HEICO on terms not approved by the Board or who
acquires 15% or more of the outstanding common stock without approval of the
Board. We can redeem the rights at $.01 per right at any time until the close of
business on the tenth day after a person or group has obtained beneficial
ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding common stock or until a person
commences or announces an intention to commence a tender offer for 30% or more
of the outstanding common stock.
 
     Subject to adjustment, holders of shares of the Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock will be entitled to, among other things, (x)
receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, (i) cash dividends
in an amount per share equal to 100 times the aggregate per share amount of all
cash dividends declared or paid on the common stock, (ii) a quarterly
preferential cash dividend of $.75 per share, less cash dividends declared
pursuant to clause (i), and (y) 100 votes per share of Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock on all matters submitted to a vote of the
shareholders and the right to vote together with the holders of shares of common
stock as a single voting group on all matters submitted to a vote of the
shareholders.
 
     Florida Law.  Furthermore, some of the provisions of the Florida Business
Corporation Act could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a
change in control.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
   
     The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the 3,700,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock offered hereby, after deducting the estimated underwriting
discount and expenses of this offering, will be approximately $73.3 million
(assuming an offering share price of $21 per share). The Company will not
receive any of the proceeds from the sale of Class A Common Stock by the selling
shareholder. The Company intends to use the net proceeds (i) to repay
approximately $43 million of existing indebtedness under our revolving credit
facility with SunTrust Bank, as agent for a syndicate of banks, and (ii) for
working capital and general corporate purposes, including potential acquisitions
within the aerospace products and services industries. The approximately $43
million of indebtedness to be repaid bears interest at the weighted average rate
of 5.9% per annum and matures July 2001. Such indebtedness was incurred in July
1998, December 1998 and February 1999 and was used to partly finance the
acquisitions of McClain, Rogers-Dierks and the Radiant Power products business.
Our revolving credit facility allows us to reborrow the amounts which we repay.
    
 
     Pending use of the net proceeds from this offering as discussed above, the
Company intends to make temporary investments in United States dollar
denominated interest-bearing savings accounts, certificates of deposit, United
States Government obligations, money market accounts, or other insured
short-term, interest-bearing investments.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company as of
October 31, 1998 (i) on an actual basis and (ii) as adjusted to give effect to
the issuance and sale of the Class A Common Stock by the Company and the
application of the net proceeds therefrom. This table should be read in
conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto
included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                AT OCTOBER 31, 1998
                                                              -----------------------
                                                               ACTUAL     AS ADJUSTED
                                                              --------    -----------
                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
Long-term debt, including current maturities(1).............  $ 30,520     $ 10,520
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary(2).............    14,892       14,892
Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share; 10,000,000
     shares authorized, 200,000 designated as Series A
     Junior Participating Preferred Stock, none issued......        --           --
  Common Stock, $.01 par value per share; 30,000,000 shares
     authorized, 8,323,036 shares issued and outstanding,
     actual(3)..............................................        83           83
  Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value per share; 30,000,000
     shares authorized, 4,140,404 issued and outstanding,
     actual, and 7,840,404 issued and outstanding, as
     adjusted(3)............................................        41           78
  Capital in excess of par value............................    34,474      107,737
  Unrealized loss on investments............................    (1,142)      (1,142)
  Retained earnings.........................................    36,649       36,649
  Less -- Note receivable from Employee Savings and
     Investment Plan........................................    (2,498)      (2,498)
                                                              --------     --------
          Total shareholders' equity........................    67,607      140,907
                                                              --------     --------
          Total capitalization..............................  $113,019     $166,319
                                                              ========     ========
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Excludes $16 million of actual additional indebtedness outstanding as of
    December 31, 1998, which will be repaid with a portion of the proceeds from
    this offering.
(2) Represents the 20% minority interest in the Company's Flight Support Group
    acquired by Lufthansa Technik.
(3) Excludes (i) 2,765,932 shares of Common Stock and 1,401,793 shares of Class
    A Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options which have
    a weighted average exercise price of $6.98 and $6.97 per share,
    respectively, and (ii) 41,190 shares of Common Stock and 187,955 shares of
    Class A Common Stock reserved for future issuance under the Company's
    existing stock option plans.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
                   PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDENDS
 
   
     Commencing April 24, 1998, the Class A Common Stock began trading on AMEX
under the symbol "HEI.A." On January 29, 1999, the Class A Common Stock and the
Common Stock commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols
"HEI.A" and "HEI," respectively, and both classes of stock ceased trading on
AMEX. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and
low sales prices for the Class A Common Stock and the Common Stock as reported
on AMEX and NYSE, as applicable, as well as the amount of cash dividends paid
per share during such periods. Lufthansa Technik, as a 20% shareholder of our
Flight Support Group, will be entitled to 20% of any dividends paid by our
Flight Support Group.
    
 
     In December 1996, the Company declared a 10% stock dividend and, in
November 1997, declared a three-for-two stock split. In April 1998, the Company
distributed a 50% stock dividend paid in shares of Class A Common Stock. The
quarterly sales prices and cash dividend amounts have been retroactively
adjusted for the stock split and stock dividends.
 
                              CLASS A COMMON STOCK
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                CASH DIVIDENDS
                                                               HIGH     LOW       PER SHARE
                                                              ------   ------   --------------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>      <C>
FISCAL 1998:
  Third Quarter (commencing April 24, 1998).................  $29.75   $21.25       $.025
  Fourth Quarter............................................   23.75    12.13          --
FISCAL 1999:
  First Quarter (through February 9, 1999)..................  $24.13   $19.50       $.025
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     On February 9, 1999, the last reported sale price of the Class A Common
Stock was $21 15/16, and there were 1,143 holders of record of the Class A
Common Stock.
    
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                CASH DIVIDENDS
                                                               HIGH     LOW       PER SHARE
                                                              ------   ------   --------------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>      <C>
FISCAL 1997:
  First Quarter.............................................  $11.72   $ 6.88       $ .022
  Second Quarter............................................   12.00     9.89           --
  Third Quarter.............................................   11.22     9.33         .022
  Fourth Quarter............................................   17.56    10.56           --
FISCAL 1998:
  First Quarter.............................................  $19.25   $13.78       $ .025
  Second Quarter............................................   33.50    19.20           --
  Third Quarter.............................................   33.75    23.06         .025
  Fourth Quarter............................................   25.63    15.94           --
FISCAL 1999:
  First Quarter (through February 9, 1999)..................  $32.25   $23.25       $ .025
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     On February 9, 1999, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock was
$23 15/16, and there were 1,231 holders of record of the Common Stock.
    
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The following selected consolidated financial data as of and for the years
ended October 31, 1994 through 1998 have been derived from the audited
consolidated financial statements of the Company. The following data should be
read in conjunction with "Selected Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Data,"
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included
elsewhere in this Prospectus or incorporated herein by reference.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
                                                        ----------------------------------------------------
                                                          1994       1995       1996       1997       1998
                                                        --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Net sales.............................................  $ 19,212   $ 25,613   $ 34,565   $ 63,674   $ 95,351
                                                        --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Gross profit..........................................     5,835      8,116     12,169     20,629     36,104
Selling, general and administrative expenses..........     5,495      6,405      7,657     11,515     17,140
                                                        --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Operating income......................................       340      1,711      4,512      9,114     18,964
Interest expense......................................        59        169        185        477        984
Income:
  From continuing operations before cumulative effect
    of change in accounting principle.................  $    640   $  1,437   $  3,665   $  7,019   $ 10,509
  From discontinued operations(1).....................       830      1,258        963         --         --
  From gain on sale of discontinued operations........        --         --      5,264         --         --
  From cumulative effect on prior years of change in
    accounting principle..............................       381         --         --         --         --
                                                        --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net income............................................  $  1,851   $  2,695   $  9,892   $  7,019   $ 10,509
                                                        ========   ========   ========   ========   ========
Weighted average number of common shares
  outstanding:(2)
      Basic...........................................    11,209     11,307     11,680     12,040     12,499
      Diluted.........................................    11,351     11,930     13,282     14,418     15,541
PER SHARE DATA:(2)
Income from continuing operations before cumulative
  effect of change in accounting principle:
      Basic...........................................  $    .06   $    .13   $    .31   $    .58   $    .84
      Diluted.........................................       .06        .12        .28        .49        .68
Net income:
  Basic...............................................       .17        .24        .84        .58        .84
  Diluted.............................................       .16        .23        .75        .49        .68
Cash dividends(2).....................................      .030       .032       .038       .045       .050
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT YEAR END):
Working capital.......................................  $ 12,691   $ 14,755   $ 25,248   $ 45,131   $ 40,587
Total assets..........................................    39,020     47,401     61,836     88,639    133,061
Long-term debt (including current portion)............     5,456      7,870      6,516     10,800     30,520
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary..........        --         --         --      3,273     14,892
Shareholders' equity..................................    27,061     30,146     41,488     59,446     67,607
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Represents income from the discontinued health care operations that were
    sold in fiscal 1996.
(2) Information has been adjusted to reflect three-for-two stock splits
    distributed in April 1996 and December 1997, 10% stock dividends paid in
    July 1995, February 1996, July 1996 and January 1997 and the 50% stock
    dividend, in shares of Class A Common Stock, paid in April 1998.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
                 SELECTED PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following financial data for the Company for the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1998 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial
statements of the Company. The following financial data for McClain and
Rogers-Dierks have been derived from the unaudited financial statements of
McClain and Rogers-Dierks, respectively. The following unaudited pro forma
financial data have been adjusted to give effect to (i) the Company's July 1998
acquisition of McClain and the Company's December 1998 acquisition of
Rogers-Dierks (but not the Company's acquisition of Associated Composite, Inc.,
which was not significant), and (ii) certain pro forma adjustments to the
historical financial statements as described in the notes below. Pro forma
results are presented for comparative purposes only and are neither intended to
be indicative of actual results had such transactions occurred as of such date,
nor do they purport to indicate results which may be obtained in the future.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           TWELVE MONTHS       NINE MONTHS        TWELVE MONTHS                        TWELVE MONTHS
                         ENDED OCTOBER 31,   ENDED JULY 31,    ENDED DECEMBER 31,                    ENDED OCTOBER 31,
                               1998               1998                1998                                 1998
                         -----------------   ---------------   -------------------                   -----------------
                                                 MCCLAIN
                               HEICO         INTERNATIONAL,                           PRO FORMA
                          CORPORATION(1)          INC.         ROGERS-DIERKS, INC.   ADJUSTMENTS         PRO FORMA
                         -----------------   ---------------   -------------------   ------------    -----------------
                                                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                      <C>                 <C>               <C>                   <C>             <C>
Net sales..............       $95,351            $9,696              $7,374            $    --           $112,421
                              -------            ------              ------            -------           --------
Operating costs and
  expenses:
  Cost of sales........        59,247             4,720               2,460                200(2)          66,627
  Selling, general and
    administrative
    expenses...........        17,140             1,759               1,727               (479)(3)         20,147
                              -------            ------              ------            -------           --------
         Total
           operating
           costs and
           expenses....        76,387             6,479               4,187               (279)            86,774
                              -------            ------              ------            -------           --------
Operating income.......        18,964             3,217               3,187                279             25,647
Interest expense.......          (984)               --                  (6)            (2,225)(4)         (3,215)
Interest and other
  income...............         2,062                93                  16               (564)(5)          1,607
                              -------            ------              ------            -------           --------
Income before income
  taxes and minority
  interest.............        20,042             3,310               3,197             (2,510)            24,039
Income tax expense.....         6,914                --                  --              1,549(6)           8,463
                              -------            ------              ------            -------           --------
Income before minority
  interest.............        13,128             3,310               3,197             (4,059)            15,576
Minority interest......         2,619                --                  --                819(7)           3,438
                              -------            ------              ------            -------           --------
Net income.............       $10,509            $3,310              $3,197            $(4,878)          $ 12,138
                              =======            ======              ======            =======           ========
Net income per share:
  Basic................       $   .84                                                                    $    .97
                              =======                                                                    ========
  Diluted..............       $   .68                                                                    $    .78
                              =======                                                                    ========
Weighted average number
  of common shares
  outstanding:
  Basic................        12,499                                                                      12,499
                              =======                                                                    ========
  Diluted..............        15,541                                                                      15,541
                              =======                                                                    ========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Amounts include results for McClain for the three months ended October 31,
    1998.
(2) Represents adjustment to conform the Rogers-Dierks amounts to the Company's
    inventory accounting policies.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
(3) Represents the amortization of the excess of costs over the fair value of
    net assets acquired and elimination of shareholders' compensation as
    follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                TWELVE MONTHS
                                                              ENDED OCTOBER 31,
                                                                    1998
                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
MCCLAIN*
Amortization of the excess of costs over the fair value of
  net assets acquired (over 30 years)**.....................       $   942
Elimination of shareholders' compensation and expenses......        (1,355)
                                                                   -------
                                                                      (413)
                                                                   -------
 
ROGERS-DIERKS
Amortization of the excess of costs over the fair value of
  net assets acquired (over 20 years)**.....................       $   685
Elimination of shareholders' compensation and expenses......          (751)
                                                                   -------
                                                                       (66)
                                                                   -------
                                                                   $  (479)
                                                                   =======
</TABLE>
 
(4) Represents interest expense incurred at a rate of 6.75% on borrowings under
    the revolving credit facility as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                TWELVE MONTHS
                                                              ENDED OCTOBER 31,
                                                                    1998
                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
McClain*....................................................       $(1,266)
Rogers-Dierks...............................................          (959)
                                                                   -------
                                                                   $(2,225)
                                                                   =======
</TABLE>
 
(5) Represents the elimination of investment income from cash used for the
    acquisitions and the elimination of interest income on assets not acquired
    as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                TWELVE MONTHS
                                                              ENDED OCTOBER 31,
                                                                    1998
                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
MCCLAIN*
Lost investment income on $10.8 million at a rate of 5.65%
  at October 31, 1998.......................................       $  (459)
Elimination of interest income on assets not acquired.......           (93)
                                                                   -------
                                                                      (552)
                                                                   -------
 
ROGERS-DIERKS
Elimination of interest income on assets not acquired.......           (12)
                                                                   -------
                                                                   $  (564)
                                                                   =======
</TABLE>
 
(6) To adjust for the effects of income taxes on (a) the historical earnings of
    the acquisitions, all of which were S corporations prior to acquisition, as
    if they had been fully subject to federal and applicable state income taxes
    and (b) the effect of the pro forma adjustments.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                TWELVE MONTHS
                                                              ENDED OCTOBER 31,
                                                                    1998
                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
McClain*....................................................       $  741
Rogers-Dierks...............................................          808
                                                                   ------
                                                                   $1,549
                                                                   ======
</TABLE>
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
(7) Represents the incremental minority interest of Lufthansa Technik in the net
    income of McClain and Rogers-Dierks, respectively.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                TWELVE MONTHS
                                                              ENDED OCTOBER 31,
                                                                    1998
                                                              -----------------
<S>                                                           <C>
McClain*....................................................       $  444
Rogers-Dierks...............................................          375
                                                                   ------
                                                                   $  819
                                                                   ======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
 * Fiscal 1998 McClain pro forma adjustments are calculated for the nine-month
   period ended July 31, 1998.
 
** The costs of each acquisition have been allocated to the assets acquired and
   liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the date of acquisition as
   determined by management. The allocation of the costs of acquisitions is
   preliminary while the Company obtains final information regarding the fair
   values of all assets acquired; however, management believes that any
   adjustments to the amounts allocated will not have a material effect on the
   Company's financial position or results of operations.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   25
 
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                   FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
   OVERVIEW
 
     Our Flight Support Group, which currently accounts for approximately 73% of
our pro forma revenues, consists of the following seven operating subsidiaries:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME
- ----                                                    DESCRIPTION OF PRINCIPAL OPERATIONS
<S>                                            <C>
Jet Avion Corporation........................  Design and manufacture of FAA-approved jet engine
                                                 replacement parts
LPI Industries Corporation...................  Original equipment manufacturer subcontractor
Aircraft Technology, Inc.....................  Repair and overhaul of jet engine combustion chambers
                                                 and related parts
Northwings Accessories Corp..................  Repair and overhaul of jet engine and airframe
                                                 components and accessories
McClain International, Inc...................  Design, manufacture and overhaul of FAA-approved jet
                                                 engine replacement parts
Associated Composite, Inc....................  Repair and overhaul of aircraft fuselage structures
Rogers-Dierks, Inc...........................  Design and manufacture of FAA-approved jet engine
                                                 replacement parts
</TABLE>
 
     Our Ground Support Group, which currently accounts for approximately 27% of
our pro forma revenues, consists of the following operating subsidiary:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME
- ----                                                    DESCRIPTION OF PRINCIPAL OPERATIONS
<S>                                            <C>
Trilectron Industries, Inc...................  Design and manufacture of aircraft ground support
                                               equipment
</TABLE>
 
     Our results of operations during the current and prior fiscal years have
been affected by a number of significant transactions. As a result of the
significant impact of these transactions, we do not believe that our results of
operations are necessarily comparable on a period-to-period basis. This
discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read
in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto
included or incorporated by reference herein. For further information regarding
the acquisitions discussed below, see Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial
Statements. These acquisitions have been accounted for using the purchase method
of accounting and are included in the Company's results of operations from the
date of acquisition.
 
     As of December 4, 1998, through our Flight Support Group, we acquired
Rogers-Dierks, Inc. ("Rogers-Dierks") for approximately $14.1 million in cash
and approximately $1.1 million in deferred payments over the next two years,
with additional consideration of up to approximately $7.3 million payable in
cash or shares of our Class A Common Stock.
 
     On October 19, 1998, through our Flight Support Group, we acquired
Associated Composite, Inc. ("Associated") for approximately $1.3 million in
cash.
 
     On July 31, 1998, we completed the acquisition of McClain International,
Inc. ("McClain") for approximately $41.0 million in cash. The Company also
acquired McClain's headquarters facility for an additional $2.5 million.
 
     On October 30, 1997, we entered into a strategic alliance with Lufthansa
Technik AG ("Lufthansa Technik") whereby Lufthansa Technik agreed to invest
approximately $26.0 million in our Flight Support Group, including $10.0 million
paid at closing pursuant to a stock purchase agreement and approximately $16.0
million to be paid to our Flight Support Group over three years pursuant to a
research and development cooperation agreement, which will partially fund
accelerated development of additional FAA-approved replacement parts for jet
engines. As part of the strategic alliance, we sold 20% of the Flight

 
                                       24
<PAGE>   26
 
Support Group. In connection with subsequent acquisitions, Lufthansa Technik
invested an additional $11.9 million to purchase its proportional 20% interest
in the acquisitions. The funds received pursuant to the research and development
cooperation agreement reduce research and development expenses in the period
such expenses are incurred. In addition, Lufthansa Technik and our Flight
Support Group have agreed to cooperate regarding technical services and
marketing support for jet engine parts on a worldwide basis. For further
information regarding the strategic alliance and sale of the 20% minority
interest, see Note 2 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
     Effective September 1, 1997, the Company acquired Northwings Accessories
Corp. ("Northwings"). In consideration of this acquisition, the Company paid
approximately $6.7 million in cash and 232,360 shares of the Company's Common
Stock, having an aggregate fair value of approximately $3.5 million.
 
     Effective September 1, 1996, the Company acquired Trilectron Industries,
Inc. ("Trilectron") for $6.6 million in cash and the assumption of debt
aggregating $2.3 million.
 
     In July 1996, the Company sold its wholly-owned healthcare subsidiary,
MediTek Health Corporation ("MediTek") to U.S. Diagnostic Inc. The Company
received $13.8 million in cash and a $10.0 million, 6 1/2% convertible
promissory note. The sale of MediTek resulted in a fiscal 1996 gain of $5.3
million, net of taxes. In September 1997, the Company sold the convertible note
to an unrelated party for the stated par value of $10.0 million plus accrued
interest. For further information regarding the sale of MediTek, see Note 13 to
the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
     The Company paid 10% stock dividends in July 1995, February 1996, July
1996, and January 1997. In addition, the Company distributed 3-for-2 stock
splits in April 1996 and December 1997. In April 1998, the Company paid a 50%
stock dividend in shares of Class A Common Stock. All net income per share,
dividends per share and common stock outstanding information has been adjusted
for all years presented in this Prospectus to give effect to the stock dividends
and stock splits.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     For the periods indicated, the following table sets forth net sales by
product and the percentage of net sales represented by the respective items in
the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
                                                              -----------------------------
                                                               1996       1997       1998
                                                              -------    -------    -------
                                                              (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Net sales
  Flight Support............................................  $32,240    $41,522    $65,412
  Ground Support............................................    2,325     22,152     29,939
                                                              -------    -------    -------
                                                              $34,565    $63,674    $95,351
                                                              =======    =======    =======

Net sales...................................................    100.0%     100.0%     100.0%
Gross profit................................................     35.2%      32.4%      37.9%
Selling, general and administrative expenses................     22.1%      18.1%      18.0%
Operating income............................................     13.1%      14.3%      19.9%
Interest expense............................................      0.5%       0.8%       1.0%
Interest and other income...................................      3.0%       2.7%       2.2%
Income tax expense..........................................      5.0%       5.2%       7.3%
Minority interest...........................................       --%        --%       2.8%
Income from continuing operations...........................     10.6%      11.0%      11.0%
</TABLE>
 
  COMPARISON OF FISCAL 1998 TO FISCAL 1997
 
  Net Sales
 
     Net sales in fiscal 1998 totaled $95.4 million, up 50% when compared to
fiscal 1997 net sales of $63.7 million.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
 
     The increase in fiscal 1998 sales reflects an increase of $23.9 million (a
58% increase) to $65.4 million from the Company's Flight Support products (which
include repair and overhaul services). This increase includes incremental sales
of Northwings (twelve months in fiscal 1998 versus two months in fiscal 1997)
and McClain aggregating $15.7 million, with the balance reflecting increased
sales volumes of jet engine replacement parts to the Company's commercial
airline industry customers. The net sales increase also reflects an increase of
$7.8 million (a 35% increase) to $29.9 million in revenues from the Company's
Ground Support products principally due to higher demand for the Company's
Ground Support products as well as sales of new products.
 
  Gross Profits and Operating Expenses
 
     The Company's gross profit margins averaged 37.9% in fiscal 1998 as
compared to 32.4% in fiscal 1997. This increase reflects improvements in gross
margins in both the Flight Support and Ground Support operations. The
improvement in gross profit margins in the Flight Support Group reflects an
increase resulting from the reimbursement of research and development costs from
Lufthansa Technik and higher gross profit margins for Northwings. Fiscal 1998
and 1997 cost of sales amounts include approximately $900,000 and $3.1 million,
respectively, of new product research and development expenses. The expenses for
fiscal 1998 are net of $3.5 million received from Lufthansa Technik. The
improved gross margins in the Ground Support operations resulted principally
from manufacturing cost efficiencies and increased sales of products with higher
profit margins.
 
     Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses were $17.1 million in
fiscal 1998 and $11.5 million in fiscal 1997. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A
expenses remained comparable at 18.0% in fiscal 1998 and 18.1% in fiscal 1997,
despite higher corporate expenses and the inclusion of a full year of
Northwings' SG&A expenses, reflecting continuing efforts to control costs while
increasing revenues. As a result of the acquisitions of McClain, Associated and
Rogers-Dierks, SG&A expenses will include additional goodwill amortization of
approximately $1.8 million annually.
 
  Operating Income
 
     Operating income increased $9.9 million to $19.0 million (a 108% increase)
in fiscal 1998 from $9.1 million in fiscal 1997. The improvement in operating
income was due primarily to increases in sales and gross margins of the Flight
Support Group and Ground Support operations discussed above as well as the
acquisitions of Northwings and McClain.
 
  Interest Expense
 
     Interest expense increased $507,000 to $984,000 from fiscal 1997 to fiscal
1998. The increase was principally due to increased outstanding debt balances
during the period related to borrowings on the Company's $120 million credit
facility, used principally to finance the Company's acquisitions.
 
  Interest and Other Income
 
     Interest and other income increased $340,000 to $2.1 million from fiscal
1997 to fiscal 1998 due principally to the investment of cash received from the
sale of a 20% interest in the Flight Support Group to Lufthansa Technik in
October 1997.
 
  Income Tax Expense
 
     The Company's effective tax rate increased 2.3 percentage points to 34.5%
in fiscal 1998 from 32.2% in fiscal 1997 due to a decrease in benefits from
export sales and a reduction in tax-free investments. For a detailed analysis of
the provisions for income taxes, see Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   28
 
  Minority Interest
 
     Minority interest in fiscal 1998 represents the aforementioned 20% minority
interest held by Lufthansa Technik.
 
  Income from Continuing Operations
 
     The Company's income from continuing operations totaled $10.5 million, or
$.68 per share (diluted), in fiscal 1998, improving 50% (39% per diluted share)
from income from continuing operations of $7.0 million, or $.49 per share
(diluted), in fiscal 1997.
 
     The improvement in income from continuing operations in fiscal 1998 over
fiscal 1997 is primarily attributable to the increased sales volumes and
improved profit margins within operating entities discussed above as well as the
acquisitions of Northwings and McClain, offset by the minority interest in
earnings of the Flight Support Group.
 
  COMPARISON OF FISCAL 1997 TO FISCAL 1996
 
  Net Sales
 
     Net sales in fiscal 1997 totaled $63.7 million, up 84% when compared to
fiscal 1996 net sales of $34.6 million.
 
     The increase in fiscal 1997 sales reflects an increase of $9.3 million (a
29% increase) to $41.5 million in revenues from the Company's Flight Support
products, including $2.2 million in revenues representing Northwings' sales for
the two months since its acquisition; and an increase of $19.8 million to $22.1
million in revenues from the Company's Ground Support products (twelve months of
Trilectron's sales for fiscal 1997 compared to two months in fiscal 1996).
 
     The increases in sales of Flight Support products in fiscal 1997, exclusive
of sales of Northwings, were principally due to increased sales volumes of jet
engine replacement parts to the Company's commercial airline industry customers.
 
  Gross Profit and Operating Expenses
 
     The Company's gross profit margins averaged 32.4% in fiscal 1997 as
compared to 35.2% in fiscal 1996. These margins reflect the inclusion of Ground
Support operations beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996, which
generally carry lower profit margins than those of the Company's Flight Support
operations, partially offset by improvement in gross margins in the Company's
Flight Support operations. The improvement in gross profit margins in the Flight
Support Group reflects volume increases in sales of higher gross profit margin
products and manufacturing cost efficiencies.
 
     SG&A expenses were $11.5 million in fiscal 1997 and $7.7 million in fiscal
1996. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses declined from 22.1% in fiscal
1996 to 18.1% in fiscal 1997, reflecting continuing efforts to control costs
while increasing revenues. The $3.9 million increase from fiscal 1996 to fiscal
1997 is due principally to increased selling expenses of the Flight Support
Group and a full year of SG&A expenses of Trilectron since acquisition.
 
  Operating Income
 
     Operating income increased to $9.1 million (a 102% increase) in fiscal 1997
from $4.5 million in fiscal 1996. The improvement in operating income was due
primarily to the increases in sales and gross margins of the Flight Support
Group and Trilectron discussed above.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   29
 
  Interest Expense
 
     Interest expense increased $292,000 to $447,000 from fiscal 1996 to fiscal
1997. The increase was principally due to increases in long-term debt related to
equipment financing and industrial development revenue bonds.
 
  Interest and Other Income
 
     Interest and other income in fiscal 1997 increased $664,000 to $1,722,000
over fiscal 1996 due principally to interest income on the convertible note
received from the sale of MediTek, as well as the interest income received on
the unexpended proceeds of industrial development revenue bonds.
 
  Income Tax Expense
 
     The Company's effective tax rate of 32.2% in fiscal 1997 was comparable
with the 31.9% rate in fiscal 1996. For a detailed analysis of the provisions
for income taxes, see Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
  Income from Continuing Operations
 
     The Company's income from continuing operations totaled $7.0 million, or
$.49 per share (diluted), in fiscal 1997, improving 92% (75% per diluted share)
from income from continuing operations of $3.7 million, or $.28 per share
(diluted), in fiscal 1996.
 
     The improvement in income from continuing operations in fiscal 1997 over
fiscal 1996 is primarily attributable to the increased sales volumes and
improved profit margins within operating entities discussed above.
 
  INFLATION
 
     The Company has generally experienced increases in its costs of labor,
materials and services consistent with overall rates of inflation. The impact of
such increases on the Company's income from continuing operations has been
generally minimized by efforts to lower costs through manufacturing efficiencies
and cost reductions.
 
  LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     The Company generates cash primarily from operating activities and
financing activities, including borrowings under long-term credit agreements and
the issuance of industrial development revenue bonds. In addition, in fiscal
1997 and 1996, the Company generated cash from the sale of its health care
operations.
 
     Principal uses of cash by the Company will include payments of interest and
principal on debt, capital expenditures, increases in working capital and
acquisitions.
 
     The Company believes that operating cash flow and available borrowings
under the Company's revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund cash
requirements for the foreseeable future.
 
  Operating Activities
 
   
     The Company's cash flow from operations aggregated $12.9 million over the
last three years, including $9.5 million in fiscal 1998 principally reflecting
an increase in net income of $3.5 million and an increase in trade payables and
other current liabilities associated with higher levels of operations and
deferred reimbursement of research and development costs from Lufthansa Technik
aggregating $4.7 million. Net cash provided by operations of $1.7 million in
fiscal 1997 was comparable to net cash provided by operations in fiscal 1996.
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   30
 
  Investing Activities
 
     The principal cash used in investing activities the past three years was
the cash used in the acquisition of businesses totaling $58.9 million, including
$45.6 million in fiscal 1998 to acquire McClain and Associated, $6.7 million in
fiscal 1997 to acquire Northwings and $6.6 million in fiscal 1996 to acquire
Trilectron. Purchases of property, plant and equipment totaled $12.9 million,
including $6.2 million in fiscal 1998 principally purchased by the Ground
Support Group to expand into a new manufacturing facility and improve its
product development and manufacturing capabilities. The Company also purchased
short-term investments of $3.9 million in fiscal 1998. During the past three
fiscal years, the Company's principal cash proceeds from investing activities
were $13.5 million in fiscal 1996 and $10.0 million in fiscal 1997 from the sale
of the health care operations.
 
  Financing Activities
 
     The Company's principal financing activities during the same three-year
period included proceeds of long-term debt of $32.1 million including $25.0
million from a new $120 million revolving credit facility in fiscal 1998
primarily to fund business acquisitions and $5.7 million in reimbursements for
qualified expenditures related to the industrial development revenue bonds. In
addition, the Company received $18.7 million from Lufthansa Technik including
$9.7 million in fiscal 1997 from the sale of a 20% minority interest in the
Flight Support Group and $9.0 million in fiscal 1998 representing additional
minority interest investments in businesses acquired by the Company. The Company
also received $3.6 million from the exercise of stock options during the
three-year period. The Company used an aggregate of $9.7 million for payments on
short-term debt, long-term debt and capital leases, including $5.0 million in
fiscal 1998 to reduce the outstanding balance under the revolving credit
facility. In addition, the Company used $2.0 million in fiscal 1998 to
repurchase common stock.
 
     In July 1998, the Company entered into a $120 million revolving credit
facility with a bank syndicate, which contains both revolving credit and term
loan features. The credit facility may be used for working capital and general
corporate needs of the Company and to finance acquisitions (generally not in
excess of $25.0 million for any single acquisition nor in excess of an aggregate
of $25.0 million for acquisitions during any four fiscal quarter period without
the requisite approval of the bank syndicate). Advances under the credit
facility accrue interest, at the Company's option, at a premium (based on the
Company's ratio of total funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization) over the LIBOR rate or the higher of the prime
lending rate and the Federal Funds Rate. The Company is required to maintain
certain financial covenants, including minimum net worth, limitations on capital
expenditures (excluding expenditures for the acquisition of businesses) and
limitations on additional indebtedness. The credit facility matures in July 2001
unless extended by the bank syndicate. The Company also has available unexpended
industrial development revenue bond proceeds of $2.3 million available for
future qualified expenditures. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for further information regarding credit facilities.
 
IMPACT OF THE YEAR 2000
 
     Many older computer software programs refer to years in terms of their
final two digits only. Such programs may interpret the year 2000 to mean the
year 1900 instead. If not corrected, those programs could cause date-related
transaction failures.
 
     We developed a compliance assurance process to address this concern. A
project team has performed a detailed assessment of all internal computer
systems and, as discussed below, is developing and implementing plans to correct
the problems. We expect these projects to be successfully completed during 1999.
 
     Year 2000 problems could affect our research and development, production,
distribution, financial, administrative and communication operations. Systems
critical to our business which have been identified as non-Year 2000 compliant
are either being replaced or corrected through programming modifications. In
addition, the project team is looking at Year 2000 readiness from other aspects
of our business, including
                                       29
<PAGE>   31
 
customer order-taking, manufacturing, raw materials supply and plant process
equipment. Our goal is to have our remediated and replaced systems operational
by June 1999 to allow time for testing and verification. In addition to our
in-house efforts, we have asked vendors, major customers, service suppliers,
communications providers and banks whose systems failures potentially could have
a significant impact on our operations to verify their Year 2000 readiness.
 
     As part of our compliance process we are developing a contingency plan for
those areas that are critical to the Company's business. These plans will be
designed to mitigate serious disruptions to our business flow beyond the end of
1999, and will operate independently of our external providers' Year 2000
compliance. The major drive for contingency planning will be in the first half
of 1999, with the expectation that our business groups will have plans in place
by June 1999. Based on our current plans and efforts to date, we do not
anticipate that Year 2000 problems will have a material effect on our results of
operations or financial condition.
 
     External and internal costs specifically associated with modifying internal
use software for Year 2000 compliance are expensed as incurred. To date, we have
spent less than $100,000 on this project. Costs to be incurred in the remainder
of 1999 to fix Year 2000 problems are estimated at less than $100,000. Such
costs do not include normal system upgrades and replacements. We do not expect
the costs relating to Year 2000 remediation to have a material effect on our
results of operations or financial condition.
 
     The above expectations are subject to uncertainties. For example, if we are
unsuccessful in identifying or fixing all Year 2000 problems in our critical
operations, or if we are affected by the inability of suppliers or major
customers to continue operations due to such a problem, our results of
operations or financial condition could be materially impacted.
 
     The total costs that we incur in connection with the Year 2000 problems
will be influenced by our ability to successfully identify Year 2000 systems'
flaws, the nature and amount of programming required to fix the affected
programs, the related labor and/or consulting costs for such remediation, and
the ability of third parties with whom we have business relationships to
successfully address their own Year 2000 concerns. These and other unforeseen
factors could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or
financial conditions.
 
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
     In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS
No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." SFAS No. 130 establishes standards
for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full
set of general purpose financial statements. SFAS No. 130 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. Adoption of this statement will
not impact the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations
or cash flows, and any effect will be limited to the form and content of its
disclosures. The Company intends to adopt the provisions of this statement in
fiscal 1999.
 
     In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for
the way that public companies report selected information about operating
segments in annual financial statements and requires that those companies report
selected information about segments in interim financial reports issued to
shareholders. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about
products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. SFAS No. 131 is
effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
1997, with earlier application permitted. Adoption of this statement will not
impact the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or
cash flows, and any effect will be limited to the form and content of its
disclosures. The Company intends to adopt the provisions of this statement in
fiscal 1999.
 
     In February 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures
about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." SFAS 132 standardizes the
disclosure requirements of SFAS 87, 88 and 106 to the extent practicable and
recommends a parallel format for presenting information about pensions
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   32
 
and other postretirement benefits. SFAS 132 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997. Adoption of this statement will not impact
the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash
flows, and any effect will be limited to the form and content of its
disclosures. The Company intends to adopt the provisions of this statement in
fiscal 1999.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   33
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
                               INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
 
GENERAL
 
   
     HEICO Corporation ("HEICO" or the "Company") operates in two distinct but
related aerospace markets: the jet engine aircraft parts and service market and
the aircraft ground support equipment market.
    
 
     The Jet Engine Parts Manufacturing and Service Market.  Jet engine
maintenance is a highly regulated, ongoing process that typically accounts for
6% of an aircraft's total operating costs. FAA regulations require
"cradle-to-grave" documentation of an engine's service life, as well as of the
individual parts that comprise the engine. Maintenance schedules call for the
periodic inspection, testing and repair of critical parts, as well as periodic
overhauls (a complete disassembly, refurbishment and testing process) of the
entire engine. The maintenance schedule for any given engine depends on the
number of flight hours registered and the engine's take-off and landing cycle.
 
     Maintenance activity is accomplished through three principal
channels -- (i) internal airline maintenance, (ii) original equipment
manufacturers ("OEMs"), and (iii) companies that overhaul aircraft
("airmotives"). Based on industry sources, management believes that the airlines
themselves will continue to perform the majority of engine maintenance, but that
OEMs and other airmotives will gain market share as airlines continue to
rationalize costs and outsource non-revenue producing activities such as
maintenance.
 
     We believe that the annual market for jet engine repair, refurbishment and
overhaul is approximately $7.5 billion, of which approximately $4 billion
reflects annual sales of jet engine replacement parts. We design, manufacture
and sell jet engine replacement parts in direct competition with the leading
industry OEMs, principally Pratt & Whitney and General Electric, and, to a
lesser extent, with a number of smaller, independent parts distributors. The
Flight Support Group's repair and overhaul services compete with participants in
all three of the industry's maintenance channels.
 
     The Ground Service Equipment Market.  Aircraft require a wide array of
mobile and fixed ground support equipment ("GSE") to support their operation.
According to a 1996 study conducted by GSE Today, a leading ground support
industry publication, the 1995 annual sales of the worldwide commercial GSE
market were approximately $1.7 billion and that market was expected to grow at
approximately 7% annually over the next five years. GSE is sold to support new
aircraft and to replace existing equipment. GSE of the type sold by us is
replaced every seven to ten years. GSE industry growth is directly related to
the overall performance of the commercial aviation industry. HEICO believes that
the GSE market is highly fragmented, with a significant number of participants
providing only one or two products.
 
INDUSTRY TRENDS
 
     We expect to capitalize on a number of trends within the aviation industry,
including the following:
 
   
     - Growth in Aircraft Traffic and Fleet.  Continued growth in air
       transportation and aircraft production is expected to increase the demand
       for engine component purchases and repairs, as well as sales of GSE.
       According to Boeing's 1998 Market Outlook*, it is estimated that (i)
       world air travel will grow 5.0% per year over the next ten years, (ii)
       the number of passenger and freight aircraft in service will increase
       44.1% by 2007, (iii) the worldwide jet fleet is expected to more than
       double from 12,300 airplanes at the end of 1997 to 26,200 airplanes by
       2017, and (iv) the worldwide fleet of cargo jet aircraft will increase
       from 1,434 airplanes in 1997 to 2,706 airplanes by 2017. Further, we
       believe that the number of older planes in service is continuing to
       increase, and these older planes represent the primary market for jet
       engine replacement parts and repair and overhaul services. Moreover,
       because some parts must be replaced after a specified number of flight
    
 
- ---------------
 
     * The information in the Boeing Market Outlook was compiled from many
       sources. Data presented as historical in such report should be considered
       estimates based on Boeing analyses.



                                       32
<PAGE>   34
 
       hours or cycles, demand in the aftermarket segments served by us is more
       predictable and less cyclical than the market for new aircraft
       deliveries.
 
     - Increased Outsourcing of Commercial Engine Services.  Airlines have come
       under increasing pressure during the last decade to reduce the costs
       associated with providing air transportation services. While several of
       the expenditures required to operate an airline are beyond the direct
       control of airline operators (e.g., the price of fuel and labor costs),
       the continuing pressure to reduce both the operating and capital costs
       associated with jet engine service should continue to increase the market
       share of OEMs and independents such as HEICO. We believe that as a result
       of this outsourcing trend, the volume of business handled by OEMs and
       independent service providers, such as HEICO, in the jet engine
       maintenance, repair and overhaul industry should continue to grow.
 
     - Consolidation of the Service and Supply Chain.  In order to reduce
       purchasing costs and streamline purchasing decisions, airline purchasing
       departments have been reducing the number of their "approved" suppliers.
       We believe that the reductions in the supplier base utilized by airline
       purchasing departments will continue to cause a consolidation in both the
       jet engine repair and GSE markets for the foreseeable future. We further
       believe that only those participants with adequate capital market
       presence and a reputation for quality will continue to be selected as
       approved suppliers and survive the consolidation. HEICO believes that it
       is well positioned to take advantage of this consolidation trend.
 
     - Increased Maintenance and Safety Requirements.  Under FAA and similar
       foreign regulations and guidelines established by OEMs and aircraft
       operators, when an aircraft component fails to meet performance
       parameters or after logging a prescribed number of flight hours, the
       aircraft component must be brought to an FAA or similarly
       foreign-certified facility for various types of designated service or
       replacement. In addition, aircraft components require regular maintenance
       and inspection and replacement of "life-limited" components. We believe
       that the trend toward more stringent maintenance requirements and more
       frequent maintenance and overhaul has increased the size of the market
       for the replacement or repair of jet engine components. We believe that,
       because of our established ability to satisfy the FAA's Parts
       Manufacturer Approval ("PMA") process and our long-standing emphasis on
       quality control, HEICO will benefit from the evolving maintenance and
       safety standards.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     HEICO believes it is the world's largest manufacturer of FAA-approved jet
engine replacement parts, other than the OEMs and their subcontractors. It is
also a leading manufacturer of ground support equipment to the airline and
defense industries. Through our Flight Support Group, we use proprietary
technology to design, manufacture and sell jet engine replacement parts for sale
at lower prices than those manufactured by OEMs. These parts are approved by the
FAA and are the functional equivalent of parts sold by OEMs. In addition, our
Flight Support Group repairs, refurbishes and overhauls jet engine and aircraft
components for domestic and foreign commercial air carriers and aircraft repair
companies. In fiscal 1998, the Flight Support Group accounted for 73% of pro
forma revenues. Through our Ground Support Group, we manufacture various types
of GSE, including electrical power, air start, air conditioning and heating
units, as well as some electronic equipment for commercial airlines and military
agencies. In fiscal 1998, the Ground Support Group accounted for 27% of pro
forma revenues. We currently sell our products to every major U.S. airline, as
well as a growing number of airlines throughout the world.
 
     We have continuously operated in the aerospace industry for 38 years. Since
assuming control in 1990, current management has achieved significant sales and
profit growth through expanded product offerings, an expanded customer base,
increased research and development expenditures, and the completion of a number
of acquisitions. As a result of internal growth and acquisitions, our revenues
have grown from $19.2 million in fiscal 1994 to pro forma revenues of $112.4
million in fiscal 1998, a compound
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   35
 
annual growth rate of 56%. During the same period, net income increased from
$1.9 million to pro forma net income of $12.1 million, a compound annual growth
rate of 59%.
 
     In October 1997, we formed a strategic alliance with Lufthansa Technik, the
technical services subsidiary of Lufthansa German Airlines AG. Lufthansa Technik
is the world's largest independent provider of engineering and maintenance
services for aircraft and aircraft engines and supports over 200 airlines,
governments and other customers. As part of the transaction, Lufthansa Technik
acquired a 20% minority interest in our Flight Support Group, investing $29
million to date and committing to invest an additional $9 million over the next
two years. This includes direct equity investments and the funding of specific
research and development projects. In connection with subsequent acquisitions by
our Flight Support Group, Lufthansa Technik invested additional amounts pursuant
to its option to maintain a 20% equity interest. This strategic alliance should
enable us to expand domestically and internationally by enhancing our ability to
(i) identify key jet engine replacement parts with significant profit potential
by utilizing Lufthansa Technik's extensive operating data on engine parts, (ii)
introduce those parts throughout the world in an efficient manner due to
Lufthansa Technik's testing and diagnostic resources, and (iii) broaden our
customer base by capitalizing on Lufthansa Technik's established relationships
and alliances within the airline industry.
 
     The Canaan Group, an independent management consulting firm specializing in
the aviation and aerospace industries, estimated the 1998 worldwide annual sales
for jet engine repair, refurbishment and overhaul services to be approximately
$7.5 billion, of which approximately $4 billion represented annual sales of jet
engine replacement parts. While we currently supply less than 2% of the market
for jet engine new replacement parts, we have been adding new products at a
rapid rate. According to the Canaan Group, the jet engine replacement parts
market is expected to grow at approximately 4-5% over the next three years.
Historically, the three principal jet engine OEMs, Pratt & Whitney, General
Electric (including CFM International) and Rolls Royce, have been the sole
source for substantially all replacement parts. We believe that, based on our
competitive pricing, reputation for high quality, short lead time requirements,
strong relationships with domestic and foreign commercial air carriers and
airmotives (companies that overhaul aircraft), relationship with Lufthansa
Technik and successful track record of receiving PMAs from the FAA, we are
uniquely positioned to continue to increase our product lines and gain market
share.
 
     According to a 1996 study conducted by GSE TODAY, a leading ground support
industry publication, the 1995 annual sales of the worldwide commercial GSE
market were approximately $1.7 billion and that market was expected to grow at
approximately 7% annually over the next five years. We currently supply less
than 2% of this market. We believe that the GSE market is highly fragmented,
with a significant number of participants supplying only one or two types of
equipment. We believe that our growth in the GSE market will be driven by our
ability to differentiate our product offerings with more technologically
advanced and value-added products and services, as well as our ability to
acquire complementary businesses.
 
     Jet engine maintenance is a highly regulated, ongoing process that
typically accounts for approximately 6% of an aircraft's total operating costs.
FAA regulations require "cradle-to-grave" documentation of an engine's service
life, as well as the individual parts that comprise the engine. We utilize
sophisticated computer aided design technologies, advanced engineering,
proprietary design and manufacturing capabilities, and our established
credibility with the FAA to obtain PMAs from the FAA, allowing us to produce
parts which are the functional equivalent of those available from the OEM. We
believe that our sophisticated and proprietary design capabilities and
experience with the PMA process create a significant barrier to entry for
others.
 
     We believe that there are several favorable industry trends in the aviation
industry that will contribute to the growth in the markets for jet engine
replacement parts and GSE products, including: (i) expected strong growth in
aircraft traffic and fleet size; (ii) an increase in the number of older
aircraft in service; (iii) increased FAA regulations and maintenance and safety
requirements that require repair or overhaul
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   36
 
of engine and airframe components; and (iv) consolidation of the service and
supply chain in the aircraft industry generally.
 
     We believe that replacement jet engine products and services are less
susceptible than new aircraft purchases to economic cycles of the airline
industry because FAA regulations require the regular replacement of jet engine
parts. In our experience, demand for replacement jet engine parts typically
commences four to seven years after an aircraft is first put into service. Also,
many airlines tend to replace parts more frequently than required by the FAA to
ensure optimal engine performance and the efficiency of their aircraft. We
believe that we are different from most aerospace and defense suppliers because
reductions in new aircraft orders should not adversely affect our business. Our
business mostly serves companies that operate existing aircraft, not companies
that build aircraft. Airline companies are increasingly cost conscious,
especially during economic down-cycles, which prompts them to seek more cost
effective alternatives to replacement parts manufactured by OEMs and prompts
them to overhaul accessory components and fuselage structures in greater numbers
in order to reduce operating costs. Most of the products sold by our Ground
Support Group are not sold specifically to furnish new commercial aircraft, but
are more frequently sold to replace existing older equipment, to retrofit
airport gates or to service other aerospace applications.
 
GROWTH STRATEGY
 
     We intend to capitalize on our reputation for assured quality, proprietary
research and development and manufacturing capabilities, customer relationships,
alliance with Lufthansa Technik, as well as favorable industry trends to
continue to achieve profitable growth utilizing the following specific
strategies:
 
     - Expand Jet Engine Replacement Parts Product Lines.  We intend to broaden
       our current jet engine replacement parts product lines through the
       development and receipt of additional PMAs from the FAA. Since 1991, we
       have added approximately 200 new PMA parts through internal development
       and 160 through acquisitions. We currently supply over 700 parts for
       Pratt & Whitney JT3D, JT8D, JT9D, PW2000 and PW4000 and CFM International
       CFM56 engines. We intend to increase the number of jet engine parts we
       offer on most of these engines as well as expand into new engine types.
       We select the jet engine replacement parts to design and manufacture
       through a process which analyzes industry information to determine which
       jet engine replacement parts are expected to generate the greatest
       profitability. Most jet engine replacement parts selected are complex,
       high value-added and require specific technical expertise. As part of
       this strategy, we have increased our research and development
       expenditures from $300,000 in fiscal 1991 to approximately $4.4 million
       in fiscal 1998. We believe that our sophisticated proprietary design
       technologies, advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities and our
       established credibility with the FAA expedites the process of obtaining
       PMAs.
 
     - Expand Ground Support Equipment Product Lines.  Since entering the GSE
       industry in fiscal 1996, we have aggressively expanded our GSE lines with
       new value-added and technologically advanced products. Over the past two
       years, we have added 16 new GSE products. These offerings include a new
       range of aircraft ground air-conditioning systems, an advanced electronic
       power supply system replacing existing technology for use with the
       International Space Station, a ground cooling system for the new F-22
       Raptor fighter aircraft and a new commercial continuous-flow pneumatic
       airstart system. In addition, our Ground Support Group continually
       redesigns its existing product offerings to reflect changes in technology
       and differentiate its products from those of its competitors. In November
       1998, our Ground Support Group introduced a ground aircraft heating
       system which has met with strong initial demand. In order to facilitate
       these new product lines, our Ground Support Group has dramatically
       improved its production capabilities by implementing a flow line-based
       manufacturing protocol and adding a new state-of-the-art, 113,000 square
       foot manufacturing facility in Palmetto, Florida.
 
     - Expand Overhaul and Repair Business.  Our Flight Support Group has also
       pursued expansion of its FAA-authorized overhaul and repair business.
       Northwings' revenues increased 48% from
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   37
 
   
       approximately $10 million in the twelve months prior to its acquisition
       to $14.8 million in fiscal 1998. This growth resulted from the addition
       of new repair and overhaul services, as well as increased production
       capability and marketing efforts through an increase in personnel.
       Northwings' historical customer base has been limited to small passenger
       airlines and cargo airlines. We are seeking to expand Northwings'
       customer base with these types of customers, as well as add larger
       commercial airline customers. This strategy also applies to the fuselage
       structures repair business acquired in October 1998.
    
 
     - Pursue Acquisitions of Complementary Businesses.  A key element of our
       strategy involves growth through acquisitions in both the Flight and
       Ground Support Group businesses. In connection with our acquisitions, we
       seek to identify cost savings and production efficiencies, increase
       research and development and marketing expenditures and improve customer
       service. Historically, through application of this strategy, we have
       achieved significant growth in revenues and product offerings while
       improving overall profitability. Our Flight Support Group, in December
       1998, acquired Rogers-Dierks, and in July 1998 acquired McClain, both of
       which are designers and manufacturers of FAA PMA jet engine replacement
       parts. In September 1997, we acquired Northwings, an FAA authorized
       overhaul and repair facility, and, in October 1998, Associated, a Miami,
       Florida-based aircraft fuselage structure repair and overhaul business,
       to complement our Flight Support Group.
 
     - Expand Internationally.  In fiscal 1998, approximately 23% of our
       revenues were derived from sales outside of the United States. Our
       strategy is to increase our international sales, both in the jet engine
       replacement parts and ground support equipment businesses, utilizing our
       relationship with Lufthansa Technik to identify new customers throughout
       the world. We intend to leverage Lufthansa Technik's established industry
       presence and participation in alliances, such as the Star Alliance which
       is currently comprised of six major airlines, to broaden our
       international exposure and develop relationships which, we believe, will
       lead to increased sales of our products internationally.
 
FLIGHT SUPPORT GROUP
 
     Our Flight Support Group designs, engineers, manufactures, repairs and/or
overhauls jet engine parts and components such as combustion chambers, gas flow
transition ducts and various other engine and air frame parts. We also
manufacture specialty aviation and defense components as a subcontractor. We
serve a broad spectrum of the aviation industry, including (i) commercial
airlines and air cargo couriers, (ii) OEMs, (iii) repair and overhaul
facilities, and (iv) the U.S. government.
 
     Jet engine replacement parts can be categorized by their ongoing ability to
be repaired and returned to service. The general categories (in all of which we
participate) are as follows: (i) rotable; (ii) repairable; and (iii) expendable.
A rotable is a part which is removed periodically as dictated by an operator's
maintenance procedures or on an as needed basis and is typically repaired or
overhauled and re-used an indefinite number of times. An important subset of
rotables is "life limited" parts. A life limited rotable has a designated number
of allowable flight hours and/or cycles (one take-off and landing generally
constitutes one cycle) after which it is rendered unusable. A repairable is
similar to a rotable except that it can only be repaired a limited number of
times before it must be discarded. An expendable is generally a part which is
used and not thereafter repaired for further use.
 
     Aircraft engine replacement parts are classified within the industry as (i)
factory-new, (ii) new surplus, (iii) overhauled, (iv) serviceable, and (v) as
removed. A factory-new or new surplus part is one that has never been installed
or used. Factory-new parts are purchased from FAA-approved manufacturers (such
as HEICO or OEMs) or their authorized distributors. New surplus parts are
purchased from excess stock of airlines, repair facilities or other
redistributors. An overhauled part has been completely repaired and inspected by
a licensed repair facility (such as ours). An aircraft spare part is classified
repairable if it can be repaired by a licensed repair facility under applicable
regulations. A part may also be classified repairable if it can be can be
removed by the operator from an aircraft or engine while operating under an
approved maintenance program and is airworthy and meets any manufacturer or time
and cycle restrictions applicable to the part. A factory-new, new surplus,
overhauled or serviceable part designation indicates that the part can be
immediately utilized on an aircraft. A part in "as removed" condition requires
inspection
                                       36
<PAGE>   38
 
and possibly functional testing, repair or overhaul by a licensed facility prior
to being returned to service in an aircraft.
 
     Factory-New Jet Engine Replacement Parts.  Our principal business is the
research and development, design, manufacture and sale of FAA-approved jet
engine replacement parts that are sold to domestic and foreign commercial air
carriers and aircraft repair and overhaul companies. Our principal competitor is
Pratt & Whitney, a division of United Technologies Corporation ("UTC"). The
Flight Support Group's factory-new jet engine replacement parts include
combustion chambers and various other jet engine replacement parts. A key
element of our growth strategy is the continued design and development of an
increasing number of PMA replacement parts in order to further penetrate our
existing customer base and obtain new customers. We select the jet engine
replacement parts to design and manufacture through a selection process which
analyzes industry information to determine which jet engine replacement parts
are expected to generate the greatest profitability. As part of Lufthansa
Technik's investment in the Flight Support Group, Lufthansa Technik will have
the right to select 50% of the engine parts for which we will seek PMAs,
provided that such parts are technologically and economically feasible and
substantially comparable with the profitability of our other PMA parts.
 
     The following table sets forth (i) the lines of engines for which we
provide jet engine replacement parts and (ii) the approximate number of such
engines currently in service as estimated by us. Although we expect that our
strategic alliance with Lufthansa Technik will broaden our product lines, most
of our current PMA parts are for Pratt & Whitney engines, with a substantial
majority for the JT8D. See "Risk Factors -- Dependence on JT8D Aircraft Engine
Aftermarket."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                NUMBER
               OEM                  LINES     IN SERVICE       PRINCIPAL ENGINE APPLICATION
- ----------------------------------  ------    ----------    ----------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>       <C>           <C>
PRATT & WHITNEY                      JT8D      9,500        Boeing 727 and 737 (100 and 200
                                                              series)
                                                            McDonnell Douglas DC-9 and MD-80
                                     JT9D      2,000        Boeing 747 (100, 200 and 300
                                                              series) and 767 (200 series)
                                                            Airbus A300 and A310
                                                            McDonnell Douglas DC-10
                                    PW2000      700         Boeing 757
                                    PW4000     1,800        Boeing 747-400, 767-300 and 777
                                                            Airbus A300, A310 and A330
                                                            McDonnell Douglas MD-11
CFM INTERNATIONAL (a joint venture  CFM56      6,600        Boeing 737 (300, 400, 500, 700,
  of General Electric and SNECMA)                             800 and 900 series)
                                                            Airbus A320 and A340-200
GENERAL ELECTRIC                     CF6       4,200        Boeing 747 and 767
                                                            Airbus A300, A310 and A330
                                                            McDonnell Douglas MD-11
</TABLE>
 
     Repair and Overhaul Services.  We provide jet engine replacement parts
repair and overhaul services for the Pratt & Whitney JT8D, JT3D, JT9D, PW2000
and PW4000, General Electric CF6 and the CFM International CFM56 engines. Our
repair and overhaul operations require a high level of expertise, advanced
technology and sophisticated equipment. The repair and overhaul services offered
by us include the repair, refurbishment and overhaul of numerous accessories and
parts mounted on gas turbine engines, aircraft wings and frames or fuselages.
Engine accessories include fuel pumps, generators and fuel controls. Parts
include pneumatic valves, starters and actuators, turbo compressors and constant
speed drives, hydraulic pumps, valves and actuators, electro-mechanical
equipment and auxiliary power unit accessories.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   39
 
     We continually evaluate new engine lines, models and derivatives to
determine whether the potential demand for overhaul services justifies the
expenditures required for inventory and modifications to tooling and equipment.
We believe that our September 1997 acquisition of Northwings and October 1998
acquisition of Associated will provide us with a well-established platform for
additional growth in the repair and overhaul sector of the aviation industry.
 
     Subcontracting for OEMs/Manufacture of Specialty Aircraft/Defense Related
Parts.  We also derive revenue from the sale of specialty components as a
subcontractor for OEMs and the U.S. government.
 
GROUND SUPPORT GROUP
 
     We currently serve the commercial and military GSE markets through the
manufacture of electrical ground power units, air start units, and air
conditioning and heating units that are sold to both domestic and foreign
commercial and military customers. Our Ground Support Group also manufactures
specialty military electronics such as shipboard power supplies and power
converters. Because military and commercial aircraft vary so widely by size and
manufacturer, unique equipment is often required for each distinct air frame.
Military aircraft require particularly unique equipment arrangements that
necessitate custom manufacturing. Examples of our GSE products include a
sophisticated cooling system for the Air Force's new F-22 fighter aircraft and a
combination ground power and air conditioning unit for the F-16 aircraft.
 
MANUFACTURING AND QUALITY CONTROL
 
     Our manufacturing operations involve a high level of technical expertise
and vertical integration, including computer numerical control ("CNC")
machining, complex sheet metal fabrication, vacuum heat treating, plasma
spraying and laser cutting. We also perform all of the design and engineering
for our products. Specific components of the process include:
 
     - Research and Development.  Our research and development department uses
       state-of-the-art equipment such as a scanning electron microscope,
       CAD/CAM/CAE workstations and finite element analysis and thermal testing
       software to design and engineer components, as well as to ensure accurate
       data transfer between our new product development and manufacturing
       departments. Our engineers are recruited from OEMs and other aerospace
       industry participants in a variety of disciplines, including
       aerodynamics, heat transfer, manufacturing, materials and structures. See
       "-- FAA Approvals and Product Design."
 
     - Machining and Fabrication.  Our CNC machining capabilities provide cost
       advantages and dimensional repeatability with a variety of aerospace
       materials. Our lathes are frequently equipped with touch probes to
       perform critical in-process evaluations and automatically adjust
       machining parameters. Fabrication capabilities include custom-designed
       machines that automatically position and spot, fusion and flash weld,
       mechanical and hydraulic presses, and wire, as well as conventional,
       electrical discharge machining.
 
     - Special Processes.  We believe that our heat treatment, brazing, plasma
       spraying and other in-house special process capabilities reduce lead
       times and allow us to better control the quality of our products. For
       example, our robotic systems can apply thermal barrier and heat resistant
       coatings to parts ranging from 0.25 inches to 60 inches in dimension.
 
     - Quality Control.  We incur significant expenses to maintain the most
       stringent quality control of our products and services. In addition to
       domestic and foreign governmental regulations, OEMs, commercial airlines
       and other customers require that we satisfy certain requirements relating
       to the quality of our products and services. We perform testing and
       certification procedures on all of the products that we design, engineer,
       manufacture, repair and overhaul, and maintain detailed records to ensure
       traceability of the production of and service on each aircraft component.
       Management believes that the resources required to institute and maintain
       our quality control procedures represents a barrier to entry for
       competitors.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   40
 
FAA APPROVALS AND PRODUCT DESIGN
 
     Non-OEM manufacturers of jet engine replacement parts must receive a PMA
from the FAA. The PMA process includes the submission of sample parts, drawings
and testing data to one of the FAA's Aircraft Certification Offices where the
submitted data are analyzed. We believe that an applicant's ability to
successfully complete the PMA process is limited by several factors, including
(i) the agency's confidence level in the applicant, (ii) the complexity of the
part, (iii) the volume of PMAs being filed, and (iv) the resources available to
the FAA. We also believe that companies such as HEICO that have demonstrated
their manufacturing capabilities and established track records with the FAA
generally receive a faster turnaround time in the processing of PMA
applications. Finally, we believe that the PMA process creates a significant
barrier to entry in this market niche through both its technical demands and its
limits on the rate at which competitors can bring products to market.
 
     As part of our growth strategy, we have continued to increase our research
and development activities. Research and development expenditures increased from
approximately $300,000 in 1991 to approximately $4.4 million in fiscal 1998.
Moreover, under our strategic alliance with Lufthansa Technik, Lufthansa Technik
agreed to fund $16 million for research and development projects relating to jet
engine replacement parts. We believe that our Flight Support Group's research
and development capabilities are a significant component of our historical
success and an integral part of our growth strategy.
 
     We benefit from our proprietary rights relating to certain designs,
engineering, manufacturing processes and repair and overhaul procedures.
Customers often rely on us to provide initial and additional components, as well
as to redesign, re-engineer, replace or repair and provide overhaul services on
such aircraft components at every stage of their useful lives. In addition, for
some products, our unique manufacturing capabilities are required by the
customer's specifications or designs, thereby necessitating reliance on us for
production of such designed product.
 
     While we have developed proprietary techniques, software and manufacturing
expertise for the manufacture of jet replacement parts, we have no patents for
these proprietary techniques and choose to rely on trade secret protection. We
believe that although our proprietary techniques, software and expertise are
subject to misappropriation or obsolescence, development of improved methods and
processes and new techniques by us will continue on an ongoing basis as dictated
by the technological needs of our business. See "Risk Factors -- Possible
Inability to Develop and Manufacture New Technologies and Products."
 
SALES, MARKETING AND CUSTOMERS
 
     Each of our operating divisions and subsidiaries independently conducts
sales and marketing efforts directed at their respective customers and
industries and, in some cases, collaborates with other operating divisions and
subsidiaries within its group for cross-marketing efforts. Sales and marketing
efforts are conducted primarily by in-house personnel and, to a lesser extent,
by independent manufacturer's representatives. Generally, the in-house sales
personnel receive a base salary plus commission and manufacturer's
representatives receive a commission on sales.
 
     We believe that direct relationships are crucial to establishing and
maintaining a strong customer base and, accordingly, our senior management are
actively involved in our marketing activities, particularly with established
customers. We are also a member of various trade and business organizations
related to the commercial aviation industry, such as the Aerospace Industries
Association ("AIA"), the leading trade association representing the nation's
manufacturers of commercial, military and business aircraft, aircraft engines
and related components and equipment. Due in large part to our established
industry presence, we enjoy strong customer relations, name recognition and
repeat business.
 
     We sell our products to a broad customer base consisting of domestic and
foreign commercial and cargo airlines, repair and overhaul facilities, other
aftermarket suppliers of aircraft engine and airframe materials, OEMs and
military units. No one customer accounted for sales of 10% or more of total
consolidated sales from continuing operations during any of the last three
fiscal years. However, the net sales to our five largest customers accounted for
approximately 32% of total net sales during the year
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   41
 
ended October 31, 1998. See "Risks Factors -- Risk of Customer Concentration and
Consolidation of Aviation Industry."
 
COMPETITION
 
     The aerospace product and service industry is characterized by intense
competition and some of our competitors have substantially greater name
recognition, inventories, complementary product and service offerings,
financial, marketing and other resources than us. As a result, such competitors
may be able to respond more quickly to customer requirements than us. Moreover,
smaller competitors may be in a position to offer more attractive pricing of
engine parts as a result of lower labor costs and other factors. Any expansion
of our existing products or services could expose us to new competition. See
"Risk Factors -- Competition."
 
     Our jet engine replacement parts business competes primarily with Pratt &
Whitney and, to a much lesser extent, General Electric. The competition is
principally based on price and service inasmuch as our parts are interchangeable
with the parts produced by Pratt & Whitney and General Electric. We believe that
we supply over 50% of the market for certain JT8D engine parts for which we hold
a PMA from the FAA, with Pratt & Whitney controlling the balance. With respect
to other aerospace products and services sold by the Flight Support Group, we
compete with both the leading jet engine OEMs and a large number of machining,
fabrication and repair companies, some of which have greater financial and other
resources than us. Competition is based mainly on price, product performance,
service and technical capability.
 
     Competition for the repair and overhaul of jet engine components comes from
three principal sources: OEMs, major commercial airlines and other independent
service companies. Some of these companies have greater financial and other
resources than us. Some major commercial airlines own and operate their own
service centers and sell repair and overhaul services to other aircraft
operators. Foreign airlines that provide repair and overhaul services typically
provide these services for their own components and for third parties. OEMs also
maintain service centers that provide repair and overhaul services for the
components they manufacture. Other independent service organizations also
compete for the repair and overhaul business of other users of aircraft
components. We believe that the principal competitive factors in the airmotive
market are quality, turnaround time, overall customer service and price.
 
     Our Ground Support Group competes with several large and small domestic and
foreign competitors, some of which have greater financial resources than us. We
believe the market for our GSE is highly fragmented, with competition based
mainly on price, product performance and service.
 
RAW MATERIALS
 
     We purchase a variety of raw materials, primarily consisting of high
temperature alloy sheet metal and castings and forgings, from various vendors.
We also purchase parts, including diesel and gas powered engines, compressors
and generators. The materials used by our operations are generally available
from a number of sources and in sufficient quantities to meet current
requirements subject to normal lead times.
 
BACKLOGS
 
     Our Flight Support operations had a backlog of unshipped orders as of
October 31, 1998 of $28.6 million as compared to $24.0 million as of October 31,
1997. This backlog includes $16.9 million representing forecasted shipments over
the next twelve months for some contracts of the Flight Support operations
pursuant to which customers provide estimated annual usage. Our Ground Support
operations had a backlog of $6.8 million as of October 31, 1998 and $12.5
million as of October 31, 1997. Substantially all of the backlog of orders as of
October 31, 1998 are expected to be delivered during fiscal 1999.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   42
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
     The FAA regulates the manufacture, repair and operation of all aircraft and
aircraft parts operated in the United States. Its regulations are designed to
ensure that all aircraft and aviation equipment are continuously maintained in
proper condition to ensure safe operation of the aircraft. Similar rules apply
in other countries. All aircraft must be maintained under a continuous condition
monitoring program and must periodically undergo thorough inspection and
maintenance. The inspection, maintenance and repair procedures for the various
types of aircraft and equipment are prescribed by regulatory authorities and can
be performed only by certified repair facilities utilizing certified
technicians. Certification and conformance is required prior to installation of
a part on an aircraft. Aircraft operators must maintain logs concerning the
utilization and condition of aircraft engines, life-limited engine parts and
airframes. In addition, the FAA requires that various maintenance routines be
performed on aircraft engines, some engine parts and airframes at regular
intervals based on cycles or flight time. Engine maintenance must also be
performed upon the occurrence of certain events, such as foreign object damage
in an aircraft engine or the replacement of life-limited engine parts. Such
maintenance usually requires that an aircraft engine be taken out of service.
Our operations may in the future be subject to new and more stringent regulatory
requirements. In that regard, we closely monitor the FAA and industry trade
groups in an attempt to understand how possible future regulations might impact
us. See "Risk Factors -- Risk of Loss of Governmental Authorizations and
Approvals."
 
   
     Because our jet engine replacement parts largely consist of older model
JT8D aircraft engines and engine parts, we are substantially impacted by the
FAA's noise regulations. The ability of aircraft operators to utilize such JT8D
aircraft engines in domestic flight operations is significantly influenced by
regulations promulgated by the FAA governing, among other things, noise
standards. Pursuant to the Aircraft Noise and Capacity Act, the FAA has required
all commercial aircraft operating in the contiguous United States with a maximum
weight of more than 75,000 pounds to meet Stage 3 noise levels by December 31,
1999, unless waived by the FAA. Aircraft which require hush-kits or other
modifications to be in compliance with Stage 3 include the Boeing 727-200s,
Boeing 737-200s and McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30/40/50s. This ban on operation in
the United States of non-Stage 3 compliant aircraft applies to both domestic and
foreign aircraft operators. The European Union has adopted similar restrictions
for the operation of non-Stage 3 aircraft within member nations of the European
Union subject to a variety of exemptions. Airports at some European cities also
have adopted more stringent local regulations which restrict the operation of
non-Stage 3 aircraft at such airports. The European Union is currently
considering a proposed regulation which would bar the registration in a member
state of the European Union after March 31, 1999 and, with some exceptions, the
operation in the European Union after April 1, 2002, of any older model JT8D
aircraft which has reached Stage 3 compliance through hush-kitting or some other
means. See "Risk Factors -- Dependence on the JT8D Aircraft Engine Aftermarket."
    
 
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION
 
     Our operations are subject to extensive, and frequently changing, federal,
state and local environmental laws and substantial related regulation by
government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA").
Among other matters, these regulatory authorities impose requirements that
regulate the operation, handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous
materials, the health and safety of workers, and require us to obtain and
maintain licenses and permits in connection with our operations. This extensive
regulatory framework imposes significant compliance burdens and risks on us.
Notwithstanding these burdens, we believe that we are in material compliance
with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing our
operations.
 
     We are principally subject to the requirements of the Clean Air Act of 1970
(the "CAA"), as amended in 1990; the Clean Water Act of 1977; the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA"); the
Resource Conservation Recovery Act of 1976 (the "RCRA"); and the Hazardous and
Solid Waste Amendments of 1984. The following is a summary of the material
regulations that are applicable to us.
 
     The CAA imposes significant requirements upon owners and operators of
facilities that discharge air pollutants into the environment. The CAA mandates
that facilities which emit air pollutants comply with



                                       41
<PAGE>   43
 
certain operational criteria and secure appropriate permits. Additionally,
authorized states such as Florida may implement various aspects of the CAA and
develop their own regulations for air pollution control. Our facilities
presently hold air emission permits and we intend to conduct an air emissions
inventory and health and safety audit of our facilities and, depending upon the
results of such assessments, may find it necessary to secure additional permits
and/or to install additional control technology, which could result in the
initiation of an enforcement action, the imposition of penalties and the
possibility of substantial capital expenditures.
 
     CERCLA, as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of
1986 ("SARA"), is designed to respond to the release of hazardous substances.
CERCLA's most notable objectives are to provide criteria and funding for the
cleanup of sites contaminated by hazardous substances and impose strict
liability on parties responsible for such contamination, namely owners and
operators of facilities or vessels from which such releases or threatened
releases occur, and persons who generated, transported, or arranged for the
transportation of hazardous substances to a facility from which such release or
threatened release occurs.
 
     RCRA and EPA's implementing regulations establish the basic framework for
federal regulation of hazardous waste. RCRA governs the generation,
transportation, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous waste through a
comprehensive system of hazardous waste management techniques and requirements.
RCRA requires facilities such as ours that treat, store, or dispose of hazardous
waste to comply with enumerated operating standards. Many states, including
Florida, have created programs similar to RCRA for the purpose of issuing annual
operating permits and conducting routine inspections of such facilities to
ensure regulatory compliance. We believe that our facilities are in material
compliance with all currently applicable RCRA and similar state requirements,
hold all applicable permits required under RCRA, and are operating in material
compliance with the terms of all such permits.
 
     In addition, Congress has enacted federal regulations governing the
underground storage of petroleum products and hazardous substances. The federal
underground storage tank ("UST") regulatory scheme mandates that EPA establish
requirements for leak detection, construction standards for new USTs, reporting
of releases, corrective actions, on-site practices and record-keeping, closure
standards, and financial responsibility. Some states, including Florida, have
promulgated their own performance criteria for new USTs, including requirements
for spill and overfill protection, UST location, as well as primary and
secondary containment. We believe that our facilities are in material compliance
with the federal and state UST regulatory requirements and performance criteria.
 
     Other Regulation.  We are also subject to a variety of other regulations
including work-related and community safety laws. The Occupational Safety and
Health Act of 1970 ("OSHA") mandates general requirements for safe workplaces
for all employees. In particular, OSHA provides special procedures and measures
for the handling of some hazardous and toxic substances. In addition, specific
safety standards have been promulgated for workplaces engaged in the treatment,
disposal or storage of hazardous waste. Requirements under state law, in some
circumstances, may mandate additional measures for facilities handling materials
specified as extremely dangerous. We believe that our operations are in material
compliance with OSHA's health and safety requirements.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   44
 
PROPERTIES
 
     We own or lease the following facilities:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          SQUARE        OWNED/LEASE
         LOCATION                    DESCRIPTION          FOOTAGE        EXPIRATION
- ---------------------------  ---------------------------  -------      --------------
<S>                          <C>                          <C>          <C>
Hollywood, Florida           Flight Support Group         140,000      Owned
                             manufacturing facility and
                             corporate headquarters
Palmetto, Florida            Ground Support Group         113,000      Owned
                             manufacturing facility and
                             office
Atlanta, Georgia             Flight Support Group         38,400(1)    Owned
                             engineering and
                             manufacturing facility
Miami, Florida               Overhaul and repair          56,000       Owned
                             facility(2)
Miami, Florida               Overhaul and repair           9,000       May 1999
                             facility(3)
Miami, Florida               Overhaul and repair          18,000       Month-to-month
                             facility(3)
Miami, Florida               Administrative offices        2,300       December 1999
Anacortes, Washington        Flight support                9,000       June 2003
                             manufacturing facility
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) After completion of current expansion expected by May 1999.
(2) We have purchased this facility to replace our existing repair and overhaul
    facilities in Miami, Florida, and are in the process of renovations.
    Occupancy is expected by May 1999.
   
(3) We expect to move out of this facility in May 1999 and into the facility
    referenced in footnote(2) above.
    
 
     For additional information with respect to our leases, see Note 5 of Notes
to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
     We believe that our current capacity, coupled with our plans for facilities
expansion, is sufficient to handle our anticipated needs for the foreseeable
future.
 
INSURANCE
 
     We are a named insured under policies which include the following coverage:
(i) product liability, including grounding, up to $350 million (combined single
limit and in the annual aggregate); (ii) personal property, inventory and
business income at our facilities with blanket coverage up to $134 million;
(iii) general liability coverage up to $2 million ($1 million limit for each
claim); (iv) employee benefit liability up to $1 million for each claim and in
the aggregate; (v) international liability and automobile liability of up to $1
million; (vi) umbrella liability coverage up to $20 million for each occurrence
and in the aggregate; and (vii) various other activities or items subject to
certain limits and deductibles. We believe that these coverages are adequate to
insure against the various liability risks of our business. See "Risk Factors --
Product Liability and Claims Exposure."
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     As of December 31, 1998, we, and our subsidiaries, had 660 full-time
employees, of which 496 were in the Flight Support Group, 154 were in the Ground
Support Group, and 10 were corporate. None of our employees is represented by a
union. We believe that our employee relations are good.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   45
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     In November 1989, the Flight Support Group was named a defendant in a
complaint filed by UTC alleging infringement of a patent, misappropriation of
trade secrets and unfair competition relating to some jet engine parts and
coatings sold by the Flight Support Group in competition with Pratt & Whitney, a
division of UTC, and sought damages of approximately $30 million. A summary
judgment motion filed on our behalf was granted, and all allegations against us
were dismissed. UTC may challenge these rulings in further court proceedings. A
counter-claim filed by us is still pending. The ultimate outcome of this
litigation is not certain at this time and no provision for litigation costs
and/or gain or loss, if any, has been made in the consolidated financial
statements. The legal costs, management efforts and other resources that have
been and continue to be incurred by us are substantial. There can be no
assurance that the lawsuit will not have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
     In May 1998, we were served with a lawsuit by Travelers Casualty & Surety
Co., f/k/a The Aetna Casualty and Surety Co. ("Travelers"). The complaint seeks
reimbursement of legal fees and costs totaling in excess of $15 million paid by
Travelers in defending us in the aforementioned litigation with UTC. In
addition, Travelers seeks a declaratory judgment that we did not and do not have
insurance coverage under certain insurance policies with Travelers and,
accordingly, that Travelers did not have and does not have a duty to defend or
indemnify us under such policies. Also named as defendants in Travelers' lawsuit
are UTC and one of the law firms representing us in the UTC litigation.
 
   
     We intend to vigorously defend Travelers' claim and believe that we have
significant counterclaims for damages. After taking into consideration legal
counsel's evaluation of Travelers' claim, management is of the opinion that the
outcome of the Travelers litigation will not have a significant adverse effect
on our consolidated financial statements. See "Risk Factors -- Litigation."
    
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   46
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
 
     The Company's executive officers and directors are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                DIRECTOR
                NAME                   AGE                      POSITION(S)                      SINCE
                ----                   ---                      -----------                     --------
<S>                                    <C>   <C>                                                <C>
Laurans A. Mendelson                   60    Chairman of the Board, President and Chief           1989
                                               Executive Officer
Thomas S. Irwin                        52    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
                                               Officer
Eric A. Mendelson                      33    Vice President and Director, President of HEICO      1992
                                               Aerospace Holdings Corp.
Victor H. Mendelson                    31    Vice President, General Counsel and Director,        1996
                                               President of HEICO Aviation Products Corp.
James L. Reum                          67    Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
                                               Officer of HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp.
Jacob T. Carwile                       76    Director                                             1975
Samuel L. Higginbottom                 77    Director                                             1989
Paul F. Manieri                        81    Director                                             1985
Albert Morrison, Jr.                   62    Director                                             1989
Dr. Alan Schriesheim                   68    Director                                             1984
Guy C. Shafer                          80    Director                                             1989
</TABLE>
 
     Laurans A. Mendelson has served as Chairman of the Board of the Company
since December 1990. Mr. Mendelson has also served as Chief Executive Officer of
the Company since February 1990, President of the Company since September 1991
and served as President of MediTek Health Corporation from May 1994 until its
sale in July 1996. He has been Chairman of the Board of Ambassador Square, Inc.
(a Miami, Florida real estate development and management company) since 1980 and
President of that company since 1988. He has been Chairman of Columbia Ventures,
Inc. (a private investment company) since 1985 and President of that company
since 1988. In 1997, Mr. Mendelson served on the board of governors of the AIA.
Mr. Mendelson is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Mendelson is a member of the
Board of Trustees of Columbia University and the Board of Trustees of Mount
Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida.
 
     Thomas S. Irwin has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company since September 1991 and served as Senior Vice President
of the Company from 1986 to 1991 and Vice President and Treasurer from 1982 to
1986. Mr. Irwin is a Certified Public Accountant.
 
   
     Eric A. Mendelson has served as Vice President of the Company since 1992,
and has been President of HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp. ("HEICO Aerospace"), a
subsidiary of HEICO, since its formation in 1997 and President of HEICO
Aerospace Corporation since 1993. He also served as President of HEICO's Jet
Avion Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of HEICO Aerospace, from 1993 to
1996 and served as Jet Avion's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer from 1991 to 1993. From 1990 to 1991, Mr. Mendelson was Director of
Planning and Operations of the Company. Mr. Mendelson is a co-founder, and,
since 1987, has been Managing Director of Mendelson International Corporation
("MIC"), a private investment company which is a shareholder of HEICO. He
received his AB degree from Columbia College and his MBA from the Columbia
University Graduate School of Business. Eric Mendelson is the son of Laurans
Mendelson and the brother of Victor Mendelson.
    
 
     Victor H. Mendelson has served as Vice President of the Company since 1996,
as President of HEICO Aviation Products Corp. since September 1996 and as
General Counsel of the Company since 1993. He served as Executive Vice President
of MediTek Health Corporation from 1994 and its Chief Operating Officer from
1995 until its sale in July 1996. He was the Company's Associate General Counsel
from 1992 until 1993. From 1990 until 1992, he worked on a consulting basis with
the Company developing and analyzing various strategic opportunities. Mr.
Mendelson is a co-founder, and, since 1987,
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   47
 
has been President, of Mendelson International Corporation (a private investment
company which is a shareholder of HEICO). Mr. Mendelson received his AB degree
from Columbia College and his JD from The University of Miami School of Law. He
is a Trustee of St. Thomas University, Miami, Florida. Victor Mendelson is the
son of Laurans Mendelson and the brother of Eric Mendelson.
 
     James L. Reum has served as Executive Vice President of HEICO Aerospace
since April 1993 and Chief Operating Officer of HEICO Aerospace since May 1995.
He also served as President of LPI Industries Corporation from 1991 to 1998 and
President of Jet Avion Corporation since March 1996. From January 1990 to August
1991, he served as Director of Research and Development for Jet Avion
Corporation. From 1986 to 1989, Mr. Reum was self-employed as a management and
engineering consultant to companies primarily within the aerospace industry.
From 1957 to 1986, he was employed in various management positions with
Chromalloy Gas Turbine Corp., Cooper Airmotive (later named Aviall, Inc.),
United Airlines, Inc. and General Electric Company.
 
   
     Jacob T. Carwile retired as a Lt. Col. from the United States Air Force
("USAF") and presently serves as an aerospace consultant. During Mr. Carwile's
USAF career, Mr. Carwile served as a command pilot and procurement officer,
working extensively in the development, testing, and production of many
aircraft, helicopters, and engines. Mr. Carwile also served in special
management positions with numerous overhaul and modification facilities in the
United States and Spain. From 1972 to 1987 Mr. Carwile served as president of
Decar Associates, which provided aviation material to the U.S. government and
the aerospace industry.
    
 
     Samuel L. Higginbottom is a retired executive officer of Rolls Royce, Inc.
(an aircraft engine manufacturer), where he served as Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer from 1974 to 1986. He was the Chairman of the Columbia
University Board of Trustees from 1982 until September 1989. He was President,
Chief Operating Officer and a director of Eastern Airlines, Inc., from 1970 to
1973 and served in various other executive capacities with that company from
1964 to 1969. Mr. Higginbottom was a director of British Aerospace Holdings,
Inc., an aircraft manufacturer, from 1986 to 1999 and was a director of
AmeriFirst Bank from 1986 to 1991. He is Vice Chairman of St. Thomas University,
Miami, Florida.
 
     Paul F. Manieri is a management consultant and retired executive of IBM
Corporation, for which he served in positions for 44 years, including Director
of Manufacturing and Engineering for IBM World Trade Corporation and Director of
Personnel and Director of Communications for IBM Corporation.
 
     Albert Morrison, Jr. has served as President of Morrison, Brown, Argiz &
Company, a certified public accounting firm located in Miami, Florida, since
1971. He has served as the Vice Chairman of the Dade County Industrial
Development Authority since 1983. Mr. Morrison is the Treasurer of the Florida
International University Board of Trustees and has served as a Trustee since
1980. Mr. Morrison also served as a director of Logic Devices, Inc., a computer
electronics company and Walnut Financial Services, Inc., a financial services
company.
 
     Dr. Alan Schriesheim is retired from the Argonne National Laboratory, where
he served as Director from 1984 to 1996. From 1983 to 1984, he served as Senior
Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of Argonne. From 1956 to 1983, Dr.
Schriesheim served in a number of capacities with Exxon Corporation in research
and administration, including positions as General Manager of the Engineering
Technology Department for Exxon Research and Engineering Co. and Director of
Exxon's Corporate Research Laboratories. Dr. Schriesheim is also a director of
Rohm and Haas Company, a chemical company, and a member of the Board of the
Children's Memorial Hospital of Chicago, Illinois.
 
     Guy C. Shafer is retired from Coltec Industries, Inc., formerly Colt
Industries, Inc., (a manufacturer of aviation and automotive equipment), where
he served as Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer from 1987 to 1988, Executive
Vice President from 1985 to 1986 and Group Vice President from 1969 to 1985. Mr.
Shafer has been in the aviation and automotive manufacturing industry since
1946.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   48
 
                       PRINCIPAL AND SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
 
     The following table sets forth some information regarding the beneficial
ownership of the Common Stock and Class A Common Stock as of December 31, 1998
by (i) each person who is known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of
more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock or Class A Common Stock, (ii) the
Chief Executive Officer and the other four most highly compensated executive
officers, (iii) the Selling Shareholder, (iv) each of the directors of the
Company, and (v) all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group.
Except as set forth below, the shareholders named below have sole voting and
investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock shown as being
beneficially owned by them.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED(2)
                                                         ------------------------------------------
                                                                                      CLASS A
                                                            COMMON STOCK           COMMON STOCK
                                                         -------------------    -------------------
        NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER(1)           NUMBER     PERCENT     NUMBER     PERCENT
        ---------------------------------------          ---------   -------    ---------   -------
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>
Mendelson Reporting Group(3)(4)........................  2,109,212    21.83%    1,141,233    23.78%
HEICO Savings and Investment Plan(5)...................  1,315,934    15.69       659,614    15.95
Dr. Herbert A. Wertheim(6).............................  1,136,176    13.54       568,088    13.73
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc.(7).....................    503,577     6.00       251,789     6.09
Rene Plessner Reporting Group(8).......................    448,067     5.34       224,034     5.42
Jacob T. Carwile(9)....................................    135,013     1.59        67,782     1.61
Samuel L. Higginbottom.................................      3,749        *         2,149        *
Paul F. Manieri(10)....................................     85,505     1.01        67,753     1.61
Eric A. Mendelson(11)(4)...............................    427,223     4.94       209,210     4.91
Laurans A. Mendelson(12)(4)............................  1,574,501    17.20       873,579    19.23
Victor H. Mendelson(13)(4).............................    422,052     4.88       206,724     4.85
Albert Morrison, Jr.(14)...............................     17,073        *         8,811        *
Dr. Alan Schriesheim(15)...............................    122,994     1.45        61,772     1.47
Guy C. Shafer..........................................     11,475        *         6,012        *
Thomas S. Irwin(16)....................................    320,705     3.75       160,353     3.80
James L. Reum(17)......................................    113,385     1.33        56,694     1.35
All directors and officers as a group (11
  persons)(18)(4)......................................  2,919,111    28.53     1,572,559    30.74
All directors, officers, the HEICO Savings and
  Investment Plan and the Mendelson Reporting Group as
  a group(4)...........................................  4,235,045    41.39     2,232,173    43.64
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
   * Represents ownership of less than 1%.
 
 (1) Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner identified
     is c/o HEICO Corporation, 3000 Taft Street, Hollywood, Florida 33021.
     Except as otherwise indicated, such beneficial owners have sole voting and
     investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock and Class A
     Common Stock owned by them, except to the extent such power may be shared
     with a spouse.
 (2) The number of shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock deemed
     outstanding prior to this offering includes (i) 8,389,556 shares of Common
     Stock outstanding as of December 31, 1998, (ii) 4,136,106 shares of Class A
     Common Stock outstanding as of December 31, 1998, and (iii) shares issued
     pursuant to options held by the respective person or group which may be
     exercised within 60 days after December 31, 1998 ("presently exercisable
     stock options") as set forth below. Pursuant to the rules of the Securities
     and Exchange Commission, presently exercisable stock options are deemed to
     be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person or group for the
     purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such person or group, but
     are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage
     ownership of any other person or group.
   
 (3) The Mendelson Reporting Group consists of Laurans A. Mendelson; Eric A.
     Mendelson; Victor H. Mendelson; MIC, a corporation whose stock is owned
     solely by Eric and Victor Mendelson and whose Chairman of the Board is
     Laurans A. Mendelson; LAM Limited Partners, a partnership whose sole
     general partner is a corporation controlled by Arlene Mendelson, the wife
     of Laurans A. Mendelson; LAM Alpha Partnership, a partnership whose sole
     general partner is a corporation controlled by Laurans A. Mendelson; and
     the Victor H. Mendelson Revocable Investment Trust, whose grantor, trustee
     and sole presently vested beneficiary is Victor H. Mendelson. Includes
     1,274,568 shares of Common Stock and 662,285 shares of Class A Common Stock
     covered by currently exercisable stock options. Also includes 56,815 shares
     of Common Stock and 90,384 shares of Class A Common Stock held of record by
     employees and former shareholders of the Company's Northwings Accessories
     Corp. subsidiary but subject to a voting proxy held by Laurans A.
    
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   49
 
     Mendelson. See Notes (4), (11) and (12) below. The address of the Mendelson
     Reporting Group is 825 Brickell Bay Drive, 16th Floor, Miami, Florida
     33131.
 (4) The Mendelson Reporting Group, or entities controlled by it, is offering
     300,000 shares of Class A Common Stock in the offering. Assuming no
     exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option, the sale by the
     Mendelson Reporting Group, of the 300,000 shares of Class A Common Stock in
     the offering will result in the following after the offering: (i) the
     Mendelson Reporting Group beneficially owning 841,233 shares of Class A
     Common Stock (10% of the Class A Common Stock); (ii) all directors and
     officers as a group beneficially owning 1,272,559 shares of Class A Common
     Stock (14% of the Class A Common Stock); and (iii) all directors, officers,
     the HEICO Savings and Investment Plan and the Mendelson Reporting Group as
     a group beneficially owning 1,932,173 shares of Class A Common Stock (22%
     of the Class A Common Stock). The Mendelson Reporting Group, or entities
     controlled by them, also may sell up to 300,000 shares of Class A Common
     Stock if the Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised. Full
     exercise of the option will result in the following after the offering: (i)
     the Mendelson Reporting Group beneficially owning 541,233 shares of Class A
     Common Stock (6% of the Class A Common Stock); (ii) all directors and
     officers as a group beneficially owning 972,559 shares of Class A Common
     Stock (11% of the Class A Common Stock); and (iii) all directors, officers,
     the HEICO Savings and Investment Plan and the Mendelson Reporting Group as
     a group beneficially owning 1,632,173 shares of Class A Common Stock (18%
     of the Class A Common Stock).
 (5) Reflects 517,564 shares of Common Stock and 260,429 shares of Class A
     Common Stock allocated to participants' individual accounts and 798,370
     unallocated shares of Common Stock and 399,185 unallocated shares of Class
     A Common Stock as of December 31, 1998. Under the terms of the Plan, all
     shares allocated to the accounts of participating employees will be voted
     or not as directed by written instructions from the participating
     employees, and allocated shares for which no instructions are received and
     all unallocated shares will be voted in the same proportion as the shares
     for which instructions are received. The address of HEICO Savings and
     Investment Plan is c/o Reliance Trust Company, 3384 Peachtree Road NE,
     Suite 900, Atlanta, Georgia 30326.
 (6) The address of Dr. Wertheim is 191 Leucadendra Drive, Coral Gables, Florida
     33156.
 (7) Based on information in a Schedule 13G filed on February 10, 1998, all of
     which shares are held in portfolios of advisory clients of Dimensional, DFA
     Investment Dimensions Group Inc., or DFA Investment Trust Company,
     registered open-end investment companies. The address of Dimensional Fund
     Advisors, Inc. is 1299 Ocean Avenue, Suite 650, Santa Monica, California
     90401.
 (8) Based on information in a Schedule 13D dated January 9, 1997 filed by Mr.
     Plessner individually and as sole Trustee for the Rene Plessner Associates,
     Inc. Profit Sharing Plan. Reflects 279,979 shares of Common Stock and
     139,990 shares of Class A Common Stock held by Mr. Plessner and 168,088
     shares of Common Stock and 84,044 shares of Class A Common Stock held by
     the Rene Plessner Associates, Inc. Profit Sharing Plan, an employee profit
     sharing plan of Rene Plessner Associates, Inc., an executive search
     company. The address of Rene Plessner Reporting Group is 375 Park Avenue,
     New York, NY 10052.
 (9) Reflects 123,538 shares of Common Stock and 61,770 shares of Class A Common
     Stock subject to presently exercisable stock options.
   
(10) Reflects 73,538 shares of Common Stock and 61,770 shares of Class A Common
     Stock subject to presently exercisable stock options.
    
   
(11) Reflects 157,282 shares of Common Stock and 74,140 shares of Class A Common
     Stock held by MIC, 254,918 shares of Common Stock and 127,459 shares of
     Class A Common Stock covered by currently exercisable stock options and
     13,181 shares of Common Stock and 6,591 shares of Class A Common Stock held
     by the HEICO Savings and Investment Plan and allocated to Eric A.
     Mendelson's account and 250 shares of Common Stock and 225 shares of Class
     A Common Stock owned by Eric Mendelson's children. See Note (3) above.
    
(12) Laurans A. Mendelson disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to 157,282
     shares of Common Stock and 74,140 shares of Class A Common Stock,
     respectively, of these shares, which are held in the name of MIC, 16,050
     shares of Common Stock and 8,875 shares of Class A Common Stock which were
     donated to Laurans A. and Arlene H. Mendelson Charitable Foundation, Inc.,
     of which
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   50
 
   
     Mr. Mendelson is president, and 56,815 shares of Common Stock and 90,384
     shares of Class A Common Stock held of record by employees and former
     shareholders of the Company's Northwings subsidiary but subject to a voting
     proxy held by Mr. Mendelson. Includes 560,419 shares of Common Stock and
     283,211 shares of Class A Common Stock held solely by Mr. Mendelson, LAM
     Alpha Limited Partnership or LAM Limited Partners. Also includes 765,105
     shares of Common Stock and 407,554 shares of Class A Common Stock covered
     by currently exercisable stock options and 18,830 shares of Common Stock
     and 9,415 shares of Class A Common Stock held by the HEICO Savings and
     Investment Plan and allocated to Mr. Mendelson's account. See Notes (3),
     (11) and (13).
    
(13) Reflects 157,282 shares of Common Stock and 74,140 shares of Class A Common
     Stock held by MIC, 254,545 shares of Common Stock and 127,272 shares of
     Class A Common Stock covered by currently exercisable stock options, of
     which 156,485 shares of Common Stock and 78,243 shares of Class A Common
     Stock are held by the Victor H. Mendelson Revocable Investment Trust, and
     9,530 shares of Common Stock and 4,765 shares of Class A Common Stock held
     by the HEICO Savings and Investment Plan and allocated to Victor H.
     Mendelson's account and 200 shares of Class A Common Stock owned by Victor
     Mendelson's children. See Note (3) above.
(14) Albert Morrison Jr.'s voting and dispositive power with respect to 15,481
     and 7,740 shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock, respectively, of
     these shares is held indirectly through Sheridan Ventures, Inc., a
     corporation of which Mr. Morrison is the President, but not a shareholder.
(15) Reflects 111,182 shares of Common Stock and 55,592 shares of Class A Common
     Stock subject to presently exercisable stock options.
(16) Reflects 154,309 shares of Common Stock and 84,516 shares of Class A Common
     Stock covered by currently exercisable stock options and 26,491 shares of
     Common Stock and 13,245 shares of Class A Common Stock held by the HEICO
     Savings and Investment Plan and allocated to Thomas S. Irwin's account.
(17) Reflects 106,577 shares of Common Stock and 53,290 shares of Class A Common
     Stock covered by currently exercisable stock options, and 6,808 shares of
     Common Stock and 3,404 shares of Class A Common Stock held by the HEICO
     Savings and Investment Plan and allocated to James L. Reum's account.
(18) Reflects 1,843,712 shares of Common Stock and 979,223 shares of Class A
     Common Stock covered by currently exercisable stock options. The total for
     all directors and officers as a group (11 persons) also includes 74,840
     shares of Common Stock and 37,420 shares of Class A Common Stock held by
     the HEICO Savings and Investment Plan and allocated to accounts of officers
     pursuant to the Plan. See Note (3) above.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   51
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
GENERAL
 
     The Company is authorized to issue 30,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par
value $.01 per share ("Common Stock"), 30,000,000 shares of Class A Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share ("Class A Common Stock"), and 10,000,000 shares
of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share ("Preferred Stock"), of which
200,000 shares have been designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred
Stock (the "Series A Preferred Stock"). As of December 31, 1998, (i) 8,389,556
shares of Common Stock were outstanding and such shares were held by
approximately 1,231 holders of record and (ii) 4,136,106 shares of Class A
Common Stock were outstanding and such shares were held by approximately 1,143
holders of record. None of the Preferred Stock is outstanding.
 
     The following descriptions of the Common Stock, the Class A Common Stock,
the Preferred Stock and the Series A Preferred Stock are based on the Company's
Articles and Bylaws and applicable Florida law.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to one vote for each share owned of
record on all matters presented to the shareholders. In the event of a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of Common
Stock are entitled to share equally and ratably in the assets of the Company, if
any, remaining after the payment of all debts and liabilities of the Company and
the liquidation preference of any outstanding Preferred Stock. The Common Stock
has no preemptive rights, no cumulative voting rights and no redemption, sinking
fund or conversion provisions. Currently, 2,740,602 shares of Common Stock are
reserved for issuance under the Company's stock option plans.
 
     Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends if, as and when
declared by the Board out of funds legally available therefor, subject to the
dividend and liquidation rights of any Preferred Stock that may be issued and
outstanding and subject to any dividend restrictions in the Company's credit
facilities. No dividends or other distributions (including redemptions or
repurchases of shares of capital stock) may be made if after giving effect to
any such dividends or distributions, the Company would not be able to pay its
debts as they become due in the usual course of business or the Company's total
assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that
would be needed at the time of a liquidation to satisfy the preferential rights
of any holders of Preferred Stock.
 
     The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is ChaseMellon
Securities Services, Seattle, Washington.
 
CLASS A COMMON STOCK
 
     Each holder of Class A Common Stock is entitled to the identical rights as
the holders of Common Stock except that each share of Common Stock will entitle
the holder thereof to one vote in respect of matters submitted for the vote of
holders of common stock, whereas each share of Class A Common Stock will entitle
the holder thereof to one-tenth of a vote on such matters. Currently, 1,588,846
shares of Class A Common Stock are reserved for issuance under the Company's
stock option plans.
 
PREFERRED STOCK AND SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The Board of Directors of the Company is authorized, without further
shareholder action, to designate and issue from time to time one or more series
of Preferred Stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock. The Board of
Directors may fix and determine the designations, preferences and relative
rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions of any series of
Preferred Stock so established, including voting powers, dividend rights,
liquidation preferences, redemption rights and conversion privileges. Because
the Board of Directors has the power to establish the preferences and rights of
each series of Preferred Stock, it may afford the holders of any series of
Preferred Stock preferences and rights, voting or otherwise,
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   52
 
senior to the rights of holders of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock.
Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive (i)
distributions or cash dividends in an amount per share equal to 100 times the
aggregate per share amount of all cash dividends declared or paid on the common
stock, (ii) a preferential cash dividend, and (iii) in some circumstances to 100
votes per share. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Board of Directors has
not issued any Preferred Stock or Series A Preferred Stock, and has no plans to
issue any shares of Preferred Stock or Series A Preferred Stock.
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF FLORIDA LAW, THE COMPANY'S
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS, AND THE PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS
 
     Certain provisions of the Articles and Bylaws of the Company and Florida
law summarized in the following paragraphs may be deemed to have an
anti-takeover effect and may discourage, delay, defer or prevent a tender offer
or takeover attempt that a shareholder might consider in its best interest,
including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price
for the shares held by shareholders.
 
     Special Meeting of Shareholders.  The Bylaws provide that special meetings
of shareholders of the Company may be called only by the Company's Chairman of
the Board, the President of the Company or by a majority of the Board. This
provision could make it more difficult for shareholders to take actions opposed
by the Board.
 
     Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Plan.  In November 1993, the Company
declared a distribution of Preferred Stock Purchase Rights (the "Rights") for
each outstanding share of common stock. Such Rights trade with the common stock
and are not exercisable or transferable apart from the common stock until a
person or group acquires 15% or more of the outstanding common stock or commence
or announce an intention to commence a tender offer for 30% or more of the
outstanding common stock. The Rights shall expire on November 2, 2003 and have
some anti-takeover effects that will cause substantial dilution to a person or a
group who attempts to acquire the Company on terms not approved by the Board or
who acquires 15% or more of the outstanding common stock without approval of the
Board.
 
     Advance Notice for Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations.  The
Bylaws provide that shareholders seeking to bring business before an annual
meeting of shareholders, or to nominate candidates for election as directors at
an annual or special meeting of shareholders, must provide timely notice in
writing. To be timely with respect to an annual meeting, a shareholder's notice
must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices
of the Company not less than sixty (60) days nor more than ninety (90) days
prior to the first anniversary of the date of the Company's notice of annual
meeting provided with respect to the previous year's meeting. The Bylaws also
specify certain requirements for a shareholder's notice to be in proper written
form. These provisions may preclude shareholders from bringing matters before or
from making nominations for directors at an annual or special meeting.
 
     Authorized But Unissued Shares.  Subject to the applicable requirements of
the exchange on which the Company's shares are listed, the authorized but
unissued shares of Common Stock, Class A Common Stock, Preferred Stock and
Series A Preferred Stock are available for future issuance without shareholder
approval. These additional shares may be utilized for a variety of corporate
purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital,
corporate acquisitions or employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized
but unissued and unreserved Common Stock, Class A Common Stock, Preferred Stock
and Series A Preferred Stock may enable the Board to issue shares to persons
friendly to current management which could render more difficult or discourage
an attempt to obtain control of the Company by means of a proxy contest, tender
offer, merger or otherwise, and thereby protect the continuity of the Company's
management.
 
     Certain Florida Legislation.  The State of Florida has enacted legislation
that may deter or frustrate takeovers of Florida corporations. The Florida
Control Share Act generally provides that shares acquired in excess of some
specified thresholds will not possess any voting rights unless such voting
rights are approved by a majority of a corporation's disinterested shareholders.
The Florida Affiliated Transactions Act generally requires supermajority
approval by disinterested shareholders of some specified transactions between a
public corporation and holders of more than 10% of the outstanding voting shares
of the
                                       51
<PAGE>   53
 
corporation (or their affiliates). Florida law and the Company's Articles also
authorize the Company to indemnify the Company's directors, officers, employees
and agents under some circumstances and presently limit the personal liability
of corporate directors for monetary damages, except where the directors (i)
breach their fiduciary duties and (ii) such breach constitutes or includes
certain violations of criminal law, a transaction from which the directors
derived an improper personal benefit, some unlawful distributions or some other
reckless, wanton or willful acts or misconduct. The Company may also indemnify
any person who was or is a party to any proceeding by reason of the fact that he
is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such corporation (or is or
was serving at the request of such corporation in such a position for another
entity) against liability to be in the best interests of such corporation and,
with respect to criminal proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe his
conduct was unlawful.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   54
 
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
     Upon completion of the offering, the Company will have 8,389,556 shares of
Common Stock and 7,836,106 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding (assuming
no exercise of any stock options). All of these shares (including the 4,000,000
offered hereby) are or will be tradable without restriction or further
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act")
unless purchased by "affiliates" of the Company, as that term is defined under
Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act ("Rule 144").
 
     All directors and executive officers of the Company, and the Selling
Shareholder, who together, assuming no exercise of the Underwriters'
over-allotment option, will own an aggregate of 2,919,111 and 1,272,559 shares
of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock, respectively (or options to acquire
Common Stock and Class A Common Stock) after the offering, have, subject to
certain exceptions, agreed not to sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of
Common Stock, Class A Common Stock or any other equity stock of the Company
until the expiration of 180 days after the date of this Prospectus without the
prior written consent of the Representatives. See "Underwriting."
 
     The Company is unable to predict the effect that sales of Common Stock or
Class A Common Stock made under Rule 144, pursuant to future registration
statements or otherwise, may have on any then-prevailing market price for shares
of the Common Stock or Class A Common Stock. Nevertheless, sales of a
substantial amount of the Common Stock or Class A Common Stock in the public
market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could materially
adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock or Class A Common Stock as
well as the Company's ability to raise additional capital through the sale of
its equity securities.
 
     An aggregate of up to 2,740,602 and 1,588,846 shares of Common Stock and
Class A Common Stock, respectively, issuable under the Company's stock option
plans (consisting of options currently outstanding to purchase 2,693,203 and
1,416,536 shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock, respectively, and
47,399 and 172,310 shares of Common Stock and Class A Common Stock,
respectively, remaining available for grant or award thereunder) may become
eligible for sale without restriction to the extent they are held by persons who
are not affiliates of the Company and by affiliates pursuant to Rule 144. See
"Principal and Selling Shareholders."
 
                     CERTAIN UNITED STATES TAX CONSEQUENCES
                          TO NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS
 
     The following is a general discussion of certain United States federal
income and estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our Class
A Common Stock by a Non-U.S. Holder. For this purpose, a "Non-U.S. Holder" is
any person who is, for United States federal income tax purposes, a foreign
corporation, a non-resident alien individual, a foreign partnership or a foreign
estate or trust. This discussion does not address all aspects of United States
federal income and estate taxes and does not deal with foreign, state and local
consequences that may be relevant to such Non-U.S. Holders in light of their
personal circumstances. Furthermore, this discussion is based on provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), existing and
proposed regulations promulgated thereunder and administrative and judicial
interpretations thereof, as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to
change (possibly with retroactive effect). EACH PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER OF OUR
CLASS A COMMON STOCK IS ADVISED TO CONSULT A TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO CURRENT
AND POSSIBLE FUTURE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF ACQUIRING, HOLDING AND DISPOSING OF OUR
CLASS A COMMON STOCK AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THE
LAWS OF ANY U.S. STATE, MUNICIPALITY OR OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION.
 
     An individual may, subject to certain exceptions, be deemed to be a
resident alien (as opposed to a non-resident alien) by virtue of being present
in the United States on at least 31 days in the calendar year and for an
aggregate of at least 183 days during a three-year period ending in the current
calendar year (counting for such purposes all of the days present in the current
year, one-third of the days present in the
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   55
 
immediately preceding year, and one-sixth of the days present in the second
preceding year). Resident aliens are subject to U.S. federal tax as if they were
U.S. citizens.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
     Dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder of our Class A Common Stock generally
will be subject to withholding of United States federal income tax either at a
rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividends or at such lower rate as may be
specified by an applicable income tax treaty. However, dividends that are
effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by the Non-U.S.
Holder within the United States and, where a tax treaty applies, are
attributable to a United States permanent establishment of the Non-U.S. Holder,
are not subject to the withholding tax (provided the Non-U.S. Holder files
appropriate documentation with the payor of the dividend), but instead are
subject to United States federal income tax on a net income basis at applicable
graduated individual or corporate rates. Any such effectively connected
dividends received by a foreign corporation may, under certain circumstances, be
subject to an additional "branch profits tax" at a 30% rate or such lower rate
as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.
 
     Under current law, dividends paid to an address outside the United States
are presumed to be paid to a resident of such country (unless the payer has
knowledge to the contrary) for purposes of the withholding tax discussed above
and, under the current interpretation of United States Treasury regulations, for
purposes of determining the applicability of a tax treaty rate. Under recently
finalized United States Treasury regulations (the "Final Regulations"), a
Non-U.S. Holder of our Class A Common Stock who wishes to claim the benefit of
an applicable treaty rate (and avoid back-up withholding as discussed below) for
dividends paid after December 31, 1999, will be required to satisfy applicable
certification and other requirements.
 
     A Non-U.S. Holder of our Class A Common Stock eligible for a reduced rate
of United States withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a
refund of any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund
with the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS").
 
GAIN ON DISPOSITION OF COMMON STOCK
 
     A Non-U.S. Holder will generally not be subject to United States federal
income tax with respect to gain recognized on a sale or other disposition of our
Class A Common Stock unless (i) the gain is effectively connected with a trade
or business of the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States, and, where a tax treaty
applies, is attributable to a United States permanent establishment of the
Non-U.S. Holder, (ii) in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder who is an individual and
holds our Class A Common Stock as a capital asset, such holder is present in the
United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of the sale or other
disposition and certain other conditions are met or (iii) the Company is or has
been a "U.S. real property holding corporation" for United States federal income
tax purposes. The Company believes it is not and does not anticipate becoming a
"U.S. real property holding corporation" for United States federal income tax
purposes.
 
     If an individual Non-U.S. Holder falls under clause (i) above, he will be
taxed on his net gain derived from the sale under regular graduated United
States federal income tax rates. If an individual Non-U.S. Holder falls under
clause (ii) above, he will be subject to a flat 30% tax on the gain derived from
the sale, which may be offset by certain United States capital losses.
 
     If a Non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation falls under clause (i)
above, it will be taxed on its gain under regular graduated United States
federal income tax rates and may be subject to an additional branch profits tax
at a 30% rate, unless it qualifies for a lower rate under an applicable income
tax treaty.
 
     Special Rules may apply to certain Non-U.S. Holders, such as "controlled
foreign corporations," "passive foreign investment companies" and "foreign
personal holding companies" that are subject to special treatment under the
Code. Such entities should consult their own tax advisors to determine the U.S.
federal, state, local and other tax consequences that may be relevant to them.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   56
 
FEDERAL ESTATE TAX
 
     Class A Common Stock held by an individual Non-U.S. Holder at the time of
death will be included in such holders' gross estate for United States federal
estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise.
 
INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING TAX
 
     We must report annually to the IRS and to each Non-U.S. Holder the amount
of dividends paid to such holder and the tax withheld with respect to such
dividends, regardless of whether withholding was required. Copies of the
information returns reporting such dividends and withholding may also be made
available to the tax authorities in the country in which the Non-U.S. Holder
resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.
 
     A backup withholding tax is imposed at the rate of 31% on certain payments
to persons that fail to furnish certain identifying information to the payor.
Under current law, backup withholding generally will not apply to dividends paid
to a Non-U.S. Holder at an address outside the United States (unless the payer
has knowledge that the payee is a U.S. person). Under the Final Regulations,
however, a Non-U.S. Holder will be subject to back-up withholding unless
applicable certification requirements are met.
 
     Payment of the proceeds of a sale of our Class A Common Stock by or through
a United States office of a broker is subject to both backup withholding and
information reporting unless the beneficial owner certifies under penalties of
perjury that it is a Non-U.S. Holder, or otherwise establishes an exemption. In
general, backup withholding and information reporting will not apply to a
payment of the proceeds of a sale of our Class A Common Stock by or through a
foreign office of a broker. If, however, such broker is, for United States
federal income tax purposes a U.S. person, a controlled foreign corporation or a
foreign person that derives 50% or more of its gross income for certain periods
from the conduct of a trade or business in the United States or, for taxable
years beginning after December 31, 1999, a foreign partnership, in which one or
more United States persons, in the aggregate, own more than 50% of the income or
capital interests in the partnership or if the partnership is engaged in a trade
or business in the United States, such payments will not be subject to backup
withholding, but will be subject to information reporting, unless (1) such
broker has documentary evidence in its records that the beneficial owner is a
Non-U.S. Holder and certain other conditions are met or (2) the beneficial owner
otherwise establishes an exemption.
 
     Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules generally will be
allowed as a refund or a credit against such holder's U.S. federal income tax
liability provided the required information is furnished in a timely manner to
the IRS.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   57
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
     Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch"),
Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and ING Baring Furman Selz LLC are acting as
representatives (the "Representatives") of each of the Underwriters named below
(the "Underwriters"). Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in a
purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") among the Company, the Selling
Shareholder and the Underwriters, the Company and the Selling Shareholder
severally have agreed to sell to the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters
severally and not jointly has agreed to purchase from the Company and the
Selling Shareholder, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock set forth
opposite its name below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               NUMBER
UNDERWRITER                                                   OF SHARES
- -----------                                                   ---------
<S>                                                           <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
            Incorporated ...................................
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.............................
ING Baring Furman Selz LLC..................................
                                                              ---------
             Total .........................................  4,000,000
                                                              =========
</TABLE>
 
     In the Purchase Agreement, the several Underwriters have agreed, subject to
the terms and conditions set forth therein, to purchase all of the shares of
Class A Common Stock being sold pursuant to such agreement if any of the shares
of Class A Common Stock being sold pursuant to such agreement are purchased. In
the event of a default by an Underwriter, the Purchase Agreement provides that,
in certain circumstances, the purchase commitments of the nondefaulting
Underwriters may be increased or the Purchase Agreement may be terminated.
 
     The Representatives have advised the Company and the Selling Shareholder
that the Underwriters propose initially to offer the shares of Class A Common
Stock to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover
page of this Prospectus, and to certain dealers at such price less a concession
not in excess of $          per share of Class A Common Stock. The Underwriters
may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of
$          per share of Class A Common Stock to certain other dealers. After the
initial public offering, the public offering price, concession and discount may
be changed.
 
     The Company and the Selling Shareholder have granted an option to the
Underwriters, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this Prospectus, to
purchase up to an aggregate of an additional 300,000 shares and 300,000 shares,
respectively, of Class A Common Stock at the public offering price set forth on
the cover page of this Prospectus, less the underwriting discount. The
Underwriters may exercise this option solely to cover over-allotments, if any,
made on the sale of the Class A Common Stock offered hereby. To the extent that
the Underwriters exercise this option, each Underwriter will be obligated,
subject to certain conditions, to purchase a number of additional shares of
Class A Common Stock proportionate to such Underwriter's initial amount
reflected in the foregoing table.
 
     The following table shows the per share and total public offering price,
underwriting discount to be paid by the Company and the Selling Shareholder to
the Underwriters and the proceeds before expenses to the Company and the Selling
Shareholder. This information is presented assuming either no exercise or full
exercise by the Underwriters of their over-allotment option.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               PER      WITHOUT     WITH
                                                              SHARE     OPTION     OPTION
                                                              ------    -------    ------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>        <C>
Public Offering Price.......................................  $         $          $
Underwriting Discount.......................................  $         $          $
Proceeds, before expenses, to the Company...................  $         $          $
Proceeds to the Selling Shareholder.........................  $         $          $
</TABLE>
 
     The expenses of the offering (exclusive of the underwriting discount) are
estimated at $500,000 and are payable by the Company.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   58
 
     The shares of Class A Common Stock are being offered by the several
Underwriters, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by
them, subject to approval of certain legal matters by counsel for the
Underwriters and certain other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to
withdraw, cancel or modify such offer and to reject orders in whole or in part.
 
     The Company, the Company's executive officers and directors and the Selling
Shareholder have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to directly or
indirectly (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or
contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option,
right or warrant for the sale of or otherwise dispose of or transfer any shares
of Common Stock, Class A Common Stock or other equity stock of the Company or
securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with
Common Stock, Class A Common Stock or other equity stock of the Company, whether
now owned or thereafter acquired by the person executing the agreement or with
respect to which the person executing the agreement thereafter acquires the
power of disposition, or file a registration statement under the Securities Act
with respect to the foregoing or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement
that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequences of ownership of
the Common Stock, Class A Common Stock or other equity stock of the Company,
whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of Common
Stock, Class A Common Stock, or other equity stock of the Company or other
securities, in cash or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Merrill
Lynch on behalf of the Underwriters for a period of 180 days after the date of
this Prospectus.
 
     The Company and the Selling Shareholder have agreed to indemnify the
Underwriters against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under
the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the Underwriters may be
required to make in respect thereof.
 
     Until the distribution of the Class A Common Stock is completed, rules of
the Securities and Exchange Commission may limit the ability of the Underwriters
and certain selling group members to bid for and purchase the Class A Common
Stock. As an exception to these rules, the Representatives are permitted to
engage in certain transactions that stabilize the price of the Class A Common
Stock. Such transactions consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of
pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the Class A Common Stock.
 
     If the Underwriters create a short position in the Class A Common Stock in
connection with the offering, i.e., if they sell more shares of Class A Common
Stock than are set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus, the
Representatives may reduce that short position by purchasing Class A Common
Stock in the open market. The Representatives may also elect to reduce any short
position by exercising all or part of the over-allotment options described
above.
 
     In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to
reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than
it might be in the absence of such purchases.
 
     Neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any representation or
prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions
described above may have on the price of the Class A Common Stock. In addition,
neither the Company nor any of the Underwriters makes any representation that
the Representatives will engage in such transactions or that such transactions,
once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
 
     Each Underwriter has agreed that (i) it has not offered or sold and, prior
to the expiration of the period of six months from the Closing Date, will not
offer to sell any shares of Class A Common Stock to persons in the United
Kingdom, except to persons whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring,
holding, managing or disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the
purposes of their businesses or otherwise in circumstances which do not
constitute an offer to the public in the United Kingdom within the meaning of
the Public Offers of Securities Regulations 1995; (ii) it has complied and will
comply with all applicable provisions of the Financial Services Act 1986 with
respect to anything done by it in relation to the Class A Common Stock in, from
or otherwise involving the United Kingdom; and (iii) it has only issued or
passed on and will only issue or pass on in the United Kingdom any document
received by it in connection with the issuance of Class A Common Stock to a
person who is of a kind described in
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   59
 
Article 11(3) of the Financial Services Act of 1986 (Investment Advertisements)
(Exemptions) Order 1996 or is a person to whom such document may otherwise
lawfully be issued or passed on.
 
     No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction (except in the
United States) that would permit a public offering of the shares of Class A
Common Stock, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this Prospectus
or any other material relating to the Company, the Selling Shareholder or shares
of Class A Common Stock in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is
required. Accordingly, the shares of Class A Common Stock may not be offered or
sold, directly or indirectly, and neither this Prospectus nor any other offering
material or advertisements in connection with the shares of Class A Common Stock
may be distributed or published, in or from any country or jurisdiction except
in compliance with any applicable rules and regulations of any such country or
jurisdiction.
 
     Purchasers of the shares offered hereby may be required to pay stamp taxes
and other charges in accordance with the laws and practices of the country of
purchase in addition to the offering price set forth on the cover page hereof.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the Class A Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon
for the Company by Greenberg Traurig, P.A., Miami, Florida. Certain legal
matters relating to the Class A Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon
for the Underwriters by Shearman & Sterling, New York, New York.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements appearing in and incorporated in this
Prospectus by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended October 31, 1998 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their report appearing in and incorporated
herein by reference, and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report
of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
     The financial statements of McClain International, Inc., at December 31,
1996 and 1997, for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1997,
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Pyke &
Pierce, independent certified public accountants, as set forth in their report
incorporated by reference herein, and are incorporated herein in reliance upon
the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
   
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and in accordance
therewith files periodic reports and other information with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information
statements and other information filed by the Company may be inspected and
copies may be obtained (at prescribed rates) at the Commission's Public
Reference Section, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, as well as
the following Regional Offices of the Commission: Seven World Trade Center, 13th
Floor, New York, New York 10048 and at Northwest Atrium Center, 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of such material can
also be obtained by mail from the Public Reference Section, Securities and
Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20549, upon payment
of prescribed rates. In addition, electronically filed documents, including
reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding the
Company, can be obtained from the Commission's Web site at: http://www.sec.gov.
    
 
     The Company has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") with respect to the
Class A Common Stock offered hereby (the "Registration Statement"). This
Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration
Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto. For further information with
respect to the
                                       58
<PAGE>   60
 
Company and such Class A Common Stock offered hereby, reference is made to the
Registration Statement and the exhibits, schedules and reports filed as part
thereof. Statements contained in the Prospectus with respect to the contents of
any contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement
are not necessarily complete, and in each such instance reference is made to the
copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement. Each such statement is qualified in all respects by such reference to
such exhibit. Copies of all or any part of the Registration Statement, including
the documents incorporated by reference therein or exhibits thereto, may be
obtained upon payment of the prescribed rates at the offices of the Commission
set forth above.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     The following documents filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant
to the Exchange Act are hereby incorporated by reference in this Prospectus:
 
          (1) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
     October 31, 1998;
 
   
          (2) The description of the Common Stock contained in the Company's
     Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated January 27, 1999;
    
 
   
          (3) The description of the Class A Common Stock contained in the
     Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated January 27, 1999;
    
 
          (4) The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 22, 1998,
     as amended by the Form 8-K/A, dated January 15, 1999;
 
   
          (5) The description of the Preferred Stock Purchase Rights contained
     in the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated January 27, 1999;
     and
    
 
          (6) Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form
     8-K, dated August 4, 1998.
 
     All documents filed by the Company pursuant to sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to
the termination of the offering of the Class A Common Stock shall be deemed to
be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. Any statement contained herein
or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained in any subsequently filed document which
also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus.
 
     The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom a Prospectus
is delivered, upon written or oral request of such person, a copy of any and all
of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
(excluding exhibits unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by
reference into such documents). Please direct such requests to the Chief
Financial Officer, HEICO Corporation, 3000 Taft Street, Hollywood, Florida,
33021, telephone number (954) 987-4000.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   61
 
                               HEICO CORPORATION
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>
Independent Auditors' Report................................  F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 31, 1998 and 1997....  F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
  October 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996...........................  F-4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the
  years ended October 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996...............  F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
  October 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996...........................  F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................  F-7
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   62
 
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of HEICO Corporation:
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of HEICO
Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of October 31, 1998 and 1997,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 1998.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of October 31,
1998 and 1997, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended October 31, 1998, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Certified Public Accountants
 
Miami, Florida
December 30, 1998
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   63
 
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                           OCTOBER 31, 1998 AND 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1998          1997
                                                              ------------   -----------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>
                                         ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.................................  $  8,609,000   $24,199,000
  Short-term investments....................................     2,051,000            --
  Accounts receivable, net..................................    19,422,000    12,560,000
  Inventories...............................................    24,327,000    18,359,000
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets.................     1,768,000     1,500,000
  Deferred income taxes.....................................     2,010,000     1,098,000
                                                              ------------   -----------
          Total current assets..............................    58,187,000    57,716,000
Property, plant and equipment, net..........................    14,795,000     8,543,000
Intangible assets, net......................................    53,964,000    13,258,000
Unexpended bond proceeds....................................     2,252,000     5,437,000
Deferred income taxes.......................................       495,000       394,000
Other assets................................................     3,368,000     2,828,000
                                                              ------------   -----------
          Total assets......................................  $133,061,000   $88,176,000
                                                              ============   ===========
 
                          LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Current maturities of long-term debt......................  $    377,000   $   342,000
  Trade accounts payable....................................     6,158,000     4,180,000
  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities............    10,401,000     6,680,000
  Income taxes payable......................................       664,000     1,383,000
                                                              ------------   -----------
          Total current liabilities.........................    17,600,000    12,585,000
Long-term debt, net of current maturities...................    30,143,000    10,458,000
Other non-current liabilities...............................     2,819,000     2,414,000
                                                              ------------   -----------
          Total liabilities.................................    50,562,000    25,457,000
                                                              ------------   -----------
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary................    14,892,000     3,273,000
                                                              ------------   -----------
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2, 5 and 15)
Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share;
     Authorized -- 10,000,000 shares issuable in series,
     200,000 designated as Series A Junior Participating
     Preferred Stock, none issued...........................            --            --
  Common stock, $.01 par value; Authorized -- 30,000,000
     shares; Issued and Outstanding 8,323,036 shares in 1998
     and 8,283,493 in 1997..................................        83,000        83,000
  Class A Common stock, $.01 par value;
     Authorized -- 30,000,000 shares; Issued and Outstanding
     4,140,404 shares in 1998...............................        41,000            --
  Capital in excess of par value............................    34,474,000    35,533,000
  Unrealized loss on investments............................    (1,142,000)           --
  Retained earnings.........................................    36,649,000    26,772,000
                                                              ------------   -----------
                                                                70,105,000    62,388,000
  Less: Note receivable from employee savings and investment
     plan...................................................    (2,498,000)   (2,942,000)
                                                              ------------   -----------
          Total shareholders' equity........................    67,607,000    59,446,000
                                                              ------------   -----------
          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity........  $133,061,000   $88,176,000
                                                              ============   ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   64
 
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1998          1997          1996
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>           <C>
Net sales.............................................  $95,351,000   $63,674,000   $34,565,000
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales.........................................   59,247,000    43,045,000    22,396,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses..........   17,140,000    11,515,000     7,657,000
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
          Total operating costs and expenses..........   76,387,000    54,560,000    30,053,000
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
Operating income......................................   18,964,000     9,114,000     4,512,000
Interest expense......................................     (984,000)     (477,000)     (185,000)
Interest and other income.............................    2,062,000     1,722,000     1,058,000
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
  and minority interest...............................   20,042,000    10,359,000     5,385,000
Income tax expense....................................    6,914,000     3,340,000     1,720,000
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
Income from continuing operations before minority
  interest............................................   13,128,000     7,019,000     3,665,000
Minority interest.....................................    2,619,000            --            --
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
Income from continuing operations.....................   10,509,000     7,019,000     3,665,000
Discontinued operations (Note 13):
Income from discontinued health care operations, net
  of applicable income taxes of $717,000..............           --            --       963,000
Gain on sale of health care operations, net of
  applicable income taxes of $1,719,000...............           --            --     5,264,000
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
Net income............................................  $10,509,000   $ 7,019,000   $ 9,892,000
                                                        ===========   ===========   ===========
Basic income per share:
  From continuing operations..........................  $       .84   $       .58   $       .31
  From discontinued health care operations............           --            --           .08
  From gain on sale of health care operations.........           --            --           .45
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
  Net income per share................................  $       .84   $       .58   $       .84
                                                        ===========   ===========   ===========
Diluted income per share:
  From continuing operations..........................  $       .68   $       .49   $       .28
  From discontinued health care operations............           --            --           .07
  From gain on sale of health care operations.........           --            --           .40
                                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
  Net income per share................................  $       .68   $       .49   $       .75
                                                        ===========   ===========   ===========
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
       Basic..........................................   12,499,079    12,040,359    11,679,584
                                                        ===========   ===========   ===========
       Diluted........................................   15,540,620    14,418,308    13,282,089
                                                        ===========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   65
 
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 CLASS A   CAPITAL IN    UNREALIZED
                                       COMMON    COMMON     EXCESS OF      LOSS ON      RETAINED        NOTE
                                        STOCK     STOCK     PAR VALUE    INVESTMENTS    EARNINGS     RECEIVABLE       TOTAL
                                       -------   -------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                   <C>        <C>       <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Balances, October 31, 1995........... $28,000         --   $ 8,371,000            --   $25,439,000   $(3,692,000)  $30,146,000
Exercise of stock options............   2,000         --     1,562,000            --            --            --     1,564,000
Payment on note receivable from
  employee savings and investment
  plan...............................      --         --            --            --            --       353,000       353,000
Cash dividends ($.038 per share).....      --         --            --            --      (475,000)           --      (475,000)
Three-for-two Common Stock split
  distri-buted April 24, 1996........  14,000         --       (14,000)           --            --            --            --
10% Common Stock dividend paid July
  26, 1996...........................   4,000         --    10,827,000            --   (10,831,000)           --            --
10% Common Stock dividend paid
  January 17, 1997...................   5,000         --    10,127,000            --   (10,132,000)           --            --
Other................................      --         --         8,000            --            --            --         8,000
Net income for the year..............      --         --            --            --     9,892,000            --     9,892,000
                                       -------   -------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
Balances, October 31, 1996...........  53,000         --    30,881,000            --    13,893,000    (3,339,000)   41,488,000
Exercise of stock options............   1,000         --     1,117,000            --            --            --     1,118,000
Payment on note receivable from
  employee savings and investment
  plan...............................      --         --            --            --            --       397,000       397,000
Cash dividends ($.045 per share).....      --         --            --            --      (548,000)           --      (548,000)
Stock issued in acquisition..........   2,000         --     3,542,000            --            --            --     3,544,000
Excess of purchase price over book
  value on sale of minority
  interest...........................      --         --            --            --     6,427,000            --     6,427,000
Three-for-two Common Stock split
  distri-buted December 16, 1997.....  27,000         --       (27,000)           --            --            --            --
Other................................      --         --        20,000            --       (19,000)           --         1,000
Net income for the year..............      --         --            --            --     7,019,000            --     7,019,000
                                       -------   -------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
Balances, October 31, 1997...........  83,000         --    35,533,000            --    26,772,000    (2,942,000)   59,446,000
Distribution of one share of Class A
  Common Stock for each two shares of
  Common Stock made April 23, 1998...      --     42,000       (42,000)           --            --            --            --
Repurchase of stock (58,300 shares of
  Common Stock and 75,400 shares of
  Class A Common Stock)..............  (1,000)    (1,000)   (2,036,000)           --            --            --    (2,038,000)
Unrealized loss on investments.......      --         --            --    (1,142,000)           --            --    (1,142,000)
Exercise of stock options (115,270
  shares of Common Stock and 38,675
  shares of Class A Common Stock)....   1,000         --       956,000            --            --            --       957,000
Payment on note receivable from
  employee savings and investment
  plan...............................      --         --            --            --            --       444,000       444,000
Cash dividends ($.05 per share)......      --         --            --            --      (643,000)           --      (643,000)
Other................................      --         --        63,000            --        11,000            --        74,000
Net income for the year..............      --         --            --            --    10,509,000            --    10,509,000
                                      -------    -------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
Balances, October 31, 1998........... $83,000    $41,000   $34,474,000   $(1,142,000)  $36,649,000   $(2,498,000)  $67,607,000
                                      =======    =======   ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   66
 
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1998          1997          1996
                                                              -----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income..................................................  $10,509,000   $ 7,019,000   $ 9,892,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by
  operating activities:
  Gain from sale of health care operations..................           --            --    (5,264,000)
  Depreciation and amortization.............................    2,761,000     1,624,000     2,107,000
  Deferred income taxes.....................................     (342,000)     (486,000)   (1,048,000)
  Deferred financing costs..................................   (1,039,000)     (144,000)     (159,000)
  Minority interest in consolidated subsidiary..............    2,619,000            --            --
  Change in assets and liabilities:
    (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable..............   (3,822,000)   (2,713,000)      166,000
    (Increase) in inventories...............................   (4,642,000)   (2,912,000)   (3,283,000)
    (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other
      current assets........................................     (182,000)     (605,000)      111,000
    (Increase) in unexpended bond proceeds..................     (229,000)     (222,000)           --
    Increase (decrease) in trade payables, accrued expenses
      and other current liabilities.........................    4,653,000      (215,000)      (14,000)
    (Decrease) increase in income taxes payable.............     (961,000)      118,000      (983,000)
    Increase in other non-current liabilities...............           --       266,000       251,000
    Other...................................................      214,000       (14,000)      (84,000)
                                                              -----------   -----------   -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities...................    9,539,000     1,716,000     1,692,000
                                                              -----------   -----------   -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisitions:
  Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired.............  (45,627,000)   (6,737,000)   (6,555,000)
  Contingent note payments of discontinued health care
    operations..............................................           --            --    (1,106,000)
Proceeds from sale of health care operations, net of cash
  sold of $304,000..........................................           --            --    13,524,000
(Purchase) sale of short-term investments...................   (3,864,000)           --     2,939,000
Purchases of property, plant and equipment..................   (6,171,000)   (3,551,000)   (3,227,000)
Payment received from employee savings and investment plan
  note receivable...........................................      444,000       397,000       353,000
Sale of note receivable.....................................           --    10,000,000            --
Other.......................................................     (171,000)     (268,000)     (371,000)
                                                              -----------   -----------   -----------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities.........  (55,389,000)     (159,000)    5,557,000
                                                              -----------   -----------   -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt:
  Proceeds from revolving credit facility...................   25,000,000            --            --
  Bond reimbursement proceeds...............................    3,384,000     1,427,000       851,000
  Other.....................................................       95,000       845,000       492,000
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options.................      957,000     1,118,000     1,525,000
Repurchases of common stock.................................   (2,038,000)           --            --
Principal payments on long-term debt........................   (5,493,000)     (926,000)   (3,289,000)
Cash dividends paid.........................................     (643,000)     (548,000)     (475,000)
Proceeds from sale of minority interest, net of expenses....           --     9,700,000            --
Additional minority interest investments....................    9,000,000            --            --
Other.......................................................       (2,000)        1,000         8,000
                                                              -----------   -----------   -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities.........   30,260,000    11,617,000      (888,000)
                                                              -----------   -----------   -----------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents........  (15,590,000)   13,174,000     6,361,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year..............   24,199,000    11,025,000     4,664,000
                                                              -----------   -----------   -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year....................  $ 8,609,000   $24,199,000   $11,025,000
                                                              ===========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   67
 
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
 
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
NATURE OF BUSINESS
 
     HEICO Corporation (the Company), through its principal subsidiaries HEICO
Aerospace Holdings Corp. (HEICO Aerospace) and HEICO Aviation Products Corp.
(HEICO Aviation) and their subsidiaries, is engaged in the design, manufacture
and sale of aerospace products and services throughout the United States and
abroad. HEICO Aerospace's subsidiaries include HEICO Aerospace Corporation, Jet
Avion Corporation (Jet Avion), LPI Industries Corporation (LPI), Aircraft
Technology, Inc. (Aircraft Technology), Northwings Accessories Corporation
(Northwings), McClain International, Inc. (McClain) (Note 2), Associated
Composite, Inc. (ACI) (Note 2) and Rogers-Dierks, Inc. acquired December 1998
(Note 2). HEICO Aviation's subsidiary is Trilectron Industries, Inc.
(Trilectron). The Company's customer base is primarily the commercial airline
industry. As of October 31, 1998, the Company's principal operations are located
in Atlanta, Georgia and Hollywood, Miami and Palmetto, Florida.
 
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned except for HEICO Aerospace,
of which a 20% interest was sold to Lufthansa Technik AG (Lufthansa) in October
1997 (see Note 2). All significant intercompany balances and transactions are
eliminated.
 
USE OF ESTIMATES
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
     For purposes of the consolidated financial statements, the Company
considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of
three months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
INVENTORIES
 
     Portions of the inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with
cost being determined on the first-in, first-out basis. The remaining portions
of the inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, on a per contract
basis, with estimated total contract costs being allocated ratably to all units.
The effects of changes in estimated total contract costs are recognized in the
period determined. Losses, if any, are recognized fully when identified.
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation and
amortization is provided mainly on the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of the various assets. Property, plant and equipment useful lives
are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Buildings and components....................................  7 to 55 years
Building and leasehold improvements.........................  3 to 15 years
Machinery and equipment.....................................  3 to 20 years
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   68
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The costs of major renewals and betterments are capitalized. Repairs and
maintenance are charged to operations as incurred. Upon disposition, the cost
and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any
related gain or loss is reflected in earnings.
 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
     Intangible assets include the excess of cost over the fair value of net
assets acquired and deferred charges which are amortized on the straight-line
method over their legal or estimated useful lives, whichever is shorter, as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Excess of cost over the fair market value of net assets
  acquired..................................................  20 to 40 years
Deferred charges............................................   3 to 20 years
</TABLE>
 
     The Company reviews the carrying value of the excess of cost over the fair
value of net assets acquired (goodwill) for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that it may not be recoverable. An impairment
would be recognized in operating results, based upon the difference between each
consolidated entities' respective present value of future cash flows and the
carrying value of the goodwill, if a permanent diminution in value were to
occur.
 
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable,
accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate
fair value due to the relatively short maturity of the respective instruments.
The carrying value of long-term debt approximates fair market value due to its
floating interest rates.
 
     Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of temporary cash investments
and trade receivables. The Company places its temporary cash investments with
high credit quality financial institutions and limits the amount of credit
exposure to any one financial institution. Concentrations of credit risk with
respect to trade receivables are limited due to the large number of customers
comprising the Company's customer base, and their dispersion across many
different geographical regions.
 
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
     Revenue is recognized on an accrual basis, primarily upon shipment of
products and the rendering of services. Certain contracts of Trilectron are
long-term contracts and the related net costs and estimated earnings in excess
of billings, if any, are included in accounts receivable on a percentage of
completion basis.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
     Deferred income taxes are provided on elements of income that are
recognized for financial accounting purposes in periods different from such
items recognized for income tax purposes in accordance with the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes."
 
NET INCOME PER SHARE
 
     Basic net income per share is calculated on the basis of the weighted
average number of shares outstanding during the period, excluding dilution.
Diluted net income per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average
number of shares outstanding during the period plus common share equivalents
arising from the assumed exercise of stock options, if dilutive. The dilutive
impact of common share
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   69
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
equivalents is determined by applying the treasury stock method. Per share
information for fiscal 1997 and 1996 have been restated in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 128, "Earnings Per Share."
 
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
 
     Effective November 1, 1996, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123, "Stock Based
Compensation." This statement requires the Company to choose between two
different methods of accounting for stock options. The statement defines a
fair-value-based method of accounting for stock options but allows an entity to
continue to measure compensation cost for stock options using the intrinsic
value method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (APB)
Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." The Company has
elected to continue using the accounting methods prescribed by APB No. 25 and to
provide in Note 10 the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS No. 123.
 
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
     In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS
No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." SFAS No. 130 establishes standards
for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full
set of general purpose financial statements. SFAS No. 130 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. Adoption of this statement will
not impact the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations
or cash flows, and any effect will be limited to the form and content of its
disclosures. The Company intends to adopt the provisions of this statement in
fiscal 1999.
 
     In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131, establishes standards for
the way that public companies report selected information about operating
segments in annual financial statements and requires that those companies report
selected information about segments in interim financial reports issued to
shareholders. It also establishes standards for related disclosures about
products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. SFAS No. 131 is
effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
1997, with earlier application permitted. Adoption of this statement will not
impact the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or
cash flows, and any effect will be limited to the form and content of its
disclosures. The Company intends to adopt the provisions of this statement in
fiscal 1999.
 
     In February 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures
about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." SFAS 132 standardizes the
disclosure requirements of SFAS 87, 88 and 106 to the extent practicable and
recommends a parallel format for presenting information about pensions and other
postretirement benefits. SFAS 132 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1997. Adoption of this statement will not impact the Company's
consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, and any
effect will be limited to the form and content of its disclosures. The Company
intends to adopt the provisions of this statement in fiscal 1999.
 
2. STRATEGIC ALLIANCE AND ACQUISITIONS
 
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE AND SALE OF MINORITY INTEREST IN CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY
 
     In October 1997, the Company entered into a strategic alliance with
Lufthansa, the technical services subsidiary of Lufthansa German Airlines,
whereby Lufthansa agreed to invest approximately $26 million in HEICO Aerospace,
including $10 million paid at closing pursuant to a stock purchase agreement and
approximately $16 million to be paid to HEICO Aerospace over three years
pursuant to a research and development cooperation agreement, which will
partially fund accelerated development of additional
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   70
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved replacement parts for jet
engines. The funds received as a result of the research and development
cooperation agreement reduce research and development expenses in the period
such expenses are incurred. In addition, Lufthansa and HEICO Aerospace have
agreed to cooperate regarding technical services and marketing support for jet
engine parts on a worldwide basis.
 
     As part of the strategic alliance, the Company sold 20% of HEICO Aerospace
(200 shares) with an approximate book value of $3,273,000 to Lufthansa for $10
million. The Company's accounting policy is to treat the sale of a subsidiary's
stock as an equity transaction, recording the difference between the purchase
price, net of transaction costs incurred, and book value of the subsidiary, to
the subsidiary's retained earnings. As a result of this sale, $6,427,000 was
recorded as an increase to the retained earnings of the Company in the
consolidated financial statements.
 
     In connection with subsequent acquisitions by HEICO Aerospace, Lufthansa
invested additional amounts pursuant to its option to maintain a 20% equity
interest as described below.
 
ACQUISITIONS
 
     In September 1996, the Company, through a subsidiary, acquired effective as
of September 1, 1996 all of the outstanding stock of Trilectron for $6.6 million
in cash and the assumption of debt aggregating $2.3 million. Trilectron is a
leading manufacturer of ground support equipment for civil and military aircraft
and a designer and manufacturer of certain military electronics.
 
     The acquisition of Trilectron has been accounted using the purchase method
of accounting and the purchase price has been assigned to the net assets
acquired based on the fair value of such assets and liabilities at the date of
acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the
identifiable net assets acquired amounted to $2,838,000, which is being
amortized over 20 years using the straight line method. The results of
operations of Trilectron are included in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations from September 1, 1996.
 
     Pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company, through a subsidiary,
acquired effective as of September 1, 1997 all of the outstanding stock of
Northwings. In consideration of this acquisition, the Company paid approximately
$6.7 million in cash and 232,360 shares of the Company's common stock, having an
aggregate fair value of approximately $3.5 million. Northwings is an
FAA-authorized overhaul and repair facility servicing aircraft engine components
and airframe accessories.
 
     The acquisition of Northwings has been accounted for using the purchase
method of accounting and the purchase price has been assigned to the net assets
acquired based on the fair value of such assets and liabilities at the date of
acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the
identifiable net assets acquired amounted to $8,395,000, which is being
amortized over 20 years using the straight line method. The results of
operations of Northwings are included in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations from September 1, 1997.
 
     On July 31, 1998, the Company, through a subsidiary, acquired all of the
outstanding capital stock of McClain, located in Atlanta, GA. In consideration
of this acquisition, the Company paid approximately $41 million in cash. The
Company also purchased from one of McClain's selling shareholders, McClain's
headquarters and manufacturing facility for $2.5 million in cash. The purchase
price will be adjusted based on the final determination of the actual net worth
of McClain as of July 31, 1998. McClain designs, manufactures and overhauls
FAA-approved aircraft jet engine replacement components.
 
     The source of the purchase price was $10 million from available funds, $9
million from an additional minority interest investment by Lufthansa and $25
million from proceeds of a $120 million revolving credit facility (see Note 4).
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   71
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The acquisition of McClain has been accounted for using the purchase method
of accounting. The purchase price has been assigned to the net assets acquired
based on the fair value of such assets and liabilities at the date of
acquisition. The excess of purchase price over the fair value of the
identifiable net assets acquired amounted to $37.7 million, which is being
amortized over 30 years using the straight line method. Results of operations of
McClain are included in the Company's results effective August 1, 1998.
 
     On October 19, 1998, the Company, through a subsidiary, acquired all of the
outstanding capital stock of ACI for $1.3 million in cash. The purchase price
will be adjusted based on the final determination of the actual net worth of ACI
as of October 19, 1998. ACI is an FAA-licensed repair and overhaul company. The
source of the purchase price was from available funds. The acquisition has been
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The purchase price has
been assigned to the net assets acquired based on the fair value of such assets
and liabilities at the date of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price
over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired was insignificant.
Results of operations for ACI are included in the Company's results effective
October 20, 1998.
 
     The costs of each acquisition have been allocated to the assets acquired
and liabilities assumed based on their fair values at the date of acquisition as
determined by management. The allocation of the costs of acquisitions of McClain
and ACI is preliminary while the Company obtains final information regarding the
fair values of all assets acquired; however, management believes that any
adjustments to the amounts allocated will not have a material effect on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.
 
     Effective December 4, 1998, the Company, through a subsidiary, acquired
substantially all of the assets of Rogers-Dierks. In consideration of this
acquisition, the Company paid $14.1 million in cash at the closing, and
committed to pay $1.1 million in deferred payments over the next two years. The
source of the purchase price was proceeds from the Company's $120 million
revolving credit facility. Subject to meeting certain earnings objectives, the
former shareholders' of Rogers-Dierks could receive additional consideration of
up to $7.3 million payable in cash or shares of the Company's Class A Common
Stock. The purchase price will be adjusted based on the final determination of
the actual net worth of the net assets acquired as of December 4, 1998. This
acquisition is being accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and
the results of operations of Rogers-Dierks will be included in the Company's
results effective December 4, 1998.
 
     Rogers-Dierks formerly designed and manufactured FAA-approved, factory-new
jet engine replacement parts for sale to commercial airlines. The Company
intends to continue to use the acquired assets for the same purposes as formerly
used by Rogers-Dierks.
 
     Subsequent to the closing of the transaction, Lufthansa made an additional
investment of $3 million in HEICO Aerospace representing 20% of the initial cash
consideration.
 
     The following table presents unaudited pro forma consolidated operating
results as if the Company's sale of a 20% minority interest in HEICO Aerospace
to Lufthansa and its acquisitions of Northwings, McClain and Rogers-Dierks had
been consummated as of November 1, 1996. The pro forma impact of ACI is not
significant. The unaudited pro forma results include adjustments to historical
amounts including additional amortization of the excess of costs over the fair
value of net assets acquired, increased interest on borrowings to finance the
acquisitions, discontinuance of certain compensation previously paid by the
acquired companies to their shareholders, reduced investment income on available
funds used to finance the acquisitions, and the incremental minority interest of
Lufthansa in the net income of the acquired companies. The unaudited pro forma
consolidated operating results for fiscal 1997 do not include any income
received from the aforementioned research and development cooperation agreement
with Lufthansa or the gain on the sale of the 20% minority interest referenced
above. The pro forma consolidated operating results do not purport to present
actual operating results had the acquisition been made at the beginning of
fiscal 1997, or the results which may occur in the future.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   72
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1998          1997
                                                              ------------   -----------
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>
Net sales...................................................  $112,421,000   $89,805,000
                                                              ============   ===========
Income before minority interest.............................  $ 15,576,000   $10,788,000
                                                              ============   ===========
Minority interest...........................................  $ (3,438,000)  $(2,944,000)
                                                              ============   ===========
Net income..................................................  $ 12,138,000   $ 7,844,000
                                                              ============   ===========
Net income per share:
  Basic.....................................................  $       0.97   $      0.64
                                                              ============   ===========
  Diluted...................................................  $       0.78   $      0.53
                                                              ============   ===========
</TABLE>
 
3. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
 
     Short-term investments consist of equity securities with an aggregate cost
of $3,864,000 as of October 31, 1998. These investments are classified as
available-for-sale and stated at a fair value of $2,051,000 as of October 31,
1998. The gross unrealized losses were $1,813,000 as of October 31, 1998. There
were no short-term investments during the year ended October 31, 1997.
Unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, are reflected as an
adjustment to shareholders' equity. Gross realized gains on sales of securities
classified as available-for-sale, using the average cost method, were $288,000
for fiscal 1998. There were no realized losses during these periods.
 
4. CREDIT FACILITIES AND LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     Long-term debt consists of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     OCTOBER 31,
                                                              -------------------------
                                                                 1998          1997
                                                              -----------   -----------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>
Borrowings under revolving credit facility..................  $20,000,000   $        --
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds -- Series 1997A........    3,000,000     3,000,000
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds -- Series 1997C and
  1997B.....................................................      995,000     1,000,000
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds -- Series 1996.........    3,500,000     3,500,000
Industrial Development Revenue Refunding Bonds -- Series
  1988......................................................    1,980,000     1,980,000
Equipment loans.............................................    1,045,000     1,320,000
                                                              -----------   -----------
                                                               30,520,000    10,800,000
Less current maturities.....................................     (377,000)     (342,000)
                                                              -----------   -----------
                                                              $30,143,000   $10,458,000
                                                              ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
     The amount of long-term debt maturing in each of the next five years is
$377,000 in fiscal 1999, $328,000 in fiscal 2000, $1,476,000 in fiscal 2001,
$5,114,000 in fiscal 2002, $5,000,000 in 2003 and $18,225,000 thereafter. The
amount of long-term debt maturing in each of the next five years assumes the
outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility of $20,000,000 will
be converted to term loans in July 2001 and amortized over a four year period in
accordance with the terms of the facility.
 
REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY
 
     In July 1998, the Company entered into a $120 million revolving credit
facility (Credit Facility) with a bank syndicate replacing its $7 million credit
facility. Funds are available for funding acquisitions, working capital and
general corporate requirements on a revolving basis through July 2001. The
Credit Facility may be extended by mutual consent through July 2003. The Company
has the option to convert outstanding advances to term loans amortizing over a
five year period, with a maximum Credit Facility
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   73
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
term of seven years. Outstanding borrowings bear interest at the Company's
choice of prime rate or London Interbank Offering Rates (LIBOR) plus applicable
margins. The applicable margins range from .00% to .50% for prime rate
borrowings and from .75% to 2.00% for LIBOR based borrowings depending on the
leverage ratio of the Company. A fee of .20% to .40% is charged on the amount of
the unused commitment depending on the leverage ratio of the Company. The Credit
Facility is secured by all the assets, excluding real estate, of the Company and
its subsidiaries and contains covenants which, among other things, requires the
maintenance of certain working capital, leverage and debt service ratios as well
as minimum net worth requirements. At October 31, 1998, the Company had a total
of $20 million borrowed under the Credit Facility at an interest rate of 6.38%,
which was borrowed to partially fund the acquisition of McClain (Note 2).
 
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT REVENUE BONDS
 
     The industrial development revenue bonds represent bonds issued by Manatee
County, Florida in 1997 (the 1997 bonds), and bonds issued by Broward County,
Florida in 1996 (the 1996 bonds) and in 1988 (the 1988 bonds).
 
     The Series 1997A and 1997B bonds were issued in March 1997 in the amounts
of $3,000,000 and $1,000,000, respectively, for the purpose of constructing and
purchasing equipment for a new facility in Palmetto, Florida. In November 1997,
the Series 1997B bonds were refinanced by the issuance of Series 1997C bonds. As
of October 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company had been reimbursed $3,384,000 and
$80,000 for such expenditures, and the balance of the unexpended bond proceeds
of $785,000 and $4,044,000, respectively, including investment earnings, was
held by the trustee and is available for future qualified expenditures. The
Series 1997A and 1997C bonds bear interest at variable rates calculated weekly
(3.25% at October 31, 1998). The 1997A and 1997C bonds are due March 2017 and
are secured by a letter of credit expiring in March 2004 and a mortgage on the
related properties pledged as collateral. The letter of credit requires annual
sinking fund payments of $200,000 beginning in March 1998.
 
     The 1996 bonds are due October 2011 and bear interest at a variable rate
calculated weekly (3.20% at October 31, 1998). The 1996 bonds are secured by a
letter of credit expiring in October 2001 and a mortgage on the related
properties pledged as collateral. The letter of credit requires annual sinking
fund payments beginning October 2000 in the amount of $187,500. As of October
31, 1998 and 1997, the balance of the unexpended bond proceeds of $1,467,000 and
$1,393,000, respectively, including investment earnings, was held by the trustee
and is available for future qualified expenditures.
 
     The 1988 bonds are due April 2008 and bear interest at a variable rate
calculated weekly (3.05% at October 31, 1998). The 1988 bonds are secured by a
letter of credit expiring in February 1999, a bond sinking fund ($8,250 payable
monthly) and a mortgage on the related properties pledged as collateral.
 
EQUIPMENT LOAN FACILITY
 
     In March 1994, a bank committed to advance up to $2,000,000 through
December 1998, as amended, for the purpose of purchasing equipment to be used in
the Company's operations. Each term loan is limited to 80% of the purchase price
of the related equipment and is repayable up to a maximum of 60 months with
interest at a rate equal to prime rate (as defined). The term loans are secured
by collateral representing the related purchased equipment. Equipment loans
beared interest at rates ranging from 8.25% to 8.75% as of October 31, 1998.
 
5. LEASE COMMITMENTS
 
     The Company leases certain property and equipment, including manufacturing
facilities and office equipment under operating leases. Some of these leases
provide the Company with the option after the
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   74
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
initial lease term either to purchase the property at the then fair market value
or renew its lease at the then fair rental value. Generally, management expects
that leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases in the normal course of
business.
 
     Minimum payments for operating leases having initial or remaining
noncancelable terms in excess of one year are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Year ending October 31,
1999........................................................  $  521,000
2000........................................................     451,000
2001........................................................     327,000
2002........................................................     208,000
2003........................................................     161,000
After 2003..................................................     107,000
                                                              ----------
Total minimum lease commitments.............................  $1,775,000
                                                              ==========
</TABLE>
 
     Total rent expense charged to continuing operations for operating leases in
fiscal 1998, fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996 amounted to $319,000, $240,000 and
$166,000, respectively. Included in the fiscal 1998 and 1997 rent expense was
approximately $73,000 and $12,000, respectively, paid to a related party for the
month-to-month lease of the Northwings facility.
 
6. INCOME TAXES
 
     The provision for income taxes on income from continuing operations for
each of the three years ended October 31, is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1998         1997         1996
                                                    ----------   ----------   -----------
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>          <C>
Current:
  Federal.........................................  $6,687,000   $3,468,000   $ 4,084,000
  State...........................................     569,000      358,000       459,000
                                                    ----------   ----------   -----------
                                                     7,256,000    3,826,000     4,543,000
Deferred..........................................    (342,000)    (486,000)     (387,000)
                                                    ----------   ----------   -----------
Total income tax expense..........................   6,914,000    3,340,000     4,156,000
Less income taxes for discontinued health care
  operations......................................          --           --    (2,436,000)
                                                    ----------   ----------   -----------
Income taxes on income from continuing
  operations......................................  $6,914,000   $3,340,000   $ 1,720,000
                                                    ==========   ==========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
     A deferred tax benefit of $671,000, relating to gross unrealized losses on
available-for-sale equity securities, was recorded as an adjustment to
shareholders' equity in fiscal 1998.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   75
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The following table reconciles the federal statutory tax rate to the
Company's effective rate for continuing operations:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1998    1997    1996
                                                              ----    ----    ----
<S>                                                           <C>     <C>     <C>
Federal statutory tax rate..................................  35.0%   34.0%   34.0%
State taxes, less applicable federal income tax reduction...   2.1     1.9     2.3
Tax benefits on export sales................................  (2.1)   (3.6)   (5.1)
Tax benefits from tax free investments......................   (.2)   (1.0)   (1.1)
Nondeductible amortization of intangible assets.............    .8      .5      .3
Other, net..................................................  (1.1)     .4     1.5
                                                              ----    ----    ----
          Effective tax rate................................  34.5%   32.2%   31.9%
                                                              ====    ====    ====
</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 as of October 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 OCTOBER 31,
                                                     ------------------------------------
                                                        1998         1997         1996
                                                     ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Inventory..........................................  $  486,000   $  571,000   $  600,000
Bad debt allowances................................     119,000      124,000       62,000
Deferred compensation liability....................     586,000      445,000      148,000
Vacation accruals..................................     222,000      121,000      147,000
Customer rebates and credits.......................     511,000      169,000      860,000
Retirement plan liability..........................     183,000      156,000           --
Warranty accruals..................................     243,000      256,000       94,000
Unrealized loss on short-term investments..........     671,000           --           --
Other..............................................          --      113,000      147,000
                                                     ----------   ----------   ----------
          Total deferred tax assets................   3,021,000    1,955,000    2,058,000
                                                     ----------   ----------   ----------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Accelerated depreciation...........................     259,000      436,000      927,000
Intangible asset amortization......................     176,000       22,000      345,000
Retirement plan liability..........................          --           --     (127,000)
Other..............................................      81,000        5,000       (8,000)
                                                     ----------   ----------   ----------
          Total deferred tax liabilities...........     516,000      463,000    1,137,000
                                                     ----------   ----------   ----------
          Net deferred tax asset...................  $2,505,000   $1,492,000   $  921,000
                                                     ==========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
7. STOCK DIVIDENDS AND SPLITS
 
     In December 1996, June 1996 and December 1995, the Company's Board of
Directors declared 10% stock dividends that were paid in January 1997, July 1996
and February 1996, respectively. In March 1996 and November 1997, the Company's
Board of Directors declared three-for-two stock splits that were distributed in
April 1996 and December 1997, respectively. In March 1998, the Company's Board
of Directors declared a stock distribution payable of one share of
newly-authorized Class A Common Stock to each shareholder of Common Stock for
each two shares of Common Stock held. The Class A Common Stock distribution was
made on April 23, 1998 to shareholders of record on April 9, 1998. The 10% stock
dividends were valued based on the closing market prices of the Company's stock
as of the respective
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   76
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
declaration dates. All income per share, dividend per share, stock options and
common shares outstanding information has been retroactively restated to reflect
these stock dividends and splits.
 
8. PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS PLAN
 
     In November 1993, pursuant to a plan adopted by the Board of Directors on
such date, the Board declared a distribution of one Preferred Stock Purchase
Right (the Rights) for each outstanding share of common stock of the Company.
The Rights trade with the common stock and are not exercisable or transferable
apart from the Common Stock and Class A Common Stock until after a person or
group either acquires 15% or more of the outstanding common stock or commences
or announces an intention to commence a tender offer for 30% or more of the
outstanding common stock. Absent either of the aforementioned events
transpiring, the Rights will expire at the close of business on November 2,
2003.
 
     The Rights have certain anti-takeover effects and, therefore, will cause
substantial dilution to a person or group who attempts to acquire the Company on
terms not approved by the Company's Board of Directors or who acquires 15% or
more of the outstanding common stock without approval of the Company's Board of
Directors. The Rights should not interfere with any merger or other business
combination approved by the Board since they may be redeemed by the Company at
$.01 per Right at any time until the close of business on the tenth day after a
person or group has obtained beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the
outstanding common stock or until a person commences or announces an intention
to commence a tender offer for 30% or more of the outstanding common stock.
 
9. COMMON STOCK AND CLASS A COMMON STOCK
 
     Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share. Each share of
Class A Common Stock is entitled to a 1/10 vote per share. Holders of the
Company's Common Stock and Class A Common Stock are entitled to receive when, as
and if declared by the Board of Directors dividends and other distributions
payable in cash, property, stock, or otherwise. In the event of liquidation,
after payment of debts and other liabilities of the Company, and after making
provision for the holders of preferred stock, if any, the remaining assets of
the Company will be distributable ratably among the holders of all classes of
common stock.
 
10. STOCK OPTIONS
 
     The Company currently has two stock option plans, the 1993 Stock Option
Plan (1993 Plan) and the Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan (NQSOP). In March 1998,
March 1997 and March 1996, shareholders of the Company approved increases in the
number of shares issuable pursuant to the 1993 Plan by 586,865, 596,421 and
565,151, respectively. In September 1996, the Board of Directors reserved
157,905 shares for the issuance of non-qualified stock options in conjunction
with the purchase of Trilectron. Under the terms of the plans, a total of
2,807,122 Common and 1,589,748 Class A Common shares of the Company's stock are
reserved for issuance to directors, officers and key employees as of October 31,
1998. Options issued under the 1993 Plan may be designated incentive stock
options (ISO) or non-qualified stock options (NQSO). ISOs are granted at not
less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of grant (110% thereof in
certain cases) and are exercisable in percentages specified at date of grant
over a period up to ten years. Only employees are eligible to receive ISOs.
NQSOs may be granted at less than fair market value and may be immediately
exercisable. Options granted under the NQSOP may be granted to directors,
officers and employees at no less than the fair market value at the date of
grant and are generally exercisable in four equal annual installments commencing
one year from date of grant.
 
     All stock option share and price per share information has been
retroactively restated for stock dividends and splits.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   77
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Information concerning all of the stock option transactions for the three
years ended October 31, 1998 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  SHARES UNDER OPTION
                                                   SHARES      --------------------------
                                                 AVAILABLE                     PRICE
                                                 FOR OPTION     SHARES       PER SHARE
                                                 ----------    ---------   --------------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>         <C>
Outstanding, October 31, 1995..................    255,884     3,177,371   $1.46 - $ 3.98
Additional shares approved for 1993
  Stock Option Plan............................    565,151            --               --
Shares approved for grant in the Trilectron
  acquisition..................................    157,905            --               --
Granted........................................   (739,806)      739,806    4.03 -   7.39
Cancelled......................................     42,637       (66,178)   2.05 -   5.09
Exercised......................................         --      (454,942)   1.95 -   3.98
                                                  --------     ---------   --------------
Outstanding, October 31, 1996..................    281,771     3,396,057    1.46 -   7.39
Additional shares approved for 1993
  Stock Option Plan............................    596,421            --               --
Granted........................................   (814,500)      814,500    6.22 -  12.36
Cancelled......................................      5,208       (87,991)   2.65 -  10.89
Exercised......................................         --      (208,377)   1.95 -   7.39
                                                  --------     ---------   --------------
Outstanding, October 31, 1997..................     68,900     3,914,189    1.46 -  12.36
Additional shares approved for 1993
  Stock Option Plan............................    586,865            --               --
Granted........................................   (429,002)      429,002    9.92 -  30.63
Cancelled......................................      2,382       (21,521)   9.83 -  16.33
Exercised......................................         --      (153,945)   1.95 -  16.33
                                                  --------     ---------   --------------
Outstanding, October 31, 1998..................    229,145     4,167,725   $1.46 - $30.63
                                                  ========     =========   ==============
</TABLE>
 
     Summary of shares available for option and shares under option by class of
common stock is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  SHARES UNDER OPTION
                                                   SHARES      --------------------------
                                                 AVAILABLE                     PRICE
                                                 FOR OPTION     SHARES       PER SHARE
                                                 ----------    ---------   --------------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>         <C>
Common Stock...................................    41,190      2,765,932   $1.46 - $30.63
Class A Common Stock...........................   187,955      1,401,793    1.46 -  29.17
                                                  -------      ---------
                                                  229,145      4,167,725
                                                  =======      =========
</TABLE>
 
     Information concerning stock options outstanding and exercisable by class
of common stock as of October 31, 1998 is as follows:
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   WEIGHTED      WEIGHTED AVERAGE                    WEIGHTED
   RANGE OF         OPTIONS        AVERAGE          REMAINING         OPTIONS        AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICES   OUTSTANDING   EXERCISE PRICE   CONTRACTUAL LIFE   EXERCISABLE   EXERCISE PRICE
- ---------------   -----------   --------------   ----------------   -----------   --------------
<S>               <C>           <C>              <C>                <C>           <C>
$ 1.46 - $ 3.33    1,423,362        $ 2.23             3.5           1,407,013        $2.23
  3.34 -   7.33      502,895          4.47             5.8             405,425         4.41
  7.34 -  12.36      566,925          9.96             8.4             303,754         9.87
 12.37 -  30.63      272,750         30.16             9.6                   0         0.00
                   ---------        ------             ---           ---------        -----
                   2,765,932        $ 6.98             5.5           2,116,192        $3.74
                   =========        ======             ===           =========        =====
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   78
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
                              CLASS A COMMON STOCK
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   WEIGHTED      WEIGHTED AVERAGE                    WEIGHTED
   RANGE OF         OPTIONS        AVERAGE          REMAINING         OPTIONS        AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICES   OUTSTANDING   EXERCISE PRICE   CONTRACTUAL LIFE   EXERCISABLE   EXERCISE PRICE
- ---------------   -----------   --------------   ----------------   -----------   --------------
<S>               <C>           <C>              <C>                <C>           <C>
$ 1.46 - $ 3.33      711,533        $ 2.23             3.3             703,348        $2.23
  3.34 -   7.33      251,592          4.47             5.6             202,846         4.41
  7.34 -  12.36      283,541          9.96             8.4             151,997         9.87
 12.37 -  29.17      155,127         27.30             9.6              25,000        27.50
                   ---------        ------             ---           ---------        -----
                   1,401,793        $ 6.97             5.4           1,083,191        $4.29
                   =========        ======             ===           =========        =====
</TABLE>
 
     Information concerning stock options outstanding and exercisable as of
October 31, 1997, all of which related to Common Stock, is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   WEIGHTED      WEIGHTED AVERAGE                    WEIGHTED
   RANGE OF         OPTIONS        AVERAGE          REMAINING         OPTIONS        AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICES   OUTSTANDING   EXERCISE PRICE   CONTRACTUAL LIFE   EXERCISABLE   EXERCISE PRICE
- ---------------   -----------   --------------   ----------------   -----------   --------------
<S>               <C>           <C>              <C>                <C>           <C>
$ 1.46 - $ 3.33    2,299,653        $ 2.25             3.9           2,248,029        $2.25
  3.34 -   7.33      755,486          4.47             6.3             546,770         4.39
  7.34 -  12.36      859,050          9.97             9.4             355,072         9.87
                   ---------        ------             ---           ---------        -----
                   3,914,189        $ 4.37             5.6           3,149,871        $3.48
                   =========        ======             ===           =========        =====
</TABLE>
 
     Information concerning stock options outstanding and exercisable as of
October 31, 1996, all of which related to Common Stock, is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   WEIGHTED      WEIGHTED AVERAGE                    WEIGHTED
   RANGE OF         OPTIONS        AVERAGE          REMAINING         OPTIONS        AVERAGE
EXERCISE PRICES   OUTSTANDING   EXERCISE PRICE   CONTRACTUAL LIFE   EXERCISABLE   EXERCISE PRICE
- ---------------   -----------   --------------   ----------------   -----------   --------------
<S>               <C>           <C>              <C>                <C>           <C>
$ 1.46 - $ 3.33    2,384,756        $ 2.26             4.8           2,294,191        $2.25
  3.34 -   5.33      850,921          4.45             6.6             589,124         4.40
  5.34 -   7.39      160,380          7.39             3.9                  --           --
                   ---------        ------             ---           ---------        -----
                   3,396,057        $ 3.05             5.2           2,883,315        $2.69
                   =========        ======             ===           =========        =====
</TABLE>
 
     If there were a change in control of the Company, options for an additional
968,342 shares would become immediately exercisable.
 
     The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related Interpretations in
accounting for its stock option plans. Accordingly, compensation expense has
been recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for those
options granted below the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant.
Had the fair value of all grants under these plans been recognized as
compensation expense over the vesting period of the grants, consistent with SFAS
No. 123, the Company's net income would have been $8,913,000 ($.71 and $.57
basic and diluted net income per share, respectively) for fiscal 1998,
$4,805,000 ($.40 and $.33 basic and diluted net income per share, respectively)
for fiscal 1997 and $9,020,000 ($.77 and $.68 basic and diluted net income per
share, respectively) for fiscal 1996.
 
     The estimated weighted average fair value of options granted was $22.85 per
share for Common Stock and $20.55 per share for Class A Common Stock in fiscal
1998, $7.73 per share in fiscal 1997 and $3.90 per share in fiscal 1996.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   79
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1998            1997      1996
                                                ------------------     -----     -----
                                                           CLASS A
                                                COMMON     COMMON
                                                STOCK       STOCK
                                                ------     -------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>
Volatility....................................  59.69%      58.55%     66.21%    77.19%
Risk free interest rate (weighted average)....   4.94%       5.44%      6.35%     5.84%
Dividend yield (weighted average).............  .0017%      .0019%       .67%     1.29%
Expected life (years).........................     10          10      10        10
</TABLE>
 
11. RETIREMENT PLANS
 
     The Company has a qualified defined contribution retirement plan (the Plan)
under which eligible employees of the Company and its participating subsidiaries
may contribute up to 10% of their annual compensation, as defined, and the
Company will contribute specified percentages ranging from 25% to 50% of
employee contributions up to 3% of annual pay in Company stock or cash, as
determined by the Company. The Plan also provides that the Company may
contribute additional amounts in its common stock or cash at the discretion of
the Board of Directors.
 
     In September 1992, the Company sold 988,267 shares of the Company's Common
Stock to the Plan for an aggregate price of $4,122,000 entirely financed through
a promissory note with the Company. The promissory note is payable in nine equal
annual installments, inclusive of principal and interest at the rate of 8% per
annum, of $655,000 each and a final installment of $640,000 and is prepayable in
full or in part without penalty at any time. Prior to September 1992, the
Company sold an aggregate of 678,643 shares of its Common Stock to the Plan in
exchange for two notes receivable, which have been fully satisfied.
 
     Participants receive 100% vesting in employee contributions. Vesting in
Company contributions is based on number of years of service. Contributions to
the Plan charged to income from continuing operations for fiscal 1998, 1997 and
1996 totaled $452,000, $498,000 and $364,000, respectively, net of interest
income earned on the note received from the Plan of $182,000 in fiscal 1998,
$267,000 in fiscal 1997 and $272,000 in fiscal 1996.
 
     In 1991, the Company established a Directors Retirement Plan covering its
then current directors. The net assets of this plan as of October 31, 1998 and
1997 are not material to the financial position of the Company. During fiscal
1998, 1997 and 1996, $80,000, $76,000 and $82,000 respectively, was expensed for
this plan.
 
12. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 FIRST        SECOND         THIRD        FOURTH
                                                QUARTER       QUARTER       QUARTER       QUARTER
                                              -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Net sales:
  1998......................................  $19,783,000   $22,673,000   $24,062,000   $28,833,000
  1997......................................   14,267,000    13,552,000    16,716,000    19,139,000
  1996......................................    6,978,000     7,942,000     8,059,000    11,586,000
Gross profit:
  1998......................................  $ 7,304,000   $ 8,156,000   $ 8,808,000   $11,836,000
  1997......................................    4,741,000     4,536,000     4,869,000     6,483,000
  1996......................................    2,322,000     2,716,000     2,897,000     4,234,000
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   80
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 FIRST        SECOND         THIRD        FOURTH
                                                QUARTER       QUARTER       QUARTER       QUARTER
                                              -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Income from continuing operations:
  1998......................................  $ 2,282,000   $ 2,451,000   $ 2,613,000   $ 3,163,000
  1997......................................    1,594,000     1,640,000     1,712,000     2,073,000
  1996......................................      578,000       647,000     1,053,000     1,387,000
Net income:
  1998......................................  $ 2,282,000   $ 2,451,000   $ 2,613,000   $ 3,163,000
  1997......................................    1,594,000     1,640,000     1,712,000     2,073,000
  1996......................................      870,000     1,082,000     6,553,000     1,387,000
Income per share from continuing operations:
  Basic
     1998...................................  $       .18   $       .20   $       .21   $       .25
     1997...................................          .13           .14           .14           .17
     1996...................................          .05           .06           .09           .12
  Diluted
     1998...................................  $       .15   $       .16   $       .17   $       .21
     1997...................................          .11           .11           .12           .14
     1996...................................          .05           .05           .08           .10
Net income per share:
  Basic
     1998...................................  $       .18   $       .20   $       .21   $       .25
     1997...................................          .13           .14           .14           .17
     1996...................................          .08           .09           .56           .12
  Diluted
     1998...................................  $       .15   $       .16   $       .17   $       .21
     1997...................................          .11           .11           .12           .14
     1996...................................          .07           .08           .48           .10
</TABLE>
 
     Due to changes in the average number of common shares outstanding, net
income per share for the full fiscal year does not equal the sum of the four
individual quarters.
 
13. SALE OF HEALTH CARE OPERATIONS
 
     In July 1996, the Company consummated the sale of all of the outstanding
capital stock of its wholly-owned subsidiary MediTek Health Corporation
(MediTek), representing the Company's health care services segment, to U.S.
Diagnostic Inc. In consideration for the sale of MediTek, the Company received
$13,828,000 in cash and a five-year, 6 1/2% promissory note in the principal
amount of $10,000,000. This note was sold to an unrelated party in September
1997 for the par value of the note of $10,000,000 plus accrued interest.
 
     The sale of MediTek resulted in a gain in fiscal 1996 of $5,264,000, net of
expenses and applicable income taxes. The income taxes on the gain are less than
the normal Federal statutory rate principally due to the utilization of a $4.6
million capital loss carryforward partially offset by state income taxes.
MediTek's results of operations, net of taxes, for fiscal 1996 have been
reported separately as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations. No amounts related to the discontinued operations remained in the
October 31, 1996 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   81
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The condensed statements of operations related to the discontinued health
care services segment during fiscal 1996 are presented below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               EIGHT MONTHS
                                                                  ENDED
                                                                 JUNE 30,
                                                                   1996
                                                              --------------
<S>                                                           <C>
Net revenues................................................   $11,382,000
                                                               ===========
Income before income taxes..................................   $ 1,680,000
Income tax expense..........................................       717,000
                                                               -----------
          Net income........................................   $   963,000
                                                               ===========
</TABLE>
 
     The effective tax rate used in calculating income tax expense related to
discontinued operations exceeds the normal Federal statutory tax rate due
principally to state income taxes.
 
14. OTHER CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    AND STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION
 
     Accounts receivable are composed of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               BALANCE AT OCTOBER 31,
                                                              -------------------------
                                                                 1998          1997
                                                              -----------   -----------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>
Accounts receivable.........................................  $19,681,000   $12,922,000
Less allowance for doubtful accounts........................     (259,000)     (362,000)
                                                              -----------   -----------
          Accounts receivable, net..........................  $19,422,000   $12,560,000
                                                              ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
     Revenue amounts set forth in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of
Operations do not include any material amounts in excess of billings related to
long-term contracts.
 
     Inventories are composed of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               BALANCE AT OCTOBER 31,
                                                              -------------------------
                                                                 1998          1997
                                                              -----------   -----------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>
Finished products...........................................  $ 9,306,000   $ 4,329,000
Work in process.............................................    5,213,000     7,359,000
Materials, parts, assemblies and supplies...................    9,808,000     6,671,000
                                                              -----------   -----------
          Total inventories.................................  $24,327,000   $18,359,000
                                                              ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
     Inventories related to long-term contracts were not significant as of
October 31, 1998 and October 31, 1997.
 
     Property, plant and equipment are composed of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              BALANCE AT OCTOBER 31,
                                                            ---------------------------
                                                                1998           1997
                                                            ------------   ------------
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>
Land......................................................  $    707,000   $    525,000
Buildings and improvements................................     7,477,000      6,578,000
Machinery and equipment...................................    17,581,000     15,753,000
Construction in progress..................................     5,058,000        507,000
                                                            ------------   ------------
                                                              30,823,000     23,363,000
Less accumulated depreciation.............................   (16,028,000)   (14,820,000)
                                                            ------------   ------------
          Property, plant and equipment, net..............  $ 14,795,000   $  8,543,000
                                                            ============   ============
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   82
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Intangible assets are composed of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               BALANCE AT OCTOBER 31,
                                                              -------------------------
                                                                 1998          1997
                                                              -----------   -----------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>
Excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired...  $54,247,000   $13,539,000
Deferred charges............................................    1,691,000       905,000
                                                              -----------   -----------
                                                               55,938,000    14,444,000
Less accumulated amortization...............................   (1,974,000)   (1,186,000)
                                                              -----------   -----------
Intangible assets, net......................................  $53,964,000   $13,258,000
                                                              ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
     Accrued expenses and other current liabilities are composed of the
following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               BALANCE AT OCTOBER 31,
                                                              ------------------------
                                                                 1998          1997
                                                              -----------   ----------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>
Accrued employee compensation...............................  $ 3,515,000   $2,757,000
Accrued customer rebates and credits........................    2,434,000    1,553,000
Estimated McClain purchase price adjustment.................    1,000,000           --
Deferred reimbursement of research and development costs....      990,000           --
Other.......................................................    2,462,000    2,370,000
                                                              -----------   ----------
          Total accrued expenses and other current
            liabilities.....................................  $10,401,000   $6,680,000
                                                              ===========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
SALES
 
     Export sales were $21,874,000 in fiscal 1998, $18,662,000 in fiscal 1997
and $9,806,000 in fiscal 1996. Fiscal 1997 export sales include $7,912,000 to
Europe. No one customer accounted for sales of 10% or more of consolidated sales
during the last three fiscal years.
 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
 
     Fiscal 1998, 1997, and 1996 cost of sales amounts include approximately
$900,000, $3,100,000 and $2,400,000, respectively, of new product research and
development expenses. The expenses for fiscal 1998 are net of $3,500,000
received from Lufthansa and spent by the Company in fiscal 1998 pursuant to a
research and development cooperation agreement entered into October 1997.
Amounts received from Lufthansa and not used as of October 31, 1998 totalled
$990,000 and are recorded as deferred income on the balance sheet.
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
 
     Cash paid for interest was $996,000, $477,000 and $264,000 in fiscal 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively. Cash paid for income taxes was $6,753,000,
$3,438,000 and $4,421,000 in fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   83
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Non-cash investing and financing activities related to the acquisitions and
contingent note payments during fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996 were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1998          1997         1996
                                                    -----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>          <C>
Fair value of assets acquired:
  Intangible assets...............................  $40,468,000   $8,395,000   $3,944,000
  Inventories.....................................    1,327,000      669,000    6,635,000
  Accounts receivable.............................    3,040,000    2,032,000    3,051,000
  Property, plant and equipment...................    1,985,000      421,000      104,000
  Other assets....................................       95,000       24,000       41,000
Cash paid, including contingent note payments.....  (45,911,000)  (6,737,000)  (7,661,000)
Fair value of common stock issued.................           --   (3,544,000)          --
                                                    -----------   ----------   ----------
Liabilities assumed...............................  $ 1,004,000   $1,260,000   $6,114,000
                                                    ===========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
     Non-cash investing and financing activities related to purchases by the
discontinued health care operations of property, plant and equipment financed by
capital leases during fiscal 1996 amounted to $1,343,000. There were no
significant capital lease financing activities during fiscal 1998 and 1997.
Additionally, retained earnings was charged $20,963,000 in fiscal 1996 as a
result of the 10% stock dividends described in Note 7 above.
 
15.  PENDING LITIGATION
 
     In November 1989, HEICO Aerospace Corporation and Jet Avion were named
defendants in a complaint filed by United Technologies Corporation (UTC) in the
United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. As of January
27, 1998, all counts of UTC's complaint that were not previously withdrawn by
UTC have been dismissed by the court. The complaint, as amended in fiscal 1995,
alleged infringement of a patent, misappropriation of trade secrets and unfair
competition relating to certain jet engine parts and coatings sold by Jet Avion
in competition with Pratt & Whitney, a division of UTC. UTC sought approximately
$8 million in damages for the patent infringement and approximately $30 million
in damages for the misappropriation of trade secrets and unfair competition
claims. The aggregate damages referred to in the preceding sentence did not
exceed approximately $30 million because a portion of the misappropriation and
unfair competition damages duplicate the patent infringement damages. UTC also
sought, among other things, pre-judgment interest and treble damages.
 
     In July and November 1995, the Company filed its answers to UTC's complaint
denying the allegations. In addition, the Company filed counterclaims against
UTC for, among other things, malicious prosecution, trade disparagement,
tortious interference, unfair competition and antitrust violations. The Company
is seeking treble, compensatory and punitive damages in amounts to be determined
at trial. UTC filed an answer denying the counterclaims. A number of motions
remain pending and no trial date is currently set.
 
     In August 1997, a Motion for Summary Judgment filed by the Company on a
portion of the lawsuit was granted by the United States District Court Judge.
The Summary Judgment dismissed UTC's claims for misappropriation of trade
secrets and unfair competition, finding that Florida's statute of limitations
bars such claims. In September 1997, UTC served a Motion for Reconsideration of
the Court's Motion for Summary Judgment. In October 1997, UTC's Motion for
Reconsideration was denied.
 
     On January 28, 1998, a Motion for Summary Judgment filed by the Company on
the sole remaining count in UTC's complaint (for patent infringement) was
granted by the United States District Court Judge. The Summary Judgment
dismissed UTC's remaining claim, finding that HEICO Aerospace Corporation and
Jet Avion did not infringe UTC's patent.
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   84
                       HEICO CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     As a result of these rulings, the only claims currently pending are the
Company's counterclaims against UTC. UTC may challenge these rulings in further
court proceedings. The Company intends to vigorously pursue its counterclaims.
The ultimate outcome of this litigation is not certain at this time and no
provision for gain or loss, if any, has been made in the consolidated financial
statements.
 
     In May 1998, the Company and its HEICO Aerospace Corporation and Jet Avion
Corporation subsidiaries were served with a lawsuit by Travelers Casualty &
Surety Co., f/k/a The Travelers Casualty and Surety Co. (Travelers). The
complaint seeks reimbursement of legal fees and costs totaling in excess of $15
million paid by Travelers in defending the Company in the above referenced
litigation with UTC. In addition, Travelers seeks a declaratory judgement that
the Company did not and does not have insurance coverage under certain insurance
policies with Travelers and accordingly, that Travelers did not have and does
not have a duty to defend or indemnify the Company under such policies. Also
named as defendants in Travelers' lawsuit are UTC and one of the law firms
representing the Company in the UTC litigation.
 
     The Company intends to vigorously defend Travelers' claim and believes that
it has significant counterclaims for damages. After taking into consideration
legal counsel's evaluation of Travelers' claim, management is of the opinion
that the outcome of the Travelers litigation will not have a significant adverse
effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 
     The Company is involved in various other legal actions arising in the
normal course of business. After taking into consideration legal counsel's
evaluation of such actions, management is of the opinion that the outcome of
these other matters will not have a significant effect on the Company's
consolidated financial statements.
 
16.  SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)
 
     On January 22, 1999, the Company received notice of a proposed adjustment
pursuant to an examination by the Internal Revenue Service of the Company's
fiscal 1995 and 1996 tax returns, disallowing the utilization of the $4.6
million capital loss carryforward referenced in Note 13. The Company disputes
such proposed adjustment, which would result in additional taxes of
approximately $1.8 million on the gain on the sale of the discontinued health
care operations.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   85
 
                      [This Page Intentionally Left Blank]
<PAGE>   86
 
                      [This Page Intentionally Left Blank]
<PAGE>   87
 
                                   [picture]
 
A Flight Support Group New Product Development engineer utilizes a Scanning
Electron Microscope and an Optical Emission Spectrometer in the re-engineering
of jet engine replacement parts.
 
                                   [picture]
 
Shown here are a commercial Ground Power Unit (GPU), a military GPU and a
commercial continuous flow pneumatic Air Start Unit, all manufactured by the
Ground Support Group.
 
                                   [picture]
 
A trained technician inspects aircraft components prior to delivery at the
Flight Support Group's repair and overhaul business.
 
                                   [picture]
 
View of part of the factory floor at the Ground Support Group's new
manufacturing facility.
<PAGE>   88
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                4,000,000 SHARES
 
                            (HEICO CORPORATION LOGO)
 
                              CLASS A COMMON STOCK
 
                             ---------------------
                                   PROSPECTUS
                             ---------------------
 
                              MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
 
                        RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES, INC.

                           ING BARING FURMAN SELZ LLC
 
                                           , 1999
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   89
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
     The estimated expenses in connection with the Offering are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee.........  $ 28,497
NASD Filing Fee.............................................    10,160
Legal Fees and Expenses.....................................   100,000
Accounting Fees and Expenses................................   100,000
Printing and Engraving Expenses.............................   100,000
Registrar and Transfer Agents Fees and Expenses.............     4,000
Miscellaneous...............................................   157,343
                                                              --------
          Total.............................................  $500,000
                                                              ========
</TABLE>
 
     All amounts except the Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee
and NASD filing fee are estimated.
 
ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
     The Registrant has authority under Section 607.0850 of the Florida Business
Corporation Act to indemnify its directors and officers to the extent provided
in such statute. The Registrant's Articles of Incorporation provide that the
Registrant may indemnify its executive officers and directors to the fullest
extent permitted by law, whether now or hereafter. The Registrant has entered or
will enter into an agreement with each of its directors and some of its officers
wherein it has agreed or will agree to indemnify each of them to the fullest
extent permitted by law.
 
     The provisions of the Florida Business Corporation Act that authorize
indemnification do not eliminate the duty of care of a director, and in
appropriate circumstances equitable remedies such as injunctive or other forms
of nonmonetary relief will remain available under Florida law. In addition, each
director will continue to be subject to liability for (a) violations of the
criminal law, unless the director had reasonable cause to believe his conduct
was lawful or had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful; (b)
deriving an improper personal benefit from a transaction; (c) voting for or
assenting to an unlawful distribution; and (d) willful misconduct or a conscious
disregard for the best interests of the Registrant in a proceeding by or in the
right of the Registrant to procure a judgment in its favor or in a proceeding by
or in the right of a shareholder. The statute does not affect a director's
responsibilities under any other law, such as the federal securities laws or
state or federal environmental laws.
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
- -------                                -----------
<C>       <C>  <S>
 1.1       --  Proposed Form of Purchase Agreement.**
 2.1       --  Amended and Restated Agreement of Merger and Plan of
               Reorganization, dated as of March 22, 1993, by and among
               HEICO Corporation, HEICO Industries, Corp. and New HEICO,
               Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the
               Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4
               (Registration No. 33-57624) Amendment No. 1 filed on March
               19, 1993.*
 2.2       --  Stock Purchase Agreement, dated June 20, 1996, by and among
               HEICO Corporation, MediTek Health Corporation and U.S.
               Diagnostic Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to
               the Form 8-K dated July 11, 1996.*
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   90
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
- -------                                -----------
<C>       <C>  <S>
 2.3       --  Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 16, 1996, by
               and between HEICO Corporation and Sigmund Borax is
               incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Form 8-K dated
               September 16, 1996.*
 2.4       --  Stock Purchase Agreement dated July 25, 1997, among HEICO
               Corporation, N.A.C. Acquisition Corporation, Northwings
               Accessories Corporation, Ramon Portela and Otto Newman
               (without schedules) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
               2 to Form 8-K dated September 16, 1997.*
 3.1       --  Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant are incorporated
               by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration
               Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 33-57624) Amendment
               No. 1 filed on March 19, 1993.*
 3.2       --  Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of
               the Registrant, dated April 27, 1993, are incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Registration
               Statement on Form 8-B dated April 29, 1993.*
 3.3       --  Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of
               the Registrant, dated November 3, 1993, are incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Form 10-K for the year ended
               October 31, 1993.*
 3.4       --  Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of
               the Registrant, dated March 19, 1998, are incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company's Registration
               Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-48439) filed on
               March 23, 1998.*
 3.5       --  Bylaws of the Registrant are incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 3.4 to the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31,
               1996.*
 4.0       --  The description and terms of Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
               are set forth in a Rights Agreement between the Company and
               SunBank, N.A., as Rights Agent, dated as of November 2,
               1993, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Form 8-K
               dated November 2, 1993.*
 5.1       --  Opinion of Greenberg Traurig, P.A. as to the validity of the
               Common Stock being registered.**
10.1       --  Loan Agreement, dated March 1, 1988, between HEICO
               Corporation and Broward County, Florida is incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-K for the year
               ended October 31, 1994.*
10.2       --  SunBank Reimbursement Agreement, dated February 28, 1994,
               between HEICO Aerospace Corporation and SunBank/South
               Florida, N.A. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
               to the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1994.*
10.3       --  Amendment, dated March 1, 1995, to the SunBank Reimbursement
               Agreement dated February 28, 1994 between HEICO Aerospace
               Corporation and SunBank/South Florida, N.A. is incorporated
               by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-K from the year
               ended October 31, 1995.*
10.4       --  Loan Agreement, dated February 28, 1994, between HEICO
               Corporation and SunBank/South Florida, N.A. is incorporated
               by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-K for the year
               ended October 31, 1994.*
10.5       --  The First Amendment, dated October 13, 1994, to Loan
               Agreement dated February 28, 1994 between HEICO Corporation
               and SunBank/South Florida, N.A. is incorporated by reference
               to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-K for the year ended October
               31, 1994.*
10.6       --  Second Amendment, dated March 1, 1995, to the Loan Agreement
               dated February 28, 1994 between HEICO Corporation and
               SunBank/South Florida, N.A. is incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 10.6 to the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31,
               1995.*
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   91
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
- -------                                -----------
<C>       <C>  <S>
10.7       --  Third Amendment, dated September 16, 1997, to Loan Agreement
               dated February 28, 1994 between HEICO Corporation and
               SunTrust Bank, South Florida, National Association is
               incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Form 10-K/A
               for the year ended October 31, 1997.*
10.8       --  Fourth Amendment, dated December 1, 1997, to Loan Agreement
               dated February 28, 1994 between HEICO Corporation and
               SunTrust Bank, South Florida, National Association is
               incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Form 10-K/A for
               the year ended October 31, 1997.*
10.9       --  Loan Agreement, dated March 31, 1994, between HEICO
               Corporation and Eagle National Bank of Miami is incorporated
               by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10-K for the year
               ended October 31, 1994.*
10.10      --  The First Amendment, dated May 31, 1994, to Loan Agreement
               dated March 31, 1994 between HEICO Corporation and Eagle
               National Bank of Miami is incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 10.6 to the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31,
               1994.*
10.11      --  The Second Amendment, dated August 9, 1995, to the Loan
               Agreement dated March 31, 1994 between HEICO Corporation and
               Eagle National Bank of Miami is incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 10.9 to the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31,
               1995.*
10.12      --  Second Loan Modification Agreement, dated February 27, 1997,
               between HEICO Corporation and Eagle National Bank of Miami
               is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form
               10-Q for the three months ended April 30, 1997.*
10.13      --  Third Loan Modification Agreement, dated February 6, 1998,
               between HEICO Corporation and Eagle National Bank of Miami
               is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form
               10-Q for the three months ended January 31, 1998.*
10.14      --  Loan Agreement, dated October 1, 1996, between HEICO
               Aerospace Corporation and Broward County, Florida is
               incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Form 10-K
               for the year ended October 31, 1996.*
10.15      --  SunTrust Bank Reimbursement Agreement, dated October 1,
               1996, between HEICO Aerospace Corporation and SunTrust Bank,
               South Florida, N.A. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
               10.11 to the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1996.*
10.16      --  HEICO Savings and Investment Plan and Trust, as amended and
               restated effective January 2, 1987 is incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-K for the year
               ended October 31, 1987.*
10.17      --  HEICO Savings and Investment Plan, as amended and restated
               December 19, 1994, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
               10.11 to the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1994.*
10.18      --  HEICO Corporation 1993 Stock Option Plan, as amended, is
               incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's
               Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No.
               333-48439) filed on March 23, 1998.*
10.19      --  HEICO Corporation Combined Stock Option Plan, dated March
               15, 1988, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to
               the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1989.*
10.20      --  Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Directors, Officers
               and Employees is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8
               to the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1985.*
10.21      --  HEICO Corporation Directors' Retirement Plan, as amended,
               dated as of May 31, 1991, is incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 10.19 to the Form 10-K for the year ended October
               31, 1992.*
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   92
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
- -------                                -----------
<C>       <C>  <S>
10.22      --  Key Employee Termination Agreement, dated as of April 5,
               1988, between HEICO Corporation and Thomas S. Irwin is
               incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Form 10-K
               for the year ended October 31, 1992.*
10.23      --  Employment and Non-compete Agreement, dated as of September
               16, 1996, by and between HEICO Corporation and Sigmund Borax
               is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K
               dated September 16, 1996.*
10.24      --  Employment and Non-compete Agreement, dated as of September
               16, 1996, by and between HEICO Corporation and Charles Kott
               is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K
               dated September 16, 1996.*
10.25      --  Loan Agreement, dated as of March 1, 1997, between
               Trilectron Industries, Inc. and Manatee County, Florida is
               incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q
               for the three months ended April 30, 1997.*
10.26      --  Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of
               March 1, 1997, between Trilectron Industries, Inc., and
               First Union National Bank of Florida (excluding referenced
               exhibits) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
               the Form 10-Q for the three months ended April 30, 1997.*
10.27      --  Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 15, 1997, by
               and between HEICO Corporation and Ramon Portela is
               incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated
               September 16, 1997.*
10.28      --  Employment and Non-compete Agreement dated September 16,
               1997, by and between Northwings Accessories Corporation and
               Ramon Portela is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
               to Form 8-K dated September 16, 1997.*
10.29      --  Amendment to Registration and Sale Rights Agreement, dated
               as of December 24, 1996, by and among U.S. Diagnostic Inc.
               and HEICO Corporation is incorporated by reference to
               Exhibit 10.22 to Form 10-K for the year ended October 31,
               1996.*
10.30      --  Assignment of Promissory Note by and between HEICO
               Corporation and Forum Capital Markets L.P. is incorporated
               by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K dated September 16,
               1997.*
10.31      --  Amendment to 6 1/2% Convertible Note, dated as of December
               24, 1996, by and among U.S. Diagnostic Inc. and HEICO
               Corporation is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to
               Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1996.*
10.32      --  Second Amendment to the 6 1/2% Convertible Note, dated
               September 10, 1997, by and among U.S. Diagnostic Inc., and
               HEICO Corporation is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
               10.4 to Form 8-K dated September 16, 1997.*
10.33      --  Stock Purchase Agreement, dated October 30, 1997, by and
               among HEICO Corporation, HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp. and
               Lufthansa Technik AG is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
               10.31 to Form 10-K/A for the year ended October 31, 1997.*
10.34      --  Shareholders Agreement, dated October 30, 1997, by and
               between HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp., HEICO Aerospace
               Corporation and all of the shareholders of HEICO Aerospace
               Holdings Corp. and Lufthansa Technik AG is incorporated by
               reference to Exhibit 10.32 to Form 10-K/A for the year ended
               October 31, 1997.*
10.35      --  Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of June 9, 1998 among
               HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp., McClain International, Inc.,
               Randolph S. McClain, Janet M. Wallace and Paul R. Schwinne
               (without schedules) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
               2 to Form 8-K dated August 4, 1998.*
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   93
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
- -------                                -----------
<C>       <C>  <S>
10.36      --  Agreement for the Sale and Purchase of Real Property, by and
               among Randolph S. McClain and HEICO Aerospace Holdings
               Corp., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form
               8-K dated August 4, 1998.*
10.37      --  Credit Agreement among HEICO Corporation and SunTrust Bank,
               South Florida, N.A., as Agent, dated as of July 30, 1998, is
               incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K dated
               August 4, 1998.*
10.38      --  Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 4, 1998,
               among RDI Acquisition Corp., HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp.,
               HEICO Corporation, Rogers-Dierks, Inc., William Rogers and
               John Dierks (without schedules and exhibits) is incorporated
               by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K dated December 22,
               1998.*
23.1       --  Consent of Greenberg Traurig, P.A. (included in its opinion
               filed as Exhibit 5.1).*
23.2       --  Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.**
23.3       --  Consent of Pyke & Pierce.**
24.1       --  Power of Attorney.*
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
*   Previously filed.
**  Filed herewith.
 
   
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.
    
 
     (a) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
 
     (b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, (i) the information omitted
from the form of prospectus filed as part of this Registration Statement in
reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the
Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act
shall be deemed to be a part of this Registration Statement at the time it was
declared effective and (ii) each post-effective amendment that contains a form
of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     (c) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") (and, where applicable,
each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section
15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration
Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   94
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Amendment
No. 3 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Miami, State of Florida,
on February 10, 1999.
    
 
                                          HEICO CORPORATION
 
                                          By:   /s/ LAURANS A. MENDELSON
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                    Laurans A. Mendelson
                                                   Chairman of the Board,
                                               President and Chief Executive
                                                           Officer
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement has been signed by the
following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SIGNATURE                                    TITLE                    DATE
                      ---------                                    -----                    ----
<C>                                                    <S>                            <C>
 
              /s/ LAURANS A. MENDELSON                 Chairman of the Board,         February 10, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------    President and Chief
                Laurans A. Mendelson                     Executive Officer
                                                         (principal executive
                                                         officer)
 
                /s/ ERIC A. MENDELSON                  Vice President, President of   February 10, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------    HEICO Aerospace Holdings
                  Eric A. Mendelson                      Corp. and Director
 
               /s/ VICTOR H. MENDELSON                 Vice President, General        February 10, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------    Counsel and Director,
                 Victor H. Mendelson                     President of HEICO Aviation
                                                         Products Corp.
 
                 /s/ THOMAS S. IRWIN                   Executive Vice President and   February 10, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------    Chief Financial Officer
                   Thomas S. Irwin                       (principal financial and
                                                         accounting officer)
 
                                                       Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  Jacob T. Carwile
 
             /s/ SAMUEL L. HIGGINBOTTOM*               Director                       February 10, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------
               Samuel L. Higginbottom
 
                                                       Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
                   Paul F. Manieri
 
              /s/ ALBERT MORRISON, JR.*                Director                       February 10, 1999
- -----------------------------------------------------
                Albert Morrison, Jr.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>   95
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SIGNATURE                                    TITLE                    DATE
                      ---------                                    -----                    ----
<C>                                                    <S>                            <C>
 
                                                       Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
                Dr. Alan Schriesheim
 
                                                       Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
                    Guy C. Shafer
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* By Laurans A. Mendelson, Attorney-in-Fact
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>   96
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       SEQUENTIAL
NUMBER                           DESCRIPTION                           PAGE NUMBER
- ------                           -----------                           -----------
<S>      <C>                                                           <C>
1.1      Proposed Form of Purchase Agreement.**
2.1      Amended and Restated Agreement of Merger and Plan of
         Reorganization, dated as of March 22, 1993, by and among
         HEICO Corporation, HEICO Industries, Corp. and New HEICO,
         Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the
         Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-4
         (Registration No. 33-57624) Amendment No. 1 filed on March
         19, 1993.*
2.2      Stock Purchase Agreement, dated June 20, 1996, by and among
         HEICO Corporation, MediTek Health Corporation and U.S.
         Diagnostic Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to
         the Form 8-K dated July 11, 1996.*
2.3      Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 16, 1996, by
         and between HEICO Corporation and Sigmund Borax is
         incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Form 8-K dated
         September 16, 1996.*
2.4      Stock Purchase Agreement dated July 25, 1997, among HEICO
         Corporation, N.A.C. Acquisition Corporation, Northwings
         Accessories Corporation, Ramon Portela and Otto Newman
         (without schedules) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         2 to Form 8-K dated September 16, 1997.*
3.1      Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant are incorporated
         by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration
         Statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 33-57624) Amendment
         No. 1 filed on March 19, 1993.*
3.2      Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of
         the Registrant, dated April 27, 1993, are incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Registration
         Statement on Form 8-B dated April 29, 1993.*
3.3      Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of
         the Registrant, dated November 3, 1993, are incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Form 10-K for the year ended
         October 31, 1993.*
3.4      Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of
         the Registrant, dated March 19, 1998, are incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company's Registration
         Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-48439) filed on
         March 23, 1998.*
3.5      Bylaws of the Registrant are incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 3.4 to the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31,
         1996.*
4.0      The description and terms of Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
         are set forth in a Rights Agreement between the Company and
         SunBank, N.A., as Rights Agent, dated as of November 2,
         1993, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Form 8-K
         dated November 2, 1993.*
5.1      Opinion of Greenberg Traurig, P.A. as to the validity of the
         Common Stock being registered.**
10.1     Loan Agreement, dated March 1, 1988, between HEICO
         Corporation and Broward County, Florida is incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-K for the year
         ended October 31, 1994.*
10.2     SunBank Reimbursement Agreement, dated February 28, 1994,
         between HEICO Aerospace Corporation and SunBank/South
         Florida, N.A. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
         to the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1994.*
10.3     Amendment, dated March 1, 1995, to the SunBank Reimbursement
         Agreement dated February 28, 1994 between HEICO Aerospace
         Corporation and SunBank/South Florida, N.A. is incorporated
         by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-K from the year
         ended October 31, 1995.*
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   97
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       SEQUENTIAL
NUMBER                           DESCRIPTION                           PAGE NUMBER
- ------                           -----------                           -----------
<S>      <C>                                                           <C>
10.4     Loan Agreement, dated February 28, 1994, between HEICO
         Corporation and SunBank/South Florida, N.A. is incorporated
         by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-K for the year
         ended October 31, 1994.*
10.5     The First Amendment, dated October 13, 1994, to Loan
         Agreement dated February 28, 1994 between HEICO Corporation
         and SunBank/South Florida, N.A. is incorporated by reference
         to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-K for the year ended October
         31, 1994.*
10.6     Second Amendment, dated March 1, 1995, to the Loan Agreement
         dated February 28, 1994 between HEICO Corporation and
         SunBank/South Florida, N.A. is incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.6 to the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31,
         1995.*
10.7     Third Amendment, dated September 16, 1997, to Loan Agreement
         dated February 28, 1994 between HEICO Corporation and
         SunTrust Bank, South Florida, National Association is
         incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Form 10-
         K/A for the year ended October 31, 1997.*
10.8     Fourth Amendment, dated December 1, 1997, to Loan Agreement
         dated February 28, 1994 between HEICO Corporation and
         SunTrust Bank, South Florida, National Association is
         incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Form 10-K/A for
         the year ended October 31, 1997.*
10.9     Loan Agreement, dated March 31, 1994, between HEICO
         Corporation and Eagle National Bank of Miami is incorporated
         by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Form 10-K for the year
         ended October 31, 1994.*
10.10    The First Amendment, dated May 31, 1994, to Loan Agreement
         dated March 31, 1994 between HEICO Corporation and Eagle
         National Bank of Miami is incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.6 to the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31,
         1994.*
10.11    The Second Amendment, dated August 9, 1995, to the Loan
         Agreement dated March 31, 1994 between HEICO Corporation and
         Eagle National Bank of Miami is incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.9 to the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31,
         1995.*
10.12    Second Loan Modification Agreement, dated February 27, 1997,
         between HEICO Corporation and Eagle National Bank of Miami
         is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form
         10-Q for the three months ended April 30, 1997.*
10.13    Third Loan Modification Agreement, dated February 6, 1998,
         between HEICO Corporation and Eagle National Bank of Miami
         is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form
         10-Q for the three months ended January 31, 1998.*
10.14    Loan Agreement, dated October 1, 1996, between HEICO
         Aerospace Corporation and Broward County, Florida is
         incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Form 10-K
         for the year ended October 31, 1996.*
10.15    SunTrust Bank Reimbursement Agreement, dated October 1,
         1996, between HEICO Aerospace Corporation and SunTrust Bank,
         South Florida, N.A. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         10.11 to the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1996.*
10.16    HEICO Savings and Investment Plan and Trust, as amended and
         restated effective January 2, 1987 is incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-K for the year
         ended October 31, 1987.*
10.17    HEICO Savings and Investment Plan, as amended and restated
         December 19, 1994, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         10.11 to the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1994.*
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   98
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       SEQUENTIAL
NUMBER                           DESCRIPTION                           PAGE NUMBER
- ------                           -----------                           -----------
<S>      <C>                                                           <C>
10.18    HEICO Corporation 1993 Stock Option Plan, as amended, is
         incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Company's
         Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No.
         333-48439) filed on March 23, 1998.*
10.19    HEICO Corporation Combined Stock Option Plan, dated March
         15, 1988, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to
         the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1989.*
10.20    Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Directors, Officers
         and Employees is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8
         to the Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1985.*
10.21    HEICO Corporation Directors' Retirement Plan, as amended,
         dated as of May 31, 1991, is incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.19 to the Form 10-K for the year ended October
         31, 1992.*
10.22    Key Employee Termination Agreement, dated as of April 5,
         1988, between HEICO Corporation and Thomas S. Irwin is
         incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Form 10-K
         for the year ended October 31, 1992.*
10.23    Employment and Non-compete Agreement, dated as of September
         16, 1996, by and between HEICO Corporation and Sigmund Borax
         is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K
         dated September 16, 1996.*
10.24    Employment and Non-compete Agreement, dated as of September
         16, 1996, by and between HEICO Corporation and Charles Kott
         is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K
         dated September 16, 1996.*
10.25    Loan Agreement, dated as of March 1, 1997, between
         Trilectron Industries, Inc. and Manatee County, Florida is
         incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q
         for the three months ended April 30, 1997.*
10.26    Letter of Credit and Reimbursement Agreement, dated as of
         March 1, 1997, between Trilectron Industries, Inc., and
         First Union National Bank of Florida (excluding referenced
         exhibits) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
         the Form 10-Q for the three months ended April 30, 1997.*
10.27    Registration Rights Agreement, dated September 15, 1997, by
         and between HEICO Corporation and Ramon Portela is
         incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated
         September 16, 1997.*
10.28    Employment and Non-compete Agreement dated September 16,
         1997, by and between Northwings Accessories Corporation and
         Ramon Portela is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
         to Form 8-K dated September 16, 1997.*
10.29    Amendment to Registration and Sale Rights Agreement, dated
         as of December 24, 1996, by and among U.S. Diagnostic Inc.
         and HEICO Corporation is incorporated by reference to
         Exhibit 10.22 to Form 10-K for the year ended October 31,
         1996.*
10.30    Assignment of Promissory Note by and between HEICO
         Corporation and Forum Capital Markets L.P. is incorporated
         by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K dated September 16,
         1997.*
10.31    Amendment to 6 1/2% Convertible Note, dated as of December
         24, 1996, by and among U.S. Diagnostic Inc. and HEICO
         Corporation is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to
         Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 1996.*
10.32    Second Amendment to the 6 1/2% Convertible Note, dated
         September 10, 1997, by and among U.S. Diagnostic Inc., and
         HEICO Corporation is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         10.4 to Form 8-K dated September 16, 1997.*
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   99
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       SEQUENTIAL
NUMBER                           DESCRIPTION                           PAGE NUMBER
- ------                           -----------                           -----------
<S>      <C>                                                           <C>
10.33    Stock Purchase Agreement, dated October 30, 1997, by and
         among HEICO Corporation, HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp. and
         Lufthansa Technik AG is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         10.31 to Form 10-K/A for the year ended October 31, 1997.*
10.34    Shareholders Agreement, dated October 30, 1997, by and
         between HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp., HEICO Aerospace
         Corporation and all of the shareholders of HEICO Aerospace
         Holdings Corp. and Lufthansa Technik AG is incorporated by
         reference to Exhibit 10.32 to Form 10-K/A for the year ended
         October 31, 1997.*
10.35    Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of June 9, 1998 among
         HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp., McClain International, Inc.,
         Randolph S. McClain, Janet M. Wallace and Paul R. Schwinne
         (without schedules) is incorporated by reference to Exhibit
         2 to Form 8-K dated August 4, 1998.*
10.36    Agreement for the Sale and Purchase of Real Property, by and
         among Randolph S. McClain and HEICO Aerospace Holdings
         Corp., is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form
         8-K dated August 4, 1998.*
10.37    Credit Agreement among HEICO Corporation and SunTrust Bank,
         South Florida, N.A., as Agent, dated as of July 30, 1998, is
         incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K dated
         August 4, 1998.*
10.38    Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 4, 1998,
         among RDI Acquisition Corp., HEICO Aerospace Holdings Corp.,
         HEICO Corporation, Rogers-Dierks, Inc., William Rogers and
         John Dierks (without schedules and exhibits) is incorporated
         by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K dated December 22,
         1998.*
23.1     Consent of Greenberg Traurig, P.A. (included in its opinion
         filed as Exhibit 5.1).*
23.2     Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.**
23.3     Consent of Pyke & Pierce.**
24.1     Power of Attorney.*
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
*   Previously filed.
   
**  Filed herewith.
    
   
    

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 1.1

================================================================================




                                HEICO CORPORATION

                             (a Florida corporation)

                    4,000,000 Shares of Class A Common Stock

                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT


















Dated:  February [  ], 1999




================================================================================










<PAGE>   2



                                                                       S&S DRAFT
                                                                          2/9/99

                                HEICO CORPORATION

                             (a Florida corporation)

                    4,000,000 Shares of Class A Common Stock
                           (Par Value $0.01 Per Share)

                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                                                              February [ ], 1999

MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                Incorporated
Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
ING Baring Furman Selz LLC
  as Representatives of the several Underwriters
c/o  Merrill Lynch & Co.
       Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                        Incorporated
       North Tower
       World Financial Center
       New York, New York  10281


Ladies and Gentlemen:

         HEICO Corporation, a Florida corporation (the "Company"), confirms its
agreement with Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") and each of the other Underwriters named in
Schedule A hereto (collectively, the "Underwriters," which term shall also
include any underwriter substituted as hereinafter provided in Section 10
hereof), for whom Merrill Lynch, Raymond James & Associates Inc. and ING Baring
Furman Selz LLC are acting as representatives (in such capacity, the
"Representatives"), with respect to the issue and sale by the Company and the
purchase by the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, of 3,700,000
shares of class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company and
the attached preferred stock purchase rights (the "Preferred Stock Purchase
Rights") created pursuant to the Rights Agreement (the "Rights Agreement")
between the Company and Sunbank, N.A., as Rights Agent, dated November 2, 1993
(such class A common stock together with the Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
being hereinafter referred to as the "Class A Common Stock") set forth in said
Schedule A. [Laurans A. Mendelson] (the "Selling Shareholder") confirms its
agreement with Merrill Lynch and the Underwriters with respect to the sale of
300,000





<PAGE>   3



outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock to the Underwriters. Such shares of
Class A Common Stock, aggregating 4,000,000 shares, are to be sold to each
Underwriter, acting severally and not jointly, in such amounts as set forth in
Schedule A opposite the name of such Underwriter. The Company and the Selling
Shareholder also grant to the Underwriters, severally and not jointly, the
options described in Section 2 to purchase all or any part of 600,000 additional
shares of Class A Common Stock to cover over-allotments, if any. The aforesaid
4,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock (the "Initial Securities") to be
purchased by the Underwriters and all or any part of the 600,000 shares of Class
A Common Stock subject to the option described in Section 2(b) hereof (the
"Option Securities") are hereinafter called, collectively, the "Securities."

         The Company and the Selling Shareholder understand that the
Underwriters propose to make a public offering of the Securities as soon as the
Representatives deem advisable after this Agreement has been executed and
delivered.

         The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-39841) covering the
registration of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"1933 Act"), including the related preliminary prospectus or prospectuses.
Promptly after execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Company will either
(i) prepare and file a prospectus in accordance with the provisions of Rule 430A
("Rule 430A") of the rules and regulations of the Commission under the 1933 Act
(the "1933 Act Regulations") and paragraph (b) of Rule 424 ("Rule 424(b)") of
the 1933 Act Regulations or (ii) if the Company has elected to rely upon Rule
434 ("Rule 434") of the 1933 Act Regulations, prepare and file a term sheet (a
"Term Sheet") in accordance with the provisions of Rule 434 and Rule 424(b). The
information included in such prospectus or in any Term Sheet, as the case may
be, that was omitted from such registration statement at the time it became
effective but that is deemed to be part of such registration statement at the
time it became effective (a) pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 430A is referred
to as "Rule 430A Information" or (b) pursuant to paragraph (d) of Rule 434 is
referred to as "Rule 434 Information." Each prospectus used before such
registration statement became effective, and any prospectus that omitted, as
applicable, the Rule 430A Information or the Rule 434 Information, that was used
after such effectiveness and prior to the execution and delivery of this
Agreement, is herein called a "preliminary prospectus." Such registration
statement, including the exhibits thereto, schedules thereto, if any, and the
documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3
under the 1933 Act, at the time it became effective and including the Rule 430A
Information and the Rule 434 Information, as applicable, is herein called the
"Registration Statement." Any registration statement filed pursuant to Rule
462(b) of the 1933 Act Regulations is herein referred to as the "Rule 462(b)
Registration Statement," and after such filing the term "Registration Statement"
shall include the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement. The final prospectus,
including the documents incorporated by reference therein pursuant to Item 12 of
Form S-3 under the 1933 Act, in the form first furnished to the Underwriters for
use in connection with the offering of the Securities is herein called the
"Prospectus." If Rule 434 is relied on, the term shall refer to the preliminary
prospectus dated January 22, 1999 together with the Term Sheet


                                        2

<PAGE>   4



and all references in this Agreement to the date of the Prospectus shall mean
the date of the Term Sheet. For purposes of this Agreement, all references to
the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus or any
Term Sheet or any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing shall be
deemed to include the copy filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic
Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system ("EDGAR").

         All references in this Agreement to financial statements and schedules
and other information which is "contained," "included" or "stated" in the
Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or other
references of like import) shall be deemed to mean and include all such
financial statements and schedules and other information which is incorporated
by reference in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus or the
Prospectus, as the case may be; and all references in this Agreement to
amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, any preliminary
prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to mean and include the filing of
any document under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act") which is
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, such preliminary
prospectus or the Prospectus, as the case may be.

         SECTION 1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

         (a) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY THE COMPANY. The Company
represents and warrants to each Underwriter as of the date hereof, as of the
Closing Time referred to in Section 2(c) hereof, and as of each Date of Delivery
(if any) referred to in Section 2(b) hereof, and agrees with each Underwriter,
as follows:

                  (i) COMPLIANCE WITH REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS. The Company
         meets the requirements for use of Form S-3 under the 1933 Act. Each of
         the Registration Statement and any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement
         has become effective under the 1933 Act and no stop order suspending
         the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any Rule 462(b)
         Registration Statement has been issued under the 1933 Act and no
         proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or, to
         the knowledge of the Company, are contemplated by the Commission, and
         any request on the part of the Commission for additional information
         has been complied with.

                  At the respective times the Registration Statement, any Rule
         462(b) Registration Statement and any post-effective amendments thereto
         became effective and at the Closing Time (and, if any Option Securities
         are purchased, at the Date of Delivery), the Registration Statement,
         the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement and any amendments and
         supplements thereto complied and will comply in all material respects
         with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations and
         did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or
         omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
         necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. Neither the
         Prospectus nor any amendments or supplements thereto, at the time the
         Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto were issued and at
         the Closing Time (and, if any Option Securities are purchased, at the
         Date of Delivery), included or will include an


                                        3

<PAGE>   5



         untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or will omit to state a
         material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the
         light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
         If Rule 434 is used, the Company will comply with the requirements of
         Rule 434. The representations and warranties in this subsection shall
         not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement
         or Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with information
         furnished to the Company in writing by any Underwriter through the
         Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement or
         Prospectus.

                  Each preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus filed as part
         of the Registration Statement as originally filed or as part of any
         amendment thereto, or filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the 1933 Act,
         complied when so filed in all material respects with the 1933 Act
         Regulations and each preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus
         delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with this offering
         was identical to the electronically transmitted copies thereof filed
         with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR, except to the extent permitted
         by Regulation S-T.

                  (ii) INCORPORATED DOCUMENTS. The documents incorporated or
         deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement
         and the Prospectus, when they became effective or at the time they were
         or hereafter are filed with the Commission, complied and will comply in
         all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act and the
         1933 Act Regulations or the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations of
         the Commission thereunder (the "1934 Act Regulations"), as applicable,
         and, when read together with the other information in the Prospectus,
         at the time the Registration Statement became effective, at the time
         the Prospectus was issued and at the Closing Time (and, if any Option
         Securities are purchased, at the Date of Delivery), did not and will
         not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
         material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
         statements therein not misleading.

                  (iii) INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS. The accountants who certified
         the financial statements and supporting schedules included in the
         Registration Statement are independent public accountants as required
         by the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations.

                  (iv) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The financial statements included
         in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, together with the
         related schedules and notes, present fairly the financial position of
         the respective entities included therein and their consolidated
         subsidiaries at the dates indicated and the statement of operations,
         stockholders' equity and cash flows of the respective entities included
         therein and their consolidated subsidiaries for the periods specified;
         said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with
         generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") applied on a
         consistent basis throughout the periods involved. The supporting
         schedules, if any, included in the Registration Statement present
         fairly in accordance with GAAP the information required
         to be stated therein. The selected financial data and the summary
         financial information


                                        4

<PAGE>   6



         included in the Prospectus present fairly the information shown therein
         and have been compiled on a basis consistent with that of the audited
         financial statements included in the Registration Statement. The pro
         forma financial statements and the related notes thereto included in
         the Registration Statement and the Prospectus present fairly the
         information shown therein, have been prepared in accordance with the
         Commission's rules and guidelines with respect to pro forma financial
         statements and have been properly compiled on the bases described
         therein, and the assumptions used in the preparation thereof are
         reasonable and the adjustments used therein are appropriate to give
         effect to the transactions and circumstances referred to therein.

                  (v) NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE IN BUSINESS. Since the
         respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration
         Statement and the Prospectus, except as otherwise stated therein, (A)
         there has been no material adverse change in the condition, financial
         or otherwise, or in the earnings, business affairs or business
         prospects of the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one
         enterprise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business
         (a "Material Adverse Effect"), (B) there have been no transactions
         entered into by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, other than
         those in the ordinary course of business, which are material with
         respect to the Company and its subsidiaries considered as one
         enterprise, and (C) except for regular semi-annual dividends on the
         Company's common stock in amounts per share that are consistent with
         past practice, there has been no dividend or distribution of any kind
         declared, paid or made by the Company on any class of its capital
         stock.

                  (vi) GOOD STANDING OF THE COMPANY. The Company has been duly
         organized and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing
         under the laws of the State of Florida and has corporate power and
         authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its
         business as described in the Prospectus and to enter into and perform
         its obligations under this Agreement; and the Company is duly qualified
         as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in good standing
         in each other jurisdiction in which such qualification is required,
         whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the
         conduct of business, except where the failure so to qualify or to be in
         good standing would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (vii) GOOD STANDING OF SUBSIDIARIES. Each "significant
         subsidiary" of the Company (as such term is defined in Rule 1-02 of
         Regulation S-X) (each a "Subsidiary" and, collectively, the
         "Subsidiaries") has been duly organized and is validly existing as a
         corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
         incorporation, has corporate power and authority to own, lease and
         operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the
         Prospectus and is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact
         business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such
         qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or
         leasing of property or the conduct of business, except where the
         failure so to qualify or to be in good standing would not result in a
         Material Adverse Effect; except as otherwise disclosed in the
         Registration Statement,


                                        5

<PAGE>   7



         all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of each such Subsidiary
         has been duly authorized and validly issued, is fully paid and
         non-assessable and is owned by the Company, directly or through
         subsidiaries, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage,
         pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim or equity; none of the outstanding
         shares of capital stock of any Subsidiary was issued in violation of
         the preemptive or similar rights of any securityholder of such
         Subsidiary. The only subsidiaries of the Company are the subsidiaries
         listed on Schedule D hereto.

                  (viii) CAPITALIZATION. The authorized, issued and outstanding
         capital stock of the Company is as set forth in the Prospectus in the
         column entitled "Actual" under the caption "Capitalization" (except for
         subsequent issuances, if any, pursuant to this Agreement, pursuant to
         reservations, agreements or employee benefit plans referred to in the
         Prospectus or pursuant to the exercise of convertible securities or
         options referred to in the Prospectus). The shares of issued and
         outstanding capital stock of the Company have been duly authorized and
         validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; none of the
         outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company was issued in
         violation of the preemptive or other similar rights of any
         securityholder of the Company.

                  (ix) AUTHORIZATION OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement has been duly
         authorized, executed and delivered by the Company.

                  (x) AUTHORIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES. The
         Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters from the Company have
         been duly authorized for issuance and sale to the Underwriters pursuant
         to this Agreement and, when issued and delivered by the Company
         pursuant to this Agreement against payment of the consideration set
         forth herein will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable; the
         Class A Common Stock conforms to all statements relating thereto
         contained in the Prospectus and such description conforms to the rights
         set forth in the instruments defining the same; no holder of the
         Securities will be subject to personal liability by reason of being
         such a holder; and the issuance of the Securities is not subject to the
         preemptive or other similar rights of any securityholder of the
         Company; the Rights Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
         delivered by the Company.

                  (xi) ABSENCE OF DEFAULTS AND CONFLICTS. Neither the Company
         nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation of its charter or by-laws
         or in default in the performance or observance of any obligation,
         agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract, indenture,
         mortgage, deed of trust, loan or credit agreement, note, lease or other
         agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries
         is a party or by which it or any of them may be bound, or to which any
         of the property or assets of the Company or any subsidiary is subject
         (collectively, "Agreements and Instruments") except for such defaults
         that would not result in a Material Adverse Effect; and the execution,
         delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the
         transactions contemplated herein and in the Registration Statement
         (including the issuance and sale of


                                        6

<PAGE>   8



         the Securities and the use of the proceeds from the sale of the
         Securities as described in the Prospectus under the caption "Use of
         Proceeds") and compliance by the Company with its obligations hereunder
         have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and do not
         and will not, whether with or without the giving of notice or passage
         of time or both, conflict with or constitute a breach of, or default or
         Repayment Event (as defined below) under, or result in the creation or
         imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or
         assets of the Company or any subsidiary pursuant to, the Agreements and
         Instruments (except for such conflicts, breaches or defaults or liens,
         charges or encumbrances that would not result in a Material Adverse
         Effect), nor will such action result in any violation of the provisions
         of the charter or by-laws of the Company or any subsidiary or any
         applicable law, statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ or
         decree of any government, government instrumentality or court, domestic
         or foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any subsidiary or
         any of their assets, properties or operations. As used herein, a
         "Repayment Event" means any event or condition which gives the holder
         of any note, debenture or other evidence of indebtedness (or any person
         acting on such holder's behalf) the right to require the repurchase,
         redemption or repayment of all or a portion of such indebtedness by the
         Company or any subsidiary.

                  (xii) ABSENCE OF LABOR DISPUTE. No labor dispute with the
         employees of the Company or any subsidiary exists or, to the knowledge
         of the Company, is imminent, and the Company is not aware of any
         existing or imminent labor disturbance by the employees of any of its
         or any subsidiary's principal suppliers, manufacturers, customers or
         contractors, which, in either case, may reasonably be expected to
         result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (xiii) ABSENCE OF PROCEEDINGS. There is no action, suit,
         proceeding, inquiry or investigation before or brought by any court or
         governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, now pending, or, to
         the knowledge of the Company, threatened, against or, to the knowledge
         of the Company, affecting the Company or any subsidiary, which is
         required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement (other than as
         disclosed therein), or which might reasonably be expected to result in
         a Material Adverse Effect, or which might reasonably be expected to
         materially and adversely affect the properties or assets thereof or the
         consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement or the
         performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder; the aggregate
         of all pending legal or governmental proceedings to which the Company
         or any subsidiary is a party or of which any of their respective
         property or assets is the subject which are not described in the
         Registration Statement, including ordinary routine litigation
         incidental to the business, could not reasonably be expected to result
         in a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (xiv) ACCURACY OF EXHIBITS. There are no contracts or
         documents which are required to be described in the Registration
         Statement, the Prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference
         therein or to be filed as exhibits thereto which have not been so
         described and filed as required.


                                        7

<PAGE>   9




                  (xv) POSSESSION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. The Company and its
         subsidiaries own or possess, or can acquire on reasonable terms,
         adequate patents, patent rights, licenses, inventions, copyrights,
         know-how (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or
         unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or
         procedures), trademarks, service marks, trade names or other
         intellectual property (collectively, "Intellectual Property") necessary
         to carry on the business now operated by them, and, other than as
         disclosed in the Prospectus, neither the Company nor any of its
         subsidiaries has received any notice or is otherwise aware of any
         infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others with respect
         to any Intellectual Property or of any facts or circumstances which
         would render any Intellectual Property invalid or inadequate to protect
         the interest of the Company or any of its subsidiaries therein, and
         which infringement or conflict (if the subject of any unfavorable
         decision, ruling or finding) or invalidity or inadequacy, singly or in
         the aggregate, would result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (xvi) ABSENCE OF FURTHER REQUIREMENTS. No filing with, or
         authorization, approval, consent, license, order, registration,
         qualification or decree of, any court or governmental authority or
         agency is necessary or required for the performance by the Company of
         its obligations hereunder, in connection with the offering, issuance or
         sale of the Securities hereunder or the consummation of the
         transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except such as have been
         already obtained or as may be required under the 1933 Act or the 1933
         Act Regulations and state securities or blue sky laws.

                  (xvii) POSSESSION OF LICENSES AND PERMITS. The Company and its
         subsidiaries possess such permits, licenses, approvals, consents and
         other authorizations (collectively, "Governmental Licenses") issued by
         the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign regulatory agencies or
         bodies necessary to conduct the business now operated by them,
         including the Federal Aviation Administration (the "FAA"); the Company
         and its subsidiaries are in compliance with the terms and conditions of
         all such Governmental Licenses, except where the failure so to comply
         would not, singly or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect;
         all of the Governmental Licenses are valid and in full force and
         effect, except when the invalidity of such Governmental Licenses or the
         failure of such Governmental Licenses to be in full force and effect
         would not have a Material Adverse Effect; and neither the Company nor
         any of its subsidiaries has received any notice of proceedings relating
         to the revocation or modification of any such Governmental Licenses
         which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable
         decision, ruling or finding, would result in a Material Adverse Effect.

                  (xviii) TITLE TO PROPERTY. The Company and its subsidiaries
         have good and marketable title to all real property owned by the
         Company and its subsidiaries and good title to all other properties
         owned by them, in each case, free and clear of all mortgages, pledges,
         liens, security interests, claims, restrictions or encumbrances of any
         kind except such as (a) are described in the Prospectus or (b) do not,
         singly or in the aggregate, materially affect the value of such
         property and do not interfere with the use made and



                                        8

<PAGE>   10



         proposed to be made of such property by the Company or any of its
         subsidiaries; and all of the leases and subleases material to the
         business of the Company and its subsidiaries, considered as one
         enterprise, and under which the Company or any of its subsidiaries
         holds properties described in the Prospectus, are in full force and
         effect, and neither the Company nor any subsidiary has any notice of
         any material claim of any sort that has been asserted by anyone adverse
         to the rights of the Company or any subsidiary under any of the leases
         or subleases mentioned above, or affecting or questioning the rights of
         the Company or such subsidiary to the continued possession of the
         leased or subleased premises under any such lease or sublease.

                  (xix) INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT. The Company is not, and upon the
         issuance and sale of the Securities as herein contemplated and the
         application of the net proceeds therefrom as described in the
         Prospectus will not be, an "investment company" or an entity
         "controlled" by an "investment company" as such terms are defined in
         the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").

                  (xx) ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS. Except as described in the
         Registration Statement and except as would not, singly or in the
         aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect, (A) neither the Company
         nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation of any federal, state,
         local or foreign statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code,
         policy or rule of common law or any judicial or administrative
         interpretation thereof, including any judicial or administrative order,
         consent, decree or judgment, relating to pollution or protection of
         human health, the environment (including, without limitation, ambient
         air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata) or
         wildlife, including, without limitation, laws and regulations relating
         to the release or threatened release of chemicals, pollutants,
         contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, hazardous substances, petroleum
         or petroleum products (collectively, "Hazardous Materials") or to the
         manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage,
         disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials (collectively,
         "Environmental Laws"), (B) the Company and its subsidiaries have all
         permits, authorizations and approvals required under any applicable
         Environmental Laws and are each in compliance with their requirements,
         (C) there are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company,
         threatened administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits,
         demands, demand letters, claims, liens, notices of noncompliance or
         violation, investigation or proceedings relating to any Environmental
         Law against the Company or any of its subsidiaries and (D) there are no
         events or circumstances that might reasonably be expected to form the
         basis of an order for clean-up or remediation, or an action, suit or
         proceeding by any private party or governmental body or agency, against
         or, to the knowledge of the Company, affecting the Company or any of
         its subsidiaries relating to Hazardous Materials or any Environmental
         Laws.

                  (xxi) INSURANCE. The Company is insured by insurers of
         recognized financial responsibility against such losses and risks and
         in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which
         it is engaged; the Company has not been refused any


                                        9

<PAGE>   11



         insurance coverage sought or applied for; and the Company has no reason
         to believe that it will not be able to renew its existing insurance
         coverage as and when such coverage expires or to obtain similar
         coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue its
         business at a cost that would not materially and adversely affect the
         condition, financial or otherwise, or the earnings, business or
         operations of the Company, except as described in or contemplated by
         the Prospectus.

                  (xxii) INTERNAL ACCOUNTING. The Company and each of its
         subsidiaries maintains a system of internal accounting controls
         sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (1) transactions are
         executed in accordance with management's general or specific
         authorizations; (2) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
         preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
         accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset accountability;
         (3) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management's
         general or specific authorization; and (4) the recorded accountability
         for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals
         and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

                  (xxiii) REGISTRATION RIGHTS. Except as otherwise described in
         the Prospectus, there are no contracts, agreements or understandings
         between the Company and any person granting such person the right to
         require the Company to file a registration statement under the
         Securities Act with respect to any securities of the Company or to
         require the Company to include such securities with the Securities
         registered pursuant to the Registration Statement.

                  (xxiv) YEAR 2000. All disclosure regarding year 2000
         compliance that is required to be described in a registration statement
         on Form S-3 under the 1933 Act (including disclosures required by Staff
         Bulletin No. 6 and SEC Release No. 33-7558 (July 29, 1998)) has been
         included in the Prospectus. The Company and its subsidiaries will not
         incur significant operating expenses or costs to ensure that its
         information systems will be year 2000 compliant, other than as
         disclosed in the Prospectus.

                  (xxv) NYSE LISTING. The Class A Common Stock has been approved
         for listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

         (b) REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY THE SELLING SHAREHOLDER. The
Selling Shareholder represents and warrants to each Underwriter as of the date
hereof and as of the applicable Date of Delivery and agrees with each
Underwriter, as follows:

                  (i) ACCURATE DISCLOSURE.  To the best knowledge of the Selling
         Shareholder, the representations and warranties of the Company
         contained in Section 1(a) hereof are true and correct; the Selling
         Shareholder has reviewed and is familiar with the Registration
         Statement and the Prospectus and neither the Prospectus nor any
         amendments or supplements thereto includes any untrue statement of a
         material fact or omits to state a


                                       10

<PAGE>   12



         material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the
         light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
         the Selling Shareholder is not prompted to sell the Securities to be
         sold by the Selling Shareholder hereunder by any information concerning
         the Company or any subsidiary of the Company which is not set forth in
         the Prospectus.

                  (ii) AUTHORIZATION OF AGREEMENTS. The Selling Shareholder has
         the full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to
         sell, transfer and deliver the Securities to be sold by the Selling
         Shareholder hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and
         the sale and delivery of the Securities to be sold by the Selling
         Shareholder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
         herein and compliance by the Selling Shareholder with its obligations
         hereunder have been duly authorized by the Selling Shareholder and do
         not and will not, whether with or without the giving of notice or
         passage of time or both, conflict with or constitute a breach of, or
         default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any tax,
         lien, charge or encumbrance upon the Securities to be sold by the
         Selling Shareholder or any property or assets of the Selling
         Shareholder pursuant to any contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of
         trust, loan or credit agreement, note, license, lease or other
         agreement or instrument to which the Selling Shareholder is a party or
         by which the Selling Shareholder may be bound, or to which any of the
         property or assets of the Selling Shareholder is subject, nor will such
         action result in any violation of any applicable treaty, law, statute,
         rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ or decree of any government,
         government instrumentality or court, domestic or foreign, having
         jurisdiction over the Selling Shareholder or any of its properties.

                  (iii) GOOD AND MARKETABLE TITLE; SUFFICIENT OPTIONS. The
         Selling Shareholder will at the Closing Time and, if any Option
         Securities are purchased, on the Date of Delivery, have good and
         marketable title to the Securities to be sold by the Selling
         Shareholder hereunder, free and clear of any security interest,
         mortgage, pledge, lien, charge, claim, equity or encumbrance of any
         kind, other than pursuant to this Agreement; and upon delivery of such
         Securities and payment of the purchase price therefor as herein
         contemplated, assuming each such Underwriter has no notice of any
         adverse claim, each of the Underwriters will receive good and
         marketable title to the Securities purchased by it from the Selling
         Shareholder, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge,
         lien, charge, claim, equity or encumbrance of any kind. In addition,
         the Selling Shareholder has and will, at the Closing Time and, if any
         Option Securities are purchased, on any Date of Delivery, have a
         sufficient number of exercisable Class A Common Stock options to sell
         the Securities to be sold by the Selling Shareholder pursuant to this
         Agreement.


                                       11

<PAGE>   13



                  (iv) ABSENCE OF MANIPULATION. The Selling Shareholder has not
         taken, and will not take, directly or indirectly, any action which is
         designed to or which has constituted or which might reasonably be
         expected to cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the
         price of any security of the Company to facilitate the sale or resale
         of the Securities.

                  (v) ABSENCE OF FURTHER REQUIREMENTS. No filing with, or
         consent, approval, authorization, order, registration, qualification or
         decree of, any court or governmental authority or agency, domestic or
         foreign, is necessary or required for the performance by the Selling
         Shareholder of its obligations hereunder or in connection with the sale
         and delivery of the Securities hereunder or the consummation of the
         transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except such as may have
         previously been made or obtained or as may be required under the 1933
         Act or the 1933 Act Regulations or state securities laws.

                  (vi) RESTRICTION ON SALE OF SECURITIES. During a period of 180
         days from the date of the Prospectus, the Selling Shareholder will not,
         without the prior written consent of Merrill Lynch, (i) offer, pledge,
         sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase,
         purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or
         warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or
         indirectly, any share of Class A Common Stock or any other equity stock
         of the Company, including the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
         of the Company (collectively, the "Equity Stock") or any securities
         convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Equity Stock or
         file any registration statement under the 1933 Act with respect to any
         of the foregoing or (ii) enter into any swap or any other agreement or
         any transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or
         indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership of the Equity Stock,
         whether any such swap or transaction described in clause (i) or (ii)
         above is to be settled by delivery of Equity Stock or such other
         securities, in cash or otherwise, PROVIDED that the Selling Shareholder
         may tender and sell shares of Equity Stock now owned or hereafter
         acquired by the Selling Shareholder or with respect to which the
         Selling Shareholder has or hereafter acquires the power of disposition,
         solely in accordance with the terms of (i) a tender offer for Equity
         Stock under the Exchange Act or (ii) an offer by the Company to
         repurchase Equity Stock under the Exchange Act. The foregoing sentence
         shall not apply to the sale of the Securities pursuant to this
         Agreement.

                  (vii) NO ASSOCIATION WITH NASD. Neither the Selling
         Shareholder nor any of its affiliates directly, or indirectly through
         one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under
         common control with, or has any other association with (within the
         meaning of Article I, Section 1(m) of the By-laws of the National
         Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.), any member firm of the
         National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc (the "NASD").

         (c) OFFICER'S CERTIFICATES. Any certificate signed by any officer of
the Company or any of its subsidiaries delivered to the Representatives or to
counsel for the Underwriters shall be deemed a representation and warranty by
the Company to each Underwriter as to the matters covered thereby; and any
certificate signed by or on behalf of the Selling Shareholder as such and
delivered to the Representatives or to counsel for the Underwriters pursuant to
the terms of this Agreement shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the
Selling Shareholder to the Underwriters as to the matters covered thereby.


                                       12

<PAGE>   14




         SECTION 2. SALE AND DELIVERY TO UNDERWRITERS; CLOSING.

         (a) INITIAL SECURITIES. On the basis of the representations and
warranties herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein set
forth, the Company and the Selling Shareholder agree to sell to each
Underwriter, severally and not jointly, and each Underwriter, severally and not
jointly, agrees to purchase from the Company and the Selling Shareholder, at the
price per share set forth in Schedule C, the number of Initial Securities set
forth in Schedule A opposite the name of such Underwriter, plus any additional
number of Initial Securities which such Underwriter may become obligated to
purchase pursuant to the provisions of Section 10 hereof.

         (b) OPTION SECURITIES. In addition, on the basis of the representations
and warranties herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein
set forth, the Company hereby grants an option to the Underwriters, severally
and not jointly, to purchase up to an additional 300,000 Option Securities and
the Selling Shareholder hereby grants an option to the Underwriters, severally
and not jointly, to purchase up to an additional 300,000 Option Securities, in
each case, at the price per share set forth in Schedule C, less an amount per
share equal to any dividends or distributions declared by the Company and
payable on the Initial Securities but not payable on the Option Securities. The
options hereby granted will expire 30 days after the date hereof and may be
exercised in whole or in part from time to time only for the purpose of covering
over-allotments which may be made in connection with the offering and
distribution of the Initial Securities upon notice by the Representatives to the
Company and the Selling Shareholder setting forth the number of Option
Securities as to which the several Underwriters are then exercising the option
and the time and date of payment and delivery for such Option Securities. Any
such time and date of delivery for the Option Securities (a "Date of Delivery")
shall be determined by the Representatives, but shall not be later than seven
full business days after the exercise of said option, nor in any event prior to
the Closing Time, as hereinafter defined. If the options are exercised as to
only a portion of the Option Securities, the Company and the Selling Shareholder
will sell their pro rata portion of the Option Securities to be purchased by the
Underwriters. If the option is exercised as to all or any portion of the Option
Securities, each of the Underwriters, acting severally and not jointly, will
purchase that proportion of the total number of Option Securities then being
purchased which the number of Initial Securities set forth in Schedule A
opposite the name of such Underwriter bears to the total number of Initial
Securities, subject in each case to such adjustments as the Representatives in
their discretion shall make to eliminate any sales or purchases of fractional
shares.

         (c) PAYMENT. Payment of the purchase price for, and delivery of
certificates for, the Initial Securities shall be made at the offices of
Shearman & Sterling at 599 Lexington Avenue,


                                       13

<PAGE>   15



New York, New York, or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the
Representatives, the Company and the Selling Shareholder, at 9:00 A.M. (Eastern
time) on the third (fourth, if the pricing occurs after 4:30 P.M. (Eastern time)
on any given day) business day after the date hereof (unless postponed in
accordance with the provisions of Section 10), or such other time not later than
ten business days after such date as shall be agreed upon by the
Representatives, the Company and the Selling Shareholder (such time and date of
payment and delivery being herein called "Closing Time").

         In addition, in the event that any or all of the Option Securities are
purchased by the Underwriters, payment of the purchase price for, and delivery
of certificates for, such Option Securities shall be made at the above-mentioned
offices, or at such other place as shall be agreed upon by the Representatives
and the Company and the Selling Shareholder, on each Date of Delivery as
specified in the notice from the Representatives to the Company and the Selling
Shareholder.

         Payment shall be made to the Company and the Selling Shareholder by
wire transfer of immediately available funds to bank accounts designated by the
Company and the Selling Shareholder, respectively, against delivery to the
Representatives for the respective accounts of the Underwriters of certificates
for the Securities to be purchased by them. It is understood that each
Underwriter has authorized the Representatives, for its account, to accept
delivery of, receipt for, and make payment of the purchase price for, the
Initial Securities and the Option Securities, if any, which it has agreed to
purchase. Merrill Lynch, individually and not as representative of the
Underwriters, may (but shall not be obligated to) make payment of the purchase
price for the Initial Securities or the Option Securities, if any, to be
purchased by any Underwriter whose funds have not been received by the Closing
Time or the relevant Date of Delivery, as the case may be, but such payment
shall not relieve such Underwriter from its obligations hereunder.

         (d) DENOMINATIONS; REGISTRATION. Certificates for the Initial
Securities and the Option Securities, if any, shall be in such denominations and
registered in such names as the Representatives may request in writing at least
one full business day before the Closing Time or the relevant Date of Delivery,
as the case may be. The certificates for the Initial Securities and the Option
Securities, if any, will be made available for examination and packaging by the
Representatives in The City of New York not later than 10:00 A.M. (Eastern time)
on the second business day prior to the Closing Time or the relevant Date of
Delivery, as the case may be.

         SECTION 3. COVENANTS.

         (a) COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY. The Company covenants with each
Underwriter as follows:

                  (i)  COMPLIANCE WITH SECURITIES REGULATIONS AND COMMISSION 
         REQUESTS. The Company, subject to Section 3(b), will comply with the
         requirements of Rule 430A or Rule 434, as applicable, and will notify
         the Representatives immediately, and confirm the



                                       14

<PAGE>   16



         notice in writing, (i) when any post-effective amendment to the
         Registration Statement shall become effective, or any supplement to the
         Prospectus or any amended Prospectus shall have been filed, (ii) of the
         receipt of any comments from the Commission, (iii) of any request by
         the Commission for any amendment to the Registration Statement or any
         amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or for additional
         information, and (iv) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop
         order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or of
         any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary
         prospectus, or of the suspension of the qualification of the Securities
         for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, or of the initiation or
         threatening of any proceedings for any of such purposes. The Company
         will promptly effect the filings necessary pursuant to Rule 424(b) and
         will take such steps as it deems necessary to ascertain promptly
         whether the form of prospectus transmitted for filing under Rule 424(b)
         was received for filing by the Commission and, in the event that it was
         not, it will promptly file such prospectus. The Company will make every
         reasonable effort to prevent the issuance of any stop order and, if any
         stop order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest
         possible moment.

                  (ii) FILING OF AMENDMENTS. The Company will give the
         Representatives notice of its intention to file or prepare any
         amendment to the Registration Statement (including any filing under
         Rule 462(b)), any Term Sheet or any amendment, supplement or revision
         to either any prospectus included in the Registration Statement at the
         time it became effective or to the Prospectus, whether pursuant to the
         1933 Act, the 1934 Act or otherwise, will furnish the Representatives
         with copies of any such documents a reasonable amount of time prior to
         such proposed filing or use, as the case may be, and will not file or
         use any such document to which the Representatives or counsel for the
         Underwriters shall object.

                  (iii) DELIVERY OF REGISTRATION STATEMENTS. The Company has
         furnished or will deliver to the Representatives and counsel for the
         Underwriters, without charge, signed copies of the Registration
         Statement as originally filed and of each amendment thereto (including
         exhibits filed therewith or incorporated by reference therein and
         documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference
         therein) and signed copies of all consents and certificates of experts,
         and will also deliver to the Representatives, without charge, a
         conformed copy of the Registration Statement as originally filed and of
         each amendment thereto (without exhibits) for each of the Underwriters.
         The copies of the Registration Statement and each amendment thereto
         furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the electronically
         transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR,
         except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

                  (iv) DELIVERY OF PROSPECTUS. The Company has delivered to each
         Underwriter, without charge, as many copies of each preliminary
         prospectus as such Underwriter reasonably requested, and the Company
         hereby consents to the use of such copies for purposes permitted by the
         1933 Act. The Company will furnish to each Underwriter, without charge,
         during the period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered under



                                       15

<PAGE>   17



         the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act, such number of copies of the Prospectus
         (as amended or supplemented) as such Underwriter may reasonably
         request. The Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto
         furnished to the Underwriters will be identical to the electronically
         transmitted copies thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to EDGAR,
         except to the extent permitted by Regulation S-T.

                  (v) CONTINUED COMPLIANCE WITH SECURITIES LAWS. The Company
         will comply with the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations and the 1934
         Act and the 1934 Act Regulations so as to permit the completion of the
         distribution of the Securities as contemplated in this Agreement and in
         the Prospectus. If at any time when a prospectus is required by the
         1933 Act to be delivered in connection with sales of the Securities,
         any event shall occur or condition shall exist as a result of which it
         is necessary, in the reasonable opinion of counsel for the Underwriters
         or for the Company, to amend the Registration Statement or amend or
         supplement the Prospectus in order that the Prospectus will not include
         any untrue statements of a material fact or omit to state a material
         fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading
         in the light of the circumstances existing at the time such Prospectus
         is delivered to a purchaser, or if it shall be necessary, in the
         reasonable opinion of such counsel, at any such time to amend the
         Registration Statement or amend or supplement the Prospectus in order
         to comply with the requirements of the 1933 Act or the 1933 Act
         Regulations, the Company will promptly prepare and file with the
         Commission, subject to Section 3(b), such amendment or supplement as
         may be necessary to correct such statement or omission or to make the
         Registration Statement or the Prospectus comply with such requirements,
         and the Company will furnish to the Underwriters such number of copies
         of such amendment or supplement as the Underwriters may reasonably
         request.

                  (vi) RULE 158. The Company will timely file such reports
         pursuant to the 1934 Act as are necessary in order to make generally
         available to its securityholders as soon as practicable an earnings
         statement for the purposes of, and to provide the benefits contemplated
         by, the last paragraph of Section 11(a) of the 1933 Act.

                  (vii) USE OF PROCEEDS. The Company will use the net proceeds
         received by it from the sale of the Securities in the manner specified
         in the Prospectus under "Use of Proceeds."

                  (viii) RESTRICTION ON SALE OF SECURITIES. During a period of
         180 days from the date of the Prospectus, the Company will not, without
         the prior written consent of the Representatives, (i) directly or
         indirectly, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or
         contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant
         any option, right or warrant to purchase or otherwise transfer or
         dispose of any share of Equity Stock or any securities convertible into
         or exercisable or exchangeable for Equity Stock or file any
         registration statement under the 1933 Act with respect to any of the
         foregoing or (ii) enter into any swap or any other agreement or any
         transaction that transfers, in whole



                                       16

<PAGE>   18



         or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of
         ownership of the Equity Stock, whether any such swap or transaction
         described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of
         Equity Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise. The
         foregoing sentence shall not apply to (A) the Securities to be sold
         hereunder, (B) any shares of Equity Stock issued by the Company upon
         the exercise of an option or warrant or the conversion of a security
         outstanding on the date hereof and referred to in the Prospectus, (C)
         any shares of Equity Stock issued or options to purchase Equity Stock
         granted pursuant to existing employee benefit plans of the Company
         referred to in the Prospectus, (D) any shares of Equity Stock issued
         pursuant to any non-employee director stock plan or dividend
         reinvestment plan referred to in the Prospectus or (E) shares of Equity
         Stock with an aggregate fair market value of not more than $10 million
         issued by the Company in connection with acquisitions.

                  (ix) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. The Company, during the period
         when the Prospectus is required to be delivered under the 1933 Act or
         the 1934 Act, will file all documents required to be filed with the
         Commission pursuant to the 1934 Act within the time periods required by
         the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act Regulations.

                  (x) SELLING SHAREHOLDER SECURITIES. (A) The Company will (i)
         cancel 300,000 shares of Class A Common Stock options exercisable by
         the Selling Shareholder and (ii) issue and deliver to the
         Representatives certificates for such same number of Securities in the
         manner described in Section 2(c) and (d) hereof.

                           (B) The Company will, upon receipt of any notice from
                  the Representatives pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof, (i)
                  cancel such number of Class A Common Stock options exercisable
                  by the Selling Shareholder equal to the number of Option
                  Securities specified in such notice from the Representatives
                  and (ii) issue and deliver to the Representatives certificates
                  for such same number of Option Securities in the manner
                  described in Section 2(c) and (d) hereof.

         (b) COVENANT OF THE SELLING SHAREHOLDER. (A) The Selling Shareholder
authorizes the Company to (i) cancel 300,000 Shares of Class A Common Stock
options exercisable by the Selling Shareholder and (ii) issue and deliver to the
Representatives certificates for such same number of Securities in the manner
described in Section 2(c) and (d) hereof.

                           (B) The Selling Shareholder authorizes the Company,
                  upon receipt of any notice from the Representatives pursuant
                  to Section 2(b) hereof to (ii) cancel such number of Class A
                  Common Stock options exercisable by the Selling Shareholder
                  equal to the number of Option Securities specified in such
                  notice from the Representatives and (ii) issue and deliver to
                  the Representatives certificates for such same number of
                  Option Securities in the manner described in Section 2(c) and
                  (d) hereof.



                                       17

<PAGE>   19



         SECTION 4. PAYMENT OF EXPENSES.

         (a) EXPENSES. The Company will pay all expenses incident to the
performance of its obligations under this Agreement, including (i) the
preparation, printing and filing of the Registration Statement (including
financial statements and exhibits) as originally filed and of each amendment
thereto, (ii) the preparation, printing and delivery to the Underwriters of this
Agreement, any Agreement among Underwriters and such other documents as may be
required in connection with the offering, purchase, sale, issuance or delivery
of the Securities, (iii) the preparation, issuance and delivery of the
certificates for the Securities to the Underwriters, including any stock or
other transfer taxes and any stamp or other duties payable upon the sale,
issuance or delivery of the Securities to the Underwriters, (iv) the fees and
disbursements of the Company's counsel, accountants and other advisors, (v) the
filing fees incident to any necessary filings under state securities laws and
the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in
connection therewith and in connection with the preparation of the Blue Sky
Survey and any supplement thereto, (vi) the printing and delivery to the
Underwriters of copies of each preliminary prospectus, any Term Sheets and of
the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto, (vii) the preparation,
printing and delivery to the Underwriters of copies of the Blue Sky Survey and
any supplement thereto, (viii) the fees and expenses of any transfer agent or
registrar for the Securities, (ix) all filing fees and reasonable fees and
disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters incurred in connection with the
review and qualification of the offering of the Securities by the NASD, and (x)
the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Securities
on the New York Stock Exchange.

         (b) EXPENSES OF THE SELLING SHAREHOLDER. The Selling Shareholder will
pay all expenses incident to the performance of the Selling Shareholder's
obligations under, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, including (i) any stamp duties, capital duties and stock transfer
taxes, if any, payable upon the sale of the Securities to the Underwriters, and
(ii) the fees and disbursements of the Selling Shareholder's counsel and
accountants.

         (c) TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT. If this Agreement is terminated by the
Representatives in accordance with the provisions of Section 5 or Section
9(a)(i) hereof, the Company shall reimburse the Underwriters for all of their
out-of-pocket expenses, including the reasonable fees and disbursements of
counsel for the Underwriters.

         (d) ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES. The provisions of this Section shall not
affect any agreement that the Company and the Selling Shareholder may make for
the sharing of such costs and expenses.




                                       18

<PAGE>   20


         SECTION 5. CONDITIONS OF UNDERWRITERS' OBLIGATIONS. The obligations of
the several Underwriters hereunder are subject to the accuracy of the
representations and warranties of the Company and the Selling Shareholder
contained in Section 1 hereof or in certificates of any officer of the Company
or any subsidiary of the Company or on behalf of the Selling Shareholder
delivered pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the Company
and the Selling Shareholder of their respective covenants and other obligations
hereunder, and to the following further conditions:

                  (a) EFFECTIVENESS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT. The Registration
         Statement, including any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, has become
         effective and at Closing Time no stop order suspending the
         effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have been issued
         under the 1933 Act or proceedings therefor initiated or threatened by
         the Commission, and any request on the part of the Commission for
         additional information shall have been complied with to the reasonable
         satisfaction of counsel for the Underwriters. A prospectus containing
         the Rule 430A Information shall have been filed with the Commission in
         accordance with Rule 424(b) (or a post-effective amendment providing
         such information shall have been filed and declared effective in
         accordance with the requirements of Rule 430A) or, if the Company has
         elected to rely upon Rule 434, a Term Sheet shall have been filed with
         the Commission in accordance with Rule 424(b).

                  (b) OPINION OF VICTOR H. MENDELSON, GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE
         COMPANY. At Closing Time, the Representatives shall have received the
         favorable opinion, dated as of Closing Time, of Victor H. Mendelson,
         Vice President and General Counsel of the Company, in form and
         substance satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, together with
         signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other
         Underwriters to the effect set forth in Exhibit A hereto and to such
         further effect as counsel for the Underwriters may reasonably request.

                  (c) OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE COMPANY. At Closing Time, the
         Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion, dated as of
         Closing Time, of Greenberg Traurig, P.A., counsel for the Company in
         form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters,
         together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of
         the other Underwriters to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto and
         to such further effect as counsel for the Underwriters may reasonably
         request. Such opinion shall state that counsel for the Underwriters may
         rely on such opinion as to matters of Florida law.

                  (d) OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE SELLING SHAREHOLDER. At Closing
         Time, the Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion,
         dated as of Closing Time, of Greenberg Traurig, P.A., counsel for the
         Selling Shareholder, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for
         the Underwriters, together with signed or reproduced copies of such
         letter for each of the other Underwriters to the effect set forth in
         Exhibit C hereto and to such further effect as counsel to the
         Underwriters may reasonably request.

                  (e) OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE UNDERWRITERS. At Closing Time,
         the Representatives shall have received the favorable opinion, dated as
         of Closing Time, of Shearman & Sterling, counsel for the Underwriters,
         together with signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of
         the other Underwriters with respect to certain matters. In giving such
         opinion such counsel may rely, as to all matters governed by the laws
         of


                                       19

<PAGE>   21



         jurisdictions other than the law of the State of New York and the
         federal law of the United States, upon the opinions of counsel
         satisfactory to the Representatives. Such counsel may also state that,
         insofar as such opinion involves factual matters, they have relied, to
         the extent they deem proper, upon certificates of officers of the
         Company and its subsidiaries and certificates of public officials.

                  (f) OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE. At Closing Time, there shall not
         have been, since the date hereof or since the respective dates as of
         which information is given in the Prospectus, any material adverse
         change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings,
         business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its
         subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising in
         the ordinary course of business, and the Representatives shall have
         received a certificate of the President or a Vice President of the
         Company and of the chief financial or chief accounting officer of the
         Company, dated as of Closing Time, to the effect that (i) there has
         been no such material adverse change, (ii) the representations and
         warranties in Section 1(a) hereof are true and correct with the same
         force and effect as though expressly made at and as of Closing Time,
         (iii) the Company has complied with all agreements and satisfied all
         conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to
         Closing Time, and (iv) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of
         the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that
         purpose have been instituted or are pending or are contemplated by the
         Commission.

                  (g) ACCOUNTANTS' COMFORT LETTERS. At the time of the execution
         of this Agreement, the Representatives shall have received from each of
         Deloitte & Touche LLP and Pyke & Pierce, a letter dated such date, in
         form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives, together with
         signed or reproduced copies of such letter for each of the other
         Underwriters containing statements and information of the type
         ordinarily included in accountants' "comfort letters" to underwriters
         with respect to the financial statements and certain financial
         information contained in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.

                  (h) BRING-DOWN COMFORT LETTER. At Closing Time, the
         Representatives shall have received from Deloitte & Touche LLP, a
         letter, dated as of Closing Time, to the effect that they reaffirm the
         statements made in the letter furnished pursuant to subsection (g) of
         this Section, except that the specified date referred to shall be a
         date not more than three business days prior to Closing Time.

                  (i) NO OBJECTION. The NASD has confirmed that it has not 
         raised any objection with respect to the fairness and reasonableness of
         the underwriting terms and arrangements.

                  (j) LOCK-UP AGREEMENTS. At the date of this Agreement, the
         Representatives shall have received an agreement substantially in the
         form of Exhibit D hereto signed by the persons listed on Schedule E
         hereto.



                                       20

<PAGE>   22



                  (k) CONDITIONS TO PURCHASE OF OPTION SECURITIES. In the event
         that the Underwriters exercise their option provided in Section 2(b)
         hereof to purchase all or any portion of the Option Securities, the
         representations and warranties of the Company and the Selling
         Shareholder contained herein and the statements in any certificates
         furnished by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company and the
         Selling Shareholder hereunder shall be true and correct as of each Date
         of Delivery and, at the relevant Date of Delivery, the Representatives
         shall have received:

                           (i) OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE. A certificate, dated such
                  Date of Delivery, of the President or a Vice President of the
                  Company and of the chief financial or chief accounting officer
                  of the Company confirming that the certificate delivered at
                  Closing Time pursuant to Section 5(f) hereof remains true and
                  correct as of such Date of Delivery.

                           (ii) CERTIFICATE OF SELLING SHAREHOLDER. The
                  Representatives shall have received a certificate of the
                  Selling Shareholder, dated as of the Date of Delivery, to the
                  effect that (i) the representations and warranties of the
                  Selling Shareholder contained in Section 1(b) hereof are true
                  and correct in all respects with the same force and effect as
                  though expressly made at and as of the Date of Delivery and
                  (ii) the Selling Shareholder has complied in all material
                  respects with all agreements and all conditions on its part to
                  be performed under this Agreement at or prior to the Date of
                  Delivery.

                           (iii) OPINION OF VICTOR H. MENDELSON, GENERAL COUNSEL
                  OF THE COMPANY. The favorable opinion of Victor H. Mendelson,
                  Vice President and General Counsel of the Company, in form and
                  substance satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, dated
                  such Date of Delivery, relating to the Option Securities to be
                  purchased on such Date of Delivery and otherwise to the same
                  effect as the opinion required by Section 5(b) hereof.

                           (iv) OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE COMPANY. The
                  favorable opinion of Greenberg Traurig, P.A., counsel for the
                  Company, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the
                  Underwriters, dated such Date of Delivery, relating to the
                  Option Securities to be purchased on such Date of Delivery and
                  otherwise to the same effect as the opinion required by
                  Section 5(c) hereof.

                           (v) OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE SELLING SHAREHOLDER.
                  The favorable opinion of Greenberg Traurig, P.A., counsel for
                  the Selling Shareholder, in form and substance satisfactory to
                  counsel for the Underwriters, dated such Date of Delivery,
                  relating to the Option Securities to be purchased on such Date
                  of Delivery and otherwise the same effect as the opinion
                  required by Section 5(d) hereof.

                                       21

<PAGE>   23



                           (vi) OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE UNDERWRITERS. The
                  favorable opinion of Shearman & Sterling, counsel for the
                  Underwriters, dated such Date of Delivery, relating to the
                  Option Securities to be purchased on such Date of Delivery and
                  otherwise to the same effect as the opinion required by
                  Section 5(e) hereof.

                           (vii) BRING-DOWN COMFORT LETTER. A letter from
                  Deloitte & Touche LLP in form and substance satisfactory to
                  the Representatives and dated such Date of Delivery,
                  substantially in the same form and substance as the letter
                  furnished to the Representatives pursuant to Section 5(h)
                  hereof, except that the "specified date" in the letter
                  furnished pursuant to this paragraph shall be a date not more
                  than five days prior to such Date of Delivery.

                  (l) ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS. At Closing Time and at each Date of
         Delivery, counsel for the Underwriters shall have been furnished with
         such documents and opinions as they may require for the purpose of
         enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Securities as
         herein contemplated, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the
         representations or warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the
         conditions, herein contained; and all proceedings taken by the Company
         and the Selling Shareholder in connection with the issuance and sale of
         the Securities as herein contemplated shall be satisfactory in form and
         substance to the Representatives and counsel for the Underwriters.

                  (m) TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT. If any condition specified in
         this Section shall not have been fulfilled when and as required to be
         fulfilled, this Agreement, or, in the case of any condition to the
         purchase of Option Securities on a Date of Delivery which is after the
         Closing Time, the obligations of the several Underwriters to purchase
         the relevant Securities, may be terminated by the Representatives by
         notice to the Company and the Selling Shareholder at any time at or
         prior to Closing Time or such Date of Delivery, as the case may be, and
         such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other
         party except as provided in Section 4 and except that Sections 1, 6, 7
         and 8 shall survive any such termination and remain in full force and
         effect.

         SECTION 6. INDEMNIFICATION.

         (a) INDEMNIFICATION OF UNDERWRITERS. The Company and the Selling
Shareholder, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each
Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the
meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act in the
manner set out below:

                  (i) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and
         expense whatsoever, as incurred, arising out of any untrue statement or
         alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the
         Registration Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule
         430A Information and the Rule 434 Information, if applicable, or the
         omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact required to
         be stated therein or necessary to



                                       22

<PAGE>   24



         make the statements therein not misleading or arising out of any untrue
         statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact included in
         any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any amendment or
         supplement thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a
         material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the
         light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

                  (ii) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and
         expense whatsoever, as incurred, to the extent of the aggregate amount
         paid in settlement of any litigation, or any investigation or
         proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened,
         or of any claim whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or
         omission, or any such alleged untrue statement or omission; PROVIDED
         that (subject to Section 6(d) below) any such settlement is effected
         with the written consent of the Company and the Selling Shareholder;
         and

                  (iii) against any and all expense whatsoever, as incurred
         (including the fees and disbursements of counsel chosen by Merrill
         Lynch), reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending
         against any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any
         governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim
         whatsoever based upon any such untrue statement or omission, or any
         such alleged untrue statement or omission, to the extent that any such
         expense is not paid under (i) or (ii) above;

PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that this indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss,
liability, claim, damage or expense to the extent arising out of any untrue
statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance
upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by any
Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use in the Registration
Statement (or any amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information and
the Rule 434 Information, if applicable, or any preliminary prospectus or the
Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto); PROVIDED FURTHER that any
indemnification for which the Selling Shareholder is liable pursuant to this
Section 6 shall be limited to the net proceeds (after deducting the underwriting
discount, but before deducting expenses) received by the Selling Shareholder
from the sale of its Securities pursuant to this Agreement.

         (b) INDEMNIFICATION OF COMPANY, DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS AND SELLING
SHAREHOLDER. Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
the Company, its directors, each of its officers who signed the Registration
Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning
of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act and the Selling
Shareholder against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage and expense
described in the indemnity contained in subsection (a) of this Section, as
incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions, or alleged
untrue statements or omissions, made in the Registration Statement (or any
amendment thereto), including the Rule 430A Information and the Rule 434
Information, if applicable, or any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or
any amendment or supplement thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity with
written information furnished to the Company by such Underwriter through the
Representatives expressly for use in the Registration Statement (or any
amendment thereto) or such preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus (or any
amendment or supplement thereto).



                                       23

<PAGE>   25




         (c) ACTIONS AGAINST PARTIES; NOTIFICATION. Each indemnified party shall
give notice as promptly as reasonably practicable to each indemnifying party of
any action commenced against it in respect of which indemnity may be sought
hereunder, but failure to so notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve such
indemnifying party from any liability hereunder to the extent it is not
materially prejudiced as a result thereof and in any event shall not relieve it
from any liability which it may have otherwise than on account of this indemnity
agreement. In the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 6(a) above,
counsel to the indemnified parties shall be selected by Merrill Lynch, and, in
the case of parties indemnified pursuant to Section 6(b) above, counsel to the
indemnified parties shall be selected by the Company. An indemnifying party may
participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that counsel to the indemnifying party shall not (except with the
consent of the indemnified party) also be counsel to the indemnified party. In
no event shall the indemnifying parties be liable for fees and expenses of more
than one counsel (in addition to any local counsel) separate from their own
counsel for all indemnified parties in connection with any one action or
separate but similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of
the same general allegations or circumstances unless one of the indemnified
parties reasonably concludes that there may be one or more legal defenses
available to it which are different from or additional to those available to the
other indemnified party, in which case such indemnified party shall have the
right to select separate counsel to defend such action and the indemnifying
parties shall bear the fees and expenses of such separate counsel. No
indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified
parties, settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment with
respect to any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any
governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever in
respect of which indemnification or contribution could be sought under this
Section 6 or Section 7 hereof (whether or not the indemnified parties are actual
or potential parties thereto), unless such settlement, compromise or consent (i)
includes an unconditional release of each indemnified party from all liability
arising out of such litigation, investigation, proceeding or claim and (ii) does
not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure
to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.

         (d) SETTLEMENT WITHOUT CONSENT IF FAILURE TO REIMBURSE. If at any time
an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the
indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel, such indemnifying party
agrees that it shall be liable for any settlement of the nature contemplated by
Section 6(a)(ii) effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is
entered into more than 45 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the
aforesaid request, (ii) such indemnifying party shall have received notice of
the terms of such settlement at least 30 days prior to such settlement being
entered into and (iii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed such
indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such
settlement.


                                       24

<PAGE>   26



         (e) OTHER AGREEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO INDEMNIFICATION. The provisions of
this Section shall not affect any agreement between the Company and the Selling
Shareholder with respect to indemnification.

         SECTION 7. CONTRIBUTION. If the indemnification provided for in Section
6 hereof is for any reason unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an
indemnified party in respect of any losses, liabilities, claims, damages or
expenses referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to
the aggregate amount of such losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses
incurred by such indemnified party, as incurred, (i) in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company and the
Selling Shareholder on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand from
the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement or (ii) if the
allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred
to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company and the
Selling Shareholder on the one hand and of the Underwriters on the other hand in
connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses,
liabilities, claims, damages or expenses, as well as any other relevant
equitable considerations.

         The relative benefits received by the Company and the Selling
Shareholder on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand in connection
with the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed
to be in the same respective proportions as the total net proceeds from the
offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement (before deducting
expenses) received by the Company and the Selling Shareholder and the total
underwriting discount received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth on
the cover of the Prospectus, or, if Rule 434 is used, the corresponding location
on the Term Sheet, bear to the aggregate initial public offering price of the
Securities as set forth on such cover.

         The relative fault of the Company and the Selling Shareholder on the
one hand and the Underwriters on the other hand shall be determined by reference
to, among other things, whether any such untrue or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates
to information supplied by the Company or the Selling Shareholder or by the
Underwriters and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information
and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission or any
violation of the nature referred to in Section 6(a).

         The Company, the Selling Shareholder and the Underwriters agree that it
would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section were
determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one
entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not
take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this Section.
The aggregate amount of losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses
incurred by an indemnified party and referred to above in this Section shall be
deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such
indemnified party in investigating, preparing or defending against any
litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency



                                       25

<PAGE>   27



or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon any such
untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.

         Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, no Underwriter shall be
required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total
price at which the Securities underwritten by it and distributed to the public
were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such
Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of any such untrue or
alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.

         No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of
Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person
who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

         For purposes of this Section, each person, if any, who controls a
Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of
the 1934 Act shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and
each director of the Company, each officer of the Company who signed the
Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within
the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act shall
have the same rights to contribution as the Company. The Underwriters'
respective obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section are several in
proportion to the number of Initial Securities set forth opposite their
respective names in Schedule A hereto and not joint.

         The provisions of this Section shall not affect any agreement between
the Company and the Selling Shareholder with respect to contribution.

         SECTION 8. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS TO SURVIVE
DELIVERY. All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this
Agreement or in certificates of officers of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries or the Selling Shareholder submitted pursuant hereto shall remain
operative and in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by
or on behalf of any Underwriter or controlling person, or by or on behalf of the
Company or the Selling Shareholder, and shall survive delivery of the Securities
to the Underwriters.

         SECTION 9. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.

         (a) TERMINATION; GENERAL. The Representatives may terminate this
Agreement, by notice to the Company and the Selling Shareholder, at any time at
or prior to Closing Time (i) if there has been, since the time of execution of
this Agreement or since the respective dates as of which information is given in
the Prospectus, any material adverse change in the condition, financial or
otherwise, or in the earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the
Company and its subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether or not
arising in the ordinary course of business, or (ii) if there has occurred any
material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States or the
international financial markets, any outbreak of hostilities or escalation
thereof or other calamity or crisis or any change or development involving a
prospective change



                                       26

<PAGE>   28



in national or international political, financial or economic conditions, in
each case the effect of which is such as to make it, in the judgment of the
Representatives, impracticable to market the Securities or to enforce contracts
for the sale of the Securities, or (iii) if trading in any securities of the
Company has been suspended or materially limited by the Commission or the New
York Stock Exchange, or if trading generally on the American Stock Exchange or
the New York Stock Exchange or in the Nasdaq National Market has been suspended
or materially limited, or minimum or maximum prices for trading have been fixed,
or maximum ranges for prices have been required, by any of said exchanges or by
such system or by order of the Commission, the NASD or any other governmental
authority, or (iv) if a banking moratorium has been declared by either Federal,
New York or Florida authorities.

         (b) LIABILITIES. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this
Section, such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other
party except as provided in Section 4 hereof, and provided further that Sections
1, 6, 7 and 8 shall survive such termination and remain in full force and
effect.

         SECTION 10. DEFAULT BY ONE OR MORE OF THE UNDERWRITERS. If one or more
of the Underwriters shall fail at Closing Time or a Date of Delivery to purchase
the Securities which it or they are obligated to purchase under this Agreement
(the "Defaulted Securities"), the Representatives shall have the right, within
24 hours thereafter, to make arrangements for one or more of the non-defaulting
Underwriters, or any other underwriters, to purchase all, but not less than all,
of the Defaulted Securities in such amounts as may be agreed upon and upon the
terms herein set forth; if, however, the Representatives shall not have
completed such arrangements within such 24-hour period, then:

                  (a) if the number of Defaulted Securities does not exceed 10%
         of the number of Securities to be purchased on such date, the
         non-defaulting Underwriters shall be obligated, each severally and not
         jointly, to purchase the full amount thereof in the proportions that
         their respective underwriting obligations hereunder bear to the
         underwriting obligations of all non-defaulting Underwriters, or

                  (b) if the number of Defaulted Securities exceeds 10% of the
         number of Securities to be purchased on such date, this Agreement or,
         with respect to any Date of Delivery which occurs after Closing Time,
         the obligation of the Underwriters to purchase and of the Company and
         the Selling Shareholder to sell the Option Securities to be purchased
         and sold on such Date of Delivery shall terminate without liability on
         the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter.

         No action taken pursuant to this Section shall relieve any defaulting
Underwriter from liability in respect of its default.

         In the event of any such default which does not result in a termination
of this Agreement or, in the case of a Date of Delivery which is after Closing
Time, which does not result in a



                                       27

<PAGE>   29



termination of the obligation of the Underwriters to purchase and the Company
and the Selling Shareholder to sell the relevant Option Securities, as the case
may be, either the Representatives or the Company or the Selling Shareholder
shall have the right to postpone Closing Time or the relevant Date of Delivery,
as the case may be, for a period not exceeding seven days in order to effect any
required changes in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or in any other
documents or arrangements. As used herein, the term "Underwriter" includes any
person substituted for a Underwriter under this Section.

         SECTION 11. DEFAULT BY THE SELLING SHAREHOLDER OR THE COMPANY

         (a) If the Selling Shareholder shall fail at the Closing Time or at a
Date of Delivery to sell and deliver the number of Securities which the Selling
Shareholder is obligated to sell hereunder, then this Agreement shall terminate
without any liability on the part of any non-defaulting party except that the
provisions of Sections 1, 4, 6, 7 and 8 shall remain in full force and effect.
No action taken pursuant to this Section shall relieve the Selling Shareholder
from liability in respect of such default.

         In the event of a default by the Selling Shareholder as referred to in
this Section, each of the Representatives and the Company shall have the right
to postpone Closing Time or the relevant Date of Delivery for a period not
exceeding seven days in order to effect any required change in the Registration
Statement or Prospectus or in any other documents or arrangements.

         (b) If the Company shall fail at Closing Time or at a Date of Delivery
to sell the number of Securities that it is obligated to sell hereunder, then
this Agreement shall terminate without any liability on the part of any
non-defaulting party; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the provisions of Sections 1, 4,
6, 7 and 8 shall remain in full force and effect. No action taken pursuant to
this Section shall relieve the Company from liability in respect of such
default.

         SECTION 12. NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or
transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication. Notices to the
Underwriters shall be directed to the Representatives at North Tower, World
Financial Center, New York, New York 10281 attention of James Caldwell; notices
to the Company shall be directed to it at 825 Brickell Bay Drive, Suite 1644,
Miami, FL 33131, attention of Victor H. Mendelson and notices to the Selling
Shareholder shall be directed to 825 Brickell Bay Drive, Suite 1644, Miami, FL
33131, attention of Laurans A. Mendelson.

         SECTION 13. PARTIES. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and
be binding upon the Underwriters, the Company and the Selling Shareholder and
their respective successors. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is
intended or shall be construed to give any person, firm or corporation, other
than the Underwriters, the Company and the Selling Shareholder and their
respective successors and the controlling persons and officers and directors
referred to in Sections 6 and 7 and their heirs and legal representatives, any
legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement
or any provision herein contained.



                                       28

<PAGE>   30



This Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof are intended to be for
the sole and exclusive benefit of the Underwriters, the Company and the Selling
Shareholder and their respective successors, and said controlling persons and
officers and directors and their heirs and legal representatives, and for the
benefit of no other person, firm or corporation. No purchaser of Securities from
any Underwriter shall be deemed to be a successor by reason merely of such
purchase.

         SECTION 14. GOVERNING LAW AND TIME.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE
GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE
OF NEW YORK.  SPECIFIED TIMES OF DAY REFER TO NEW YORK CITY TIME.

         SECTION 15. EFFECT OF HEADINGS. The Article and Section headings herein
and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the
construction hereof.



                                       29

<PAGE>   31




         If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our
agreement, please sign and return to the Company a counterpart hereof, whereupon
this instrument, along with all counterparts, will become a binding agreement
among the Underwriters, the Company and the Selling Shareholder in accordance
with its terms.

                                         Very truly yours,

                                         HEICO CORPORATION



                                         By: 
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Title:



                                         [LAURANS A. MENDELSON]

                                         By: 
                                            ------------------------------------

CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED,
         as of the date first above written:

MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH
            INCORPORATED
RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
ING BARING FURMAN SELZ LLC


By:  MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH
            INCORPORATED


By:                               
   -------------------------------
   Authorized Signatory

For themselves and as Representatives of the other Underwriters named in
Schedule A hereto.



                                       30

<PAGE>   32



                                   SCHEDULE A

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             NUMBER OF
                                                                                              INITIAL
         NAME OF UNDERWRITER                                                                SECURITIES
         -------------------                                                                ----------
<S>                                                                                          <C>      
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
            Incorporated.....................................................                1,572,500
Raymond James & Associates, Inc..............................................                1,572,500
ING Baring Furman Selz LLC...................................................                  555,000
Lazard Freres & Co. LLC......................................................                  100,000
Schroder & Co. Inc...........................................................                  100,000
Legg Mason Wood Walker, Incorported..........................................                   50,000
Southeast Research Partners, Inc.............................................                   50,000
                                                                                             ---------

Total........................................................................                4,000,000
                                                                                             =========


</TABLE>








                                    Sch A - 1


<PAGE>   33



                                   SCHEDULE B

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      NUMBER OF                            MAXIMUM NUMBER OF
                                                       INITIAL                                  OPTION
                                                SECURITIES TO BE SOLD                    SECURITIES TO BE SOLD
                                                ---------------------                    ---------------------
<S>                                                   <C>                                       <C>    
HEICO Corporation                                     3,700,000                                 300,000
Laurans A. Mendelson                                    300,000                                 300,000
                                                      ---------                               ---------

Total..................................               4,000,000                               6,000,000
                                                      =========                               =========




</TABLE>






                                    Sch B - 1

<PAGE>   34



                                   SCHEDULE C

                                HEICO CORPORATION

                    [________] Shares of Class A Common Stock

                           (Par Value $0.01 Per Share)

       1. The initial public offering price per share for the Securities,
determined as provided in said Section 2, shall be $*.

       2. The purchase price per share for the Securities to be paid by the
several Underwriters shall be $*, being an amount equal to the initial public
offering price set forth above less $* per share; provided that the purchase
price per share for any Option Securities purchased upon the exercise of the
over-allotment option described in Section 2(b) shall be reduced by an amount
per share equal to any dividends or distributions declared by the Company and
payable on the Initial Securities but not payable on the Option Securities.



                                    Sch C - 1


<PAGE>   35



                                   SCHEDULE D

                             [List of subsidiaries]

















                                    Sch D - 1


<PAGE>   36



                                   SCHEDULE E

                          List of Persons and Entities
                               Subject to Lock-Up

MIC [full name?]
LAM Limited Partners
Victor H. Mendelson Revocable Investment Trust
Jacob T. Carwile
Samuel L. Higginbottom
Paul F. Manieri
Eric A. Mendelson
Laurans A. Mendelson
Victor H. Mendelson
Albert Morrison, Jr.
Sheridan Ventures, Inc.
Dr. Alan Schriesheim
Guy C. Shafer
Thomas S. Irwin
James L. Reum




                                    Sch E - 1


<PAGE>   37



                                                                       Exhibit A

                  FORM OF OPINION OF COMPANY'S GENERAL COUNSEL
                           TO BE DELIVERED PURSUANT TO
                                  SECTION 5(b)

       (i) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a
corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Florida.

       (ii) The Company has corporate power and authority to own, lease and
operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the
Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under the Purchase
Agreement.

       (iii) The Company is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact
business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such
qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of
property or the conduct of business, except where the failure so to qualify or
to be in good standing would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.

       (iv) The authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company
is as set forth in the Prospectus in the column entitled "Actual" under the
caption "Capitalization" (except for subsequent issuances, if any, pursuant to
the Purchase Agreement or pursuant to reservations, agreements or employee
benefit plans referred to in the Prospectus or pursuant to the exercise of
convertible securities or options referred to in the Prospectus); the shares of
issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company have been duly authorized
and validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable; and none of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company was issued in violation of
the preemptive or other similar rights of any securityholder of the Company.

       (v) The Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters from the Company
have been duly authorized for issuance and sale to the Underwriters pursuant to
the Purchase Agreement and, when issued and delivered by the Company pursuant to
the Purchase Agreement, against payment of the consideration set forth in the
Purchase Agreement, will be validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable and
no holder of the Securities is or will be subject to personal liability by
reason of being such a holder; the Rights Plan has been duly authorized,
executed and delivered by the Company.

       (vi) The issuance of the Securities is not subject to the preemptive or
other similar rights of any securityholder of the Company.

       (vii) Each Subsidiary has been duly incorporated and is validly existing
as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
incorporation, has corporate power and



                                       A-1


<PAGE>   38



authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business
as described in the Prospectus and is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to
transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such
qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of
property or the conduct of business, except where the failure so to qualify or
to be in good standing would not result in a Material Adverse Effect; except as
otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, all of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of each Subsidiary has been duly authorized and
validly issued, is fully paid and non-assessable and, to the best of my
knowledge, is owned by the Company, directly or through subsidiaries, free and
clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim or
equity; none of the outstanding shares of capital stock of any Subsidiary was
issued in violation of the preemptive or similar rights of any securityholder of
such Subsidiary.

       (viii) The Purchase Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by the Company.

       (ix) The Registration Statement, including any Rule 462(b) Registration
Statement, has been declared effective under the 1933 Act; any required filing
of the Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) has been made in the manner and within
the time period required by Rule 424(b); and, to the best of my knowledge, no
stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any
Rule 462(b) Registration Statement has been issued under the 1933 Act and no
proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or threatened
by the Commission.

       (x) The Registration Statement, including any Rule 462(b) Registration
Statement, the Rule 430A Information and the Rule 434 Information, as
applicable, the Prospectus, excluding the documents incorporated by reference
therein, and each amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus, excluding the documents incorporated by reference therein, as of
their respective effective or issue dates (other than the financial statements
and supporting schedules included therein or omitted therefrom, as to which I
need express no opinion) complied as to form in all material respects with the
requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations.

       (xi) The documents incorporated by reference in the Prospectus (other
than the financial statements and supporting schedules included therein or
omitted therefrom, as to which I need express no opinion), when they became
effective or were filed with the Commission, as the case may be, complied as to
form in all material respects with the requirements of the 1933 Act or the 1934
Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

       (xii) The form of certificate used to evidence the Class A Common Stock
complies in all material respects with all applicable statutory requirements,
with any applicable requirements of the charter and by-laws of the Company and
the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.



                                       A-2


<PAGE>   39



       (xiii) To the best of my knowledge, there is not pending or threatened
any action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, to which the Company or
any subsidiary is a party, or to which the property of the Company or any
subsidiary is subject, before or brought by any court or governmental agency or
body, domestic or foreign, which might reasonably be expected to result in a
Material Adverse Effect, or which might reasonably be expected to materially and
adversely affect the properties or assets thereof or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated in the Purchase Agreement or the performance by the
Company of its obligations thereunder.

       (xiv) The information in the Prospectus under "Description of Capital
Stock," "Business--Properties," "Business--FAA Approvals and Product Design,"
"Business--Government Regulation," "Business--Environmental Regulation,"
"Business--Legal Proceedings," "Risk Factors--Risk of Loss of Governmental
Authorizations and Approvals," and in the Registration Statement under Item 15,
to the extent that it constitutes matters of law, summaries of legal matters,
the Company's charter and by-laws or legal proceedings, or legal conclusions,
has been reviewed by me and is correct in all material respects.

       (xv) To the best of my knowledge, there are no statutes or regulations
that are required to be described in the Prospectus that are not described as
required.

       (xvi) All descriptions in the Registration Statement of contracts and
other documents to which the Company or its subsidiaries are a party are
accurate in all material respects; to the best of my knowledge, there are no
franchises, contracts, indentures, mortgages, loan agreements, notes, leases or
other instruments required to be described or referred to in the Registration
Statement or to be filed as exhibits thereto other than those described or
referred to therein or filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits thereto,
and the descriptions thereof or references thereto are correct in all material
respects.

       (xvii) To the best of my knowledge, neither the Company nor any
subsidiary is in violation of its charter or by-laws and no default by the
Company or any subsidiary exists in the due performance or observance of any
material obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract,
indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other agreement or
instrument that is described or referred to in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus or filed or incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.

       (xviii) No filing with, or authorization, approval, consent, license,
order, registration, qualification or decree of, any court or governmental
authority or agency, domestic or foreign, (other than under the 1933 Act and the
1933 Act Regulations, which have been obtained, or as may be required under the
securities or blue sky laws of the various states, as to which I need express no
opinion) is necessary or required in connection with the due authorization,
execution and delivery of the Purchase Agreement or for the offering, issuance,
sale or delivery of the Securities.




                                       A-3


<PAGE>   40



       (xix) The execution, delivery and performance of the Purchase Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Purchase Agreement,
and in the Registration Statement (including the issuance and sale of the
Securities, and the use of the proceeds from the sale of the Securities as
described in the Prospectus under the caption "Use of Proceeds") and compliance
by the Company with its obligations under the Purchase Agreement do not and will
not, whether with or without the giving of notice or lapse of time or both,
conflict with or constitute a breach of, or default or Repayment Event (as
defined in Section 1(a)(xi) of the Purchase Agreement) under, or result in the
creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or
assets of the Company or any subsidiary pursuant to, any contract, indenture,
mortgage, deed of trust, loan or credit agreement, note, lease or any other
agreement or instrument, known to us, to which the Company or any subsidiary is
a party or by which it or any of them may be bound, or to which any of the
property or assets of the Company or any subsidiary is subject (except for such
conflicts, breaches or defaults or liens, charges or encumbrances that would not
have a Material Adverse Effect), nor will such action result in any violation of
the provisions of the charter or by-laws of the Company or any subsidiary, or
any applicable law, statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ or decree,
known to me, of any government, government instrumentality or court, domestic or
foreign, having jurisdiction over the Company or any subsidiary or any of their
respective properties, assets or operations.

       (xx) The Company is not an "investment company" or an entity "controlled"
by an "investment company," as such terms are defined in the 1940 Act.

                  Nothing has come to my attention that would lead me to believe
that the Registration Statement or any amendment thereto, including the Rule
430A Information and Rule 434 Information (if applicable), (except for financial
statements and schedules and other financial data included or incorporated by
reference therein or omitted therefrom, as to which I need make no statement),
at the time such Registration Statement or any such amendment became effective,
contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material
fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein
not misleading or that the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto
(except for financial statements and schedules and other financial data included
or incorporated by reference therein or omitted therefrom, as to which I need
make no statement), at the time the Prospectus was issued, at the time any such
amended or supplemented prospectus was issued or at the Closing Time, included
or includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state
a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light
of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

                  In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely as to matters
of fact (but not as to legal conclusions), to the extent it deems proper, on
certificates of responsible officers of the Company and public officials. Such
opinion shall not state that it is to be governed or qualified by, or that it is
otherwise subject to, any treatise, written policy or other document relating to
legal opinions, including, without limitation, the Legal Opinion Accord of the
ABA Section of Business Law (1991).



                                       A-4


<PAGE>   41



                                                                       Exhibit B

                      FORM OF OPINION OF COMPANY'S COUNSEL
                           TO BE DELIVERED PURSUANT TO
                                  SECTION 5(c)

       (i) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a
corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Florida.

       (ii) The Company has corporate power and authority to own, lease and
operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the
Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under the Purchase
Agreement.

       (iii) The Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters from the Company
have been duly authorized for issuance and sale to the Underwriters pursuant to
the Purchase Agreement, and, when issued and delivered by the Company pursuant
to the Purchase Agreement against payment of the consideration set forth in the
Purchase Agreement, will be validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable and
no holder of the Securities is or will be subject to personal liability by
reason of being such a holder; the Rights Plan has been duly authorized,
executed and delivered by the Company.

       (iv) The issuance of the Securities is not subject to the preemptive or
other similar rights of any securityholder of the Company.

       (v) Each Subsidiary has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as
a corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
incorporation, has corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its
properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus and is
duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in good
standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether
by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business,
except where the failure so to qualify or to be in good standing would not
result in a Material Adverse Effect; except as otherwise disclosed in the
Registration Statement, all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of each
Subsidiary has been duly authorized and validly issued, is fully paid and
non-assessable and, to the best of our knowledge, is owned by the Company,
directly or through subsidiaries, free and clear of any security interest,
mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim or equity; none of the outstanding
shares of capital stock of any Subsidiary was issued in violation of the
preemptive or similar rights of any securityholder of such Subsidiary.

       (vi) The Purchase Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by the Company.



                                       B-1


<PAGE>   42



       (vii) The Registration Statement, including any Rule 462(b) Registration
Statement, has been declared effective under the 1933 Act; any required filing
of the Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) has been made in the manner and within
the time period required by Rule 424(b); and, to the best of our knowledge, no
stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any
Rule 462(b) Registration Statement has been issued under the 1933 Act and no
proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending or threatened
by the Commission.

       (viii) The Registration Statement, including any Rule 462(b) Registration
Statement, the Rule 430A Information and the Rule 434 Information, as
applicable, the Prospectus, excluding the documents incorporated by reference
therein, and each amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus, excluding the documents incorporated by reference therein, as of
their respective effective or issue dates (other than the financial statements
and supporting schedules included therein or omitted therefrom, as to which we
need express no opinion) complied as to form in all material respects with the
requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations.

       (ix) To the best of our knowledge, the documents incorporated by
reference in the Prospectus (other than the financial statements and supporting
schedules included therein or omitted therefrom, as to which we need express no
opinion), when they became effective or were filed with the Commission, as the
case may be, complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements
of the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act, as applicable, and the rules and regulations of
the Commission thereunder.

       (x) The form of certificate used to evidence the Class A Common Stock
complies in all material respects with all applicable statutory requirements,
with any applicable requirements of the charter and by-laws of the Company and
the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.

       (xi) To the best of our knowledge, there is not pending or threatened any
action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation, to which the Company or any
subsidiary is a party, or to which the property of the Company or any subsidiary
is subject, before or brought by any court or governmental agency or body,
domestic or foreign, which might reasonably be expected to result in a Material
Adverse Effect, or which might reasonably be expected to materially and
adversely affect the properties or assets thereof or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated in the Purchase Agreement or the performance by the
Company of its obligations thereunder.

       (xii) The information in the Prospectus under "Description of Capital
Stock," "Business--FAA Approvals and Product Design," "Business--Government
Regulation," and in the Registration Statement under Item 15, to the extent that
it constitutes matters of law, summaries of legal matters, the Company's charter
and by-laws or legal proceedings, or legal conclusions, has been reviewed by us
and is correct in all material respects.



                                       B-2


<PAGE>   43



       (xiii) To the best of our knowledge, there are no statutes or regulations
that are required to be described in the Prospectus that are not described as
required.

       (xiv) To the best of our knowledge, all descriptions in the Registration
Statement of contracts and other documents to which the Company or its
subsidiaries are a party are accurate in all material respects; to the best of
our knowledge, there are no franchises, contracts, indentures, mortgages, loan
agreements, notes, leases or other instruments required to be described or
referred to in the Registration Statement or to be filed as exhibits thereto
other than those described or referred to therein or filed or incorporated by
reference as exhibits thereto, and the descriptions thereof or references
thereto are correct in all material respects.

       (xv) To the best of our knowledge, neither the Company nor any subsidiary
is in violation of its charter or by-laws and no default by the Company or any
subsidiary exists in the due performance or observance of any material
obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract,
indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other agreement or
instrument that is described or referred to in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus or filed or incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.

       (xvi) No filing with, or authorization, approval, consent, license,
order, registration, qualification or decree of, any court or governmental
authority or agency, domestic or foreign, (other than under the 1933 Act and the
1933 Act Regulations, which have been obtained, or as may be required under the
securities or blue sky laws of the various states, as to which we need express
no opinion) is necessary or required in connection with the due authorization,
execution and delivery of the Purchase Agreement or for the offering, issuance,
sale or delivery of the Securities.

       (xvii) The execution, delivery and performance of the Purchase Agreement
and the consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Purchase Agreement
and in the Registration Statement (including the issuance and sale of the
Securities, and the use of the proceeds from the sale of the Securities as
described in the Prospectus under the caption "Use Of Proceeds") and compliance
by the Company with its obligations under the Purchase Agreement do not and will
not, whether with or without the giving of notice or lapse of time or both,
conflict with or constitute a breach of, or default or Repayment Event (as
defined in Section 1(a)(xi) of the Purchase Agreement) under, or result in the
creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or
assets of the Company or any subsidiary pursuant to, any contract, indenture,
mortgage, deed of trust, loan or credit agreement, note, lease or any other
agreement or instrument, known to us, to which the Company or any subsidiary is
a party or by which it or any of them may be bound, or to which any of the
property or assets of the Company or any subsidiary is subject (except for such
conflicts, breaches or defaults or liens, charges or encumbrances that would not
have a Material Adverse Effect), nor will such action result in any violation of
the provisions of the charter or by-laws of the Company or any subsidiary, or
any applicable law, statute, rule, regulation, judgment, order, writ or decree,
known to us, of any



                                       B-3


<PAGE>   44



government, government instrumentality or court, domestic or foreign, having
jurisdiction over the Company or any subsidiary or any of their respective
properties, assets or operations.

       (xviii) The Company is not an "investment company" or an entity
"controlled" by an "investment company," as such terms are defined in the 1940
Act.

                  Nothing has come to our attention that would lead us to
believe that the Registration Statement or any amendment thereto, including the
Rule 430A Information and Rule 434 Information (if applicable), (except for
financial statements and schedules and other financial data included or
incorporated by reference therein or omitted therefrom, as to which we need make
no statement), at the time such Registration Statement or any such amendment
became effective, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading or that the Prospectus or any amendment or
supplement thereto (except for financial statements and schedules and other
financial data included or incorporated by reference therein or omitted
therefrom, as to which we need make no statement), at the time the Prospectus
was issued, at the time any such amended or supplemented prospectus was issued
or at the Closing Time, included or includes an untrue statement of a material
fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the
statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading.

                  In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely to matters of
fact (but not as to legal conclusions), to the extent they deem proper, on
certificates of responsible officers of the Company and public officials. Such
opinion shall not state that it is to be governed or qualified by, or that it is
otherwise subject to, any treatise, written policy or other document relating to
legal opinions, including, without limitation, the Legal Opinion Accord of the
ABA Section of Business Law (1991).



                                       B-4


<PAGE>   45



                                                                       Exhibit C



             FORM OF OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE SELLING SHAREHOLDER
                    TO BE DELIVERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 5(d)



       (i) No filing with, or consent, approval, authorization, license, order,
registration, qualification or decree of, any court or governmental authority or
agency, domestic or foreign, (other than the issuance of the order of the
Securities and Exchange Commission declaring the Registration Statement
effective and such authorizations, approvals or consents as may be necessary
under state securities laws, as to which we need express no opinion) is
necessary or required to be obtained by the Selling Shareholder for the
performance by the Selling Shareholder of its obligations under the Purchase
Agreement, or in connection with the offer, sale or delivery of the Securities.

       (ii) The Purchase Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and
delivered by or on behalf of the Selling Shareholder.

       (iii) The execution, delivery and performance of the Purchase Agreement
and the sale and delivery of the Securities and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated in the Purchase Agreement and in the Registration
Statement and compliance by the Selling Shareholder with its obligations under
the Purchase Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the
part of the Selling Shareholder and do not and will not, whether with or without
the giving of notice or passage of time or both, conflict with or constitute a
breach of, or default under or result in the creation or imposition of any tax,
lien, charge or encumbrance upon the Securities or any property or assets of the
Selling Shareholder pursuant to, any contract, indenture, mortgage, deed of
trust, loan or credit agreement, note, license, lease or other instrument or
agreement to which the Selling Shareholder is a party or by which it may be
bound, or to which any of the property or assets of the Selling Shareholder may
be subject, nor will such action result in any violation of any law,
administrative regulation, judgment or order of any governmental agency or body
or any administrative or court decree having jurisdiction over the Selling
Shareholder or any of its properties.

       (iv) To the best of our knowledge, the Selling Shareholder will on the
Closing Date and on each Date of Delivery have valid and marketable title to the
Securities to be sold by the Selling Shareholder pursuant to the Purchase
Agreement, free and clear of any pledge, lien, security interest, charge, claim,
equity or encumbrance of any kind, and will have full right, power and authority
to sell, transfer and deliver such Securities pursuant to the Purchase
Agreement. By delivery of a certificate or certificates therefor the Selling
Shareholder will transfer to the Underwriters who have purchased such Securities
pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (without



                                       C-1


<PAGE>   46



notice of any adverse claim thereto within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial
Code) valid and marketable title to such Securities, free and clear of any
pledge, lien, security interest, charge, claim, equity or encumbrance of any
kind.














                                       C-2


<PAGE>   47



                                                                       Exhibit D

                                LOCK-UP AGREEMENT

                                                            February    , 1999

MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
            Incorporated,
RAYMOND JAMES & ASSOCIATES, INC.
ING BARING FURMAN SELZ LLC
   as Representatives of the several
   Underwriters to be named in the
   within-mentioned Purchase Agreement
c/o  Merrill Lynch & Co.
       Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
            Incorporated
       North Tower
       World Financial Center
       New York, New York  10281


       Re:  PROPOSED PUBLIC OFFERING BY HEICO CORPORATION
            ---------------------------------------------
Dear Sirs:

       The undersigned, a stockholder [and an officer and/or director] of HEICO
Corporation, a Florida corporation (the "Company"), understands that Merrill
Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill
Lynch"), Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and ING Baring Furman Selz LLC and
each of the other Underwriters named therein propose to enter into a Purchase
Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with the Company and Laurans A. Mendelson
(the "Selling Shareholder") providing for the public offering of shares (the
"Securities") of the Company's class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share,
and the attached preferred stock purchase rights (the "Preferred Stock Purchase
Rights") created pursuant to the Rights Agreement between the Company and
Sunbank, N.A., as Rights Agent, dated November 2, 1993 (such class A common
stock together with the Preferred Stock Purchase Rights being hereinafter
referred to as the "Class A Common Stock"). In recognition of the benefit that
such an offering will confer upon the undersigned as a stockholder and an
officer and/or director of the Company, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
undersigned agrees with each underwriter to be named in the Purchase Agreement
that, during a period of 180 days from the date of the Purchase Agreement, the



                                       D-1


<PAGE>   48



undersigned will not, without the prior written consent of Merrill Lynch,
directly or indirectly, (i) offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any
option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant
any option, right or warrant for the sale of, or otherwise dispose of or
transfer any shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock or any other equity
stock of the Company, including the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share of
the Company (collectively, "Equity Stock") or any securities convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for Equity Stock, whether now owned or hereafter
acquired by the undersigned or with respect to which the undersigned has or
hereafter acquires the power of disposition, or file any registration statement
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to any of the
foregoing or (ii) enter into any swap or any other agreement or any transaction
that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic
consequence of ownership of the Equity Stock, whether any such swap or
transaction is to be settled by delivery of Equity Stock or other securities, in
cash or otherwise, PROVIDED that all of the directors and officers of the
Company may offer to sell and sell a combined aggregate of not more than 50,000
shares of Common Stock or Class A Common Stock.

                                      Very truly yours,

                                      Signature: 
                                                --------------------------------
                                      Print Name:      
                                                --------------------------------





                                       D-2


<PAGE>   49



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                              <C>
PURCHASE AGREEMENT................................................................................................1
         SECTION 1. Representations and Warranties................................................................3

                  (a)         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY THE COMPANY.......................................3
                              (i)       Compliance with Registration Requirements.................................3
                              (ii)      Incorporated Documents....................................................4
                              (iii)     Independent Accountants...................................................4
                              (iv)      Financial Statements......................................................4
                              (v)       No Material Adverse Change in Business....................................5
                              (vi)      Good Standing of the Company..............................................5
                              (vii)     Good Standing of Subsidiaries.............................................5
                              (viii)    Capitalization............................................................6
                              (ix)      Authorization of Agreement................................................6
                              (x)       Authorization and Description of Securities...............................6
                              (xi)      Absence of Defaults and Conflicts.........................................6
                              (xii)     Absence of Labor Dispute..................................................7
                              (xiii)    Absence of Proceedings....................................................7
                              (xiv)     Accuracy of Exhibits......................................................7
                              (xv)      Possession of Intellectual Property.......................................8
                              (xvi)     Absence of Further Requirements...........................................8
                              (xvii)    Possession of Licenses and Permits........................................8
                              (xviii)   Title to Property.........................................................8
                              (xix)     Investment Company Act....................................................9
                              (xx)      Environmental Laws........................................................9
                              (xxi)     Insurance.................................................................9
                              (xxii)    Internal Accounting......................................................10
                              (xxiii)   Registration Rights......................................................10
                              (xxiv)    Year 2000................................................................10
                              (xxv)     NYSE Listing.............................................................10
                  (b)         Representations and Warranties by the Selling Shareholder..........................10
                              (i)       Accurate Disclosure......................................................10
                              (ii)      Authorization of Agreements..............................................11
                              (iii)     Good and Marketable Title; Sufficient Options............................11
                              (iv)      Absence of Manipulation..................................................11
                              (v)       Absence of Further Requirements..........................................12
                              (vi)      Restriction on Sale of Securities........................................12
                              (vii)     No Association with NASD.................................................12
                  (c)         Officer's Certificates.............................................................12

         SECTION 2. Sale and Delivery to Underwriters; Closing...................................................13

                  (a)         Initial Securities.................................................................13
                  (b)         Option Securities..................................................................13


</TABLE>



                                        i


<PAGE>   50


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                             <C>
                  (c)         Payment............................................................................13
                  (d)         Denominations; Registration........................................................14

         SECTION 3. Covenants....................................................................................14

                  (a)         Covenants of the Company...........................................................14

                              (i)       Compliance with Securities Regulations and Commission
                                        Requests.................................................................14
                              (ii)      Filing of Amendments.....................................................15
                              (iii)     Delivery of Registration Statements......................................15
                              (iv)      Delivery of Prospectus...................................................15
                              (v)       Continued Compliance with Securities Laws................................16
                              (vi)      Rule 158.................................................................16
                              (vii)     Use of Proceeds..........................................................16
                              (viii)    Restriction on Sale of Securities........................................16
                              (ix)      Reporting Requirements...................................................17
                              (x)       Selling Shareholder Securities...........................................17
                  (b)         Covenant of the Selling Shareholder................................................17

         SECTION 4. Payment of Expenses..........................................................................17

                  (a)         Expenses...........................................................................17
                  (b)         Expenses of the Selling Shareholder................................................18
                  (c)         Termination of Agreement...........................................................18
                  (d)         Allocation of Expenses.............................................................18

         SECTION 5. Conditions of Underwriters' Obligations......................................................18

                  (a)         Effectiveness of Registration Statement............................................18
                  (b)         Opinion of Victor H. Mendelson, General
                              Counsel of the Company.............................................................19
                  (c)         Opinion of Counsel for the Company.................................................19
                  (d)         Opinion of Counsel for the Selling Shareholder.....................................19
                  (e)         Opinion of Counsel for the Underwriters............................................19
                  (f)         Officers' Certificate..............................................................20
                  (g)         Accountants' Comfort Letters.......................................................20
                  (h)         Bring-down Comfort Letter..........................................................20
                  (i)         No Objection.......................................................................20
                  (j)         Lock-up Agreements.................................................................20
                  (k)         Conditions to Purchase of Option Securities........................................20
                              (i)       Officers' Certificate....................................................21
                              (ii)      Certificate of Selling Shareholder.......................................21
                              (iii)     Opinion of Victor H. Mendelson, General
                                        Counsel of the Company...................................................21
                              (iv)      Opinion of Counsel for the Company.......................................21
                              (v)       Opinion of Counsel for the Selling Shareholder...........................21
                              (vi)      Opinion of Counsel for the Underwriters..................................21
                              (vii)     Bring-down Comfort Letter................................................22
                  (l)         Additional Documents...............................................................22


</TABLE>

                                       ii


<PAGE>   51


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                             <C>
                  (m)         Termination of Agreement...........................................................22
         SECTION 6. Indemnification..............................................................................22

                  (a)         Indemnification of Underwriters....................................................22
                  (b)         Indemnification of Company, Directors and
                              Officers and Selling Shareholder...................................................23
                  (c)         Actions Against Parties; Notification..............................................23
                  (d)         Settlement Without Consent if Failure to Reimburse.................................24
                  (e)         Other Agreements with Respect to Indemnification...................................24

         SECTION 7. Contribution.................................................................................24

         SECTION 8. Representations, Warranties and Agreements
                              to Survive Delivery................................................................26

         SECTION 9. Termination of Agreement.....................................................................26

                  (a)         Termination; General...............................................................26
                  (b)         Liabilities........................................................................27

         SECTION 10.  Default by One or More of the Underwriters.................................................27

         SECTION 11.  Default by the Selling Shareholder or the Company..........................................28

         SECTION 12.  Notices....................................................................................28

         SECTION 13.  Parties....................................................................................28

         SECTION 14.  GOVERNING LAW AND TIME.....................................................................29

         SECTION 15.  Effect of Headings.........................................................................29


SCHEDULES
         Schedule A - List of Underwriters..............................................................    Sch A-1
         Schedule B - Option Securities Sale............................................................    Sch B-1
         Schedule C - Pricing Information...............................................................    Sch C-1
         Schedule D - List of Subsidiaries..............................................................    Sch D-1
         Schedule E - List of Persons and Entities Subject to Lock-up...................................    Sch E-1

EXHIBITS
         Exhibit A - Form of Opinion of Victor H. Mendelson.....................................................A-1
         Exhibit B - Form of Opinion of Company's Counsel.......................................................B-1
         Exhibit C - Form of Opinion of Counsel for the Selling Shareholder.....................................C-1
         Exhibit D - Form of Lock-up Letter.....................................................................D-1


</TABLE>

                                       iii





<PAGE>   1


                                                                    Exhibit 23.2


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

We consent to the use and incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 3 to
Registration Statement No. 333-39841 of HEICO Corporation on Form S-3 of our
report dated December 30, 1998, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
HEICO Corporation for the year ended October 31, 1998 and to the reference to us
under the heading "Experts" in the Prospectus, which is part of this
Registration Statement.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Certified Public Accountants
Miami, Florida

February 10, 1999

<PAGE>   1



                                                                   Exhibit 23.3


Independent Auditors' Consent

We consent to the use and incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 3 to
this Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-39841) of our report dated
February 13, 1998, on our audits of the financial statements and financial
statement schedules of McClain International, Inc. for the years ended December
31, 1997 and 1996. We also consent to the references to our firm under the
captions "Experts".


PYKE & PIERCE, CPA's


/s/ Pyke & Pierce

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Atlanta, Georgia

February 10, 1999



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